Francophiles, listen up. While it can be easy to be swept up in the City of Light, there’s a whole world beyond the fromage, fashion and frites of Paris. Within just an hour or two of the city centre you’ll find quaint towns with countless galleries, sprawling vineyards, immaculate gardens and the most picturesque chateaus you ever did see, all easily accessible by train.
When you’re planning and prepping for the next France vacay, set aside a couple of hours for a short sojourn out of the city. Here’s 6 of the best day trips from Paris to add to your holiday.
Versailles
Image credit: Palace of Versailles | Instagram
An absolute must in your Paris itinerary, this place will blow your mind. Brimming with history and oozing opulence, Château De Versailles was once the royal residence of various French monarchs including King Louis XIV and the renowned Marie Antoinette. Today, this grand castle is one of the world’s most recognisable and popular tourist destinations, comprising the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Canal, Royal Opera House, countless pieces of art, the immaculately manicured gardens and more. It will take you about 30 minutes on the train from Paris’ city centre to get there, and with over 2,000 rooms to explore on the 8.15km square property, you’ll want to dedicate at least half a day to the ambling.
Fontainebleau
Image credit: Chateau de Fontainebleau | Website
Another French castle to add to your list. The French Renaissance grandeur of Château de Fontainebleau makes this majestic palace feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale. As with Versailles, a visit to Château de Fontainebleau will include exploring the vast gardens and marveling at the incredibly detailed interiors fit for a king or queen, fitting, as it was home to all of France’s rulers—including Napoleon—once upon a time. Unlike Versailles’ 10+ million visitors every year, this equally-beautiful palace only attracts around 300,000 tourists, making it a significantly more relaxing experience.
Reims
Image credit: Reiums Tourism | Website
There’s enough Champagne in Paris to quench the thirst of even the most parched traveller, but sipping in the city doesn’t compare to having it straight from the source in the French countryside. Just an hour from Paris, Reims is the unofficial capital of Champagne and a must-visit for anyone who fancies fizz. After you’ve checked out the beautiful Reims Cathedral and Palace of Tau, swing by one of the many Champagne houses for tastings and tours. End the day trip with an extravagant indulgence at one of Reim’s many Michelin-starred restaurants. Santé!
Lille
Image credit: Lille Tourism | Supplied
Just a few kilometres from the Belgium border lies Lille, the small but mighty Capital of Culture. So much more than just a university town, this underrated city exudes charm thanks to its Flemish influence. From the bourgeois style of the old town Vieux Lille to the picturesque squares perfect for picnicking to the trove of top-notch restaurants and cafes throughout, you’re going to want to dedicate a whole day to this quaint town. Before you head back on the hour-long train to Paris, be sure to grab one of the city’s famous sweet treats un merveilleux, and pick up a paperback from the book market Vieille Bourse to read on the road.
Loire Valley
Image credit: Touraine Loire Valley | Website
We’ve covered quite a few chateaus in this list, but over 20 castles open to the public along the one river?! You’ll only find that in Loire Valley. There’s relatively affordable tours available that make chatear-hopping a breeze, giving you the opportunity to have all your answers about the magical region answered. TIP #1: rent a bicycle for the day and explore the many, MANY wineries on two wheels. The entire area is very bike-friendly and will save you a pretty penny on taxi fees. TIP #2: Make it an E-bike for an even easier transit.
Chantilly
Image credit: Chateau de Chantilly | Website
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Chantilly is the crème de la crème of day trips. Just an easy half hour train ride from Paris, Chantilly (French for ‘whipped cream’) is home of the 1500s-era castle Domaine de Chantilly, where the famous dessert is said to have been invented. Once you’ve got your sugar fix, spend a few hours roaming around the stunning grounds, stopping in at the stables to meet the horses and admire the architectural details.
Heading back into the big smoke? You’ll need somewhere to stay:
Source: theurbanlist.com
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
