Question:

Can anyone in the group help me find a good web site for maps of Toulouse? I will be driving from the airport to the train station to pick up a friend and, while I have been to Toulouse before, I have never driven in the city myself. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Regards, William

Response:

Can anyone in the group help me find a good web site for maps of Toulouse? I will be driving from the airport to the train station to pick up a friend and, while I have been to Toulouse before, I have never driven in the city myself. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Regards, William

try www.mappy.com or www.maporama.fr good luck! Peter Het Hurktoilet, Dutch travel Guide about France http://www.hurktoilet.myweb.nl

Response:

Can anyone in the group help me find a good web site for maps of Toulouse? I will be driving from the airport to the train station to pick up a friend and, while I have been to Toulouse before, I have never driven in the city myself. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Regards, William

Before I will start my web site, extending it to Toulouse, which may take a while, here a few other web sites: http://www.mairie-toulouse.fr/accueilU.htm http://www.cict.fr/toulouse/EBienvenue.html http://toulouse.com/index_ang.htm http://www.toulouse-tourisme-office.com/English/index.html And check my other regions too,  at my web site. Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

Have you tried: www.kiwi.com                               www.michelin.com                               www.mapblast.com                               www.maporama.com

Response:

The best web site I know is www.ViaMichelin.com you will find everything…. Red Guide, maps, traffic info, tourism info…. everything free !

Response:

We are heading to Toulouse and Langedoc in November. Thinking about spending a few nights in Toulouse w/day train trips. Are there any recommendations of hotels, sights and restaurants in Toulouse? Thank you.

  Why don’t you look at the two messages in the same thread.  You might find part of your question answered — or at least show you that you need to give a little more information than you have provided.  e.g. What price hotel are you looking for?

Response:

There is the Crowne Plaza, Sofitel and Sofitel Centre, all 4-stars with restaurants.  The Grand H

Question:

Along steep road windings, coming from the north, you get your final reward: you arrive at the city of PERIGUEUX. P

Question:

Which city Arles or Avignon would be better base? We would prefer a smaller more intimate city with pedestrian zones.  We will not have a car and are traveling via train so we will have to walk where ever we go. We plan on visiting the one we don’t stay in, so we will see both. Thanks Carrie

Both cities are quite nice. Avignon is slightly more convenient, from a transportation point of view. But Arles is only about 10 minutes by train from there IIRC. For myself, I preferred Arles, and I believe it fits your criteria more fully. It is a little smaller, and it is a walker’s heave. Avignon is nice, and  a lot of nice walking can be done, but I found it a little more,  shall we say,  commercial. Arles has more ambience from my point of view. If you go to Arles, make sure that when you come out of the train station you wander over to the right. The view of the town along the river is not to be missed.

Response:

We stayed in Avignon last June.  Did not visit Arles.  Loved Avignon.  We stayed at 2 different hotels as we were able to stay an extra day, before we had to leave for London and home ot US.  We stayed at the Hotel Magnon the last night and would stay again.  During nice days they service breakfast on a beautiful inner garden court.  2** and was very nice and clean.  They do have a website.

…. which is….? — Penny Allchin Stopover Connections The French accommodation specialists Visit us at http://www.stopoverconnections.com

Response:

From a American-Frenchman point of view, Avignon is better , because its less touristi… more authentic, and the theaters in the streets are a continual wonder(Theater festival in June or may or July , I don’t remember.)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which city Arles or Avignon would be better base? We would prefer a smaller more intimate city with pedestrian zones.  We will not have a car and are traveling via train so we will have to walk where ever we go. We plan on visiting the one we don’t stay in, so we will see both. Thanks Carrie

Response:

Which city Arles or Avignon would be better base? We would prefer a smaller more intimate city with pedestrian zones.  We will not have a car and are traveling via train so we will have to walk where ever we go. We plan on visiting the one we don’t stay in, so we will see both. Thanks Carrie

ARLES : http://www.ville-arles.fr/portail/arles/index.html From what I recall when I went there as a child (didn’t look in the website. No time) : Roman : amphitheatre, theatre, cryptopotico, Ausguste door, remparts, Alyscamps cemetery. Medieval : Ste Trophime. Classical : town hall (ceiling stereotomy) AVIGNON : http://www.mairie-avignon.fr From what I recall when I went there as a child (didn’t look in the website. No time) : Medieval : Popes’ palace, Petit Palais (little palace : italian paintings gallery), remparts, St Benezet bridge + chapel, ND des Doms church. Classical : town hall.   (the district between the rempart and the Popes’ palace was unfortunately rebuild in the 70ies, but well nevertheless). Nearby : Medieval : Chartreuse de Villeneuce-lez-Avignon, Fort St Jean, museum (Enguerand Quarton). didier Meurgues

Response:

From a American-Frenchman point of view, Avignon is better , because its less touristi… more authentic, and the theaters in the streets are a continual wonder(Theater festival in June or may or July , I don’t remember.)

July & 1st week of August. But Avignon not touristy during Festival?? Really, I think the population must go up by a factor of 10!  But most of those tourists do appear to be French. It’s a month of madness – wonderful!

