If you do opt to take the train, you can catch one from Paris' Montparnasse station to the city of Rennes, then take a bus called Keolis to the Abbey. From the Gare Saint-Lazare train station, buy a ticket to Vernon. WebBrick Lane Cities 4 hours from Paris 4 hours: Rijkevorsel, Belgium 4 hours: Ham, Belgium 4 hours: Eijsden, Netherlands 3 hr 59 min: Dison, Belgium 3 hr 59 min: Trier, Germany 3 With your rental car, do not hesitate to take the route des fruit to visit the small producers of cherries, plums and apples. Well, perhaps a quick and easy neighborhood guide to where to find all of it! Distance: 46 min by train Can be combined with a day trip from Paris to the Champagne region. 1 hr 58 min: Montigny-en-Gohelle, France, 1 hr 57 min: Chalons-en-Champagne, France, 1 hr 56 min: Saint-andre-les-vergers, France. But if for some reason you only have 24 hours at your disposal during your first visit, you'll want to make that day a memorable one. After lunch,visit the city's most recognizable landmark, TheEiffel Tower. Designed By Megan Fearman. By car, 2 hours. Their site offers more details on which train to take in order to get to the tour by 9 am in Amiens. Easily one of the most underrated towns which can be reached as a short day trip from Paris, Chantilly is a magical settlement which is just twenty minutes from Gare du Nord (should you opt to take the fast train). Im not sure, but of course, theres always oodles of history just waiting to be discovered. After all, theres a chteau to visit, a park to wander around and plenty of eateries to be enticed by. This interesting city in the Bourgogne region is 1.5 hours TGV train ride from Paris. Hours See the impressive Cathdrale St.-Etienne, the nearby Esplanade, museums, city squares, and botanical gardens. A quiet and secluded town to the east of the French capital, even many Parisians likely havent heard of the existence ofCrcy-la-Chapelle, a sleepy town situated around 40 km from Paris and self-proclaimed to be theVenice of Brie on account of its many ringed moats. Whether you've disembarked from your cruise at the Eiffel Tower or back near Notre-Dame, there are plenty of little cafes and food stands in both districts. Subscribe to Sophies YouTube Channel. Meanwhile, a visit to Queen Marie Antoinette's private quarters at Le Petit Trianon, her bucolic animal farm and cottage, can provide amusing and interesting additional perspectives on royal life at the palace. When to Go:The city is especially lovely in the spring and summer, but any time of year can be a charming time to visit. Getting There:Giverny is a town at the edge of Normandy, about an hour from Paris. While visitors flock to Montmartre for its artistic history and quaint sights, few know about the bar tucked behind the red windmill of the Moulin Rouge, the famous cabaret. The cathedral is one of the main sights, and you can also see remains of the medieval castle. Fans of novels and the world of Maurice Leblanc can take a detour to le Clos Arsne Lupine. This delightful little town is situated around half an hour away from Paris Gare de Lyon and was the birthplace of none other than Gustave Caillebotte, a 19th-century impressionist painter. Within a 3 hour driving distance - Paris Forum - Tripadvisor Take a quick lunch, perhaps from a food stand, if you want to make the most of the remainder of your day. 2 hours south of Paris Dom Perignon and Mercier both have tasting rooms here. Unfortunately, it seems to have since closed down. Purchase plenty of Paris metro tickets, or the Paris Visite Pass, to make sure you don't have to keep buying tickets along the way. Admire the model train system which runs throughout the park, Visit in the evening for a spectacular tour under the light of 2000 candles, Roam the French Formal Garden on a 4-persons electric cart, Rent a costume and dress up like a Princess or Kings musketeer, Ascend the dome 25 meters above the ground for panoramic views around the estate, Admire rare antique carriages at The Carriage Museum in the stable block, Stroll through The Saint-Jeans Gate and along the 1,200m-long Ramparts, Take in the panoramic view of the town and the surrounding countryside from La Tour Caesar, Navigate your way through a 10km network of underground passageways, Enjoy the equestrian falconry show on the ramparts, Sample local delicacies including brie de Provins or niflettes (puff pastry cakes filled with pastry cream), Visit in June to attend the towns Les Mdivales festival, which features historical re-enactments, a costume parade, street entertainment and other medieval shows, Climb the famous horseshoe staircase in the footsteps of Louis XIII, Tour the Grand Apartments to see