short, relatively inexpensive trips from Paris?

Ok, this is kind of a random question. I’m planning a trip to Paris next summer to “visit” a distant family member (ok, it’s not really a visit…but this relative has been kind enough to offer me a place to stay if I want to go to Paris, so I’m taking him up on the offer).

I’ll be out of the US for about 3 weeks. What I’d like to do is to visit some other places. Maybe spend a week in Paris, and then spend 1.5 weeks traveling, and the last couple of days back in Paris.

Here’s where I’d like some advice:
- Where are some destinations that I might consider traveling to?
- I’m looking for places that won’t be terribly expensive to travel to (train?) and to stay in. Doesn’t need to be big, “touristy” places. In fact, off-the-beaten path places would be fun.
- I don’t feel the need to stay in France.
- My dream would be to visit places like Vienna and Prague, but I suspect those will be pretty long train rides, and probably not reasonable for my length of trip?
- My best non-English language is German. (French is ok…but just ok…)

Anyway, I know this is a random question, but if anyone has any thoughts, I’d love to hear them!
Thanks!!

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