Response:

We stayed in Avignon last June.  Did not visit Arles.  Loved Avignon.  We stayed at 2 different hotels as we were able to stay an extra day, before we had to leave for London and home ot US.  We stayed at the Hotel Magnon the last night and would stay again.  During nice days they service breakfast on a beautiful inner garden court.  2** and was very nice and clean.  They do have a website. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which city Arles or Avignon would be better base? We would prefer a smaller more intimate city with pedestrian zones.  We will not have a car and are traveling via train so we will have to walk where ever we go. We plan on visiting the one we don’t stay in, so we will see both. Thanks Carrie In that case I would choose Avignon. But you can compare easily both cities on my web site section about Provence. For Provence log on http://www.jack-travel.com/Provence/Html/Provencemainpage.htm For Avignon log on http://www.jack-travel.com/Provence/Html/avignoncontents.htm And for Arles log on http://www.jack-travel.com/Provence/Html/arlescontents.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

We were there the day before the Music Festival – June.  Free performances of different bands all over town.  Attended a string and French Horn performance in the Popes Palace.  Fantastic.  Young and old all over town just haveing a great time.  Inside the walls is no cars allowed during the fest. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – From a American-Frenchman point of view, Avignon is better , because its less touristi… more authentic, and the theaters in the streets are a continual wonder(Theater festival in June or may or July , I don’t remember.) July & 1st week of August. But Avignon not touristy during Festival?? Really, I think the population must go up by a factor of 10!  But most of those tourists do appear to be French. It’s a month of madness – wonderful!

Response:

I would say Avignon.  If you’re not driving (though I would reconsider this, at least for a few days), it is more centrally located and since it is larger, the transportation options are greater.  Access into Provence is easier, while you are still close enough to the Roman sites of the Gard.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which city Arles or Avignon would be better base? We would prefer a smaller more intimate city with pedestrian zones.  We will not have a car and are traveling via train so we will have to walk where ever we go. We plan on visiting the one we don’t stay in, so we will see both. Thanks Carrie

Response:

Further:  Both are very nice, though I know Avignon somewhat better.  It might have more variety than Arles, but this is personal preference.  In season you should be able to book on tours or even hire a car and guide for day trips.  Since Arle is about 40 minutes further away from the Luberon, Vaison la Romaine, Fontaines de Vaucluse and Aix, if you prefer Provence Avignon is a better choice perhaps.  If you prefer the Pont du Gard, Nimes, Uz

Question:

Hey all, Wondering if anyone has any suggestions for day hikes in the metro region around Paris?  Or suggestions of any guidebooks / sites which may have related info. I’m looking for something where I could hop on a suburban commuter train and at best take off from a train station, or hop a taxi somewhere and take a 4-6 hour day hike. Many thanks for any leads. — jcc

Response:

Hey all, Wondering if anyone has any suggestions for day hikes in the metro region around Paris?  Or suggestions of any guidebooks / sites which may have related info. I’m looking for something where I could hop on a suburban commuter train and at best take off from a train station, or hop a taxi somewhere and take a 4-6 hour day hike. Many thanks for any leads. — jcc

For alll your Paris day hikes log on the Paris daytrips of my web site ot mre particularly http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/Paris_Daytrips_main_page.htm With the metro you can go to Sevres , see http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/Paris_Daytrips_Sevres.htm or Versailles, see http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/versailles_contents.htm Or Saint-Denis http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/Saint_Denis_right.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

With the metro you can go to Sevres , see http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/Paris_Daytrips_Sevres.htm

if you go to S

Question:

We did this trip in April and stayed in Bayeux at the Hotel Churchill. It was a wonderful stay. Breakfast was included and the rooms were nice. Bayeux is charming, and don’t miss the tapestry. The trip to Mont St. Michel took the day. Lorrie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things? Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Tom Spence

Response:

Hotel Lion du ‘Or in Bayeaux is a wonderfully atmospheric place to stay. If you don’t stay there, do enjoy dinner one night.

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

East of bayeux: Caen Memorial is nice, as well as the Caen abbayes. The Suisse Normande north of Flers is a nice place. West of Bayeux, the Cotentin peninsula is a interesting place but a "secret" one. Charming castle are hidden a bit everywhere, and some cities are realy nice. I like Valognes very much (a walking tour is a nice way to discover the old house and the rebuilt ones). On the road to Mt St Michel, a stop in Villedieu les Poeles will allow you to visit one of the only bell factories of France which exports bells to USA and Japan!   Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car.

Take a ferry to Cherbourg. You’ll be ca. 50 km from the D-day beaches (at least Utah), St Mere Eglise, etc. and only about 1hr and 1/2 from Bayeux (RN13 is an excellent free highway). Don’t forget to try at least once "calva(dos)", a "strong" apple alcohol! All the best, Yves

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

Honfleur is lovely if you’re going to be near Le Havre. Deauville & Trouville are resort towns. Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There used to be a ferry company that sailed to Caen from Portsmouth, I’m not sure who it is or whether it still does, but it would be the most convenient for Bayeux. Sorry for the vagueness, but hope it helps. Toby

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

Caen is a nice town, Le Harve is good as a city but I would really recommend going to Honfleur, a small fishing port near Le Harve.  The small area of Swiss Normandy ( in the southern part of Normandy) is also lovely and features gorges, rivers, lots of goats cheese and cider! Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There are lots of ways of getting there by ferry.  Portsmouth to Le Harve and Cherbourg (via P&O www.poef.com) bring you to either the north east or north west of Normandy.  Don’t ignore the ports.  Cherbourg is worth stopping in to sample French market town life.  Whenever we sail there it’s a great place to relax for a day or two.  Le Harve is much bigger and more industrial but is interesting non the less.  Brittany Ferries (www.brittany-ferries.com) go from Portsmouth to Caen right in the heart of Normandy or from Poole to Cherbourg. There was a route from Newhaven to Dieppe run by Stena Line but this was dropped.  I thought it had been bought out by the management and reopened for summer trading but I can find not information about it this far.  I used to like this route as it was close to my home, fast (2hrs with the Cat), Dieppe is lovely and it’s close to the lovely town of Rouen.  It’s not really Normandy but it is a nice drive down – your’re either on a boat or in France! You can also go to www.seaview.co.uk for more ferry info. Tom Spence

Jez

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things? Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Tom Spence

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

For the D-Day things log on  http://home.earthlink.net/~primos/ and click on the Normandy section.  A complete series about D-day landing beaches and memorials are waiting for your lecture. For lodging in Bayeux and other areas mail me privately, I have some good addresses Jack My Paris, Ile -de-France and Languedoc-Roussillon posts on http://www.worldtable.com/Jack/guides.html Amsterdam,Provence Cote d’azur, Normandy landing beaches and memorials, Loire valley and its chateaux, Languedoc-Roussillon,Belgium,and Dublin posts are now available on http://home.earthlink.net/~primos/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Tom Spence

Response:

just got back from normandy three weks ago.be sure and see the museum in caan. they have the telephone call that petain surrendered to the germans after six weeks of fighting and over the phone no less..dday was june 6th degaulle  landed on the 14th…..

