I want to show you some places that are accessible by public transportation, or through arranged tours (Viator, etc.) or if you have a car (go to CDG and rent one!) that are wonderful to see and you won’t feel exhausted when you return to Paris.
Another option is to do a couple of places in 2 days and spend the night outside of Paris. An example is a Normandy jaunt: Giverny, Mont Saint-Michel and D-Day Beaches and back to Paris.
The area surrounding Paris is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, lines, and hustle and bustle of the Parisian metropolitan area.
I have included links to pages in this portfolio that detail the sites.
Château de Versailles
The UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles is a marvel of classical French architecture. Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the Palace of Versailles was the showpiece of King Louis XIV, who embodied the 17th-century belief in absolute power and the divine right of the monarch.
The famous Hall of Mirrors was designed to impress the king's courtiers. This extravagant, sparkling hallway has gigantic gilded mirrors that reflect the sunlight, creating a sensational effect.
Other highlights of the château include the lavishly decorated Queen's Bedroom, with an exquisite Rococo ceiling, and the Hercules Salon, adorned with The Triumph of Hercules ceiling painting by François Lemoyne, as well as two masterpieces by Veronese.
The Château de Versailles is surrounded by 800 hectares of parkland and formal gardens (Les Jardins) created by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre. Full of fountains, perfectly trimmed shrubs, and tidy flowerbeds, the immaculately manicured gardens rival the château in terms of their breathtaking effect.
Versailles is 20 kilometers from the center of Paris and is easily accessed by train, which takes an hour or less (depending on your departure point). To get the most out of a visit to the Château de Versailles, an organized tour is recommended.
A good choice for those who appreciate art and culture, the Versailles and Giverny Day Trip includes guided visits to both the Palace of Versailles and Claude Monet's garden in Normandy. A knowledgeable guide shares historical insights about the Château de Versailles, leaving enough free time to wander about the gorgeous gardens.
For a more adventurous way to reach Versailles, take the Versailles Helicopter Tour from Paris. The tour takes participants on a 25-minute round-trip helicopter ride, soaring above the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks in Paris, and then stops near the Château de Versailles.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
The beauty of Chartres' Cathedral is said to have inspired faith in the doubtful. It's easy to see why when stepping into this UNESCO-listed monument, a breathtaking example of medieval Gothic architecture. In its vast high-vaulted nave, the cathedral features brilliant stained-glass windows that provide the sanctuary with a serene glow. The filtered light lends an otherworldly quality.
Viewers are awed by the intricate details of the windows, the result of painstaking craftsmanship. Some of the windows, such as the venerated Notre Dame de la Belle Verrière, date to the 12th century; the majority are from the 13th century. The immense rose windows are especially stunning. Other highlights include the Vie de la Vierge (Life of the Virgin) window and the Arbre de Jessé (Tree of Jesse) window, which shows the genealogical tree of Jesus Christ.
Every evening from early April through early October, the town of Chartres has a spectacular nighttime light show. Chartres en Lumières illuminates the town's historic monuments, including the cathedral, using creative visuals and vibrant colors.
The cathedral also hosts the International Organ Festival with free concerts every Sunday afternoon in July and August. During the festival, musicians compete to win the Grand Prix de Chartres prize.
Château de Fontainebleau
About an hour's drive from Paris, Fontainebleau is a royal French château at its finest. Surrounded by forests and a lush parkland of 130 hectares, the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau was a residence of France's sovereigns for eight centuries. The original medieval château (dating to the 12th century) was almost entirely rebuilt when François I ordered renovations in 1528.
As a literary king and patron of the arts, François I created a spectacular Italian-style palace that is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. François I commissioned the best Italian artisans and artists of his time to decorate the interior. Today, the château houses an outstanding art collection of approximately 30,000 pieces.
With 1,500 rooms, Château de Fontainebleau is one of the best places in France to see a fully furnished castle. The opulent Appartements Royaux (Royal Apartments) of Château de Fontainebleau reveal the influence of various royals. The Boudoir de la Reine, sumptuously adorned with Neoclassical art and gilded paneling, reveals the refined taste of Marie-Antoinette.
After the French Revolution, Napoléon I made Fontainebleau an Imperial palace, adding his signature classical-inspired decor to his apartment. Napoléon was particularly fond of Fontainebleau but had to sign his first abdication here on April 6, 1814.
Equaling the beauty of the interior, the Jardins du Château exemplify classic French style, with delightful pools; statues; and a Grand Parterre created by André Le Nôtre, who designed the garden at Versailles. The parkland offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including jaunts by horse-drawn carriage and boating. The Petit Train ride amuses the youngest visitors.
