PARIS DAY TRIPS??
 

W/O a car, what are some "must see" day trips from Paris? I'll be there for a week. Always appreciate suggestions from you knowledgeable Fodorites. Thanks, Terry

Terry, <BR>Previous threads can give you many more suggestions, but I would not miss the ride out to Giverney to see Monet's home and gardens. They will likely be crowded this time of year, but they are certainly on my "must see" list. We enjoyed walking around the surrounding area. There was a flea market in an old building and several other interesting spots within walking distance of the entrance to Monet's. <BR> <BR>Most folks would also tell you not to miss Versailles. It was crowded and not worth the effort in my opinion. We went through fairly quickly, caught our breath outside, and headed for the charming little town within a short walking distance. Enjoy yourself. I am envious. PJK

If you enjoy stained glass and gothic cathedals a la Notre Dame, a trip out to Chartres for its cathedral and amazing stained glass is a must. Do a search for "Malcolm Miller" to read posts about this man's famous English-language tours.

A bit farther but in the Loire Valley Amboise, Blois and Angers are accessible by train I think it's from St. Lazare.

I am surprised that this question has not gotten greater response. I guess all the Forum Paris folks are over there! <BR>I decided to put Fontainebleau on my schedule this trip. Have not done it yet, but it sounds interesting. I thought Versailles was interesting, but I was a history major 45 years ago!! <BR>Mr. Steves likes Vaux-le-Vicomte. <BR>My wife and I went to Giverny on our own - train from St. Lazare to Vernon; taxi to Giverny. I thought the trip more interesting than the gardens, but I was serving an escort role on that excursion. So I am biased. The gardens are pretty, but so are about 1,000 others. I think the tour lines have found a bonanza and help to perpetuate the myth that it is some kind of shrine. <BR> <BR>

Versailles half day - visit the hameau <BR>Chartres half day - be sure to visit the town, not just the cathedral <BR>Malmaison half day - Josephine's home after nixed by Napoleon <BR>Brussels full day - Gran' Place, Brewery Museum, shopping, eat mussels <BR>London full day - shopping; Tower of London, Kensington Palace, if it's open visit Buckingham Palace. <BR>DDay beaches full FULL day - train to Bayeux, pick up a bus or van tour; ParisVision and Cityrama run bus tours right from Paris <BR>Reims full day - visit a champagne producer <BR>Rouen full day - Jeanne d'Arc, the cathedral <BR>Giverny most of a day <BR>Amboise full day - the chateau, the chapel that contains da Vinci's body, Clos du Luce (da Vinci's home) <BR> <BR>

The best authority on the subject of Paris is Jack in Belgium, who discusses Paris day trips on his web site at http://goto-europe.com/i_am/jack.tra...sParismain.htm. <BR>Regards, <BR>Don and Linda <BR>http://www.thetravelzine.com <BR>Non-commercial