A good source of information is "An Hour from Paris" by Annabel Simms. The 2nd edition (2008) tells of 21 destinations on Ile de France that can be reached by public transportation. For example, west of Paris on the RER A1, lies St Germaine-en-Laye. Its Renaissance chateau, birthplace of several French kings, including Louis XIV, houses the National Museum of Antiquities, well worth a visit. East of Paris, and farther out, is Provins, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. It became an important religious, political, and commercial center starting in the 10th century, and today remains magnificent with its 5 km of 12th and 13th century walls and ramparts. Ms Simms' information on public transportation to the sites is dated in places, but updates are available at www.annabelsimms.com/. Some sites are within reach of the Zone 1-5 Navigo Decouverte.
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