To see all of the highlights of the Château de Fontainebleau requires at least a half day and could take a full day. A guided tour allows for the most rewarding visit. Many tourists enjoy a day trip tour from Paris that stops at two of the most splendid castles in France: Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Mont Saint-Michel
One of the most awe-inspiring spiritual sights in France, the island of Mont Saint-Michel rises out of the waters of Normandy's Baie de Saint-Michel. At the highest point on the rocky mount is the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, an important medieval pilgrimage site. This Benedictine abbey is a marvel of Gothic architecture standing 155 meters above the sea, with graceful cloisters and a majestic church.
At high tide, Mont Saint-Michel appears as a distant mystical island, while at low tide, it is possible to walk from the mainland to the island just as pilgrims approached it in the Middle Ages. The entire island of Mont Saint-Michel is well-preserved, with a village atmosphere, ancient cobblestone streets, and charming shops.
To see all the sights on Mont Saint-Michel (the abbey's church, cloister, village, and ramparts) takes at least four hours, if not an entire day. Since it's a long drive (around four hours) from Paris, the best way to visit is either by staying overnight or taking an organized day-trip tour.
The Mont Saint-Michel Tour from Paris is a day-trip tour that includes a scenic drive through Normandy, lunch, and a guided visit to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The tour also leaves free time to stroll the narrow, old streets; peek into enticing little boutiques; and admire views of the bay.
Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Landing Beaches
For many American tourists, visiting Normandy's D-Day landing beaches and battlefields is a moving experience. On June 6, 1944, the battles of the D-Day became the turning point in World War II that allowed the Allies to gain a favorable advantage. Evidence of the wartime bunkers and tanks still stands on the sandy beaches that were landing sites.
Omaha Beach is the most famous of the Normandy landing beaches and was the scene of the bloodiest D-Day battle. Overlooking Omaha Beach is the largest American cemetery in Normandy, with 9,000 gravestones. Nearby, the Overlord Museum chronicles the D-Day Allied landings and the Liberation of Paris.
The Caen Mémorial museum is an excellent place to learn more about the Battle of Normandy and other World War II military history. The Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches illustrates the heroic operation of the Mulberry Harbor, one of the most challenging events of the war.
While the Normandy D-Day museums provide an excellent background to the D-Day battles, the best way to explore the Normandy Landing Beaches is by taking a guided small-group tour. The Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip includes stops at Omaha Beach, Arromanches, and the Caen Mémorial museum, led by a knowledgeable guide, who shares insights about the D-Day battles and the historical context.
Domaine de Chantilly
An easy day trip from Paris (only 25 minutes by train from Gare du Nord), the grandiose Château de Chantilly is a remarkable Renaissance castle in a unique setting. Surrounded by a "domaine" of woodlands and swampy marshlands, the castle appears to be floating above the property's man-made ponds and canals.
The château interior features lavish Rococo decor and precious furnishings. Within the château, the Musée Condé displays a vast collection of historic paintings that is second in importance to the Louvre Museum. The galleries include many masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Raphaël, Titien, Poussin, Ingres, and Delacroix.
The Domaine de Chantilly is also renowned for its expansive garden designed by André Le Nôtre, with his signature French-style flowerbeds, geometric design, and elegant fountains. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the chateau's parkland is a collection of adorable rustic cottages, an orchard, vegetable gardens, and a mill. This little hamlet, which gives the impression of an idyllic country village, provided the inspiration for Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet at Versailles.
Chantilly is one of the best places to visit near Paris for outdoor activities. There are many enjoyable things to do in the Domaine de Chantilly park, such as boating, cycling, romantic strolls, and attending equestrian shows. Children enjoy wandering the labyrinth, and admiring wallabies and peacocks in the Petit Parc.
Another appealing aspect of Chantilly is the local gastronomy. The Chantilly estate has several options for meals and snacks: La Capitainerie restaurant, with an elegant dining room and refined menu; Le Hameau restaurant (open March - November), in a delightful little house of the château's hamlet, which serves lunch and afternoon tea featuring desserts made with the famous Crème Chantilly (whipped cream); and Les Écuries café, a casual eatery in the Grandes Écuries building that houses the domain's horse stables and horse training school.
