I'm going to France on a French exchange and I can't decide between staying in Paris or Bordeaux?

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xalynn

Since you'll be spending approximately 6 weeks in the winter in France, I would say go to Paris, although not knowing where exactly the north western suburb you're talking about, I can't tell you more how it compares to Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is smaller than Paris, and while the weather at that time of year would be a bit warmer in Bordeaux, Bordeaux will be wetter than Paris (average rainfall in Dec in Bordeaux 87mm while in Paris 59mm).

There are also a lot more things that you can do in Paris and its environs. From arts to architecture to music to cuisine to photography etc. Being the hub of transportation network of France, you can easily travel beyond the city too, although 6 weeks is not that much time since you're attending school, which means you're only free to do the sightseeing etc during weekends and during Christmas break.

If you wish, you can also take a weekend off and go to Bordeaux, which is accesible by train travel (about 3 1/2 hours by TGV). Afterall Bordeaux is also a lovely city to visit, with its beautiful historic centre and architecture that's not unlike Paris.

* Update *

Oh, Ermont is quite a good bit out from Paris. Initially I thought you may be staying at the suburbs just to the periphery of Paris and if it's in the area around Neuilly sur Seine or Puteaux then those would be nice and convenient for Paris. Moreover, I don't think the safety record for Ermont is particularly good (in fact, it's among the weakest in Val d'Oise department).

On this note, then you're perhaps better to go to Bordeaux and taking some time off to go to Paris for a trip instead. The reason I recommended Paris initially was for the amount of things that you can do and see, but on assumption that you're in the adjacent neighbourhood of Paris and you'll be staying somewhere reasonably safe. Afterall, as I've said earlier, Bordeaux is lovely itself and quite like Paris in many ways.

Take care and happy Christmas.

Xabier

Bordeaux it is about 2 hours from Biarritz and Landes a great place =)... but I don't suppose you'll travel there.

it is in (department33) and is the capitol of Aquitaine =) I fantasic region, I have only been to the city once... it is an amazing city, I'd choose a city over sububia everytime for this form of exchange as there will be more to see and do, you won't miss out on ParÃs because you'll still visit it.

ask your self. would you rather spend the exchange in the suburbia or in a city =)

The atmosphere will be bigger in the cities because you'll see all the department stores with their decorations up =)

Black Widow

If you are a city girl, stay in Paris. If you like a laid-back, country atmosphere, then stay in Bordeaux.

triosart

Paris if you like lots of people and snobby Latin-quarter types.
Bordeaux if want to be appreciated for you and your decision to take a chance, plus it's cheaper to live than Paris.

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