Sometimes on your travels you just want to escape the city, whether it be for a full day or just an afternoon. Below are some of the best day trips from the city of love to allow you to experience the very best of the surrounding area.
1. Versailles
This decadent palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world (Discover the Palace of Versailles), and best of all the gardens are completely free to visit. After taking a guided tour of the house relax outside with the stunning fountains, manicured gardens and woodland areas to explore. At only 20km from central Paris, this must see attraction is an easy day trip from the city.
2. Strabourg
Known as ‘little Paris’, Strasbourg is reminiscent of the kind of quaint timbered town you’d find in the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast. With a gothic style cathedral, picturesque canals, gourmet food and delicious wineries, Strasbourg caters for a diverse range of tastes. Thanks to the reliable high speed rail network Strasbourg can be easily reached by Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes.
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3. Provins
This charming medieval town is a huge draw to history lovers from around the the world. Here you can climb the ancient castle ramparts and enjoy spectacular views across the city. Once you’re done exploring the castle, check out the underground tunnels or grab a spot of lunch. The town is famous for its rose flavoured products, including a rose flavoured hot chocolate which is a huge hit with the locals. Provins can be easily reached from Paris in an hour by car or rail.
4. Mont Saint Michel
Although Mont Saint Michel makes for a long day trip, taking 3 hours by car, once you’ve seen this stunning island you’ll more than agree its worth the trip. Bring some sturdy shoes for the climb up the hill, pack your camera and perhaps even bring a lunch to avoid the high tourist prices in the area. Although the town can be crowded, if you aim to arrive before 9 or after 5 you’ll have most of the streets to yourself.
5. Monet’s gardens at Giverny
Do you remember Monet’s incredible water lily paintings? Well now you have a chance to visit the stunning gardens that inspired him. Only an hour from Paris by train or car, the Giverny gardens is a great spot to escape the city and