Paris day trips...
 

We will be in Paris for several days in September. We have been to Paris before but wish to see more of this lovely city. Give me some suggestions on what not to miss and also some ideas for some day trips outside of the city. We have been to Chartres before. Any help will be appreciated.

Hello Lynda, <BR> <BR>I've taken day trips to Fountainbleau, Dijon, Reims, and Versailles (all by train and easily done in a day).

Hi Lynda <BR>If you would like to look at my Paris notes compiled from my trips there and this forum (sightseeing, daytrips, etc) please email me. <BR>Popular day trips include the ones Monica mentioned, plus Giverny, <BR>Vaux-le-Vicomte, and even Normandie beaches (which I can't advise you on, not having been there).

Hi Lynda, <BR> <BR>Last month we took a fun day trip to St. Germain-en-Laye (actually, it can be a half-day outing). There is a RER that goes directly there - you come out of the station across the street from the Chateau. The gardens were being re-planted while we were there, but even with just grass and trees, it was lovely. The view back toward Paris is amazing. Behind the chateau is a smaller building where Louis XIV was born. <BR> <BR>We happened to be there on a Sunday, and decided to walk to the town square. There was a marche that day, so that was an added treat. <BR> <BR>Had lunch across the street from the Chateau at an outdoor cafe. It was a place called Le Soubise - reasonable price and good food. We didn't have anything complicated, but very nice croque monsieur, frites, omelettes kind of stuff. <BR> <BR>Back to Paris by mid-afternoon - the ride is about 30 minutes.

Versailles, definitely. <BR> <BR>Another good one is to tour a few chateaux of the Loire Valley -- take the TGV from Paris to Tours, where you can either rent a car or go with a day tour company by coach or minivan. The chateaux and the countryside are a lovely contrast to Paris, but very accessible, and you can be back in Paris by nightfall.

Exploring Paris: <BR> <BR>16th arr - LeCorbusier Foundation, Mallet-Stevens designs, Hector Guimard designs; Marmottan Museum; Asiatic Arts Museum <BR> <BR>For architectural things to see, check <BR>http://www.greatbuildings.com/ <BR> <BR>20th arr - various 'villas', which are enclosed streets, oftentimes accessible by climbing stairs; Edith Piaf Museum; Pere Lachaise Cemetery <BR> <BR>12th arr - Artists Viaduct; garden walkway above street level; the boat basin - sidebar, the Canal St Martin boat - Bois de Vincennes zoo <BR> <BR>The forgotten museums: The Museum of the Hunt and Chase; Cognac Jay; Andre Jacquemart; Cluny; Lock (and key) Museum; Legion of Honor and Cavalry; Crime. <BR> <BR>Burial places: Montmartre and Montparnasse Cemetery; St Denis Basilica; Pantheon <BR> <BR>Arab Center/Museum (it has a hamman and, of course, the famous mint tea) <BR> <BR>

Here's another vote for St. Germain-en- Laye. I went last year, begrudginly, but really fell for it. The shopping is great, the town square is very charming and the Chateau is wonderful. It's also neat to see Paris suburbs - actual homes that people live in. Can't wait to see it again - next week!

Any suggestions on a day trip for wine-tasting, in the "country?"

Just got back yesterday and was in Paris for 4 days. We were able to take day trips to Giverny (I think the train left around 8:15 am and we returned on the 12:54 and were at the Louvre by 2:00.) We also did a day tour with Cityrama of the Normandy Beaches. If it interests you, that is something to consider. We also went to Versailles. <BR> <BR>Those trips were all very easy. The train to Monet's house in Giverny, leaves for Gare St Lazare and goes to Vernon, take the bus to Giverny. Versaille--take RER C. <BR> <BR> <BR>Have a great time. Be prepared to walk a lot!

I'd recommend a visit to Pere LaChaise Cemetery, like no other cemetery you'll visit

lupe: <BR> <BR>There is a wine museum in Paris in the 16th which has tastings. <BR> <BR>The only vineyard left in Paris, in Montmarte, has a big festival in the fall and you can buy the wine (Clos Montmartre) <BR> <BR>You can go to Reims and back in a day, and do a champagne tasting.