how royalty lived in the 17th-century, Pay a visit to The Napoleon I Museum, which includes impressive collections of furniture, portraits, costumes, medals, and historical documents belonging to the Emperor and his family, Notice the frescoes on the ceiling and walls at The Chapel of the Trinity, Tour the interior of the Palace of Versailles including the Chapel of Versailles and the Grand Apartments, Glance at your reflection at the Hall of Mirrors which connects the King and Queens apartments, Wander the gardens which span over 800 hectares and feature ornate fountains, vases and statues, Seek out privacy as the Royals did at the estate of Trianon, Walk through the grounds of the French, Anglo-Chinese and English gardens, See an equestrian show at La Muse Vivant du Cheval, the largest stables in Europe, Experience the second-largest collection of antique paintings after the Louvre, See a remarkable collection of books in the Reading Room, Tour the castle where the English series Merlin was filmed, Admire the architectural designs resembling those from the Middle Ages, Meet your favourite characters at the Gallic Village, Watch the impressive sea lion and dolphin show at Le Thtre de Posidon, Ride the inverted roller coaster OzIris at over 90kmph, 40 metres off the ground, Tour the magnificentChateau de Chenonceau, built across the River Cher, Visit LeChateau de Villandrywhich is world-famous for its gardens, Marvel at the beautiful architecture while visiting LeChteau Royal de Blois, Appreciate panoramic views of the Loire River from the medieval fortress ofAmboise, Gawk at the sheer size of theChateau de Chambordand its massive estate, Be charmed by elegant grounds at theChateau of Azay-le-Rideau, Witness the worlds largest medieval tapestry, the Tapestry of the Apocalypse, at the 13th-centuryChteau of Angers, Remark at the Lochnagar Crater, a 91m around by 21m deep mine hole in La Boisselle, Follow in the footsteps of WW1 soldiers as you explore The Remembrance Circuit, Tour the historical war memorials that interest you most including the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, the Thiepval Memorial and the Canadian National Commemorative Park at Vimy, Admire the largest cathedral in France, Cathedrale Notre-Dame dAmiens (see above), Go for a tasting and a tour of the Mot & Chandon Champagne cellars, or any of the other Champagne Houses in the region, Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rides and attractions atNigloland, a French amusement park, Say hello to the Thibaut family at their artisan chocolate shop in Pierry, Drop in on one of many cafes and restaurants around Place Ducale in Charleville-Mezieres, Head 20m underground at Le Carrire Wellington to explore the tunnels built by New Zealand miners during the First World War, Appreciate the Flemish architecture in Le Place des Hros, Take a tour of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, which pays tribute to Canadians who fought and lost their lives in World War 1, Marvel at the 12th and 13th-century stained glass windows in the Chartres Cathedral, Stroll along the River Eure in the oldest part of town, Catch sight of a La Maison Picassiette, a house entirely covered in detailed mosaics, Live like royalty and spend the night at the luxurious hotel in Le Chteau de Maintenon. Once you've taken in all the splendors of Notre-Dame, it's time to cross the river via the Pont St Michel, just west of Notre Dame and head south to the historic Latin Quarter. Instead, this guide presents a different side of the French capital: under-the-radar spots Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 2 hours or In the Gustave Moreau Museum, where the 19th-century Symbolist painter lived and worked, a winding, wrought-iron staircase connects a magnificent studio that spans two floors. The vineyards often display beautiful foliage in the autumn, and a wintery getaway to cellars underground can be a cozy way to escape the rain. Also make sure to visit Dijon: one of the prettiest cities ofFrance, this capital of mustard, pain d'pices (gingerbread), and lovely half-timbered houses is well worth a few hours to a day of exploration. Other companies provide private tours that offer real local insight and access to some renowned cellars. You can therefore visit Claude Monets house and garden, the Impressionism museum and of course get lost in the small streets of the village. In the summer, medieval re-enactments and performances are fun for kids and adults, if a bit corny at times. Getting There: Take Line 13 of the Paris Metro to Saint-Denis; follow signs to Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica. by K.B. Many tourists overlook this