6 Unexpected Day Trips from Paris

1. Chantilly

Located about 24 miles north of the city, Chantilly is technically still in Paris’ metropolitan area, but surrounded by 24 square miles of forest. Known for its horses, art collection, and noble chateau, there’s plenty to do and see around here. The Living Museum of the Horse and its stables are a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture. The museum is considered living because it houses 31 horses as well as encourages interaction with the animals. In addition, there are more than 1,200 pieces of equine-focused art (paintings, drawings, and sculptures). Those who have a soft spot for architecture should also head to the 16th-century Château de Chantilly. Rebuilt over centuries by the noble Montmorency family, the structure includes the Musée Condé. Considered the second most impressive art collection in France behind the Louvre, the space features paintings like Botticelli’s Autumn, Raphael’s Three Graces and Pierre Mignard’s Portrait of Molière. Travelers who want a head start on the day may want to spend the night in the five-room luxury boutique Hotel Particulier Montmartre.

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2. Provins

Located about 55 miles southeast of Paris, Provins is a well-preserved medieval city delineated by tall stone walls, looming towers, and impressive fortifications. A UNESCO World Heritage site and destination for fans of medieval culture today, the town originally gained popularity for its trading fairs that connected Europe with the Mediterranean. Well-liked reenactment shows include “The Legend of the Knights” and “The Eagles of the Ramparts,” which combine trained animal demonstrations with historical anecdotes. These shows are geared towards audiences of all ages. And while there are several French towns that boast medieval buildings, few are as well-maintained as in Provins. Travelers who want to stay nearby can choose the contemporary Hostellerie Aux Vieux Remparts.

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3. Crécy-la-Chapelle

Crécy-la-Chapelle, which is situated approximately 30 miles east of Paris, is often likened to Venice because of its numerous moats and bridges. The town’s winding layout originated during medieval times, following the curves of defensive fortifications and ditches. While many of the town’s buildings date back several centuries, the focal point is the Collegiate Church Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, a gothic structure from the 1200s that is detailed with numerous flying buttresses. 

The Grand Morin river, which flows through Crécy-la-Chapelle, has also inspired painters like Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh. Given that, it makes sense the Grand Morin valley is known as the Valley of the Painters. Today, the town continues to be the destination for many artists and their work can be found at fairs. Visitors who want to stay close to the action should consider the Hotel l’Elysee Val d’Europe in nearby Serris, which features a mall and free shuttle to Disneyland Paris.

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4. Rambouillet

Positioned a tad over 30 miles from Paris, Rambouillet is known for its historic chateau, deep forest, and sheep. Tourists who have already seen Versailles should consider stopping by the Château de Rambouillet, a former medieval fortress that Louis XVI bought from his cousin and turned into a private home in 1783. Napoleon used the building as an imperial residence (and spent his last night in France there after abdicating), while Charles de Gaulle made its Rococo and neo-Pompeian-style rooms his headquarters during World War II. The French presidents continue to utilize the building as a summer getaway and several political detentes have even been held there. 

Louis XVI loved the location because it allowed him to go hunting in the nearby, 50,000-acre Forest of Rambouillet, but you can opt for biking and hiking instead. Animal lovers should also check out Bergerie Nationale, which is home to the Rambouillet sheep, a specific breed developed under Louis XVI’s reign. Then, call it a night at the Hilton Paris La Defense, which is located inside a mall and caters to business travelers.

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5. Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

Once the capital of France’s inland shipping system, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is a suburb about 15 miles from Paris’ city center. While it’s accessible by train, the destination’s strategic position — at the meeting point of the Seine and Oise rivers — makes it much more impressive to reach by boat. For those who love nautical culture, there’s a museum dedicated to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine’s shipping history (think vintage boats, model ships, and French tanks). Remains of Saint Honorina, the oldest female Catholic saint from France’s Normandy region, can also be found here. When your stomach starts grumbling, head to La Taverne à Moules, a delicious restaurant that specializes in mussels. After putting yourself in a food coma, rest up at the romantic 18th-century Le Relais Montmartre in nearby Montmartre.

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6. Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which lies about 18 miles northwest of Paris, was home to numerous kings before the French Revolution. Interest in the town was initially spurred on by King Robert II, who not only loved hunting in the local forest, but also built a monastery there in 1124. Since then, generations of royalty have left behind castles and chapels. Fun fact: Louis XIV was born in the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1638. Today, the building houses the Musée d’Archéologie Nationale, which displays a collection that traces French civilization from prehistoric times to the Merovingian dynasty (a.k.a. the long-haired kings). In addition to the sumptuous gothic architecture, Saint-Germain-en-Laye also boasts Italian-influenced gardens with symmetrical patterns and ornate fountains. During World War II’s invasion of France, the Germans set up headquarters in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and several bunkers remain there today. History buffs may also be interested to know that this was site where the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye was signed, which brought an end to the hostility between the Allies and Austria.

NOW WATCH: A Time-Lapse of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtUD6LUhZw

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