What are the BEST day trips from Paris?
 

Have a week there and would like to get out of town for a day or two but probably not with an overnight.<BR>Could anyone tell me what day trips are most feasible, affordable and worth the time?<BR>The one I'm closely eyeing the most is Chartes, anyone know how I can find the cost and schedule of trains?<BR>thanks

We thought the long day trip to Normandy via the ?grayline bus co., (guided tour) was excellent. there was so much to do in Paris, that we never did all the other day trips we had planned. Wish we had gone to Giverny. Judy

I think Givny, is the place to go. After visiting Monet's house and gardens, You can walk to the American museum and then to The Ancient Hotel Baudy where the American Impressionists lived and painted and visited Monet. It is no long a hotel but it is a museum/gardens/charming restaurant

This question is asked on this forum probably several times a month so you can find a lot of the most suggested recommendations with a lot of information by doing a search, although I agree two-word searches don't seem to work that well on here ("day trips" might not work)-- try searching for "chartres" or "chantilly" or "giverny" perhaps, under France in the country box. <BR><BR>If you take the train to a place within an hour or so of Paris, cost isn't of any major importance. They are all about the same and not expensive at all, it shouldn't even affect your decision. I don't have latest figures but I'd guess probably about US$10-15 one-way. It only gets expensive when you start going longer distances, especially by TGV--then you could blow a couple hundred dollars RT, I suppose. Any place on the RER suburban rail line will be cheapest, though (ie, Versailles, Chantilly).<BR><BR>above URL is the French rail site

www.sncf.com for train schedules.<BR><BR>and www.giverny.org for lots of information on Giverny and nearby Vernon.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

If you have not been to Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, both a possible in one day. Vaux is a baroque masterpiec while Fontanebleau is a slice of French history. It was Napoleon's imperial residence when he was not attending some battle.<BR><BR>

Giverny and Versaille. Both great and very easy from Paris. Versaille via train and Giverny through a tour (can access by public trans, just think a tour would be better for this).

My daughter and I went to Chartres in May. It is easily done in a day. We left on the regular French train-arrived at a small station-can't remember the name and then a bus the rest of the way. This was all in one ticket bought at the train station. One way should not be more than 10-15 dollars-maybe double for the return trip. The only thing that disappointed me there was a religious festival that day so we stayed overnight to get into the cathedral the next day. Malcolm Moore does a tour in the afternoon that I did not get to do because of the festival, and we were leaving the next day for Tours. This is one reason I would like to get back to Chartres for this tour. Truly beautiful cathedral-so interesting and town is small enough to enjoy strolling if time is left.

London

up<BR>

Fontainebleu was lovely. Not only the castle but the town is darling and fun to walk around.

Versailles

Another vote for Versailles. It's an easy do it yourself daytrip via the train. Travel there on one of the RER routes --- you can find more detailed info on getting there in other threads on this forum.<BR>

interested in hearing more of the town of Fontainebleu

Rouen. I spent a day each in Chartres (cathedral is lovely but didn't think that much of the town), Versailles castle and grounds were also lovely and visited all sites but, for an entire day viewing great cathedrals, half-timbered houses, etc. I think back about Rouen being my favorite. I can send you my day trip diary page if you e-mail me directly.<BR><BR>As an aside, the train costs are minimal to any of the local sites.

Vaux Le Vicomte<BR>or<BR>Auvers sur Oise

What's to see in Giverny? How far (timewise) is it from Paris?

Mimi mentioned the highlights of Giverny (okay, she mispelled it). I provided the URL of one of the best web sites for an overview.<BR><BR>It's probably under an hour; defintely under 90 minutes (depends on where you start in Paris). Tour buses might be an okay way to get there. The train takes you to Vernon (5-10 minute cab ride; not sure about other public transportation for these last few miles). Fastest of all would be car, but quite unnecessary, unless you want it for other exploring in the Vexin/Haute Normandie area.<BR><BR>If you do think you might be interested in that, then check out http://www.normandy-tourism.org/<BR>

up, for Linda<BR>

Hi,<BR>Could anyone give me details on the Grayline Tours daytrip from Paris to Normandy?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Kathy<BR>

http://graylineparis.com/tour_detail.cfm?tour_id=55<BR><BR>There are also multi-day trips to Normandy with Grayline.<BR>

You must go to Versaille. We went to Paris a few years ago and Versaille was a highlight of our trip. Take a lot of pictures and blow them up and hang them for everyone to see. E-mail me if you would like details on Paris. We spent 4 days there.

To receive my day trip file, send me an e mail.