Visitors may stay at the Domaine's luxurious five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, the Auberge du Jeu de Paume, for an exceptional overnight stay. Guest rooms offer the elegance and refinement of an 18th-century French mansion. Gourmands will be delighted by the dining experience and haute-cuisine at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, La Table du Connétable.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Nicolas Fouquet, minister of finance to Louis XIV, commissioned the best architect (Louis Le Vau) and artists of his time to build this sumptuous château. However, Fouquet's enjoyment of his castle was short-lived. After hosting a lavish celebration for Louis XIV on August 17, 1661 at his new estate, Fouquet was the next day accused of embezzlement. Three weeks later he was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Vaux-le-Vicomte was confiscated.
Today the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a private estate that is listed as a Historic Monument and is open to the public. The estate was used as the location set for more than 80 film productions.
Beautifully preserved over the centuries, Vaux-le-Vicomte is a rare example of a French château that has retained its furnishings and decor from the 17th century. Fouquet's private apartments on the upper floor are mostly in their original state.
André Le Nôtre designed the Formal Gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte in classic 17th-century style, with geometric lines, elaborate fountains, and graceful statues. Because the garden made such a dazzling impression, Louis XIV hired Le Nôtre to landscape the grounds of the Château de Versailles.
An engaging place to visit, the Château de Vaux le Vicomte has two picnic areas, a casual self-service restaurant, and a romantic fine dining establishment that overlooks the formal gardens.
The château looks most enchanting on Candlelit Evenings, every Saturday from early May through early October, when the gardens are illuminated by more than two thousand flickering candles.
The château also hosts events throughout the year, such as period costume parties and Christmas festivities. For children, one of the most fun things to do at the château is the annual Easter egg hunt in the gardens.
Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
An easy day trip from Paris (10 kilometers away), the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is a masterpiece of early Gothic architecture. Construction of the basilica was begun in the 12th century, when churches began to transition from Romanesque to Gothic style, and completed in the 13th century. The sanctuary's spacious high-vaulted nave and sublime stained-glass windows impart a sense of airiness as well as serenity.
Since early Christian times, Saint-Denis has been an important place of pilgrimage. The legend of Saint Dionysius describes how, after his beheading on the Butte Montmartre, the saint carried his head in his hands to the place where he desired to be buried. A church was built on the spot in the 5th century, followed in the 7th century by the foundation of an abbey.
Devoted to the patron saint of France, the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis stands on the location of Saint Denis' grave. This sacred house of worship is the royal burial place of 43 French kings and 32 queens.
Giverny
https://curtrushlabellefrance.myportfolio.com/normandy-eure-giverny
Impressionist art lovers will appreciate a visit to Giverny, about 75 kilometers from Paris (less than 45 minutes by train). In a beautiful setting on the Seine River, the village of Giverny is most famous for its association with Claude Monet.
Impressionist art lovers will appreciate a visit to Giverny, about 75 kilometers from Paris (less than 45 minutes by train). In a beautiful setting on the Seine River, the village of Giverny is most famous for its association with Claude Monet.
The artist discovered the beauty of Giverny in 1883 and stayed here for thirty years. During the same time, other artists were attracted to the area and were influenced by Monet's techniques of painting in nature.
The top attraction in Giverny is Claude Monet's House, a charming countryside retreat where Monet painted his renowned Water Lilies painting. Tourists can see the water lily pond, with its iconic Japanese bridge, and wander about Monet's blossoming flower garden.
For an insider's tour of Claude Monet's house and gardens, take the Skip the Line: Giverny and Monet House Half-Day Trip from Paris. On this five-hour tour, a knowledgeable guide leads a walking tour through the gardens, pointing out the weeping willows, orchids, and water lilies that inspired Monet's paintings.
Provins
https://curtrushlabellefrance.myportfolio.com/ile-de-france-seine-et-marne-provins
During the 12th and 13th centuries, Provins was a bustling city where merchants gathered for trade fairs, and trouvères (troubadours) sang ballads about courtly love. This captivating walled medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 50 listed Historic Monuments. The ambience of the Middle Ages is uncovered in quaint half-timbered houses, a maze of winding streets, and spacious public squares once used for markets.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, Provins was a bustling city where merchants gathered for trade fairs, and trouvères (troubadours) sang ballads about courtly love. This captivating walled medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 50 listed Historic Monuments. The ambience of the Middle Ages is uncovered in quaint half-timbered houses, a maze of winding streets, and spacious public squares once used for markets.
The Ramparts with fortified gates built in the 12th and 13th centuries are a top attraction. Visitors can stroll alongside the defensive walls via the Allée des Remparts and the Allée des Lépreux. Another must-see sight, the Tour César is a 12th-century tower that served as a fortress under King Henry the Liberal; the building exemplifies medieval military architecture and houses the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate church (which was never completed).
