When visiting any famous destination, keep in mind that sometimes the hunt for a hidden gem will get much easier if you drive just a few miles away from the main city where you flew in.
For your next trip to the city of love, we got you! Here are a few suburban cities surrounding Paris that you can easily reach by car or public transportation for a day trip or a weekend getaway, oh-la-la!
Versailles
Versailles is a historic city located just a short train ride from Paris. It is best known for the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous palaces in the world. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens and parks surrounding the palace.
Read more: Alternative destinations to visit in France, beyond Paris!
Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is a charming town located just an hour’s drive from Paris. It is famous for the Château de Fontainebleau, a magnificent Renaissance palace that was once the residence of French monarchs, including Napoleon I, who commissioned renovations to the palace and hosted many important events there, including his coronation as emperor. Visitors can also explore the beautiful forest of Fontainebleau, which is ideal for hiking and picnicking.
Reims
Reims is a city located in northeastern France, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Paris. It is best known for its rich history and is home to the stunning Gothic cathedral of Reims, where a total of 25 French monarchs were once crowned, including Francis I, who was a patron of the arts and of the Renaissance. He brought many artists and architects to France, and his court became a center of artistic and cultural activity. He is also remembered for his military campaigns and for his role in the spread of humanism and the Enlightenment in France. Parts of his story have been told in several films, including “Duel of the Titans” (1961) and “Francois 1er” (1955).
Reims is also famous for its Champagne, and it is home to several of the world’s largest champagne houses, including Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Pommery. These houses offer tours of their cellars and tasting rooms, allowing visitors to learn about the history of champagne and sample some of the world’s finest sparkling wines.
Rouen
Rouen is a historic city located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Paris. It is best known for its stunning Gothic architecture, including the impressive Rouen Cathedral. Rouen is also famous for its historical connections to Joan of Arc, and visitors can explore the places where she lived and died.
Chartres
Chartres is a beautiful medieval city located approximately 1 hour by train from Paris. It is best known for its magnificent cathedral, the Cathedral of Chartres, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Visitors can also explore the charming old town, with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and historic buildings.
Read more: Alternative destinations to visit in France, beyond Paris!
We bet you’ll dream of France tonight. Why not start turning the wheels to make it a reality? Start planning your trip to one – or all – of these amazing destinations now at our Trip Planner!
– Your friends at Citycatt 😽
