Good morning, now that summer is upon us, I want to focus a little on my Paris trip. I am thinking with 10 days in the city, I would have some time to train to a nearby area for a day or two, probably one overnight. I have no idea what is around Paris within say, a 2-3 hour train ride. What can anyone suggest as a side trip. I have my mom and my two kids with me (at this time 5 and 7 years old). This trip will be last of Sept/first week of October.

I have to go get a map!! (I did look into the trip reports and the France section, but couldn't find anything about side trip suggestions.)

Versailles, Givenchy, Chenonoceau, Chambord, Chartres, Mont-St-Michel...

Ginger

Hi jnini... wow, both you and Kim on the France board now!

You wouldn't run out of things to do with 10 days in Paris, but a side trip would be a nice change. We were in Paris for 2 weeks in August/September 2004 and did a day trip to Giverny and also an unexpected day trip to Provence. I'll also confess to a day at Disneyland Paris. I definitely don't recommend a day trip to Provence... you can get there in three hours, but it's just too much-- especially with children. I'd suggest you see what you could do within an hour or so. Then come back to see more of France.

Many people do the very easy day trip to Versailles... less than an hour by train. We actually visited when our daughter was a very young toddler. That same trip we took the TGV out to for a day in Angers in the Loire Valley. We wanted to get out of the city and see something very different.

On another thread we're talking about the cathedral at Chartres. Read this (and check out the link to Brenda's trip report) and see if this is something that would appeal to you.

I personally loved Giverny... I love the French impressionists, love gardens, and love the simplicity of the countryside... but it really depends on what would be a fun day for you and your family.

The Frommers guide to Paris has a whole chapter on Side Trips from Paris. This book might be a good investment for you for your trip-- and not just for that chapter.

I'm sure you'll also get other input here. There have been several discussions on this topic, so you might also want to do a search.

Kathy

You might also enjoy my photo album (not too long!) of our two weeks in Paris. There are some especially nice photos from Giverny.

Kathy

Is Giverny too close? I am planning on spending the night--or at least would consider it; it makes it feel like less schlepping. Does that make Provence close enough?

I have a book on Paris, but need to get one on France in general. But,r eally, do I need a guide book with all the help on these boards?

Do you plan to rent a car for your sidetrip? You might want to consider the Loire. You could take a train to Tours, then rent a car and spend the night someplace like Amboise or Chenonceau. That would give you beautiful countryside and fabulous chateaus.

Highly reccommend the the DK Eyewitness Guides as the first book you get. More like a super primer with lots of color photos. One can always purchase a more detailed guide once you decide on specific locations.

Don't be penny foolish on guide books. A $6K trip can afford a couple of guide books.

Your thought of a night away is also good, EVEN if you maintain your Paris hotel room. The only additional cost is a room in a less expensive provincial town. Chartres is a totally different town once the thousands of day trippers hot foot it back to Paris.

Bon voyage

http://www.jack-travel.com/IledeFrance/html/Paris_Daytrips_main_page.htm

This should help

Tom--
THanks, I was kidding about the guidebooks! I just haevn't focused ont his trip much. We have an apartment in Paris, so obviously we will keep it and only need to pack an overnight bag instead of schlepping everything. THat is a plus.

Chris--I hadn't thought about renting a car, but probably not. With the kids and all, I just figured I could hop on the train and be in a village/town with enough to do walking around and staying one night.

Thanks Cigalechanta! I will take a look at everyone's suggestions. Thanks again Francies. I seriously am a rookie about France and it's [I am sure] beautiful options.

Every Sunday from May to 10 September, a special direct train runs between Paris and Auvers. From the church immortalized by Van Gogh to the Musée Daubigny and its workshop, via the château, the Ravoux inn, Doctor Gachet's house and the absinthe museum, Auvers is the perfect place to explore the world of the impressionists. The train leaves from Gare du Nord in the morning and returns to Paris in the evening.

Dijon is an interesting city to visit and only a little over an hour from Paris. There is a fascinating cathedral, the Maille Mustard Boutique, an intriguing old city and I loved the museum as well. The tourist information office is a short walk from the train station and the old section of Dijon a little further from there. You can also do wine tours from there if that is of interest.

within 3 hours of Paris there is whole wonderful world to be had. NO Giverny is not too far from Paris. TAke the A15 direction Rouen will get you there in about an hour bit more. There are wonderful trains too here is info in English
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage?_DLG=Sv...=cmdHomepageUK&WB=HP

if you can be more specific i can help you with ideas.

and on this site you can find info on sidetrip closer to Paris
http://www.transilien.com/FR/TouSom.htm
its in area call forfaits loisiers and have info on getting on the train;its in French but easily recognisable:

By the way i just remember my wife wanted to go to Giverny this weekend for lunch and a walk with the kids so will tell you more fresh news

Hi Jnini,

One of my favorite short trips from Paris is a combo: Chantilly and Senlis. Chantilly, 40 minutes north of Paris by train, for its lovely chateau, set on water, with a fine small collection of art - hung side-by side and top-to-bottom in the 19th-century fashion - and a nice display of porcelain of the 18th and 19th centuries made in the royally sanctioned manufactury in the town (as well as the "Living Museum of the Horse" in the chateaux's sumptuous stables, for horse lovers). Senlis, a Roman town, about 20 minutes by bus from Chantilly, for the high charm of its ensemble of 17th-19th century architecture on winding, cobbled streets. This all can be done in a day trip, but if you were to stay overnight you could enjoy it more. I would stay in Senlis, one of my favorite towns in France, perhaps at the Hostellerie de la Porte Bellon, a Logis de France hotel, http://www.portebellon.com/ though based on a fairly recent report I wouldn't dine at the hotel.

Dave

Kind of late in the year for Giverny. You must see Chartres. Confer the "Chartres Labyrinth" thread currently active for advice. And, in conjunction, you better not miss Saint Denis (the first Gothic cathedral) or Saint Chapelle (the apotheosis of the style).

OK, wow. I am headed out of town again, but I did do some reading on areas close to Paris. So, I'll revisit this when I return and hopefully I can have some more pointed questions. Going on tilt...

I agree with Dave- Chantilly and Senlis are wonderful towns to visit and an easy train ride from Paris. Another town to consider as a day trip- Provins. About an hour by train from Paris.