3/4 day side trips from CDG in Paris

Posted by rebam on 04/27/24 07:28 PM

We have been to Paris a few times, and no longer need to see the standard first time sights. But, flying standby, we may get 'stuck' there at CDG for a day or two, and need suggestions for how to see something new or stay occupied, ( we have never been to the Aeroville shopping center, so that's one possiblity to keep from getting airport boredom).

Any suggestions for expeditions we can readily take from CDG, either overnight or a 1/2 day trip that would allow us to still get back to CDG by 2 in the afternoon?

Posted by HappyToBeHere

Boston

04/28/24 01:06 AM

122 posts

I might consider Senlis. It's about 30 miles north of the airport and you can take a train there.

Also, you mention you've been to Paris. With so much to see and do there, are you certain you couldn't find something to do that may be new and different? There's always something new going on, or a museum you may not have visited.

Posted by rebam OP

04/28/24 01:37 AM

6 posts

Thank you for suggesting Senlis! Just what I thought I wanted, a nearby place to visit.

But you are right, there are always things to do in Paris, I didn't mean to say I've seen or done everything, or repeated everything recently.
I can also focus on selecting some Paris neighborhoods, just to scout around, and meander, rather than looking for a museum or tourist highlight.

Posted by kathrynmcmullin

04/29/24 06:23 PM

9 posts

We really enjoyed a side trip to Fontainbleau our last time in Paris. It was not quite as impressive as Versailles, but really interesting with just as much historical value and with 1/10th of the crowd. From Paris it probably took less than an hour - 40 min on train, 10 in a bus, to get there.

We loved Chartres - a little over an hour by train. Cathedral is walkable from the train station. Just a stunning work of architecture. The town itself is delightful. Warm and friendly people, great restaurants, charming to stroll around.

If you haven't been to either the Place des Vosges or the jardin de Luxembourg in Paris I'd just spend a few hours in the park people watching and have a leisurely lunch at one of the fantastic cafes nearby.