DAY TRIP +ITINERARY

  • Explore the beautiful village of Chevreuse
    Explore the beautiful village of Chevreuse

    Planning a trip to Paris and looking for a way to escape away from the capital city for a day ? Explore the beautiful village of Chevreuse, France located just 45 minutes southwest from central Paris.

    Explore the beautiful village of Chevreuse

    The small village of Chevreuse is located in the Yvelines department, in the Chevreuse Valley. It is on the banks of the Yvette river, 28 km southwest of Paris. Chevreuse and its valley are great places for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. If you are looking for a day of hiking and cycling in a country setting, this village is one not to miss. In addition, enjoy a scenic stroll along the little bridges, greenery landscapes and beautiful medieval houses.

    What to do in Chevreuse

    There are lots of activities to do in this former medieval village. Chevreuse is for people who love nature, long walks, biodiversity, hiking and cycling. It is a also for travelvers who love art, history and old stones. Start your day by doing the activities below.

    Château de la Madeleine old ruins

    The Château de la Madeleine is a medieval fortress who was built from the 11th century onwards and was the focus of fierce battles, particularly during the 100 Years’ War. This château, which is free offers superb views over the Chevreuse Valley.There Visitors can explore the inner courtyard, ramparts, cellars. You can get there on foot from the village center, but it’s a bit of a climb. Walking poles are recommended but you can still climb up there without them. The address is Château de la Madeleine, Chemin Jean Racine,78472 Chevreuse Cedex.

    The Grataloup Museum

    The Grataloup Museum is a center of contemporary arts in the chapel of the Prieuré Saint-Saturnin. It is the only remaining evidence of the abbey built in Chevreuse in the 10th century. Located in the historic heart of the village, the GRATALOUP museum aims to showcase the work of French visual artist, painter and plastician, Grataloup.

    Visitors can admire the artist’s work in various forms (paintings, objects, drawings and urban art). The museum also showcases other artists’ contemporary art through annual exhibitions. It is located at 3 rue de l’Eglise, 78460 Chevreuse. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2-6 pm and time and days may vary depending of the season. Groups are highly encouraged to book a reservation. For more information, feel free to visit the Grataloup Museum website here.

    Small bridges promenade

    The village has so many small bridges ready to be discovered and that are a reflection of its vibrant past. Along your promenade discover the (washhouse, tannery, etc.) along the Yvette river. All these bridges are truly astonishing, and what’s more, relaxing!

    Cycling

    Start at the Saint-Remy-Lès Chevreuse train station. From there, take the cycling lane that takes you from Saint-Remy directly to the village of Chevreuse. The cycling lane is located right accross the street from the bus terminal station once you exit the train station. Along the way take the time to enjoy the beautiful country scenary.

    Walk

    I departed from the village of Saint-Remy to get to Chevreuse. Walking takes about 30-40 minutes along the cycling lane depending of your speed. Because it is quite a distance by foot, I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes/clothes and carry something to drink and to protect you from the sun.

    Ferme de Coubertin

    The Coubertin Farm is open for visitors to buy a wide variety of cheeses, cow and goat dairy products directly from the local farmers. The farm is accessible along the cycling/walking lane. Stop by if you want to support their work. To limit the use of packaging, it is highly recommended that people bring their own cheese bottle or jar. Business hours vary so contact them before heading there. Visit their website (in French) to see their business operating hours here. Scroll down until you see, ” nos horaires” meaning in English, “business hours”.

    Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse

    The park offers stunning natural beauty. Next, there are diverse trails for all skill levels. Additionally, hikers can enjoy rich biodiversity. Also, the peaceful environment provides a perfect escape away from Paris. Therefore, it’s an ideal destination for nature and biodiversity lovers not familiar with the outskirts of the French capital.

    Where to eat in Chevreuse

    In the center of the village ( Mairie stop), there are small shops where you can grab a bite. Keep in mind that it is a small village so there aren’t as many choices coompared to Paris.