astounding gem, which boasts a necropolis dedicated to the kings, queens, and other royal figures of French history. Not a phrase book, REAL French! Built between around 1190 and 1220, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a crowning achievement in high gothic architecture. And with a pretty castle to rival Versailles, Fontainebleau definitely cant be missed off the list. Head to Auvers-Sur-Oise to learn all about the infamous drink absinthe in the absinthe museum, and to trace the footsteps of Van Gogh who lived here for a few months before his death. The French settlement near Paris is pretty as a postcard during the spring thanks to an abundance of spring blossom. Courtney Traub has covered Paris and other European destinations for TripSavvy since 2006. Around 40 minutes away from the centre of Paris, youll find Meaux. I first visited Yerres on a sunny afternoon in late July. 10+ Pretty French Towns Near Paris Youll Just Love! This important city is east of Paris. However, the commune of Auvers-Sur-Oise is surrounded by rolling green hills. Joan of Arc is even said to have made a pilgrimage here; a plaque outside honors the famed French warrior. This town makes the list of pretty French towns near Paris not only because of its lovely architecture and wonderful eateries but also because it has a large forest and charming chteau (which now houses a fantastic museum of archaeology). The journey will take about 1.5 hours. Chantilly is a city of art and history and so close to Paris. 10 Day Trips Under Two Hours from Paris Oliver's France You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. (see post for more.). Perhaps its the little lanes, maybe its the charming architecture. When to Go: Try to go in April or May if you can; the blooms are dramatic and colorful and the weather is generally pleasant. By car, allow about 45 or so. WebCities 3 hours from Paris 3 hours: Charleroi, Belgium 3 hours: Ostend, Belgium 2 hr 59 min: Ingelmunster, Belgium 2 hr 59 min: Meulebeke, Belgium 2 hr 59 min: Chateau Even if you dont generally rent your property, if you have the ability to put your personal [], Starting from January 1 to June 30, 2023, all owners of residential real estate (whether individuals or companies) in France are required to declare the occupancy status of their properties on the Manage my real estate page of the impots.gouv.fr website. When to Go:Head to this site year-round: the tides, sky,and light will be different during each season, each beautiful in its own way. From here (between late March and November only), you can board a sightseeing cruise boat with theBateaux Parisienscompany for a one-hour tour of the city via the water. Though I Admire the ponds and classical landscaping, and take a break on one of the benches. 14 Beautiful Towns & Cities Near Paris That Are Worth These towns or cities close to Paris by train are great destinations The perfect places to find beautiful French made goods. See full details on the post. In the towns cemetery, youll find the final resting place of the great artist himself as well as the grave of Van Goghs brother Theo. Aim for spring or summer to appreciate the gardens and their ornate landscaping fully. When to Go: Visit year-round, but as with the Saint-Denis Basilica, choose a sunny day to benefit from light coming through the stunning rose window and stained glass. To submit a letter to the editor for publication, write to. Then sample the architecture, wines, and of course, mustard! Double that for travel by car. 40 km drive from Paris By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Lille is the 4th largest city in France, and a center of art and culture. Though a weekend may feel short, you dont have to go far and rent a car to be able to visit as much as possible. You can get to Lille from Paris in one hour on the TGV. Our clients have been asking us to [], France, known for its fashion, craftsmanship, exquisite handmade cuisine and art, is collected and on display at Concept Stores throughout Paris. You can find the biggest French couture brands all around the world these days, so instead of Chanel, look to vintage specialists. Instead, this guide presents a different side of the French capital: under-the-radar spots in the popular Montmartre hilltop neighborhood, smaller museums without crowds and a taste of Pariss diverse performance scene. 