Response:

I’m planning a trip to Normandy (France). I’m gonna travel with my motorbike. Has anyone experience with good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels…? I will follow the coastline of Normandy. Thanks !

If you log on the Normandy section of my web site, Geert, you will find alll you have to know about Normandy, the cities, the coastline, the memorials, D-day beaches, good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels, restaurants recommendations. The Normandy section starts at http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Normandy_Main_Page.htm and the memorial section with the D-day beaches on http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/normandy_contents_right.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

We found a great farm house "gite" near Bayeux.  It is run by a British couple and has lots of animals to pet and enjoy.  Very reasonable.  Large rooms and wonderful breakfast. Name:  Ferme-Manior St. Loup Hors 14400 Bayeux (33) 31 22 39 09 Enjoy. Rod

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a trip to Normandy (France). I’m gonna travel with my motorbike. Has anyone experience with good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels…? I will follow the coastline of Normandy. Thanks !

Response:

I’m planning a trip to Normandy (France). I’m gonna travel with my – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -motorbike. Has anyone experience with good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels…? I will follow the coastline of Normandy. Thanks !

Response:

Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen?

I don’t know anything about regional public transport, having stayed with friends, but I’ll put in a plug for the Peace Museum at Caen. It was a wonderful precursor to the actual beaches and cemeteries themselves. And, as many have said, Bayeux is lovely.   .. Joann

Response:

I stayed in Bayeux and hired a taxi to the D-day beaches. I had a one on one guide (the driver) and it was less expensive than renting a car. The taxis are easily found at Gare Bayuex (the train station.) I loved the area. It is quiet and beautiful. Hard to imagine the horror of the wars. Robbie Wind Dancer Traveler http://travelsmart.iwonshops.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We would like to spend a week in Normandy.  I am just not in the mood for a rental car this trip and many of the hotels that sound good to me do not have parking lots. Would trying to visit the D-Day landing sites and some of the other historical attractions be possible using public transportation?  Does anyone know if there is any kind of multi-day public transportation pass for the Normandy area? Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen? Many thanks for any and all help. Wee laddie

Response:

By train: 13 regular departures from Paris to Caen (1.45 up to 2hours).

You might want to look up http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en first. The phone number mentioned below costs 0,34 EUR/mn and is certainly not the best way to go as long as you’re only looking for timetable information. You can also download a timetable directly from the SNCF website at : http://www.voyages-sncf.com/info_resa/guide_voyageur/mode_emploi/prep… _voyage/horaires_pdf/pdf/0330.pdf for Paris – Caen – Bayeux – Cherbourg http://www.voyages-sncf.com/info_resa/guide_voyageur/mode_emploi/prep… _voyage/horaires_pdf/pdf/0331.pdf for Paris – Lisieux – Caen http://www.voyages-sncf.com/info_resa/guide_voyageur/mode_emploi/prep… _voyage/horaires_pdf/pdf/0334.pdf for Paris – Lisieux – Trouville-Deauville Info at the SNCF tel 0836353535 and also to buy your train tickets. You havealso trains from Paris to Lisieux, Chrebourg, Deauville. All departing from gare Montparnasse.

Gare St-Lazare. Regards, Jeff )

Response:

We would like to spend a week in Normandy.  I am just not in the mood for a rental car this trip and many of the hotels that sound good to me do not have parking lots. Would trying to visit the D-Day landing sites and some of the other historical attractions be possible using public transportation?  Does anyone know if there is any kind of multi-day public transportation pass for the Normandy area? Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen? Many thanks for any and all help. Wee laddie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We would like to spend a week in Normandy.  I am just not in the mood for a rental car this trip and many of the hotels that sound good to me do not have parking lots. Would trying to visit the D-Day landing sites and some of the other historical attractions be possible using public transportation?  Does anyone know if there is any kind of multi-day public transportation pass for the Normandy area? Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen? Many thanks for any and all help. Wee laddie

Everything is foreseen in my Normandy web site of my web site. The Normandy section starts at http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Normandy_Main_Page.htm And if you hate doing it yourself by car here is what i advise on my web site: By train: 13 regular departures from Paris to Caen (1.45 up to 2hours). Info at the SNCF tel 0836353535 and also to buy your train tickets. You havealso trains from Paris to Lisieux, Chrebourg, Deauville. All departing from gare Montparnasse. How to visit the D-Day beaches? The "circuit 44" of Green buses allows the visit of all Landing sites in the Calvados, from July to September for 16 Euros a day. The idea is to circulate on the Landing sites with discounts for the museum entrance fees.  Direct connections from Caen, Bayeux, Grancamp-Maisy and all the stations of the Cote de Nacre.  Correspondences are easy to Bayeux and Caen with all trains arriving from Paris. A so-called "Liberty card" gives you the opportunity to circulate on the whole Green Bus maze for 3 consecutive days for 26 Euros . Info for travellers tel 0231447744 (Caen). Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

