Hi, second time in Paris for us for 10 days this time. (2/10-2/21)Since we saw a lot of things the first trip (not that we could not spend years there and not see it all)we were wondering about doing a day trip from Paris. We have seen Versailles (sp). Considering Chartres (sp) or Antwerp. Does any/either of these make sense just for the day (no staying the night?)Any other suggestions? This board is great. Thanks for the help.

Hi Paula,<BR> Don't know about Antwerp, but have been to Chartres. Well worth the trip.<BR> You can also visit Brugges, which is a lovely town.

Our favorite day trips have been to Vaux-le-Vicomte, Chantilly/Senlis, and Auvers sur Oise. I have a file on these and others.<BR><BR>[email protected]

If you go to Chartres be sure to go at a time for the Malcolm Miller tour of the cathedral. He leads tours at 10:45AM (I THINK) and 2;45PM.<BR>Another day trip could be Auvers-sur-Oise, the town where many impressionists, notably VanGogh, lived and painted. Perhaps rather than Antwerp Brugges/Brussels would be better.

We once did a day trip to London on Eurostar thru Paris Vision Tours. It was quite affordable and a lot of fun, although too short. I think Paris Vision might be on the web.<BR><BR>Just another suggestion.<BR><BR>

Fontainebleau, Troyes and Angers also come to mind as day trips. Others have mentioned Rouen. Perhaps you might want to organize day trips on a theme, such as chateaux or Gothic cathedrals surrounding the Ile de France.

Second post attempt: Fontainebleau, Angers, Troyes come to mind as other possibilities. Perhaps you might want to organize day trips by themes: chateaux, or Gothic cathedrals around the Ile de France (Reims, Rouen, Chartres, Troyes, Sens, etc.).

My favourite day trip from Paris is to rent a car ( Hertz at Gare Montparnasse) drive to Vaux le Vicomte approx 50 km then to Fountainbleu approx 15 km tour both chateaux have lunch in Fountainbleu or Barbizon and drive back following the Seine as far as possible. The drive into and out of Paris from Montparnasse is not too bad. The Boul. Maine goes straight out to the autoroute approx 8 km.

Thanks everyone...leaving Monday but there are some great ideas and suggestions. Any more keep them coming. Thanks

Agree with above, all the choices sited are top notche IMO. If you don't have to decide until the last minute, maybe weather will be the deciding factor.<BR><BR>I'm a (in order)cathedral, chateaux, history freak. That being said, from the above postings Chartres is my #1 vote, Fontainebleau #2. These are ideal visits with multiple attractions regardless of weather, and are very different from Versailles. Vaux-le-Vicomte is absolutely marvelous, but this time of year the gardens just wouldn't be the same.<BR><BR>Bon Voyage!

We loved Chartres -- get there at noon and do the Malcom Miller led tour - well worth it. The cathedral is wonderful and the town is a neat little place, too. It is an easy train trip from Paris and back.