Winter Day Trips From Paris

There are so many choices, it really depends on what you want to do, what your interests are, and what you have already seen.

Versailles seems to be at the top of everyone's list, but partly because of the gardens. During each of my winter visits the fountains have been frozen, but the inside is worth a visit.

If you have not been to Chartes, I would. There is no prettier church anywhere, plus quite an interesting history. The village is also quite nice to visit.

Or, head north to Chantilly (possibly combined with Senlis for the day). There is a terrific chateau, horse stables (with a Christmas season horse show) and great ambience. There is also a terrific art collection and library at Chantilly.

Or go see Fountainbleau.

But Crecy-la-Chapelle is nice too!

Or the chocolate factory at Champs-sur-Marne.

Too bad you can't dance at Ile du Martin-Pecheur during the winter!

Interested in the French Revolution? Go to Malesherbes or Rambouillet, or St Germain-en-Laye.

The only destination I would skip in the winter is the Normandy coast. The North Atlantic tends to be cold, with blowing rain at that time of year.