Hi,
My partner and I are planning to go to France from mid-Janurary 2008 for just under 2 weeks. We'd like to get some advice in planning our trip. We'll be heading to Paris for a few nights initially, and then we're thinking of staying in either Epernay or the Loire Valley for a few nights as well. Is anyone able to advise how many days is sufficient to check out the sites both around Loire Valley and Epernay? Our idea for now is head ot Epernay for a day trip or so, then stay somewhere near the Loire Valley for around 2 nights. (or are there more sites at Epernay?)
Thanks for your response.
1
Comment On Advice needed: 8 nights in France
SalB
Epernay is not the most exciting part of France in January. It's winter and the fields are bare. If you are interested in champagne, why not spend a day in Reims. You can do the requisite sight-seeing and perhaps visit one or two champagne cellars (caves) for a tasting. The cathedral in Reims has a couple windows (in the back) by Marc Chagall and they are stunning . . . as is the entire building. It's a nice city with a quaint Old Town and lots of history.
Outside of Paris, I'd spend more time in the Loire Valley. Again, it's winter so base yourself in a city. Tours is very central to all the famous chateaus; it's a university town so fun in the evenings.
You could book chateau tours out of their Tourist Office and visit some of the more important chateaus nearby. Many of the lesser-known chateaus will be closed for the winter. The Tourist Office can tell you which ones are open. Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry are all worthy of a visit because they have lovely interiors as well as the gardens. The gardens may not be too impressive (or they may depending on the weather) but the interiors will be open and inspiring. The three mentioned are well furnished and very romantic.
You could also do a day trip to Versailles from Paris taking the RER. Again, the gardens are bare (and free!) but the interior is impressive.
Chartres is another smaller town you could visit on the train from Paris. The cathedral is world famous; there is a stained glass museum; there is a very nice art museum; the Old Town is great for walks even in pretty bad weather.
There's a lot to do, but keep in mind that days are very short in January so don't plan on seeing a lot of scenery in the late afternoon or evening as you would in summer. Sightsee during the light hours and then find a nice romantic place for a long, leisurely dinner, preferably by a fireplace, and then stay in a nice B&B where you can relax in a lounge for the evening.
There are also movies and shows if you stay in Paris, Reims or Tours.
Have a great time. We love France in winter! Far fewer tourists . . .