Hi, We are visiting Paris in late Oct to early Nov. We want to do some one day daytrip outside of Paris. We have already been to Versailles & Fontainbleau. This time, We are planning to go to Monet's garden in Giverny in late Oct and also one day in Chateaux Vaux-le-Victome. Can you please recommend some other one day daytrips we can do? We thought about visiting the two Chateau in Loire Valley? But don't think it is doable in one day because we want to be able to come back to Paris in the same day. Thanks!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10603 posts
I dont have a suggestion, but since you will be there October and November, I just wanted to make sure you know that Giverny closes 10/31. I was there mid-October last year and although it was late in the season it was still beautiful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
You seem to like renaissance chateau. If you want to continue in that vein, consider Chantilly. If you'd like to try something else, what do you like? I think you can visit a chateau or two in the Loire if you get an early start and rent a car for the day, probably in Amboise. However, that time of year you rise in the dark to maximize your daylight hours.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
172 posts
Andrea-Yes, I'm aware Monet's garden closes on 10/31, and we will go before it closes for the winter. :) Adam- we thought about visiting the two Chateau in Loire Valley, but we read that it is best to do a one night stay in the Loire Valley area and we would prefer going to somewhere with easy public transportation (without driving or taxi)...plus we will have limited daylight in Nov, it might not work out for us. Because we are two girls traveling, we would like to visit places out of Paris that are safe to walk in the evening (since it gets dark early in Nov). I just read about daytrips in Chartre, Rouen, & Reims. RS travel book says Rouen can be combined with Monet's garden as one daytrip. Is it better to do Rouen as a separate trip? or is it ok to combined with Monet's garden? thanks!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Glad you're going to Vaux-le-Vicomte, one of my favorite day trips. Another enjoyable place to visit is Malmaison, the home of Josephine and Napoleon.
Posted by
Hoboken, NJ, USA
112 posts
I have done both Rouen and Chartes as day trips and they were a breeze to do. The cathedral at Chartres was more impressive than the one in Rouen, but the city of Rouen has more to offer overall. At least that is what my experience was. Happy travels!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Rouen & Giverny ought to be feasible as a single day trip if you are well organized. (I saw them separately, though.) As you've probably noticed, Vernon, the train station for Giverney, is on the rail line to Rouen. You can have a very satisfying visit in Rouen in just 2 or 3 hours (plus lunch), though of course there is always more to see. So get an early start and you should be good. If you'd rather move more slowly, though, don't combine them. I recommend visiting the Marmottan in Paris before visiting either of these places. The museum has many of Monet's paintings of the garden and especially the cathedral in Rouen.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4162 posts
Jenny , I can't speak to the time period you are going because the potential for weather is obviously a consideration , but a daytrip to Chartres is wonderful . We were there in mid september last fall and were thrilled. Obviously the cathedral is the centerpiece but wandering down into the old town as per Rick's guidance is wonderful . It is truly a " back door " . walking along the river eure was a great experience. Consider this . You won't regret it !!
Posted by
washington
837 posts
I could not agree more with Stephen. Chartres is a wonderful town. It is a micro Bruges, and that doesn't even include the cathedral.