We would like to spend a week in Normandy.  I am just not in the mood for a rental car this trip and many of the hotels that sound good to me do not have parking lots. Would trying to visit the D-Day landing sites and some of the other historical attractions be possible using public transportation?  Does anyone know if there is any kind of multi-day public transportation pass for the Normandy area? Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen? Many thanks for any and all help. Wee laddie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We would like to spend a week in Normandy.  I am just not in the mood for a rental car this trip and many of the hotels that sound good to me do not have parking lots. Would trying to visit the D-Day landing sites and some of the other historical attractions be possible using public transportation?  Does anyone know if there is any kind of multi-day public transportation pass for the Normandy area? Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen? Many thanks for any and all help. Wee laddie

Everything is foreseen in my Normandy web site of my web site. The Normandy section starts at http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Normandy_Main_Page.htm And if you hate doing it yourself by car here is what i advise on my web site: By train: 13 regular departures from Paris to Caen (1.45 up to 2hours). Info at the SNCF tel 0836353535 and also to buy your train tickets. You havealso trains from Paris to Lisieux, Chrebourg, Deauville. All departing from gare Montparnasse. How to visit the D-Day beaches? The "circuit 44" of Green buses allows the visit of all Landing sites in the Calvados, from July to September for 16 Euros a day. The idea is to circulate on the Landing sites with discounts for the museum entrance fees.  Direct connections from Caen, Bayeux, Grancamp-Maisy and all the stations of the Cote de Nacre.  Correspondences are easy to Bayeux and Caen with all trains arriving from Paris. A so-called "Liberty card" gives you the opportunity to circulate on the whole Green Bus maze for 3 consecutive days for 26 Euros . Info for travellers tel 0231447744 (Caen). Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

By train: 13 regular departures from Paris to Caen (1.45 up to 2hours).

You might want to look up http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en first. The phone number mentioned below costs 0,34 EUR/mn and is certainly not the best way to go as long as you’re only looking for timetable information. You can also download a timetable directly from the SNCF website at : http://www.voyages-sncf.com/info_resa/guide_voyageur/mode_emploi/prep… _voyage/horaires_pdf/pdf/0330.pdf for Paris – Caen – Bayeux – Cherbourg http://www.voyages-sncf.com/info_resa/guide_voyageur/mode_emploi/prep… _voyage/horaires_pdf/pdf/0331.pdf for Paris – Lisieux – Caen http://www.voyages-sncf.com/info_resa/guide_voyageur/mode_emploi/prep… _voyage/horaires_pdf/pdf/0334.pdf for Paris – Lisieux – Trouville-Deauville Info at the SNCF tel 0836353535 and also to buy your train tickets. You havealso trains from Paris to Lisieux, Chrebourg, Deauville. All departing from gare Montparnasse.

Gare St-Lazare. Regards, Jeff )

Response:

I stayed in Bayeux and hired a taxi to the D-day beaches. I had a one on one guide (the driver) and it was less expensive than renting a car. The taxis are easily found at Gare Bayuex (the train station.) I loved the area. It is quiet and beautiful. Hard to imagine the horror of the wars. Robbie Wind Dancer Traveler http://travelsmart.iwonshops.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We would like to spend a week in Normandy.  I am just not in the mood for a rental car this trip and many of the hotels that sound good to me do not have parking lots. Would trying to visit the D-Day landing sites and some of the other historical attractions be possible using public transportation?  Does anyone know if there is any kind of multi-day public transportation pass for the Normandy area? Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen? Many thanks for any and all help. Wee laddie

Response:

Is the regional train system in the area strong.  Jill and I had great luck in Belgium using a Belgian railroad pass and using Bruges as a base.  Is a similar feat possible using say, Caen?

I don’t know anything about regional public transport, having stayed with friends, but I’ll put in a plug for the Peace Museum at Caen. It was a wonderful precursor to the actual beaches and cemeteries themselves. And, as many have said, Bayeux is lovely.   .. Joann

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things? Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Tom Spence

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

For the D-Day things log on  http://home.earthlink.net/~primos/ and click on the Normandy section.  A complete series about D-day landing beaches and memorials are waiting for your lecture. For lodging in Bayeux and other areas mail me privately, I have some good addresses Jack My Paris, Ile -de-France and Languedoc-Roussillon posts on http://www.worldtable.com/Jack/guides.html Amsterdam,Provence Cote d’azur, Normandy landing beaches and memorials, Loire valley and its chateaux, Languedoc-Roussillon,Belgium,and Dublin posts are now available on http://home.earthlink.net/~primos/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Tom Spence

Response:

just got back from normandy three weks ago.be sure and see the museum in caan. they have the telephone call that petain surrendered to the germans after six weeks of fighting and over the phone no less..dday was june 6th degaulle  landed on the 14th…..

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

Caen is a nice town, Le Harve is good as a city but I would really recommend going to Honfleur, a small fishing port near Le Harve.  The small area of Swiss Normandy ( in the southern part of Normandy) is also lovely and features gorges, rivers, lots of goats cheese and cider! Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There are lots of ways of getting there by ferry.  Portsmouth to Le Harve and Cherbourg (via P&O www.poef.com) bring you to either the north east or north west of Normandy.  Don’t ignore the ports.  Cherbourg is worth stopping in to sample French market town life.  Whenever we sail there it’s a great place to relax for a day or two.  Le Harve is much bigger and more industrial but is interesting non the less.  Brittany Ferries (www.brittany-ferries.com) go from Portsmouth to Caen right in the heart of Normandy or from Poole to Cherbourg. There was a route from Newhaven to Dieppe run by Stena Line but this was dropped.  I thought it had been bought out by the management and reopened for summer trading but I can find not information about it this far.  I used to like this route as it was close to my home, fast (2hrs with the Cat), Dieppe is lovely and it’s close to the lovely town of Rouen.  It’s not really Normandy but it is a nice drive down – your’re either on a boat or in France! You can also go to www.seaview.co.uk for more ferry info. Tom Spence

Jez

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

East of bayeux: Caen Memorial is nice, as well as the Caen abbayes. The Suisse Normande north of Flers is a nice place. West of Bayeux, the Cotentin peninsula is a interesting place but a "secret" one. Charming castle are hidden a bit everywhere, and some cities are realy nice. I like Valognes very much (a walking tour is a nice way to discover the old house and the rebuilt ones). On the road to Mt St Michel, a stop in Villedieu les Poeles will allow you to visit one of the only bell factories of France which exports bells to USA and Japan!   Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car.

