romantic getaways near paris

2021/05/21

The city is famous for being the home of whipped cream, known as crme de Chantilly. If you visit in the summer, its fun to walk around the cathedral area in the evening to see the buildings illuminated. Where to Stay: Stay at Aux Vieux Remparts for a romantic weekend away. If you wish to learn how to make the most of your trip to Paris or generally in Europe, take our free 7 day Europe trip planning email course. From learning about the early colonial settlers, immigration communities who follow traditions to the day to places that were re-created with a European flair, you will have a deja-vu moment when, Read More 16 Most European Cities in America for your bucket listContinue, Planning a trip to Paris in the fall? Rolling vineyards, idyllic rural villages, and spectacular coastlines are wonderful locations for a less clichd and more secluded romantic getaway. Try these delicious dishes when you are in Lyon next Rosette lyonnaise or Salade lyonnaise (lettuce with bacon, crotons and a poached egg); Saucisson de Lyon (sausage), Andouillette (a sausage of coarsely cut tripe) or Saucisson brioch. But Versailles has so much to offer (other than Palace of Versailles). An ideal cultural city break, Cologne is located in western Germany, with the River Rhine flowing through the city. Neat rows of champagne vines meander down towards to the town of pernay, where several of the worlds most prestigious champagne houses are located; Mercier and Mot & Chandon among them. For intercity trains, you can buy TER French intercity train tickets from any station. Shop at the Piccadilly Circus, or Oxford Street. **The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Zone.

This is an ideal place to come for a peaceful retreat, and theres a spa onsite for ultimate relaxation. Many of the destinations mentioned in this post can be reached in less than 3 hours as weekend trips from Paris, thus allowing you to maximise your vacation time! If you do not wish to rent a car and drive, this is perfect as Paris has a strong rail network and you can reach cities and small towns in the countryside by embarking on any of these wonderful train trips from Paris. It has stood nearly a millennia and survived both the French Revolution and both World Wars. It is one of the most impressive Gothic structures in all of Europe and a Unesco World Heritage site. Pay a visit to the Palais des Rohan, a baroque Episcopal palace, built in the 1720s. From the Gare du Nord Paris you can take the train to Thalys. There are other items to add to your Bruges weekend itinerary like the Lake Minnewaterpark, Choco-Museum, Saint John Hospital a 800 year old hospital.

An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 25+ countries. Air travel might be a cheaper option too, to consider.

It hosts Champagne houses to take a tour through and learn all about the production of the worlds favorite celebratory beverage. Before you arrive in the middle of town, youll pass through the lovely Chantilly Forest that is incredibly peaceful. Lets build a tribe together Join Here. This lane is full of murals, including that of Tin tin. In this post, we will share the best weekend getaways from Paris within France, and to other countries. Tickets reservations cost about $35 USD+ plus the rail pass for the day. Chantilly is a beautiful French town that you can reach from Paris by train or car. You must set aside some time for exploring the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvire. Air & 7-Nt N. Europe Cruise w/ 1-Nt Hotel Package, Hilton Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort | Mexico, Free Lobster Tails & Ribeyes | ButcherBox, Sail North America's Rivers w/ Free Roundtrip Air, Air & 7-Nt Med. If you have time on your hands, visit the Brussels Town Hall and Brussels City museum. Marseille boasts of 300 days of sunshine. Required fields are marked *. The region also hides several other picturesque little villages in its dales, as well as the Sancerre wine cellars, where the cheerful owners are more than happy to offer tours and tasting sessions. Fast trains from Paris to Frankfurt am Main take around 3 hours and 40 minutes. You can walk around the monastery, the ramparts of the citadel, and the narrow streets of the village as you explore Mont Saint Michel. It will take just over 2 hours to get to this small town in Normandy. By Chrysoula from Historic European Castles. You can take a sneak peek of the Black Forest from the cathedral, located about 30 kilometres away. Imagine stained glass windows so valuable they were taken down in war and hidden in the countryside to preserve them. (The caves used to be an old passageway during numerous French wars and they were also a hospital for wounded soldiers.). If this is your first time traveling to London, remember that London is not a Schengen country so you have to get a separate visa. You are in the right spot. The city charms you with darling restaurants, a Fine Art Museum, beautiful gardens, and cute shops. This cathedral stands tall in Old town and is filled with gilded medieval reliquary. Provins is about an hour and a quarter from Paris and is very charming. Reims is a quaint city that is known as the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine region. We rather be safe and secured with the booking than face the disappointment of not being able to travel that day! Note, automated machines dont accept foreign credit cards, another reason to book ahead of time. The nearby forest area is also great for rock climbing if youre looking for a little adventure. With crisp weather, fall foliage, slightly fewer crowds, visiting the city of light between September to November is a great idea! Where to Stay: Chambres dhotes Les Carrieres is a charming B&B that has hiking trails accessible from the property. There are chic rooms and suites in this four-star hotel thats a favorite among golfers. Start at the Galerie de Machines. Strasbourg is a cosmopolitan city in France thats great to explore by renting a bike or using the citys bike-share program. A large abbey built on a rock island, surrounded by marshland, Mont Saint Michel is a sight to behold. Theres plenty to see and do in Nantes. Located around 50km north of Paris, Chateau de Chantilly can easily be reached by car or train, with direct trains leaving regularly from Gare du Nord. The region is famous for its white horses, which can often be seen galloping through the shallow waters.

