Hi, I am going to be in Paris for a week in late August. Have been there a few times already so am thinking of taking some day trips. My current ideas are: Giverny; Dijon; Amboise. I like history, art, "pretty little towns" and just wandering around. I've already been to Versailles and Chartres. I'd like some other ideas; preferably things within 2 hours by train from Paris. Thanks in advance

Dijon should fit the bill. Amboise and Blois are also nice. For totally different architecture, you can also try Lille -- 55 minutes by TGV.

Hi L,

Dijon is a good idea.

Also Auxerre or Troyes or Reims.

I second Troyes. I found the tool museum fascinating. Fontainebleau is another possibility.

Not a full day and the travel distance by RER is short, but we really enjoyed strolling the delightful little town of Conflans St. Honorine which is primarily a community of people living on barges. There's even a delightful little church on a barge you can visit.

I'd also second Reims, which can be combined with Epernay for a delightful day including lots of champagne -- easily done by train.

Auxerres is a beautiful city with a nice cathedral off the canal. It's a good size city; yet, it still has small town charms.

Hi, Thanks everyone for the suggestions--it's a big help esp. since I'm planning this trip rather last minute.

Hello,

You can go also to Deauville in Normandie.
Less than 2 hours to go by train.
Many parisians go for a week-end to relax and to breathe the fresh air of the sea.
Have a look :
http://www.deauville.org/fr/photosnow.php

Have fun

My favorites: Moret sur Loing, Auvers sur Oise (Van Gogh), Joinville sur Marne, Rouen, Honfleur (via train station at Le Havre and then bus across bay, easy to do) Amboise, Chinon, Tours and the Chateau at Villandry.

Have fun.

Larry J

Hi, Larry, I was thinking of Honfleur, but thought is was a long trip. Do you know about how long it takes? And, thanks, Sandrine for the pics....

The direct trains from Paris St. Lazare station to Le Havre take 2 hours and then you must take the bus from the train station (bus station next to train station) to Honfleur. Bus station in Honfleur is very convenient. It is 5 minute walk to center of town. Honfleur does not have a train station. The bus from Le Havre to Honfleur takes about 25 minutes.

It would make a nice overnight trip or a long daytrip. I made a 4 day weekend of it and included a bus trip over to Deauville, Trouville and Etretat.

Larry J

One of our best daytrips ever from Paris was out to Giverny for breakfast in the gardens across from the house until it opened, tour the house and gardens, then head to Honfleur for a nice lunch on the harbour, out to see the cliffs at Etretat, and an afternoon stop at Pont Audemer. But that was by renting a car. No way you could accomplish that by train and/or bus.

My 2 cents. Just got back from living in Paris for 3 years.

- Epernay / Reims (Champagne region) for lunch and cellar tour
- Brussels is about 90mins by TGV train I believe
- Normandy is good (Deauville by train), but some of the sights (WWII sites at least) require a car
- Loire valley ditto on a car and I would think that Dijon would be similar
- Marseille is now only 3h on the TGV