Take a ferry to Cherbourg. You’ll be ca. 50 km from the D-day beaches (at least Utah), St Mere Eglise, etc. and only about 1hr and 1/2 from Bayeux (RN13 is an excellent free highway). Don’t forget to try at least once "calva(dos)", a "strong" apple alcohol! All the best, Yves

Response:

My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things?

Honfleur is lovely if you’re going to be near Le Havre. Deauville & Trouville are resort towns. Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There used to be a ferry company that sailed to Caen from Portsmouth, I’m not sure who it is or whether it still does, but it would be the most convenient for Bayeux. Sorry for the vagueness, but hope it helps. Toby

Response:

We did this trip in April and stayed in Bayeux at the Hotel Churchill. It was a wonderful stay. Breakfast was included and the rooms were nice. Bayeux is charming, and don’t miss the tapestry. The trip to Mont St. Michel took the day. Lorrie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife, brother, sister-in-law, and I will be visiting Normandy this fall primarily to see the D-Day beaches et al and Mont St. Michel.  We are thinking of staying in Bayeux and taking day trips.  We will have a car. Any suggestions on where to stay (in or out of Bayeux)?  And things to see apart from the D-Day things? Also, what’s the best way to get there from England with a sister-in-law who refuses to take the Eurostar?  I see there are ferries but none seem to land near Bayeux.  Is there a best one to take that lands near?  We will cross sans car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Tom Spence

Response:

Hotel Lion du ‘Or in Bayeaux is a wonderfully atmospheric place to stay. If you don’t stay there, do enjoy dinner one night.

Response:

I’m planning a trip to Normandy (France). I’m gonna travel with my – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -motorbike. Has anyone experience with good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels…? I will follow the coastline of Normandy. Thanks !

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I’m planning a trip to Normandy (France). I’m gonna travel with my motorbike. Has anyone experience with good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels…? I will follow the coastline of Normandy. Thanks !

If you log on the Normandy section of my web site, Geert, you will find alll you have to know about Normandy, the cities, the coastline, the memorials, D-day beaches, good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels, restaurants recommendations. The Normandy section starts at http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Normandy_Main_Page.htm and the memorial section with the D-day beaches on http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/normandy_contents_right.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

We found a great farm house "gite" near Bayeux.  It is run by a British couple and has lots of animals to pet and enjoy.  Very reasonable.  Large rooms and wonderful breakfast. Name:  Ferme-Manior St. Loup Hors 14400 Bayeux (33) 31 22 39 09 Enjoy. Rod

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a trip to Normandy (France). I’m gonna travel with my motorbike. Has anyone experience with good pensions, bed & breakfast, hotels…? I will follow the coastline of Normandy. Thanks !

Response:

Question:

Is there a way to take a train or bus from Bayeux to the Caen Memorial Museum without going into Caen and then out to the Museum? Thanks.

Response:

No train service, period.  Bus from station to station.  (See timetable at http://www.reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en )  Driving in this region is very easy and enjoyable.  If you are going to be there several days, I highly recommend it.  Otherwise, your best option is to take a tour–the most common is a full day tour including the museum in Caen and a beachfront war memorial or two, plus the American cemetery. Diana Ball Houston, TX

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there a way to take a train or bus from Bayeux to the Caen Memorial Museum without going into Caen and then out to the Museum? Thanks.

Response:

Is there a way to take a train or bus from Bayeux to the Caen Memorial Museum without going into Caen and then out to the Museum? Thanks.

For Bayeux  http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Bayeux_contents.htm For Caen http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/caenMemorialcontents.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

Is there a way to take a train or bus from Bayeux to the Caen Memorial Museum without going into Caen and then out to the Museum? Thanks.

Response:

No train service, period.  Bus from station to station.  (See timetable at http://www.reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en )  Driving in this region is very easy and enjoyable.  If you are going to be there several days, I highly recommend it.  Otherwise, your best option is to take a tour–the most common is a full day tour including the museum in Caen and a beachfront war memorial or two, plus the American cemetery. Diana Ball Houston, TX

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there a way to take a train or bus from Bayeux to the Caen Memorial Museum without going into Caen and then out to the Museum? Thanks.

Response:

Is there a way to take a train or bus from Bayeux to the Caen Memorial Museum without going into Caen and then out to the Museum? Thanks.

For Bayeux  http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Bayeux_contents.htm For Caen http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/caenMemorialcontents.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

Question:

Hi all,  We are planning a trip to France in October. We’ll be flying into Charlerois and staying for 7 – 10 days. Basically Im looking for any suggestions as regards itinerary and so forth. Id like to stay in and around Paris for 4 days or so and after that Im open to suggestion. We wont be driving so train or Bus? Thanks in advance, Bob

Response:

Hi all, We are planning a trip to France in October. We’ll be flying into Charlerois and staying for 7 – 10 days. Basically Im looking for any suggestions as regards itinerary and so forth. Id like to stay in and around Paris for 4 days or so and after that Im open to suggestion. We wont be driving so train or Bus? Thanks in advance, Bob

My site is perfect for your trip to Paris http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/paris_visit_and_walk.htm And your trip further south by logging on my web site. Suggestions? you have plenty of off beaten walks, visits, restaurant and hotel recommendations and much more. Daytrips from Paris? http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/Paris_Daytrips_main_page.htm Provence? http://www.jack-travel.com/Provence/Html/Provencemainpage.htm Cote d’Azur? http://www.jack-travel.com/CoteAzur/CoteAzurhtml/SUPER_MainPage.htm Chateaux de la Loire? http://www.jack-travel.com/Loire/html/loire_valley_droite.htm Normandy? http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Normandy_Main_Page.htm Brittany? http://www.jack-travel.com/Brittany/Text/Brittany_Intro.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

