Easy Day Trips from Paris
I reserve Tuesdays to explore destinations outside of Paris. My requirements are that the trip is less than an hour and a half by train or bus, the site is walkable, and I am back in Paris by dinner.
My favorite bus tour combines a visit to two châteaux, Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte. The former once belonged to the kings of France and features Napolean’s throne room and the “Renaissance” rooms showcasing decorative artifacts from the French Renaissance. The elegant Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has arched windows that overlook the formal garden designed by André Le Nôtre. Spoiled king alert: after seeing this garden, King Louis XIV was so jealous he imprisoned the owner, Nicolas Fouquet, for life. (Not nice.)
(Left to right) Top row: Fontainebleau: Napolean’s Throne and Renaissance Room; Rouen Cathedral detail. Bottom row: Rouen, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Giverny kitchen detail
Rouen, located in Normandy, has a stunning Gothic cathedral made famous by Monet’s paintings. It is a gastronomic center and has over 2,000 timber-framed buildings and a beautifully preserved medieval quarter. It is a long day from Paris, so you can spend the night if you would like. Historical note: Joan of Arc was tried and executed here. (So not nice).
And finally, Claude Monet’s home at Giverny, a riot of color. He lived in the house from 1883 to 1926. The pink home with green shutters overlooks a garden of flowers and is a short walk to the pond, bridge, and water lilies the artist painted. Be sure to see his blue-tiled kitchen featuring copper pots. It is an upbeat, unexpected visual treat.
Bonne journée,
Priss
MY FAVORITE THINGS
Château de Fontainebleau – a 1,500 room family home for the kings of France.
Vaux-le-Vicomte – beautiful home and gardens. Well-done audio guide that tells the story of the owner’s rise and fall from grace from his first-person perspective.
Rouen – Normandy town with cathedral, medieval timber-framed buildings.
Claude Monet home at Giverny – visit the garden, house, artist’s studio, and kitchen, which is tiled in blue.
STAY IN TOUCH
Let me know when you are in town! You can reach me via email or leave a phone message
These day trips sound wonderful. I like that you bracket your trip with manageable travel out to the location and back in time for dinner. Imagine having such historical, cultural and design attuned destinations within in a public transit service radius of approx 2 hours of anyone's home country residence. So much to see and learn and enjoy. Wonderful.