Paris is one of the best places to spend your time, but every once in a while, you’ll want to escape the city and see somewhere new for a change. All these unique cities can be seen in a day with just a quick train ride from Paris!
Day Trips from Paris
1. Fontainebleau
A quick ride on the RER train will take you to a town called Fontainebleau. Here you will find an amazing chateau to explore. Take a look inside to see a Versailles-like chateau, and then walk around the grounds outside. There’s a pond with koi fish and swans, and you may see some horse-drawn carriages too! The walk from the train station to the chateau takes you through a pretty park where you can stop and have a picnic on your way!
2. Giverny
It is home to Monet’s famous gardens where he painted his water lilies. You can take the train from Paris, and then shuttles run straight from the Giverny station to the gardens, making it easily accessible. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places I saw all semester! The quaint little town around it is perfect for strolling around and grabbing a bite to eat before returning to the city.
3. Brussels
A few hours on the TGV will land you in another country! Brussels (pictured at the top) is a small city that can be done in just a day if you plan it right. Start your day off with a Belgian waffle and walk around admiring the street art. See the Grand Place, a square in the center of the city of beautiful buildings such as the Brussels City Museum and the town hall. Eat some fries and stop off at one of the most unique landmarks in the city, the Manneken Pis, before going home.
4. Versailles
Versailles is home to Château de Versailles, a palace that has become symbolic of Paris. You can walk through the famous Hall of Mirrors, and get lost for hours in this giant estate. One of my favorite things to do there is rent a rowboat in the pond outside. Try to go when the weather is warm to see the incredible fountains in action. Relax and have a crepe or ice cream on the grass afterwards. Outside the grounds, there is a whole town with restaurants to stop in at the end of your day.
5. Disneyland Paris
It’s the happiest place on earth! Even though we have a few back in America, it’s definitely worth the trip. There are some rides that none of the other parks have, and the crowds are much smaller than in other Disney parks. They even have a "Ratatouille"- themed restaurant called Chez Remy, with amazing food (such as potatoes au gratin with brie cheese), giant decor to make you feel as if you are as tiny as Remy. After spending weeks going to museums, it can be fun to enjoy a roller coaster for a change!
