Hello all,

We will be in Paris the beginning of August for 4 days ~ We will visit all the main places such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, etc. We are looking for suggestions of what else to see that would let us feel what Paris is outside of these monuments (ie: street markets, villages, local "must see's", chocolate, cheese, macaroons, shops, etc.). We will have our young adult children ages 17-20 years with us, so anything that might be interesting. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

We are also looking to head out of Paris by train 1 day (not overnight) to see the countryside, in an area that town that would be interesting yet still give us the feel of the French countryside ~ Any suggestions again would be wonderful!

Thank you!

If I follow, you'll be spending 5 nights in Paris, so 4 full days, 1 of which will be for the day trip out of town? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Also, where will you be staying?

<street markets, chocolate, cheese, macaroons, shops, etc.>

For those things, just pick somewhere central to stay and get out and wander around.

Name your area, and you will get lots of recommendations for the extra things you'd like to experience. The Bastille market has been my favorite so far, but I haven't been to that many.

Pierre Herme is one stop for macarons and chocolate, one of my favorites. I like the shop at Rue Bonaparte, mostly because there is a big selection, sometimes a crowd, and nearby shopping is fun. Also like Michel Chaudon in the 7th for chocolates.

Are you arty? One of our favorite things to do in Paris is to see temporary exhibitions. Sometimes a little research is necessary, because advance tickets can help.

Here are a few ideas for days trips from Paris.

Reims. The historical center is close to the train station and very walkable. Cathedral (where French royalty was crowned) has an interesting history, esp. in World War I. There are a couple of museums and champagne tours.

Verdun. World War I. Join a tour of battlefields and monuments in Paris.

Rouen. Joan of Arc and Monet history, a nice museum of 19th C. art. Half-timbered buildings, although most were rebuilt after WWII.

Troyes. Medieval town, narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings. The oldest parts feel like time has stood still. A few beautiful churches, a few decent museums.

Loire Valley chateaux. Train to Orleans, Blois or Tours to see one or more chateaux. Or take a guided tour that starts in Paris.

Consider a food tour. Paris by Mouth offers wonderful tours that are usually focused in one area. Great way to sample food (especially cheese) that you would likely never even be aware of otherwise. We have done two different tours with them and loved them.

Maybe Giverny for a day trip...I think you could potentially combine with Rouen. The book Paris to the Past is full of day trip ideas and the history behind them.

Have you read this website's Destinations section on Paris and France? It will help you do less rather than more, but do it better. Maybe those adults with you should have some input too.