We are spending a week in Paris and though it would be fun to take a train somewhere and return the same day. We just want to be able to look out the window and see some of the countryside. A slower train would be great so everything doesn't just fly by. Changing trains won't be bad either. Just up for the experience.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
There are "local" trains to Rouen that might be what you are looking for. Dijon is good for a day trip, as well.
Posted by
Halifax, N.S.
211 posts
I also second Rouen. It's about an hour to an hour and a half from Gare St. Lazare depending on if you take the milk run or not. You travel north into the Normandy country side and pass towns like Vernon(where Giverney is)
Rouen is also a beautiful city on its own. Lots of half timber housing, a lovely pedestrian street and a beautiful cathedral, that had been made famous in paintings by Monet, some of which you can view in the D'orsay after your day trip.
Trains run approx every hour, I just would advise against going on a Sunday because almost everything in Rouen shuts down (even more so than Paris), and only the most touristy restaurants are open
Posted by
OP
Austin, Texas
2 posts
Thanks for the suggestions. I am looking into them. Got a couple by email as well.
Found where I can get a france rail pass for one day for $115. We may do that and pick a direction and hop on and off a couple times.
In the process of getting time tables to see what we can get to and back in a day!
If you have more city suggestions keep 'em comin'.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I just wanted to say that given your penchant for slow trains those one-day passes sound like a very poor value to me, on the order of a 100% mark-up for most any collection of trips you would be likely to take.
Rouen is an obvious choice and a good one. Another destination would be Chartres or Fontainblue or (though I haven't been there) Provins.