We will be staying in Paris for 10 days this April. Besides Giverny (included), Versailles (already been), Chartres and Fontainebleau, i would welcome suggestions for other day trips from Paris either by car or by train.

Malmaison (Josephine's home after she became the ex-Mrs Bonaparte); Normandy beaches (there are bus tours that leave early am from Paris and return in the evening); Ste Genevieve des Bois (Russian cemetery where Nureyev is buried, as well as other Russian notables; the town itself is very pretty); Champagne region (several vineyards are open for visits).

Epernay - visit champagne vineyards/tasting rooms. Reims, wonderful cathedral, Chantilly, Blois (and the Loire Valley), Malmaison

<BR>Serious question: Is it the mood of the group that a trip to Chartres is definitely worth it?? <BR>I have a scheduled return trip to Paris later on in the summer and I am looking now at various ideas. So a comment or two on this issue, please. <BR>

We traveled by train to Chartres and yes it was worth it. The view of the cathedral rising out of the fields as you approach is inspiring, and that glass and interior are even more so. Plus it's a delightful little town (despite all the day tourists -- just accept the fact that you're one too!) <BR>Now for my question. Of the two, Reims or Epernay, which is the better day trip by train? Can you do either city and perhaps a vineyard by walking, or is a car or other transportation necessary when you get there??

Patrick: <BR>Reims is an easy day trip by train from Paris, about 1 1/2 hours. The champagne are not really within walking distance from the train station, although I guess you could do it if you are hearty. I found Reims to not be much of a walking town. I think you need a car, unless there is public transportation that can get you to the various houses. You definitely need a car to get to Epernay, not accessible by train from either Paris or Reims.

The other Lori beat me to it with her post, but I think a car makes Reims and Epernay more doable. We went with some of my husband's cousins and drove out (my husband's cousin was teaching a class at the University in Reims that day) and his wife and us did the town, cathedral, several small villages, Epernay, etc. We had a full day! You can go to Reims by train (also Epernay I believe) but it would be difficult to get around once there. We had a private tour of a small winery in one of the little towns near Epernay that day too (a student of our cousin had a relative that owned it) and it was marvelous!! <BR>Happy Planning.

Thanks. Since our Eurrail passes will be good during our stay in Paris, maybe we'll take the train to Reims and rent a car for the day so we can do it all. <BR>Back to Anh's original question. I love the city of Rouen, and it is easy to get to by train. It's a very walkable city and despite its tourist interests (the Joan of Arc stuff and Monet's cathedral), it always seems so untouristy -- more like a bustling working town.

Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. Now i will have to narrow down to maybe 3 or 4 top choices since i really want to explore Paris this time. Last time we were in Paris for 4 days and didn't even scratch the surface. So what do you think about Giverny, Chartres, Normandy beaches and Champagne (Epernay, Reims). We can probably do first two by train and the second two by car.

Vaux le Vicomte without a doubt. Look it up in the guidebooks. Chateau built by Fouquet (finance minister to Louis XIV) and spectacular. Opulence of the place got him in trouble with the King. By public transportation: train to Melun and taxi to chateau. You can also drive.

Anh - Quick correction to a post from Lori. My family and I took a direct train from Paris to Epernay in Nov-98. Unless they've closed the train station in Epernay, I think that's still a viable alternative.