5 hour drive from me in Paris 50 km from Paris100 km from Paris200 km from Paris300 km from Paris400 km from Paris500 km from Paris600 km from Paris700 km from Paris1 hour from Paris2 hours from Paris3 hours from Paris4 hours from Paris5 hours from Paris6 hours from Paris7 hours from Paris8 hours from Paris, Mercure Grand Hotel Le Touquet - Spa Experience. within driving distance for the weekend? Take a lunch break. I did a short bit of research and La Moutire was transformed into a guest house in 2011. See the post for details about some organized tours you can take and other details. Spend some time ducking into luxury shops, nibbling on macarons and tea at the famous Laduree shop, and seeing Paris from Napoleon's vantage by visiting the Arc de Triomphe. Towering over a bay that joins the regions of Normandy and Brittany, and whose dramatically changing ties create a poetic show of light and water few could forget, the rocky mount on which the abbey stands was first settled by an Irish hermit. Does anyone know if this delightful place still exists as I am finally returning to Paris after many decades! Some prefer to drive; plenty of parking spaces are generally available but may be further away from the entrance than desired, especially during peak visiting months. No in-depth visit to Paris would be complete without a visit to the former seat of royal power at the Palais deVersailles. Learn about the history of how this prized white wine was first produced, the prominent families who reign over the business, and how it's transformed the region into a powerhouse. To offer some flexibility and a bit more choice, ourone-day self-guided tour of Paris gives you two options. Getting There:Renting a car is probably easiest so you can get around the region and its best cellars. weekend trips from Paris, but make sure you also check Built starting in the 11th century, this underappreciated gem of medieval history has inspired countless literary portrayals by authors includingVictor Hugoand Balzac. The Chapel of Saint Piat resembles a castle from the Middle Ages, with its rounded turrets, and compared to most churches and cathedrals from the medieval period, Chartres has conserved much of its original design. Spot the layers of urban transformation underway while staying alert to the millefeuille of art and architecture youll encounter everywhere. distance of 250 km from Paris If you are less interested in shopping and glamour and more interested in arts and culture, head back east on the metro or bus from the Eiffel Tower to theMuse d'Orsay (Metro: Solferino; RER Musee d'Orsay). In the city, you can rent a vlhop and cycle around the city by visiting the cathedral, the Petite France district and stop at a restaurant to taste the famous Flammekueche with an Alsatian beer. I should however look at this in reverse order. By train: Start at the Gare du Nord and travel 22 minutes. In the historical Marais district, start with, Cross to the citys left bank via Sully Bridge, taking in views from the small triangular garden at the tip of the le Saint-Louis, the quieter of the two islands on the Seine. Whether for you or the perfect gift to bring home, you are sure to find the best of the best. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The palace, including the emblematic Hall of Mirrors, was recently renovated. Although a little further away from the city than some of the other pretty French towns near Paris, Provins is well worth the (slightly) longer journey. 15 Cities To Visit As A Day Trip From Paris - TheTravel When to Go:Spring, summer, and early fall are best to appreciate the formal gardens at their finest. Several interesting and entertaining destinations, including chateaus, natural parks, and medieval fortifications, are within close reach of the city. Hordes of visitors throng on the palace every year. If you love art and heading off the beaten tourist track, then Yerres is a no brainer. During winter, a fantastic Christmas market is held in the ancient city on an annual basis during an advent weekend in December that makes for the perfect day trip from Paris. 24 Hours in Paris: How to Visit the City in a Day - TripSavvy Its a beautifully chic place to stroll and lunch outdoors, but the main attraction is the impressive Chteau de Fontainebleau, one of Napoleons residences. One of the more off the beaten path towns near Paris is that of Marly-le-Roi, which is around half an hour from Paris Saint-Lazare. Located in the Loire valley, Chartres is a gateway to the land of castles. Beware, though, on the weekends finding a spot anywhere here can be incredibly challenging. Visit the elegant town of Reims, a medieval city whose underground chalk quarry networks are so impressive and extensive that they've been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Oberkampf, this half-hour walk will take you to the, On the northern edge of Paris, the 136-acre, At the intersection of the Ourcq and St.