We will be in Paris for 4 nights. We want to take one day (since its the end of a month long trip and we will be weary) to take a tour of the French countryside. Any suggestions, places to go (not Giverny, was there last time). Versailles or Fontainbleu not an option!
Thanks,
Suzanne
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Paris Vision also offers coach tours to Chartres as a daytrip, driving through the wheat fields in route.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL, USA
264 posts
There is a minivan day tour from Paris to Epernay and Rheims in the Champagne/Ardennes. You might as well have some grapes growing in the countryside and a glass (or 2) of champagne to drink! Non?
Reservations/tickets at www.conciergerie.com.
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
Epernay is a nice day out from Paris - or even an overnighter. Drive there and you will find that all the big Champagne houses do tours and "degustations". Dom Perignon is of course "de rigeur"!
Roger Bruton
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
"take a tour of the French countryside" as a day trip from ParisA day trip tour of the French countryside from Paris is, actually, a bit of a challenge, by train that is. The trains tend to go to areas (cities, towns) where people live; they go through the countryside but at 175 mph you don't see much of the countryside. Are you limited to public transportation? If so, are historic towns/cities of interest? such as Chartres, Reims, that kind of destination?
Posted by
OP
Menlo Park, CA, USA
24 posts
I am fine with going with a tour group (van).
I did that last time to Giverny. I cannot remember the name of the tour company though. Any suggestions?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Yes, to see the French countryside as a day trip from Paris, a van tour (small van?) is a good choice, saves you the bother of renting a car for just one day.So we'll rephrase your question:What Suzanne wants to know is:Can anybody out there recommend a van tour that would take her on a day trip into the French countryside from Paris.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
135 posts
Parisvision does minivan tours/daytrips. They have an extensive web site. I've used them to visit Versailles and Giverny. It was expensive but worth it. They picked us up at the hotel; our driver spoke excellent English.
Posted by
vancouver, bc, canada
421 posts
what about Reims
Posted by
Vidalia
113 posts
Everyone should see Versailles, but I enjoyed Fontainbleu much more, b/c the rooms are furnished. Also loved Vezelay, a nearby hill village.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Chantilly, the chateau is never crowded like Versailles, but has a lovely museum inside. The gardens are smaller , but the Chantilly creme treats in the garden cafe are wonderfulA( Chantilly creme is just sweetned whipped cream really) . The HOrse Museam and Royal Stables are across from Chateau,, and the town is small and there is a little to wander around by Chateau( well a few blocks away anyways). You take train from Gare Du Nord, about 30 minutes, then bus to Chateau, or 1/2 hour walk along a lovely trail through ( along side of mostly ) forest.