Plan to arrive in Paris a few days before embarking on Rick's '7 Days in Paris' tour, and would like to spend some time outside of central Paris. Versailles is included in the tour, so we don't necessarily want to spend a day at another castle (unless it's an absolutely unmissable one!). Any suggestions for day trips by train or Metro that mightn't be too pricy? (Thought about Brussels for the day, but it would cost roughly $150 for two people.) A pretty little town or overlooked suburb, maybe? Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
seattle
25 posts
Hi Teresa,
We went to Giverny to see Monet's house and garden; maybe 30-45" by train from Paris and really enjoyed it. The gardens are gorgeous and the town afforded lots of places to get picnic food and a river to watch as you "dine".
We also spent a day at Chartres (45" or so by train). The cathedral is magnificant and the village is very charming. It was my favorite day-trip from Paris.
Hope you have a great time!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Chantilly, Fonteinbleau, and loire valley (ie. Blois) are wonderful for 1 day ea
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Do you like horses?
Posted by
OP
Seattle
922 posts
Hmmm ... Yes, I like horses. Haven't been on one since I was about 10, though.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Chartres.
Posted by
nolongeravailable
102 posts
Chartes, and wander the town too!
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
There is a new fast train from Paris to Strausbourg. This would give you an opportunity to go to a different side of France. However you will find that in general train prices will be high.
What you could do is try a few things in the area that is in the Banlieue (outskirts of Paris). For example, you could take the train south (RER B) to Antony. A nice village to wonder. There is a large park there.
To the east you could train or drive to Chateau Thierry. This is in Champagne.
But overall - I would consider what you may NOT be seeing in Paris in this & day tour. There is so much that is usually missed. The Arch at La Defense - one attraction but the whole area there is a completely different perspective of Paris. The Markets at Cite, Bon Marche, Tour Montparnasee, Le Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris Catacombs, all the little cinemas where you can see old American films near St. Germain. wa;ls along the Seine, a stroll in the Marais, Rue Rivoli, the list goes on...
Posted by
OP
Seattle
922 posts
Thanks, everyone! There seem to be several votes for Chartres. I had a history professor in college who thought Malcolm Miller was God and Chartres was Heaven, so we just might have to check it out. (Also, thanks Jona. I'll look up Antony.)
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
You can get to Reims in 45 min this year. The Notre Dame Cathedral where the kings of France were crowned is impressive, and if you like champagne, you are in the midst of several champagne operations where you can take a tour and taste the champagne. It makes for a very enjoyable day.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Chantilly if you like horses, incredible stables there, and horse museum and of course the Chateau Chantilly, and best of all, NO CROWDS!!
Google " Chantilly, chateau " for website .
Only 30 minutes train ride .
Posted by
Albuquerque, NM, USA
38 posts
Chartres is amazing, make sure and get a tour of the cathedral by Malcolm Miller.
Also, I hear Rheims is great too, though that is one my wife and I will do the next time we are in Paris.