Once you've seen Paris' most essential attractions, why not get out of the city for a day and find out what lies outside its limits? Several interesting and entertaining destinations, including chateaux, natural parks, and medieval fortifications, are within close reach of the city. We point you to the best Paris day trips.
Chateau de Versailles
©2008 Jasonb42882. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons license.
No visit to Paris would be complete without a visit to the former seat of royal power at Versailles. A symbol of the French monarchy and its downfall following the Revolution of 1789, the palace was erected by the powerful "Sun King" Louis XIV, then later home to the ill-fated Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who were eventually executed. The palace, including the emblematic hall of mirrors, has recently undergone intensive renovations.
In the spring, the palace's gardens are idyllic, while a visit to queen Marie Antoinette's private quarters at Le Petit Trianon, her bucolic animal farm and cottage can provide amusing perspectives.
Getting there: Take RER C to Versailles-Rive Gauche; follow signs to chateau.
Monet's Gardens at Giverny
©2006 Ted Drake. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons license.
An excursion to French impressionist painter Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny is a must for those interested in art history-- or for botanical enthusiasts, for that matter. Open to the public since 1980, Monet's private gardens, immortalized in his brushstrokes, are a haven of green, shadow and light, featuring elegant Japanese-style bridges, water lilies, and dozens of varieties of flowers and trees.
Getting there from Paris: From the Gare Saint-Lazare station, buy a ticket to Vernon. At Vernon, shuttle buses regularly offer direct service to Giverny (spring to autumn only; consult the official website for a precise schedule)
Chateau Vaux le Vicomte
This little-known 17th century chateau east of Paris is worth a visit, especially for history and literature buffs. Home to countless royal fetes and a place of inspiration for dramaturges including Molière and La Fontaine, Vaux le Vicomte today is often chosen as a setting for period-piece films. The chateau's luxuriant formal gardens and fountains can provide repose from the hectic cityscape.
Getting there: From Gare de Lyon to Melun; then take the Chateaubus shuttle. Or take the RER D to Melun, then the "Chateaubus".
Fontainebleau Palace and Park
©2007 Bo Teo. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.
Steeped in centuries of royal history, the palace and surrounding forest of Fontainebleau housed French monarchs starting from the 13th century. An excursion here will sate both history and architecture buffs and nature-lovers, who will find miles of hiking trails in the historic park and forest around the palace.
Getting there: Take the SNCF regional train line From Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon.
Provins (Medieval UNESCO Heritage Site)
Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the fortified medieval town of Provins once hosted some of Europe's most extravagant fairs. Built starting in the 11th century, this underappreciated gem of medieval history has inspired countless literary portrayals by authors including Victor Hugo and Balzac. Exploring the town's stunning fortifications and partaking in theatrical medieval shows and festivals there is definitely worth the trip.
Getting there from Paris: Take the SNCF regional train from Gare de l'Est to Provins.
Disneyland Paris
©2006 Jo in Pink. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.
If you're visiting Paris with kids, a day or two at Disneyland Paris can be a treat. The resort facilities, including a golf course, Disney Village, and Davey Crockett Ranch camping grounds, can provide adults an amusing excursion too.
Getting there: From the Chatelet-les-Halles RER station, take RER line A, direction "Marne la Vallée-Chessy" to the end of the line. The park entrance is within minutes of the train exit.
