We had originally planned on 6 or 7 days in Paris before moving on to our next destination but because of flight schedules now have a total of 8 days. We do not really want to move to a new location for a couple of days but are interested in day trips. One we are already planning on is Giverny. Any other suggestions?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10548 posts
Have you been to Paris before? There is so much to do and see there. How about Versailles? That can take an entire day.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Two half-day trips you could undertake, both easily reached from central Paris, are to the Chateau Malmaison and the St-Denis Basilica. Google for details. Chartres could be another if you haven't already been.
Posted by
11501 posts
Giverney is wonderful. Chartres- Cathedral, Fontainebleau Palace
Posted by
Chicago
8444 posts
Some obvious great day trips from Paris: Chartres, Auvers sur Oise (where Van Gogh lived his last days), Reims and the Champagne houses (45 minutes by TGV). There are several chateau including Malmaison, Fontainebleau, Chantilly and my favorite Vaux Le Vicomte. St. Denis Basilica is on the metro 13 line and a must see IMHO if you haven't already got it on your list.
Posted by
South Florida
776 posts
Not usually figuring in early visits to Paris, in addition to the above without leaving Paris you could go to the Bois de Vincennes with its cháteau and Parc Floral located at the east end of Metro #1. Look over the attractions at La Villette too.
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio
303 posts
You should definitely go to Versailles! When we were there in 2013, we had purchased a Paris Museum Pass which enabled us to skip the long ticket lines. It was open on Tues-Sun, with Tuesdays, Sat and Sun. being the most crowded, We went on a Thurs and took the early RER train there so we could arrive just before it opened. It is truly an OH WOW experience. Go through the chateau and then the grounds and out buildings. It is a full day. I also would recommend the Paris Walks tour. We took the Hemingway tour which included where Ernie hung out and lived as well as places where the movie Midnight in Paris were filmed. We ended up on Rue Mouffetard - a street full of markets. The walk is not strenuous. We were in our mid 60's when we did it. You will experience Paris in a quiet, charming, off the beaten path way. It is of our favorite memories of Paris.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
The Science City at La Villette is fun and you can reach it by metro or on a Canal St. Martin boat.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14563 posts
What a wonderful problem to have!
I finally made it to Basilica Saint-Denis last time and agree it was so very interesting! I've also done Chartres, Giverny and got out to Chantilly last time as well.
I enjoy the Paris Walks so much! I wound up doing 4 last time over 10 days and there are still many I would like to work in over my next visits. I, too, did the Hemingway one and enjoyed seeing the steps from Midnight in Paris.
Carefully figure the day trips based on closure times for the sights in and out of Paris. If you have a Museum Pass you'll want to use one of the days for Versailles and/or Chantilly and/or Saint-Denis.
Here is the link to the list of sights the Museum Pass covers.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I've been to Versailles and Chartes as day trips, and would recommend them, but not yet to Giverny or Fontainebleau. There is so much to see in Paris, it's hard to ever have enough time. If there isn't anything that interests you, check with the TI. There are always special events and exhibitions around the city.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
797 posts
I have been to Paris at least 7 times and I am returning again. I never run out of things to do in Paris itself. I recommend the Montparnasse cemetery. It is near the big metro/train station. I enjoyed it almost more than Pere Lachaise. Also Parc George Brassens, in the 15th. Small but lovely. There is an old book market there maybe every weekend.
I am a Food market lover. Some of the markets further out, like Barbes are very cool. A Very international scene that is super busy, crowded but so interesting. If you have not been to the President Wilson market near the Iena metro, it is a gem. Very high end quality products. So many markets s little time.
The promenade Plantee is fabulous. As is the Jardins des Plantes; there is a museum there that I have not yet been to with dinosaurs. A cute little zoo too.
This year I am visiting Reims just under an hour from Paris by TGV. I am staying the night but it can be done in a day trip. Champagne houses galore.
I found a book at a market called Paris by metro with some not so known sites along each metro line with a few eats and drinks recommendations. It is my new guidebook. Small churches, not so well known but wonderful.
Have a great trip.