Hi everyone!
My husband and I will be in France for ten days, mid-August. We would like to do a day trip to a smaller city, but I am having a terrible time making my decision! He's pretty laid-back; I like old towns, art, good food, and beautiful architecture. I'm trying to narrow down where I should head, and would like to keep it around an hour or so by train. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks! (And yes, we will also be visiting Versailles.)
Posted by
San Francisco
14539 posts
Hi,
So very true when trying to decide which places in France to visit according to a set criteria. I've been to Chantilly, Lille, and Reims, all as days trips, Reims was only once. You might consider Fontainebleau as a small town, aside from see the famous chateau. Exploring the town be it Versailles or Fontainebleau is an eye opener. Near Reims several other places of interest, eg, Chateau Thierry.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I'll make it harder for you and suggest Chartres as well. Magnificnt cathedral, charming old town, 1 hr by train.
Posted by
San Francisco
14539 posts
"...to keep it around an hour or so by train." If you include taking the TGV as a way to expand your choices, more cities are within that radius. Going north by TGV (a bit pricey actually) only 40 mins, you can visit Arras; going north on the regional train is Amiens on the Somme.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I've been to 3 of the 5 you mention (Reims, Chantilly, Senlis). I'd highly recommend Senlis. It's certainly an old town with beautiful architecture. I couldn't speak too much about the food, although there's a very good cheese shop.
Posted by
Atlanta
4873 posts
Reims. Good food, small town, great cathedral (with much history), museum where treaty ending WWII was signed, champagne houses & tasting, and it's all walkable except the champagne places that are easy to access via public bus.