We have to be in Paris on June 24th and then again on June 27th (early). We are coming off a cruise that will have us tired. Our grandson asks for the 2 days to be relaxation time without huge crowds. We can either rent a car of use the train. Any great ideas?
My first idea is Chartres. The town is very pretty even beyond the cathedral, it is never that crowded, the food is good, and the Grand Monarque hotel has an excellent spa area - I've spent several weekends there.
As a bonus, the trip from Paris is quick and cheap by train.
Fontainebleau would also be pretty good, I think.
If you want to relax without the hassle of train or car, take metro or bus in Paris to one or more of the following: Bois de Vincennes, Bois de Boulognel, Luxembourg garden, Jardin des Plantes. You can just walk around lazily and enjoy the sights. Peter
Oh, it looks like I misread: you are not in Paris two days in a row, right?
Then, forget about Chartres - not relaxing as a day trip. Fontainebleau could still work, it is a nice day trip from Paris.
But there are plenty of options that are nearer still: Parc de Sceaux is a gem, for example. So is Parc de Saint Cloud or Bagatelle with the rose garden (June = bloom).
And within the city of Paris there are quiet areas. Places like Pere Lachaise come to mind
Actually we will be in Paris for 7 days. But after reading articles about how crowded it is, my 16 year old grandson wants a couple of down time days. We Normandy but we think that will be packed too. I will check out all the thoughts. Thanks for your ideas.
On the southern outskirts of Paris (not far from Orly airport) is the town of Sceaux, home of Parc de Sceaux and Chateau de Sceaux. It's easy to get to on the Metro and the RER.
See, for example,
https://www.solosophie.com/beautiful-chateau-de-sceaux/
and
https://www.parisdigest.com/paris-gardens/parc-de-sceaux.htm
Thank you. It is beautiful.
Hi from Wisconsin,
I suggest Chartres also. Easy to get to from Paris. It has a nice slow heart beat. The Cathedral can be visited many times as the sunlight changes the interior. Sylvie Menard runs a B&B that is quiet and ever so nice, Les ConvivHôtes. She serves up a great breakfast. And her English is top notch. Her's is not a spa. Food in Chartres is very good. The most embarrassing thing about Chartres is it has a Subway sandwich shop in the old town. This MUST be for people afraid of a real baguette. There is a Thursday food market with as many as 60 venders.
wayne iNWI
Thank you for the ideas. I have been trying to get wheelchair train tickets online but can't seem to yet.
We loved Chartres, and stayed several nights at Sylvie’s guest house.
I would consider her English just barely adequate, but the room was charming, and so was she.
Highly recommended. I hope to return someday.