The most noteworthy church in Provins is the 11th-century Eglise Saint-Ayoul, which features a bright and inspiring sanctuary. Saint Ayoul's relics made the church a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages.
The Maison Romane (Romanesque House) is the oldest edifice in Provins. Today, the building houses an excellent antiquities collection, including Merovingian sculptures and Gallo-Roman tiles and pottery.
Provins hosts several historical reenactments that bring the medieval world to life. Once a year, Provins hosts the Les Médiévales de Provins during a lively weekend of entertainment. This medieval festival includes a medieval ball, medieval music concerts, dances, troubadour performances, games, jesters, acrobatic shows, and a costume parade. The Eagles of Ramparts show gives visitors a glimpse of the ancient art of falconry.
Disneyland Paris
A perfect day trip for families with kids, Disneyland Paris is a gigantic fairyland of fantasy and adventure. A top attraction is Sleeping Beauty Castle. The story of Sleeping Beauty is depicted in stained glass and tapestries, while the vaulted cellars are occupied by a fire-breathing dragon. Other favorite areas are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups spinning ride, and it's a small world cruise.
Disneyland Paris has several hotels and over 50 different restaurants. From Paris, it's an easy journey by taking the RER Line A train from Chatelet Les Halles to Marne-la-Vallée (the ride takes about 40 minutes). There is also a direct TGV train from Charles de Gaulle airport to Marne-la-Vallée.
Château de Malmaison
In the suburb of Rueil-Malmaison, the Château de Malmaison (now a museum) is a worthwhile and easy excursion from central Paris. The château was built in 1620 in Early Baroque style.
In the suburb of Rueil-Malmaison, the Château de Malmaison (now a museum) is a worthwhile and easy excursion from central Paris. The château was built in 1620 in Early Baroque style.
The château was acquired in 1799 by Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoléon's first wife. After being divorced by Napoleon in 1809, she lived here alone. As her private residence (rather than an official palace), the château has an intimate feeling despite the grand Empire style.
Joséphine used her home to host social gatherings and concerts. She also took an interest in landscaping and botany. Reflecting this passion, the château has a beautiful garden filled with roses and plants that grew there during Joséphine's time.
Abbaye de Royaumont
The Abbaye de Royaumont is a Cistercian abbey surrounded by dense woodlands in a peaceful setting that feels much farther away than 49 kilometers from Paris. The Royaumont Abbey offers a welcome retreat in nature and a place for spiritual contemplation.
Founded in 1228 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis), the abbey was created as a place of theological study. Visitors can take a tour of the beautiful Gothic abbey and see where the monks prayed, read holy texts, and prepared meals in the refectory. The old sacristy has been converted into an intimate chapel.
A highlight of the abbey is the grounds, including a serene cloister, idyllic gardens, and an expansive park, which inspire relaxation and meditation.
For those seeking a relaxing escape, the abbey offers bed-and-breakfast hotel accommodations for overnight stays on Saturday evenings. Besides offering a restful night's sleep, the experience includes fine dining in a gorgeous 13th-century vaulted hall. The gourmet cuisine of the Royaumont restaurant is prepared from local and seasonal farm-fresh ingredients. The restaurant serves dinner on Saturday evenings and lunch on Sundays.
Musée National de la Renaissance
The Château d'Écouen presides over a 19-hectare estate, surrounded by the vast Forest of Chantilly just 20 kilometers north of Paris. This impressive Renaissance château was built in the 16th century for Lord Anne de Montmorency, a philanthropist and patron of the arts. The sumptuous interior of the château displays many remarkable pieces from Montmorency's art collection. Since 1975, it has housed the collections of the Musée National de la Renaissance (National Museum of the Renaissance)
The renowned collection includes Renaissance decorative arts (furniture, ceramics, stained glass) as well as paintings and tapestries. One of the highlights is a tapestry that depicts the history of David and Bathsheba; another masterwork is the 16th-century Jupiter and Latona tapestry, a piece once owned by Diane de Poitiers.
The museum also hosts Renaissance-themed exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors will want to spend some time exploring the lovely grounds. The château property includes a restaurant, À la Table des Rois, that is open everyday (except Mondays and Tuesdays) from 10:30am until 5:30pm.
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Musée d'Archéologie Nationale)
The birthplace of the composer Claude Debussy and King Louis XIV, the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye boasts one of the most beautiful castles in France. In the 12th century, King Louis VI built a castle here on a plâteau above the Seine River. It was pulled down and rebuilt by King François I, leaving only the keep of the old castle and the adjoining 13th-century Chapelle Saint-Louis, one of the earliest examples of High Gothic architecture.