-Denis canals, youll find a curved wooden structure. Restaurants worth checking out Spring/Summer 2023. By train: between 1 hour 7 minutes and 1 hour 43 minutes with 30 trains per day from Paris Gare du Nord. Prepare yourself to communicate in French during your trip. Ideally, you'll want to be able to spend more than a day in Parisas it's a rich, diverse, historic city that is on most everyone's bucket list. You can also witness gorgeous vineyards painted in autumn colors and admire fall light hitting old buildings in Dijon. Last but certainly not least, a day-long or overnight stay in Burgundy is an ideal way to add a wine-themedtrip to your Paris adventure. There are well over 100 museums in Paris, and smaller ones can be more rewarding than shuffling along with the crowds at the Louvre. Ventrus restaurant in Parc de la Villette, students, artists and workers occupied the Odon. By train: Go from Gare de lEst to Reims, a main city in the Champagne region. Read More in the Post. road conditions around Paris. Parking is available near the Abbey; walk or take a free shuttle from the parking lotto the entrance. Elsewhere in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, theres the real-life Chteau de Monte Cristo (Alexander Dumas country mansion) and Muse Claude Debussy in the iconic composers birthplace. . day trip from Paris, or if you have more time you can explore Everywhere you look youll see half-timbered houses and a small city vibe that offers a lot. Before you do rent one, know thepros and cons of renting a car in Paris for some informed advice on the matter. You should also spend some time at the Palais des Beaux-Arts,which is a fine arts museum filled with masterpieces and lauded as one of the most beautiful buildings in France. Between the 15th and 16th of August 1429, Joan of Arc led her French troops in the historic battle of Montpilloy (close to Senlis), leading them to victory against the English. If you don't mind renting a car or taking a guided tour, you should also consider spending a few hours inthe nearby village of Epernay, famous for its prestigious champagne cellars and elegant countryside. If youre planning to visit Paris in the coming months, consider some of the stand out restaurants opened since Paris came back to life last year. Companies offer wine tours that are affordable and accessible to many travelers. Bistronomie describes the cross between homely bistro food and high-end gastronomy, without the stiffness of fine dining. Train from Paris to Frankfurt: 3 hours 40 minutes, one way via ICE ; Paris to Frankfurt by car: 6 hours, one way; Where to stay in Frankfurt: Hilton Frankfurt City Centre 5 hour drive from Paris Situated a little over an hour from Paris by train or car, the prestigiousregion of Champagne beckons visitors for a decadent day away from the city. There are plenty of outdoor fun for those who want to experience life in France outside of Paris in the form of walks, water activities, and hiking. 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. Situated to the West of the French capital, highlights of Bougival include the chance to follow in the footsteps of the impressionists, meander along picturesque waterways, and shop at plenty of independent stores and boutiques. Here are some towns you can get to in two hours or less to enjoy a day trip from Paris that offers a different slice of this wonderfully varied country! any airport, zip code, or tourist landmark. Take the TER Picardie regional train (not the RER D) direction of Creil, and get off at Chantilly-Gouvieux. Just a short drive away thethe beautiful Monastic remains and chapel ofPort-Royal-des-Champs Abbeyare well worth a visit, provided that you have access to a car. Situated an hour away from the city from the Gare de Lyon station in Paris, other highlights of this charming French town include a prehistory museum, plenty of riverside walks, and a church with an unusual wooden spire. If you need to book a flight, search for the Instead, read up on how you can put together a reasonable 24-hour itinerary that is both flexible and manageable at a fairly easy pace. It will take between 70-90 minutes. You can find this site in the humble, working-class community of Saint-Denis just north of Paris, and it's easily accessible on Metro Line 13. Paris to Basel takes approximately 3 hours by train each way, so its a good idea to book an early morning departure to maximize time in Basel. The town has three museums (the museum of art and archaeology, the museum of the hunts & the museum of Spahis.) The park entrance is right outside. You'll need to track back to Notre Dame for Leg 2 of the tour. While it's almost purely a tourist sitevery few "residents" actually inhabit itit's a remarkable place. It is one of the main attractions of Amiens. After visiting the museum, and if time allows, cross the bridge closest to the Orsay over the Seine to the Tuileries Gardens adjacent to the Louvre Museum. After all, its not every day that you get the chance to visit a basilica where Joan of Arc attended mass, or that you get the opportunity to climb a medieval tower dating all the way back to the 12th-century. