day trips from Paris

Hi, If you're relying on the train, I suggest as day trips from Paris...Reims, Chateau Thierry. South of Paris I suggest Fontainebleau, no only for its famous and historical chateau but the interesting town. North of Paris from Gare du Nord ca. under 1.5 hrs Beauvais, a lovely and interesting place, esp. the cathedral, went out there this summer, certainly no tourists, I plan on going back next time in Paris. If you're looking for "villages," you'll need a car. In that case I suggest Barbizon.

Hi Louis,
Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris on your own. Normandy was one of our highlights in previous trips because of the WW II beaches, American Cemetery, etc. and Mont St. Michele is a sight to behold. Hubby and I like Disney so we spent a day at DisneyParis which is also an easy "diy" day trip outside Paris.

I don't know about villages that would be easy day trips from Paris, seems like sort of a contradiction in terms, but another good destination is Chartres, with its world-renowned cathedral and charming surrounding town. An easy train ride from gare Montparnasse, through some beautiful countryside including wheatfields (maybe not so great in Feb). Some posters have reported major cathedral renovations underway this year, with lots of scaffolding, it would be worth checking the status this coming winter, maybe the work will be done.

Giverny is a charming village, easy to get to by train, and you could visit Monet's house and gardens if you'd like. You can also rent bikes in town if that appeals to you.

Susan, It's for February. Remember, Monet's place is closed then.

Sorry I missed that Bets!

Take the train to Rouen, it is a great day trip with lots to see and do while there. It is the city of spires. Many Medievel cathedrals and the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake by the English. Rouen Cathedral is the resting place of the heart of Richard the Lionhearted. The city clock, Gros Horloge, is a nice education in medievel timekeeping.

Thank you all very much for your insight. Very appreciated

Morris, thanks, I went to Amazon and read many pages of the book (you can actually read the whole book if you want!)... it looks great. I think I'll order it :)

You might want to check out a book called "Paris To The Past", by Ina Caro. It's a book about one-day rail trips from Paris to interesting places all over France.
My wife and I used it to plan our stay in Paris earlier this year. We took day trips to Reims, Versailles, and Compeigne, all of which involved train trips of about an hour each way.

Thanks Morris that sounds just what I need to plan with. I'll "Amazon' it right now.

Susan... Glad I was able to help.

I was getting ready to ask a similar question to yours, but will just tag on to you space. My husband and I will be arriving in Paris in November, not much better weather-wise than when you arrive. I have a book called, 'Life in a Medieval City', Joseph and Frances Gies. It is about Troyes in A.D. 1250. Is this a city to check out? It is not mentioned in any R.S. tour books. Does any one recommend a visit as a day trip from Paris?
Jana

Go to Tripadvisor and look up poster French Mystic. His extremely helpful and unique ideas can keep you busy for many a day.

Sugget checking into Vaux le Vicomte. It's a short train ride and I found it much more enjoyable than Versailles. They have a good website, which will give you an idea of whether a visit would be enjoyable to you. I seem to remember about a 2 hour train ride, then a short taxi ride.