The Château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye houses the Musée des Antiquités Nationales (National Museum of Antiquities), the only museum in France devoted entirely to archaeology. This extensive collection includes archeological finds and prehistoric art from all over France, spanning the Paleolithic era (including the Venus of Brassempouy) to the Bronze Age and Celtic and Gallo-Roman times.
Surrounded by 3,500 hectares of forest, the château has lovely grounds featuring formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, as well as a romantic English garden created in the 19th century. From the Grande Terrasse of the formal gardens, there is a magnificent view across the Seine River towards Paris.
Auvers-sur-Oise
The charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise was a favorite destination of many Impressionist artists, who came here to paint the beautiful scenery. This picturesque village takes visitors into the quaint world of the French countryside, about an hour drive or train ride from Paris.
The town's must-see site is the Eglise Notre-Dame d'Auvers, a Romanesque church built in the late 11th century. Perched at the top of the village, this church was immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh in his painting Eglise d'Auvers. There is a statue of Van Gogh by the sculptor Zadkine in the town's Parc van Gogh.
For those seeking the trail of Vincent van Gogh, the Auberge Ravoux, also known as the Maison de van Gogh (House of Van Gogh), is where the artist rented a room for bed and board beginning on May 20, 1890. The Ravoux Inn no longer has rooms available but has retained its restaurant with the same decor of a 19th-century artists' café. Van Gogh sat at a table at the back of the dining room. The restaurant serves classic French cuisine prepared from local ingredients.
A listed Historic Monument, the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny was the house and atelier of Charles François Daubigny, a celebrated landscape painter. It's easy to see why Daubigny chose this house with its delightful flowering garden. Daubigny turned his atelier into an artistic center where other artists gathered to socialize and work. Today, the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny displays the works of Daubigny's artist friends, including Corot, Daumier, Dechaume, and Oudinot.
On the outskirts of the town in a pristine forest, the exquisite 17th-century Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise is surrounded by lovely formal French gardens. The château presents an innovative multimedia exhibit, the "Impressionist Vision" designed as an immersive experience to teach visitors about Impressionist art. For lunch and afternoon snacks, the château has a chic restaurant that serves a seasonal menu.
Château de Rambouillet
Nestled in the dense woodland between Versailles and Chartres, this glorious château boasts more than 20,000 hectares of parkland. The park offers pleasant walking trails through the refreshing forest of Rambouillet. Although the Château de Rambouillet is the summer residence of the President of the Republic, it is open to visitors.
The château was built in 1706 for the Comte de Toulouse. In 1783, the château was acquired by King Louis XVI, who used it as a hunting lodge. He created the Laiterie de la Reine, a dairy built for Marie-Antoinette that resembled a Greek temple. The château's 150-hectare property is classified as a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden).
Napoléon made the château his residence, and since 1959 it has been a part-time residence of the French President. The richly decorated interior features fine Delft tiles and period furniture. Notable rooms are the 16th-century Salle de Marbre (Marble Hall), the 18th-century Council Chamber, the bathrooms installed by Napoléon in 1809 and the Ballroom with Aubusson tapestries.
Senlis
Brimming with Old World charm, this small historic town lies about 50 kilometers northeast of Paris. Senlis was an important religious city (the see of a Bishop) from the 3rd century until 1790.
The old town is dominated by the majestic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis, constructed between 1153 and 1184. This awe-inspiring cathedral represents various Gothic styles, as the edifice was renovated in the 13th century and the 16th century. The richly carved main doorway depicts the triumph of the Virgin. The beautiful interior, dating to the 12th century, is one of the earliest Gothic naves in France.
Near the cathedral are the remains of the town's Gallo-Roman walls and of the vestiges of a medieval castle, the Château Royal. In the park of the Château Royal is the Musée de la Vénerie (Hunting museum), which illustrates the art and history of hunting; the museum displays weapons, costumes, hunting horns, and trophies. On the western outskirts of the town are the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Compiègne
Steeped in history, the city of Compiègne is remarkable for its royal legacy and Imperial Palace. Louis XV built the grandiose Neoclassical Château de Compiègne, and Louis XVI enlarged it in the 18th century. After the French Revolution, Napoleon I made the palace his own, and later Napoleon III enhanced it further in glorious Second Empire style.
The Château de Compiègne is surrounded by an enchanting 700-hectare park featuring marble sculptures. Within the lush grounds is a delightful Jardin des Roses created in the 19th century.