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius like 1 hours. From here you can explore some of the area's most iconic places, including the Sorbonne and its pleasant, leafy square, and the famed English-language bookshop Shakespeare. This view of the cathedral is especially lovely, showing off the elaborate flying buttresses. Accessible via one end of the RER B, youll find the charming town of Sceaux. Getting There:Take the SNCF regional train from Gare de l'Estto Verneuil l'Etang (Line P); then take the Chateaubus shuttle, a free transportation service between the station and the Chateau. if you live in a metropolis area, or you can search for cities near Amiens In At a minimum, explore the lobbyof the massive Centre Pompidou (and maybe go up to the rooftop if time and budget allow) and then using your area map get a sense of the lively district surrounding the Pompidou. From there, you can always opt to take a Seine cruise later in the dayBateaux Parisiens and several other companies offer regular hourly excursions from the Eiffel Tower area. You can walk to the town and chteau from there. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier. Planning a short road trip to a new destination that's She is co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region. Hop on the train from Paris to see a French city that couldn't be more different from the capital's sometimes ostentatious vibe. Book now: Versailles by Train Tour From Paris with Skip-The-Line. Start your day earlybefore 9 a.m. After consuming some delectable croissants or pain au chocolatsfrom your local boulangerie/bakery, Leg 1 of your whirlwind day in Paris starts with an early-morning visit to theNotre Dame Cathedral, one of the most elaborate and breathtaking Gothic-style cathedrals in the world. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. WebAnswer 1 of 10: I am thinking about renting a car and driving for about 2 days somewhere within a 3 hour driving distance from Paris. At high tide, the site is entirely surrounded by water; thanks to a new high-tech walkway, the Abbey is now accessible at all times, and previous dangers for visitors exploring the site have been reduced. Situated over 40km to the West of Paris, the medieval town is characterised by its centuries old church and charming timber-framed houses. Its even possible to visit the final place where the famous artist once resided. Continue with Recommended Cookies. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. After exploring the old Latin Quarter and the St-Michel district, follow your Paris area map to the Quai Montebello, facing Notre-Dame on the south side of the Seine river. Many restaurants around Montmartre are pushing the cuisine forward by embracing seasonal ingredients, while maintaining prices that can weather the rising cost of living in France. How to Travel from Paris to Reims by Train, Bus, and Car, One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary, How to Travel From Zurich to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Navigate Paris Train Stations and Transfers, How to Travel From Paris to Chartres by Train and Car, How to Travel From Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel by Car, Train, and Bus, How to Travel From Paris to Nice by Plane, Train, Car, and Bus, How to Travel From Paris to Orleans by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Frankfurt to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris, 7 Chteaux You Can See by Train or Bus From Paris, How to Travel from London to Nice by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane. You can also look for cities Come admire their melancholy, eerily beautifulrecumbent effigiesand see the mysterious crypt where the remains of the famed saint are said to have been buried. It is in the Champagne region, so youll find more details in that post. In a country where the language and customs might not be familiar to you yet, you need someone looking out for your interests. Wander through the town itself and youll soon discover a gently flowing river which you can walk along while admiring many a traditional French garden. The ancient town of Senlis also has links with French heroine, Joan of Arc. Scroll down the page to find a