    How to get to Chevreuse +itinerary from Châtelet

    From the Châtelet metro/train station in central Paris, with your Navigo pass, take the RER B train to the last stop, Saint-Rémy-Lès Chevreuse. At the last stop, although the train station serves both the villages of Saint-Remy and Lès Chevreuse, once you exit the train station, you are at Saint-Remy. To reach Chevreuse or Lès Chevreuse, non drivers have several options:

    • Take the bus 3917 going to La Verrière and get off at Mairie or tell the driver to drop you off there.
    • Start your walk/cycling exploration at Saint-Remy by taking the cycling/walking lane and walk for about 30-45 minutes until you reach Chevreuse.
    • During your walk/ride take the time to admire the scenery

    Once you reach Mairie which is about 5 stops on the bus from the train station, start exploring the village.

    How to get to Chevreuse +itinerary from Gare Montparnasse

    Take Suburban lines N or U at gare Montparnasse in the 14th arrondissement and exit at La Verrière train station. From there, take the bus 3917 to get to Mairie. Exit there and start exploring the beautiful village of Chevreuse.

    Final thoughts

    Chevreuse is a charming village worth exploring for a day not only for its medieval architecture but also beautiful scenery. Additionally, it is very accessible from Paris by taking public transportation with just a zone 5 Navigo pass. Its Château de la Madeleine offers stunning views on the Chvreuse Valley. Moreover, the nearby Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Park is perfect for hiking. Finally, Chevreuse is a hidden gem worth discovering for those who want to discover a different side of the Parisian outskirts.

    Wondering what other day trips you can do and accessible from Paris? You might like these posts:

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    Explore the beautiful village of Chevreuse

    Looking for more things to do? Grab your free Paris bucket list below.

  • Vincennes: Beautiful Sights and Hidden Treasures
    Vincennes: Beautiful sights and Hidden Treasures
    Vincennes, France

    Visiting small towns, villages and cities of France is one of my favorite things to to do. In this blog post, I highlight the city of Vincennnes, its beautiful sights and hidden treasures.

    Vincennes: Beautiful sights and Hidden Treasures

    Discover the beautiful city of Vincennes located on the Eastern outskirts of Paris. Vincennes is a city boasting a rich tapestry of history that spans centuries. Steeped in royal heritage and cultural significance, this city is a wonderful city break destination for history enthusiasts.

    This city ‘s charm is undeniable from its majestic medieval castle, charming storied streets lined and centuries-old buildings and squares. What’s more interessting is that every corner of this city whispers tales of its illustrious past as a once royal residence and fortress.

    Day trip to Vincennes

    If you are planning a trip to Paris, make sure to visit this beautiful city just minutes away from Paris. Vincennes, France, is famous for its impressive Château and 14th century dungeon (a hidden treasure vault). It is a massive medieval castle that served as a royal residence, fortress, and prison. Some of its most notable prisoners were:

    • Marquis de Sade: The infamous French nobleman, known for his libertine lifestyle and controversial writings.
    • Margaret of Burgundy: The daughter of King Louis X of France and wife of John I of Burgundy.
    • Nicolas Fouquet, the Superintendent of Finances under King Louis XIV, on harges of embezzlement and treason.

    What to do in Vincennes

    Vincennes: Beautiful sights and Hidden Treasures. Now that you know a bit about the fascinating history of this city, let’s get into what to do in Vicennes. Fortunately, there are plenty of acitivities to do and for that, you do not need a car.

    Vincennes is accessible with just a Paris public transportation pass then pretty much everything is within walking distance.

    The castle’s fortress and its Saint Chapelle

    The castle is a one of the main attractions there. Visit the castle’s fortress and its Saint Chapelle by following this link.

    The Zoo

    Book your ticket to the Zoo. It is a park of 14 hectares with 3000 animals, for adults and children who want to do some activities outsitde of the city.

    The Bois de Vincennes

    The Bois de Vincennes contains four lakes, an English lanscape garden, a horse racing track and more…

    The Velodrome

    The velodrome is a cylcing stadium known for its bicycle races.

    Botanical Garden

    Vincennes’s Botanical garden is my favorite place to see the fall foliage and catch cherry blossom in the spring. Furthermore, the garden is free from October 31 to Mars 30. From April first, it costs 2.60 euros to enter the Botanical Garden. Lastly, there is a playground where parents can take this children to play.

    Philarmonic concert

    Take the time to attend a classical concert at the Botanical Garden from June to September.

    Hair Festival

    Every June, the NHA ( Natural Hair Academy) hosts the biggest hair festival of Paris for curly, kinky and coily hair. There are afro food trucks, live discussions, music and hair, clothes , accessories vendors and more…

    Square Carnot

    The square Carnot is a small, hidden square, little-known even to the locals. With its peacefully flowing water, pretty flowerbeds, peace and quiet, it is a far cry away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

    The Village

    In the heart of the city lies a village where pedestrians can stroll. Its cobbled streets with wide sidewalks are pedestrian-friendly and ideal to stroll along the tempting displays of food shops and markets. The village is a haven of peace for walkers and I hope it will be one for you as well.

    What to do in Paris For first time travelers

    If you are wondering what else to do in Paris, add this activities to your program :

    • The Louvre Museum
    • The Arc de Triomphe
    • Visit the beautiful and historic Latin Quarter
    • Discover the Marais neighborhood in central Paris
    • The Palace of Versailles
    • Stroll along the banks of the Seine River
    • A Seine River cruise

    For more infor about Paris travel, feel free to check these blog posts:

    How to get to Vincennes + Itinerary

    Vincennes is very accessible by public transportation. To get there, you need to take metro line 1 and exit at Château de Vincennes.

    Conclusion

    At last, Vincennes is a beautiful former Royal city worth to be discovered. It offers a captivating blend of history, culture and charm. If you happen to be exploring Paris, how venture outside of the French capital to visit this historical and vibrant city.

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    Vincennes: Beautiful sights and Hidden Treasures

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  • Discover the Beautiful Charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
    Discover the beautiful Charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

    If you follow me on Instagram then you already know that I love to share things that you could do in Paris but also outside of the city. My aim is to show you how you can visit France wihout a car.

    All you will need is a Paris Public transportation card zones 1-5 or a long distance train ticket for travels further away from Paris.

    In this blog pot, I would like to tell you about my day trip from Paris to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a city with a rich and exciting historic past.

    Discover the Beautiful Charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

    Discover the beautiful charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. On a cold and rainy autumnal day, I decided to venture West of Paris to revisit Saint-Germain-en-Laye. I had been there before many years ago on market day for a short trip and I was longing to return to the city that had stolen my heart the first time I saw it.

    Here I was on this Thursday morning rushing to beat the rain that was about to pour down to catch the metro and suburban train from Châtelet in central Paris to get inside the suburban train line A going in the direction of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which is the last stop on that particular route.

    Thirty minutes later ( it can be a bit longer depending of where you are coming from) from Châtelet in central Paris, I was stepping out of the train and ready to go explore this lovely city. I searched for the right exit and as soon as” I saw a sign that says The National Museum Of Archeology”, I followed it until it lead me to the escalator to exit the train station. Seconds later, I was on the street holding my umbrella on my way for some new adventure.

    A bit of history about Saint-Germain-en-Laye

    Discover the beautiful charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Saint-Germain-en-Laye is located 19 km West of Paris in the Yvelines department of the Île-de-France region. It is a former Royal city where you can admire the past rich history and vestiges of the French Monarchy including its château turned into The National Museum Of Archeology under Napoleon III in 1862.

    Some of Saint-Germain-en-Laye former notable residents were :

    • Louis VI who built the château
    • Henry IV
    • Louis VII
    • Louis IX
    • Louis XIII who died there
    • Louis XIV who eventually left for good to go to Versailles.

    In addition, a number of personalities from the artistic world also stayed there, including musicians:

    • Claude Debussy
    • Lulli
    • Mozart

    Although you can visit this former Royal town at any time of the year, I would highly recommend that you visit it in autumn so that you can fully take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage scenary and Seine River that you can admire along the way there by train. Take a look of a quick recap of my day trip there.

    With that being said, here’s a list of what you can do on a day trip from Paris to Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

    What to do in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

    • The National Archaeology Museum located in the former residence of Kings of France.
    • The national park and gardens surrounding the château designed by André Le Nôtre, gardener to Louis XIV that overlooks the La Défense business district and the Seine River.
    • The house were King Louis XIV was born
    • Espace Paul-et-André Vera, a stunning museum named after two brothers from Saint-Germain-en- Laye, who were pioneers of the Art Déco movement.
    • The old town
    • The Maurice Denis Museum
    • Shopping
    • Market day ( Tuesdays and Sundays)

    Where to grab a quick bite in Saint-Germain-en-Laye?

    In the city center, you will find many restaurants and coffee shops as soon as you exit the train station.

    I personnaly recommend the former residence of Louis XIV turned into a 4* hotel for a tea time. I had such a wonderful experience there that I plan on returning with a few of my friends. The menu is decently priced at 55 euros for an entrée, main dish and desert. Tea time will cost you a fraction of the cost of a menu. Take a look at this quick recap of my visit there below.


    Where to stay in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

    If you want to walk in Louis XIV ‘s footsteps, stay at the beautiful 4* hotel Pavillon Henri IV. It is the house where Louis XIV was born. It was the perfect place for me to find refuge on a cold and rainy day for a tea time.

    The Pavillon Henri IV welcomes you in an exceptional setting with a panoramic view overlooking the Seine Valley.

    In the meantime, feel free as well to better plan your trip to Paris to check out these blog posts:

    Itinerary

    Line RER A going to Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The city is in zone 4 so make sure that your Paris travel pass/card can take you that far. Get off and walk through the rich history of this former city, the residence of French kings.

    Conclusion

    I hope that my day trip from Paris to Saint-Germain-en-Laye will arouse your interest to discover the beautiful charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the former royal city who was the residence of many kings of France.

    Equally important, although you have access to many museums in Paris and outside of the city with the Paris Museum Pass, transportation might not be included in it. Make sure to buy a public transportation card valid for zones 1-4 to visit Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

    Hopefully, you come soon for a visit . Do not hesitate to leave me a comment if you need more information. Have a safe travel.

    XOXO Robbie

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    Discover the beautiful Charm of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
  • Discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France
    Discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France
    Dieppe, Normandy

    Discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France. Have you been dreaming of visiting France? If that is the case, in this blog post I highlight three beautiful villages in France that you need to visit this fall. Two are accessible by public transportation with just a Paris travel card. The other is accessible with a high speed/long distance train ticket.

    Discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France

    When most people think of France, they usually think of Paris. However, there is much more to France than Paris. I always tell people that the beauty and heart of France lies within its lovely villages away from the big cities. I would like to take this time to help you discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France that you need to see the next time time that you plan to visit Paris.

    Ecouen

    Discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France. The town of Ecouen is located in about 20 km from the center of Paris.

    The population is less than 70000 and is easily accessible by public transportation from Gare du Nord in the 10th arrondissement.

    Moreover, the city is famous due to its most notable residents, the Montmorency family.

    The Montmorency family was one of the oldest and most distinguished family of France that fought for years to gain control of the French crown. You can read more about them here.

    Furthermore, the town is also known for its beautiful château that was built between 1539 and 1555 for Anne de Montmorency, a chief minister and commander in the French army for King François I. In addition, today, the château is home to the National Museum of The Renaissance.

    Feel free to check out my post on this village here for itinerary on how to ge there.

    Auvers-Sur-Oise

    Spending your autumn in France? Take a day trip to visit the village of Auvers-Sur-Oise. Most tourists stick to the city because it is convenient and offers lots of activities to do reachable by metro. However, I am here to tell you that the suburbs are filled with beautiful villages and towns accessible by public transportation from Paris where you can re-live the past rich history of France.

    Discover the enchanting charm Of Auvers-Sur-Oise

    Escape to the timeless beauty of this village where cobblestone streets whisper tales of artistry, and quaint cottages cradle the essence of French small village life.

    Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenaries, hues, that once inspired impressionnist painter Vincent van Gogh to create many of his emblematic work such as the Sunflowers, The Stairs in Auvers and many more while he lived there until his accidental death in 1890.

    Walk through history by following in his footsteps and discover the beauty and treasures of this beautiful enchanting escape. Just like Ecouen, Auvers-Sur-Oise is accesible by public transportation with just a Paris travel card zone 5 from Gare du Nord in the 10th arrondissement. Feel free to check my post on Auvers-Sur-Oise here to know how to get there from Paris.

    Dieppe

    Last but not least Dieppe. Located two hours away from Paris by train, the town rich maritime history and seaside location is an ideal weekend getaway for those who:

    • love the beach
    • want to get away from Paris
    • go on hikes on the GR 21
    • admire the marina

    While you are there, stop by the Château Museum of Dieppe overlooking the beach. The museum retraces the rich heritage of the city of Dieppe, a former maritime port where sailboats used to stop to bring and sell all kind of merchandises including ivory and other valuable goods.

    Booking and itinerary

    Dieppe is accessible via the Nomad train. The Nomad train covers many destinations in Normandy such as Le Havre, Giverny, Caen and so forth… To book your train ticket to Dieppe, visit France’s Official Railway website here. Trains leave from gare Saint-Lazare making a connecting stop at Rouen where you catch another train that will take you to Dieppe.

    Fares

    Fares are cheaper in the fall. If you plan to travel by train from Paris make sure to book your train ticket at least 3 months before your trip to save money. For international flights, the sooner you book, the less you would pay and keep that extra money for an occassional splurge.

    Here’s a few posts that I think that you might enjoy as well:

    Conclusion

    Fall is a great time to discover new places. Even if you have been to France in the past, you probably have not visited these three beautiful villages. They are different from each other and that is the beauty of it all. Each will show you a different side of France’s culture, diverse population, sceneries and traditions that you would learn to appreciate. Hope that you enjoyed my post “Discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France”. See you soon for a visit. Follow me on social media below:

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    Discover the enchanting charm of three beautiful villages of France
  • Discover the Beautiful Charm of Auvers-Sur-Oise
    Discover the Beautiful Charm of  Auvers-Sur-Oise
    The Château d’ Auvers

    Planning a trip to Paris and don’t know what to do? This blog post is for you. I am going to tell you how you can plan a day trip to the small town of Auvers-Sur-Oise with just your Paris public transportation pass.

    Discover the Beautiful Charm of Auvers-Sur-Oise

    Discover the Beautiful Charm of Auvers-Sur-Oise on a day trip. Most tourists stick to the city because it is convenient and offers lots of activities to do reachable by metro. However, I am here to tell you that the suburbs are filled with beautiful villages and towns accessible by public transportation from Paris where you can re-live the past rich history of France.

    How To Get To Auvers-Sur-Oise

    The village is very accessible by public transportation via the suburban lines C and H. However, for the sake of this pos and keep things simple, my trip started at Paris Gare du Nord where I took line H.

    • Take line H on track 34, 35 going to Persan-Beaumont
    • Get off at Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône
    • Cross over to the track on the other side by using the underground tunnel and get another line H going to Creil
    • Get off at Auvers-Sur-Oise
    • Take the direction to the city center and voilà.

    Why The Town Of Auvers-Sur-Oise?

    Discover the Beautiful Charm of Auvers-Sur-Oise. One of its famous former residents was none other than Vincent van Gogh. The impressionist immortalized and painted many of his emblematic work such as the Sunflowers, The Stairs in Auvers and many more paintings while he lived there until his tragic death in 1890.

    In addition, the small town has kept its authentic charm and is a great day trip destination for lovers of Van Gogh and 19th century landscapes. It is also a pleasure to stroll accross open fields and wandering along its peaceful old streets.

    What To Do In Auvers-Sur-Oise

    Fortunately, there are a lot of things to do in this 7 kilometers long village:

    • The park van Gogh’s where you will see a statute in honor of the painter
    • Book a walking tour at the tourism office
    • Stroll in the garden of the Château D’auvers (see photo above)
    • Visit the room where the artist used to reside
    • Have lunch at the Auberge Ravoux restaurant where the painter used to eat
    • Head to the Musée de L’Absinthe ( see photo)
    • Stop by the Musée Daubigny
    • Maison-Atelier Daubigny
    • See the grave of the painter
    The Absinthe Museum

    For more information about what to do at Auvers-Sur-Oise, I invite you to follow this link here.

    What to do in Paris

    While you are in Paris, feel free to to check these blog posts on what to do in the city of lights:

    Conclusion

    I hope that this blog post will help you discover the beautiful charm of Auvers-Sur-Oise and plan your day trip there to re-live a part of the rich history of France ‘s impressionnist era and of Vincent van Gogh.

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    Discover the Beautiful Charm of  Auvers-Sur-Oise

  • A day in the Beautiful town of Ecouen
    A day in the Beautiful Village of Ecouen
    The National Renaissance Museum in Ecouen

    A day in the Beautiful Village of Ecouen. You have finally decided to book that trip to Paris that you have been telling your family and friends about for so long. Wondering what to do? How about a trip to this lesser-known town called Ecouen located 45 minutes away North of Paris.

    A day in the Beautiful town of Ecouen

    Wondering what to do in Paris like a local? Well, how about you take a day trip off the beaten path to a little town called Ecouen.

    The Town of Ecouen

    Discover The Enchanting Charm of the Town of Ecouen. The town of Ecouen is located in about 20 km from the center of Paris.

    The population is less than 10000 and is easily accessible by public transportation from Gare du Nord.

    Moreover, the city is famous due to its most notable residents, the Montmorency family.

    The Montmorency family is one of the oldest and most distinguished family of France that fought for years to gain control of the French crown. You can read more about them here.

    Furthermore, the town is also known for its beautiful château that was built between 1539 and 1555 for Anne de Montmorency, a chief minister and commander in the French army for King François I. In addition, today, the château is home to the National Museum of The Renaissance.

    What To Do In Ecouen

    With just a public transportation pass or ticket, you can be in Ecouen in no time. With that been said, if you are wondering about what to do in Ecouen, let me give you a few ideas of things that you could do there.

    • Visit the National Museum of Renaissance also called the Château of Ecouen
    • Take a walk in the forest on the Estate of the Château
    • Visit the exibition at the Manoir des Tourelles

    The National Museum of Renaissance

    The National Museum of Renaissance is an architectural gem that houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and much more that date back from the French Renaissance. It is the only museum dedicated entirely to the French Renaissance. For business hours and visit’s information checkout the Museum’s website here.

    The Forest of the Chateau d’Ecouen

    Access the forest located on the estate. The forest allows residents to walk their dog, enjoy long walks and hiking.

    Visit the Manoir Des Tourelles

    The Manoir des Tourelles often hosts exhibition combining painting and sculptures that allows visitors to discover a plethora of artists and artistic forms. It is located right by the bus stop and a few feet away to the museum.

    Transportation and Itinerary

    A day in the Beautiful Village of Ecouen. How do you get to the town of Ecouen and its museum? As mentionned above, the museum is accessible by public transportation for those who do not drive or do not want to rent a car. From Paris depending on where you are, you will have to catch a:

    • Métro
    • suburban train line H at gare du Nord to Ecouen-Ezzanville train station as shown in the video below
    • Bus 269 that stops right next to the Manoir des Tourelles.
    • Exit at Château/Mairie.
    • For more things to do like a local in Paris check out the following blog posts:

    A day in the Beautiful Village of Ecouen

    In conclusion, now that you are almost done planning your trip to Paris, how about you come to discover the enchanting charm of the town of Ecouen and walk and its rich historic past.

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    Wondering what else to do in Paris? Grab you free Paris bucket list below.

  • A trip to beautiful la Frette-Sur-Seine
    A trip to beautiful la Frette-Sur-Seine
    La Frette-Sur-Seine. Photo credit: Cristiansaida

    There are so many beautiful villages and towns that only locals know about. Planning to visit or moving to France, I think that you would love to see and discover some not so hidden little towns and villages. Most of these towns/villages are either accessible by taking France’s national railroad or by suburban trains. In this blog post, I am going to highlight a day trip from Paris to La Frette-Sur-Seine.

    A trip to beautiful la Frette-Sur-Seine

    Visit the small town of La Frette-Sur-Seine in France. If you would like to visit Paris off the beaten path and away from mass tourism, you ought to check small towns such as La-Frette-Sur-Seine. La Frette-Sur-Seine it is a little suburban town built along the Seine river about 30 minutes away from Paris by train. Its population is about 6000.

    Located 20 km North West of Paris in the department of Val d’Oise, it has been painted by many famous painters such as Paul Cezanne, Albert Marquet and Paul Signac. Japanese Painter Tadashi Kaminagai had once his atelier there. The French movie Association de Malfaiteurs was shot there in 1987. The town may be small about 2,02 km2 however, although smal in size, this town is culturally rich. Visit the town website here. I recently did a post on one of its neighboring towns Herblay-Sur-Seine, feel free to check it out here.

    What to do and see at La Frette-sur-Seine

    Day Trip from Paris to La Frette-Sur-Seine
    1900 manor in La Frette-Sur-Seine, France
    • Houses built in 1900 that are witnesses of the past of the city and of its former residents, rich Parisians searching for a secondary home away from the noise of the city.
    • Hiking
    • Go on the route of the painters mentionned above
    A trip to beautiful la Frette-Sur-Seine
    Albert Marquet 1938-1939 La Seine à la Frette en automne. Museum of Toulouse-Lautrec d’Albi

    Itinerary: How to get to La-Frette-Sur-Seine from Paris

    Suburban transilien line J from the Paris Saint Lazare train station. Gett off at La Frette-Sur-Seine.

    Wondering what else to do during your Parisian vacation? Here’s a few blog posts that you might like:

    Why visit small towns of France such as La Frette-Sur-Seine

    Visiting small towns in France, such as La-Frette-sur-Seine, offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Discover a small town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Moreover, its picturesque settings along the Seine River, provide a stunning backdrop for memorable experiences. Ultimately, a visit to the small French town of La-Frette-sur-Seine promises a deeper connection to the essence of France, where every street and architecture tell a story waiting to be discovered.

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  • Day Trip From Paris: Deauville, Normandy
    Day Trip From Paris: Deauville, Normandy
    Deauville, Normandy. Photo credit: Le Normandy.barrière/Instagram

    Have you ever wonder about taking a day trip from Paris to Deauville, Normandy? In this blog post, I will tell you what you need to know about this lovely seaside town.

    Day trip from Paris: Deauville, Normandy

    Take a day trip from Paris to Deauville, Normandy if you want to make the best of Parisian trip. Deauville the beautiful is how I describe it. Lol. It blew my mind the first time that I went there and I am pretty sure that it was love at first sight. T

    About your day trip from Paris to Deauville, Normandy

    Deauville is located in the Calavados department in the Normandy region in Northwestern France. Is area is about 3.57 km2 and its population is less than 4000 and increases during the summer season. Deauville has been a seaside destination since the 1800s for wealthy and upper class Parisians and suburbians as well as Britts and Americans. It is known for its expensive and elegant houses, golf course and so forth..

    What to do on a day trip from Paris to Deauville, Normandy

    • Visit its harbour
    • Go to its annual film festival
    • Go to the beach for a picnic
    • Shop
    • Take photos of the beautiful homes that are typical to the area
    • Play golf
    Deauville Harbour

    Where to stay in Deauville

    Depending of your budget you can either stay at a luxury or budget hotel or simply rent a house near the beach. Stay at the :

    Where to shop in Deauville

    You can shop in the city center. Most shops are located there including:

    • Louis Vuitton
    • Hermès

    Deauville is a resort town where the jet setters go, as a result, there are a lot of luxury shops there.

    Where to eat in Deauville, Normandy

    Just because it is a destination for wealthy people doesn’t mean that you cannot find affordable dinning options.

    Please make a reservation especially if you plan to visit during the busy lunch time or the summer season.

    How to get to Deauville, Normandy?

    As I stated above, you can get there by public transportation. Trains leave from Gare Saint Lazare located in Paris 9th arrondissement. Book a round trip to Paris-Deauville and get off at the Trouville-Deauville train station. As soon as you get there, you can smell the sea and hear the sound of the seagulls. It will take you about 2h40 min by train to get there.

    Where to buy your train ticket

    You can buy your ticket (s) at any gare (train station) in Paris or book them online at SNCFConnect. Tickets are affordable, however, you can save money when you buy them 3 months before your trip.

    Here’s a few posts that you might find usefeul:

    Conclusion

    I hope that this quick post on Deauville will make you want to take a daty trip from Paris to discover this beautiful seaside town. Have you been to Deauville before? Feel free to leave me a comment down below.

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    Photo credit: Le Normandiy.barrière/Instagram