Hi all,  We are planning a trip to France in October. We’ll be flying into Charlerois and staying for 7 – 10 days. Basically Im looking for any suggestions as regards itinerary and so forth. Id like to stay in and around Paris for 4 days or so and after that Im open to suggestion. We wont be driving so train or Bus? Thanks in advance, Bob

Response:

Hi all, We are planning a trip to France in October. We’ll be flying into Charlerois and staying for 7 – 10 days. Basically Im looking for any suggestions as regards itinerary and so forth. Id like to stay in and around Paris for 4 days or so and after that Im open to suggestion. We wont be driving so train or Bus? Thanks in advance, Bob

My site is perfect for your trip to Paris http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/ParisHtml/paris_visit_and_walk.htm And your trip further south by logging on my web site. Suggestions? you have plenty of off beaten walks, visits, restaurant and hotel recommendations and much more. Daytrips from Paris? http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/Paris_Daytrips_main_page.htm Provence? http://www.jack-travel.com/Provence/Html/Provencemainpage.htm Cote d’Azur? http://www.jack-travel.com/CoteAzur/CoteAzurhtml/SUPER_MainPage.htm Chateaux de la Loire? http://www.jack-travel.com/Loire/html/loire_valley_droite.htm Normandy? http://www.jack-travel.com/Normandy/Normandy_Main_Page.htm Brittany? http://www.jack-travel.com/Brittany/Text/Brittany_Intro.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

Question:

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on

440 minutes from Brussels?  Are you only walking that slow? BTW, we would skip Ghent and drive directly from Bruges to Antwerp.  That way you will bring you on the right bank of the river Scheldt allready. Bill

Response:

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on 440 minutes from Brussels?  Are you only walking that slow?

Actually, walking, that wouldn’t be too bad a pace, I would think.  400 if briskly?

Response:

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on 440 minutes from Brussels?  Are you only walking that slow? BTW, we would skip Ghent and drive directly from Bruges to Antwerp.  That way you will bring you on the right bank of the river Scheldt allready. Bill

Dera Bill, Nobdy have to be a great genius to see this is a mistype. I meant of courdse 40 min! I should know, I take this train at leats twice a month. Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Antwerp is simply great– also on the way (always a plus). Some great art, several wonderful museums, a marvelous zoo, great beer, diamonds (my wife made me add that), nice architecture.

I second that motion. it is superior and more lively tan Ghent, less museum like city as Brugge and much mote concentrated  for all the visits and main streets as Brussels. Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

Response:

We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that.

Antwerpen. Check Jack’s site for details. Sjoerd

Response:

We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

Response:

Antwerp is simply great– also on the way (always a plus). Some great art, several wonderful museums, a marvelous zoo, great beer, diamonds (my wife made me add that), nice architecture.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

Response:

We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on http://www.jack-travel.com/Belgium/Html/Antwerp_main_Visit_Page.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

Response:

Antwerp is simply great– also on the way (always a plus). Some great art, several wonderful museums, a marvelous zoo, great beer, diamonds (my wife made me add that), nice architecture.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

Response:

We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on http://www.jack-travel.com/Belgium/Html/Antwerp_main_Visit_Page.htm Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

Response:

Antwerp is simply great– also on the way (always a plus). Some great art, several wonderful museums, a marvelous zoo, great beer, diamonds (my wife made me add that), nice architecture.

I second that motion. it is superior and more lively tan Ghent, less museum like city as Brugge and much mote concentrated  for all the visits and main streets as Brussels. Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that. Thank you, Moira

Response:

We will be spending a week in Belgium and the Netherlands. Specifically, 2 days in Bruges, 1 day in Ghent, 1 day in Veere and 2 days in Amsterdam (where we have spent much time before). As it turns out we have an extra day after we leave Ghent and before we get to Veere. Would anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go. We have been to Brussels many times so I am excluding that.

Antwerpen. Check Jack’s site for details. Sjoerd

Response:

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on

440 minutes from Brussels?  Are you only walking that slow? BTW, we would skip Ghent and drive directly from Bruges to Antwerp.  That way you will bring you on the right bank of the river Scheldt allready. Bill

Response:

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on 440 minutes from Brussels?  Are you only walking that slow?

Actually, walking, that wouldn’t be too bad a pace, I would think.  400 if briskly?

Response:

My suggestion is you should go where you should have gone in the first place: Antwerp, one of the most attractive and friendly medieval centers in Europe, combined with an art city, a terrace city, a beer city and a fine cuisine city. Don’t miss itt!! It’s 25 min train from Ghent and 440 min from Brussels. To have a sligt idea just log on 440 minutes from Brussels?  Are you only walking that slow? BTW, we would skip Ghent and drive directly from Bruges to Antwerp.  That way you will bring you on the right bank of the river Scheldt allready. Bill

Dera Bill, Nobdy have to be a great genius to see this is a mistype. I meant of courdse 40 min! I should know, I take this train at leats twice a month. Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

I will be in Strasbourg in a few weeks, and after I leave there I need to be in Belgium 2-3 days later. I would like to make a stop or two along the way. Can anyone suggest a place of interest. I have been to Paris many times along with the Loire and Burgandy regions, so I don’t want to do that. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Having recently spent a few days in Verdun and in Reims, I would recommend both. Verdun is quite nice, especially if you are a history buff. You can explore the battlefields just north of the city. They are quite interesting. The city of Reims is very nice and it has a lovely cathedral. Within a short walk of that is a very nice pedestrian mall with lots of nice restaurants. It is just a few hours drive from there to Belgium.

