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Post by travelluver on Nov 15, 2012 10:34:35 GMT -5
Hi Everyone, I've been away from the boards for what seems like eons (actually only a couple of months  ). I'm reaching out for suggestions. Hubby and I are taking our moms to Paris for Easter. We'd like to take a short 2 night jaunt and am looking for suggestions, either in or out of France. We've done Normandy, Champagne, and Loire in France. We've also done Brugges, Belgium. I was looking at Ghent in Belgium, some people have said it's smaller and prettier than Brugges so perhaps it's viable. Am at a loss for other possibilities that are not too far, and we could get a nice taste of in two days (no London, or Amsterdam as we've been there, too). Thanks very much to all for the help!! |
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Post by PariS on Nov 15, 2012 11:06:23 GMT -5
We were talking with the owner of Juliette's bakery in Bruges last month, and she recommended visiting Ghent. She lives in Antwerp, and said it is a beautiful city worthy of a visit, too. Or there's Lyon, if you haven't been there. Since you're going in the spring, what about Keukenhof in Lisse to see the tulips? Maybe you saw them on your trip to Amsterdam, tho?
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Post by travelluver on Nov 15, 2012 11:35:27 GMT -5
Thanks Annette, all good suggestions. I have to quickly put on my travel agent hat!
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Post by geordy on Nov 15, 2012 16:54:09 GMT -5
Oh gosh......so many possibilities!  Was recently in Rennes and Quimper in Brittany, Tours not too long ago..all fabulous and documented here! Burgundy is always nice, Dijon and/or Beaune. Toulouse? The "pink City"...cassoulet and foie gras! Bordeaux....walled cities, wineries... Or Switzerland! Been to Zurich and need to get to Geneva! Have fun choosing! |
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Post by travelluver on Nov 15, 2012 17:30:16 GMT -5
Thanks, Geordy! Can't believe we lived in Normandy and never got to Brittany!  Have been to Burgundy and also Bordeaux but wouldn't mind a repeat. |
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Post by sistereurope on Nov 15, 2012 20:24:08 GMT -5
In France, I would definitely recommend both Lyon and Nice. Both for culinary reasons for sure, since they have unique cuisines that you can't find other places in France, especially Lyon (well you can, but it's not the same). Nice is very Italian-esque in feel and the Old Town is great. Lyon has some nice touristy spots as well. Of the 2, Nice would be my choice for Easter. Wait, haven't you been to Nice? Now I'm confused! ;D Good to hear from you...miss you!  |
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Post by travelluver on Nov 15, 2012 20:50:16 GMT -5
Hi Sis, We've done parts of the South but haven't really spent extensive time in Nice. I'll look into Lyon, that might work. We'll only be away from Paris for a couple of nights so it needs to be a quick jaunt. My mom enjoyed Brugges so that's why I was thinking Ghent. Both moms enjoy wine but I'm not sure about taking them to wine country and anyway, we'd like to try a spot we haven't been to on this trip. BTW, finally caught up on the boards and loved reading about
your Burgundy trip, though I read your blog and loved it! xxoo
Will be in touch, hopefully we can get together early in the New Year. PS If you're still thinking France farm, what about opening a gite or
B & B?
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Post by Jody on Nov 16, 2012 8:35:13 GMT -5
We spent a few enjoyable days in Lyon a year or so ago The transportation options are great! The hill that prays and the hill that works are 2 areas completely different and enjoyable . I especially like the "new town" with the painted buildinngs and it was easy to get to on the tram. Several really good museums . I liked the decarative arts and Dh liked the war museums especially. Good food is a given!!i LOVE Antwerp!! great museums and good Belgian food Not too far from Paris by train!!
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Post by Anne on Nov 17, 2012 3:58:16 GMT -5
Strasbourg is only a 2hrs20 TGV ride from Paris. It's a beautiful city, very different from the rest of France. No I'm not biased ;D
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Post by geordy on Nov 17, 2012 9:21:20 GMT -5
Strasbourg is only a 2hrs20 TGV ride from Paris. It's a beautiful city, very different from the rest of France. No I'm not biased ;D Nancy is nice too! No I'm not biased either ;D but if they name a town after you.....you ought to go! After my visit.on the then much slower train back to Paris...that sappy song...."I've been to Paradise but I've never been to Me" kept playing in my head....and I was thinking...Well I have! |
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Post by travelluver on Nov 17, 2012 15:10:31 GMT -5
Geordy, How funny!!! And Anne, yes Strasbourg is lovely, been there twice and once during the magical Christmas season when everything was so beautifully decorated. Enjoyed the holiday markets a lot, though it took some digging to find souvenir Christmas ornaments not made in China! (we finally scored some local beautiful hand painted ones).
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Post by travelluver on Nov 17, 2012 18:22:44 GMT -5
what about marsailles?
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Post by geordy on Nov 18, 2012 8:42:29 GMT -5
Loved it! A bit hesitant at first" The.French Connection" and all that..  .but real sea shore feel....port is lovely, great eats , can take a boat to Count of Monte Cristo isle/prison...sip pastis port side.... |
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). I'm reaching out for suggestions. Hubby and I are taking our moms to Paris for Easter. We'd like to take a short 2 night jaunt and am looking for suggestions, either in or out of France. We've done Normandy, Champagne, and Loire in France. We've also done Brugges, Belgium. I was looking at Ghent in Belgium, some people have said it's smaller and prettier than Brugges so perhaps it's viable. Am at a loss for other possibilities that are not too far, and we could get a nice taste of in two days (no London, or Amsterdam as we've been there, too). Thanks very much to all for the help!!
Was recently in Rennes and Quimper in Brittany, Tours not too long ago..all fabulous and documented here! Burgundy is always nice, Dijon and/or Beaune. Toulouse? The "pink City"...cassoulet and foie gras! Bordeaux....walled cities, wineries...
Have been to Burgundy and also Bordeaux but wouldn't mind a repeat. 
.but real sea shore feel....port is lovely, great eats , can take a boat to Count of Monte Cristo isle/prison...sip pastis port side....
Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha