Exploring outside Paris
There is so much to explore within the limits of Paris, that you could spend months visiting and never get bored. But if you'd like to venture out a bit there are certainly many sites worth seeing - and all just a easy train ride away. Here are a few that can be reached in about an hour or less, and will have you back in the heart of The City of Lights in time for your dinner reservation.
Versailles
The spectacular home of perhaps France's most famous king - Louis XIV, Versailles the very definition of "over the top". All that glitters is actually gold here - gold leaf covers almost every surface in the almost 2300 rooms of the castle.
​
The Palais, which is nearly 400 years old, is a work of art and one of the most visited places in all of France. Make sure to devote a full day to visit both the palace as well as the stunning grounds.
​
From the center of Paris, the train ride to Versailles is just about one hour. You can buy your train tickets right at the station - but we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance for entrance to the Palais itself as it is typically very crowded.
​
Leave yourself some extra time to have lunch in one of the many great restaurants in the town of Versailles - or an even better idea, if the weather is cooperating, stop by the markets in town to pick up some food and drinks to bring to have a picnic in the beautiful grounds of the chateau.
Parc Disneyland
If you're a Disney Family (or Disney Adult) we know you are hoping to go to Disneyland Paris. These two theme parks are located about 20 miles (34 km) outside of central Paris. The RER A will take you straight to the gates in about an hour. Ticket prices are about the same as the US based theme parks and reservations are required so make sure to get your tickets and reservations in advance to ensure a smooth entry.
These theme parks are slightly less full than the US based parks so if you plan your day well, arrive early and stay late, you can definitely hit everything on your list with just one day in the parks.
​
If you're only going for one day, we recommend staying closer to the center of Paris and taking the train. If you're going to be there for a couple of days, you might want to book a stay a bit closer, maybe actually on property or nearby in Val d'Europe. ​
​
Have other Disney questions about tickets, fast-pass access, etc. - just send us an email. We're pretty much experts by now!
​​
Giverny
Just a 45 minute train ride from the center of Paris, Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny will have you feeling as if you've been transported into an Impressionist painting. The landscape for his most famous works Water Lilies, you will find yourself mesmerized by the same light that so inspired Monet.
​This is definitely worth the trip and can easily be done in just half a day if your schedule is tight.
​
Sadly, the home and gardens are not open during the winter months (November - beginning of April) so be sure to confirm availability before coming. And if you're visiting in the off season - well we suppose its just another sign that you'll have to plan a return trip.