Response:

Hi, I will be in Strasbourg in a few weeks, and after I leave there I need to be in Belgium 2-3 days later. I would like to make a stop or two along the way. Can anyone suggest a place of interest. I have been to Paris many times along with the Loire and Burgandy regions, so I don’t want to do that. Any suggestions are appreciated. Regards, Matt Lun

Question:

Nice is a very enjoyable city. I spent 3 days there before going to Italy, and I must say I kept excellent memories of Nice… even after I saw the marvels of Florence, Rome, Napoli and Venice! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it possible to do this. Are there many night trains? Do I have to book in advance? Is it possible for us to see MonteCarlo also within the same day? If there’s anything nice about Nice, it’s that it’s so casual–a city that feels like a beach town but with little accents of atmosphere and a completely laid back vibe–a rushed visit obviates all of that.  It’s like driving into the countryside for a picnic at 80mph, jumping out of the car, eating fast and guzzling down a drink, staring at a few trees, wondering what all the fuss is about, and then driving 80mph home.  Monte Carlo is not vividly spectacular either–and it takes time to get around from place to place, unless you’re only going up to the rock and then back to the train station. exactly — Nice is definitely not worth this kind of rushed visit — but it worth a casual day or two on the way to somewhere else

Response:

But is it reasonable? I’m aware some people don’t mind to visit that way, or that the overwhelming expense of such a visit is no problem, but honestly, what satisfaction other than having been THERE, could you have? Stress, watching the clock all the time, being on the run, is that a vacation?

If it were me, I would go to Deauville/Trouville.  That’s because I’ve never been to Deauville or Trouville–though I’m sure that’s the same rationale for going to Nice in this thread.  At least Deauville/Trouville make a decent day trip from Paris.  Or even Rouen/Dieppe would be better than going down to Nice, having pizza, and then going back.

Response:

I think that the best reason for visiting Cannes is the offshore thickly wooded Isles de Lerins. The boat trip there is very enjoyable.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you looked into getting your air ticket changed to an "open-jaw" routing? That way you could either fly directly to Nice, or fly home directly from Nice.  You could then spend one night at Nice and travel to (or from) Paris by train (or plane). There are frequent shuttle trains that run between Cannes-Nice-Monaco (at least). You should visit Cannes as well. It has a sandy beach, unlike the pebbles at Nice. I liked Cannes as well, but there’s really less to see except for the beach. Nice would keep me pretty well occupied for at least one whole day.  As is, I think the travel time outweighs the value of seeing Nice for one day, although your suggestion makes it less absurd a visit. The Hotel Splendid (or Gounod if the Splendid is too expensive for you) would be an OK place to spend the night at Nice – though there are plenty of other hotels at Nice.  I stayed at the Splendid many years ago and it was quite nice.  I have no other connection with the place. We’ve stayed at the Splendid and friends have stayed at the Gounod. They’re both good values, although as you note, there is no shortage of hotels in Nice, although rooms may still be hard to get in season.  As there is no real beach, I like Nice in the early spring when tourism is low in area and one can make sidetrips.  We had the Picasso museum in Antibes all to ourselves and the market was almost all local traffic in Antibes.  I shuddered to think of what it’s like in August. Anyway, except that their .sig is a bit long, I appreciate the many non-commercial contributions made to this group by the Spendid/Gounod management. —         <http://www.worldtable.com   Food/Wine/Travel                      - The Fall 01-Spring 02 schedule for a cooking school in Gascony Links and notes on food, wine, travel and France in particular Our auto rental and leasing suggestions and proposal in Europe.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi David, Thanks for your reply. I f I take the flight instead will it be costly? I think I can save lot of time that way. Ansari Hi Ansari, It is possible to spend a day in Nice if you want to take an overnight train from Paris and return overnight the next night. Many would say that Nice and the Riviera have too much for you do it justice in just a single day, but if that is all the time you have, you can do it.  There are daily overnight trains, and you should not have trouble finding them. Monaco is fifteen minutes on the train from Nice, and there is frequent service. Let me know if I can help further! David

Let’s get back to the original question: "Nice – is it possible to visit in one day from Paris?". IMHO no at all. Of course you can do it with a flight, a cab fare to the city and a high speed visit through some of the multiple facets of Nice. ( see http://www.jack-travel.com/CoteAzur/CoteAzurhtml/nicemainpageright.htm But is it reasonable? I’m aware some people don’t mind to visit that way, or that the overwhelming expense of such a visit is no problem, but honestly, what satisfaction other than having been THERE, could you have? Stress, watching the clock all the time, being on the run, is that a vacation? Jack Visit my personal website where you’ll find my travel tips, hotel suggestions, and restaurant reviews for Paris, most regions of France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Venice. http://www.jack-travel.com/

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[snip] You might want to consider flying.

 Be aware that the Nice airport has different groups that go on strike all the time. We had tickets to fly out of Nice to Rome and when we arrived in Paris, the Nice airport was on strike (for 1 reason or the other). But by the time we arrived there everyone was actually working and did get to Rome.  Although, sitting with other travelers using other airlines and going to other places… each and every one was late.   Don http://www.visitparis.com

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Hi David, Thanks for your reply. I f I take the flight instead will it be costly? I think I can save lot of time that way. Ansari – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Ansari, It is possible to spend a day in Nice if you want to take an overnight train from Paris and return overnight the next night. Many would say that Nice and the Riviera have too much for you do it justice in just a single day, but if that is all the time you have, you can do it.  There are daily overnight trains, and you should not have trouble finding them. Monaco is fifteen minutes on the train from Nice, and there is frequent service. Let me know if I can help further! David

Response:

Hi Ansari, It is possible to spend a day in Nice if you want to take an overnight train from Paris and return overnight the next night. Many would say that Nice and the Riviera have too much for you do it justice in just a single day, but if that is all the time you have, you can do it.  There are daily overnight trains, and you should not have trouble finding them. Monaco is fifteen minutes on the train from Nice, and there is frequent service. Let me know if I can help further! David

Response:

Have you looked into getting your air ticket changed to an "open-jaw" routing? That way you could either fly directly to Nice, or fly home directly from Nice.  You could then spend one night at Nice and travel to (or from) Paris by train (or plane). There are frequent shuttle trains that run between Cannes-Nice-Monaco (at least). You should visit Cannes as well. It has a sandy beach, unlike the pebbles at Nice.

