Paris is fascinating. And there's a very good likelihood you'll never want to go away. But in case your stay in town is long enough, it is advisable to plan a day to see something special outside town limits.
Thanks to France's extensive and efficient rail network, the entire following day trips are easily accessible and can make your trip to the City of Lights much more unforgettable.
The Loire Valley
Famous for its imaginative fortifications, the Loire Valley is lower than two hours from Paris. Visit a few of France's most famous castles (Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château d'Amboise, to call just a few) and immerse yourself in a fairytale setting on this romantic region. Then come back in time for a nightcap overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Dijon
Yes, it's where the world-famous mustard comes from, but there's quite a bit more to Dijon than simply condiments. Food is an enormous highlight of this city, which is lower than two hours from Paris, with the always-bustling Les Halles farmers' market a terrific place to begin your exploration and pick up a snack or two. The city can also be home to some distinctive half-timbered architecture, the Musée des Beaux-Arts (one in every of the country's most historic art museums), and a wonderful Gothic cathedral. Before heading back to the City of Light, stop by La Place Émile-Zola, an atmospheric square lined with restaurants.
Versailles
An impressive address of world-historical significance and towering opulence, Versailles is one of the crucial revered palaces on the planet – and it's only around half-hour away by train. Visit the palace and walk within the footsteps of French royalty in a number of the 1000’s of rooms before admiring the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, where the infamous treaty ending World War I used to be signed. The gardens are also a delight, with seasonal shows of fountains and lights.
Disneyland
Why not? Less than an hour by train from town, Disneyland Paris combines the standard magic of North American parks with a touch of French flair. Both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park offer familiar attractions (often with slight differences from those Americans are used to) and unique offerings, along with the chance to grab a glass of bubbly from one in every of the signature champagne floats.
The Champagne
Speaking of sparkling wine, why not take a day trip to one in every of the world's most famous wine regions? In lower than an hour from Paris, you’ll be able to reach the royal city of Reims and admire a formidable cathedral before heading to the regional vineyards. After your meeting with Moët & Chandon, head to the nearby town of Épernay to sample the sparkling wines served on the famous Avenue de Champagne.
Giverny
Giverny is an enthralling village just 45 minutes from town by train and is home to the setting that inspired Claude Monet's famous painting 'Water Lilies'. Even if you happen to're not an art lover, you're sure to be blown away by the fantastic thing about Monet's house and gardens. You'll feel such as you're walking through one in every of his artworks. Flowers and peaceful water gardens set the atmosphere here, while the Musée des Impressionnismes offers a deeper have a look at quite a lot of Impressionist masterpieces.
London
Yes, you read that right, London is a terrific day trip destination from Paris. After a brief 2 hour and 20 minute train ride through the French countryside and the Eurotunnel, you'll arrive at St Pancras station in the guts of the British capital. From St Pancras, it's just a brief tube ride to walk along the south bank of the River Thames or see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and town's other top attractions. Or take it easy and feast on fish & chips for lunch, followed by a day stroll in one in every of town's famous historic pubs.
Normandy
By train, most places in Normandy may be reached in only over two hours, however it's well value it. Visit Bayeux to learn concerning the Bayeux Tapestry (which tells the story of the Norman conquest of England) before taking one in every of the numerous tours of the D-Day beaches, museums and cemeteries that depart from the world. Or take the train to Étretat on the opposite side of the region, where you’ll be able to admire some dramatic sea cliffs.
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