I liked Cannes as well, but there’s really less to see except for the beach.   Nice would keep me pretty well occupied for at least one whole day.  As is, I think the travel time outweighs the value of seeing Nice for one day, although your suggestion makes it less absurd a visit. The Hotel Splendid (or Gounod if the Splendid is too expensive for you) would be an OK place to spend the night at Nice – though there are plenty of other hotels at Nice.  I stayed at the Splendid many years ago and it was quite nice.  I have no other connection with the place.

We’ve stayed at the Splendid and friends have stayed at the Gounod.  They’re both good values, although as you note, there is no shortage of hotels in Nice, although rooms may still be hard to get in season.  As there is no real beach, I like Nice in the early spring when tourism is low in area and one can make sidetrips.  We had the Picasso museum in Antibes all to ourselves and the market was almost all local traffic in Antibes.  I shuddered to think of what it’s like in August. Anyway, except that their .sig is a bit long, I appreciate the many non-commercial contributions made to this group by the Spendid/Gounod management. —         <http://www.worldtable.com   Food/Wine/Travel                      - The Fall 01-Spring 02 schedule for a cooking school in Gascony Links and notes on food, wine, travel and France in particular Our auto rental and leasing suggestions and proposal in Europe.

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Versailles, Fontainebleu, Chartres, the Loire and many other destinations closer to Paris than Nice would make for a more reasonable day trip from Paris, IMHO. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you want a nice destination closer to Paris, try Mont St Michel Hoyt" Is it possible to do this. Are there many night trains? Do I have to book in advance? Is it possible for us to see MonteCarlo also within the same day? If there’s anything nice about Nice, it’s that it’s so casual–a city that feels like a beach town but with little accents of atmosphere and a completely laid back vibe–a rushed visit obviates all of that.  It’s like driving into the countryside for a picnic at 80mph, jumping out of the car, eating fast and guzzling down a drink, staring at a few trees, wondering what all the fuss is about, and then driving 80mph home.  Monte Carlo is not vividly spectacular either–and it takes time to get around from place to place, unless you’re only going up to the rock and then back to the train station. And I was going to suggest they stop off in Avignon on the way.  ;-) Seriously, why on earth would anyone contemplate taking a day from a to short visit to Paris to spend so much time and money to spend a short day in Nice.  I love Nice, but it makes no sense as a day trip from Paris. —         <http://www.worldtable.com   Food/Wine/Travel                      - The Fall 01-Spring 02 schedule for a cooking school in Gascony Links and notes on food, wine, travel and France in particular Our auto rental and leasing suggestions and proposal in Europe.

–         <http://www.worldtable.com   Food/Wine/Travel                      - The Fall 01-Spring 02 schedule for a cooking school in Gascony Links and notes on food, wine, travel and France in particular Our auto rental and leasing suggestions and proposal in Europe.

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If you want a nice destination closer to Paris, try Mont St Michel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it possible to do this. Are there many night trains? Do I have to book in advance? Is it possible for us to see MonteCarlo also within the same day? If there’s anything nice about Nice, it’s that it’s so casual–a city that feels like a beach town but with little accents of atmosphere and a completely laid back vibe–a rushed visit obviates all of that.  It’s like driving into the countryside for a picnic at 80mph, jumping out of the car, eating fast and guzzling down a drink, staring at a few trees, wondering what all the fuss is about, and then driving 80mph home.  Monte Carlo is not vividly spectacular either–and it takes time to get around from place to place, unless you’re only going up to the rock and then back to the train station. And I was going to suggest they stop off in Avignon on the way.  ;-) Seriously, why on earth would anyone contemplate taking a day from a to short visit to Paris to spend so much time and money to spend a short day in Nice.  I love Nice, but it makes no sense as a day trip from Paris. —         <http://www.worldtable.com   Food/Wine/Travel                      - The Fall 01-Spring 02 schedule for a cooking school in Gascony Links and notes on food, wine, travel and France in particular Our auto rental and leasing suggestions and proposal in Europe.

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bonjour anything is feasible, but you wil not have much time ! night trains arrive around 8.30am in Nice, and depart around 6.30pm in the evening you can check schedules at http://www.sncf.com Nice to Monaco is only 20k and about 20′ by train you can get more info at http://www.crt-riviera.fr http://www.hotels-riviera.com good lluck michel dameem ansari a *crit : Hello from India, I and my friend are stayin in Paris for 5 days. We would like to visit Nice for a day. Someone suggested taking a night train from Paris, fresh up in the morning at the railway station itself, going around the town, and return by another night train to Paris. Is it possible to do this. Are there many night trains? Do I have to book in advance? Is it possible for us to see MonteCarlo also within the same day? Ansari.

– Le Splendid est un hotel 4* de tradition aux conforts modernes: television par satellite, prises modem, salles de conferences, etc The Splendid is an exclusive 4* boutique hotel with modern amenities: modem plugs, satellite tv, conference facilities, internet access etc      http://www.splendid-nice.com Le Gounod est un 3* de charme, avec parking, climatisation, etc The Gounod is a charming 3 stars property with parking, air conditioning, etc      http://www.gounod-nice.com webcam:http://www.nicetourism.com/FR/html/voir/webcam/webcam.html En plein centre ville et