Although many of the buildings surrounding the square are actually a replica of the original grand place guilds (from 1690s), this is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to also stop by the Massion Picassiette The House of a Million Pieces. Here is a quick cheat sheet to show train options from Paris to nearby areas and other countries. The Chartres Cathedral is a short hour drive from Paris, located 80 km (50 miles) southwest of the City of Lights. With the Thalys high speed train, you can visit London in less than 3 hour ride. Located on the banks of the Rhone river, the city is most famous for a monumental landmark, Palais de Papes, or the Popes Palace, which has been the residence of seven Popes. This was the original resting spot of the Bayeux Tapestry before it moved to its own museum. From the old town, you can soak in river views too. A two and half hour fast train from Paris could get you to the medieval city of Avignon in France. Reims is in the Champagne region of France and is famous for the sparkling beverage we all know and love.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. You can walk on the walls of the castle and have a fantastic view on Nantes. In addition to Champagne tasting and visiting the historical landmarks, Reims also has wonderful French and international eateries along with beautiful parks to take a stroll through. You can opt for a guided tour, an additional tour of the crypts, or a guided tour from Paris itself. Expect long waiting times here. Please try again. READ: From Loire Valley, Normandy to Disneyland, enjoy these day trips from Paris for history and culture lovers. Reims also has a beautiful cathedral, great cafs and restaurants as well as beautiful landmarks. Close to the Cathedral is the Museum Ludwig, which showcases 20th-century art, including many masterpieces by Picasso, and the Romano-Germanic Museum houses Roman antiquities. During summers you will experience long line-ups at the Palace grounds. Strasbourg has been at the tug of war between France and Germany, and it is evident from the historical, architectural, and cultural nuances. 17 Best Weekend Trips from Paris by train & car (2022), Havana Travel Guide: Things to do in Havana Cuba, 8 German Towns in USA to fuel your wanderlust, 16 Most European Cities in America for your bucket list, Paris in Autumn: Reasons to visit Paris in the fall, Where to stay in Paris first time Best arrondissement to stay in Paris, Interesting Facts About Luxembourg and why you should visit. La Rochelle has an air of understated luxury, with its rows of sailboats, yachts, and a waterside strip of seafood restaurants. A good place to stay is the Zenitude Hotel-Residence Nantes-La Beaujoire, with a swimming pool and your own kitchen. If you are wanting to explore Germanic nuances from Biergarten, Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, to pretty Bavarian architecture, then these 8 German towns in USA might be a quick fix, without a long haul flight. Best of all, entrance is free! Reserve the whole afternoon for the Machines. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site! The direct journey only takes around 25 minutes which makes visiting Chateau de Chantilly ideal for a day trip. We do the same, as we travel from Canada and there is not a huge difference in prices. La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvire is the most visited site in Lyon, it is a minor basilica in the city. When you visit Strasbourg, dont miss the Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Strasbourg Cathedral. In the afternoon, hang out at the Place des Terreaux. OMG! But admit it sometimes you need a break and a breath of fresh air to stay grounded and keep your perspective. Check out our detailed guide to the Schengen Visa here. This small medieval town in the south-west Aquitaine region, perches upon craggy rock faces that wall the passing Dordogne River. This note applies to those who are traveling to Paris France on a Schengen Visa. You will need to use a credit card at an automated machine (no cash) or from a ticket window or an automated machine. Often used as a base to explore the villages and lavender fields of Provence in June-July, this small city itself has several attractions, making it worthy of a day or a weekend. Visitors are able to take a tour of the Domaine de Chantilly, discovering the Royal Suites, the Reading Room, the Great Stables, and even the second largest collection of antique paintings after the Louvre! The 20 Best Wellness Retreats in California, Based on Google Ratings, Mushroom Foraging and Dumpling + Pizza Making at Upstate Airbnb | Glasco Woodstock, Top 14 All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana. One of the newest attractions in Frankfurt is the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum, aka Chocolate Museum, which was opened in 1993. At low tide you can walk across the marshland, but at high tide, it turns into an island like Cinderella stranded with one shoe. They were eerie, fascinating and historical! Prior civilizations used tapestries to tell stories and preserve history by sewing it onto cloth. The monastery still has around 8 monks who live there full time, along with a local population of approximately 25. Where to Stay: La Demeure du Parc is a recommended boutique hotel with an in-house restaurant in Fontainebleau. Top attractions to add to your weekend list are the Normandy Beaches, Caen, Giverny, Falaise, and the seaside resorts. We cant find a country that matches your search. A stunning 4 star hotel, with beautiful views, a dining room for breakfast (extra charge), and lavish suites. This makes Brussels a great weekend city break option from Paris. The city centre of Brussels is the perfect spot to start exploring the city. Although there is some risk in popular landmarks, especially pickpockets or tourist safety at night, you must use your judgement and no venture into unknown areas at night. Annecys old town is a charming assortment of flower-adorned houses that sit upon serene canals; hence why its often referred to as the Little Venice of France. When you visit, you can also take a leisurely stroll through the streets and dont miss Cathdrale St-Jean and the Muse des Beaux-Arts. Located at the centre is also the Frankfurt Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew. Youll only need to travel about 45 minutes south of Paris to reach Fontainebleau if you take the commuter rail line or about an hour and a half if youre driving. In the old town of Frankfurt is the stunning Rmer, which is a medieval building and has been the city hall of Frankfurt for over 600 years. You can also book same day tickets from the train station in Paris for intercity trains. We highly recommend taking a walking tour of Altstadt (old town) to learn about the citys history. Cross the hall to the second part of the Galerie, with a movie, the craftsman shop and branches to walk on. One of the most beautiful and unique sights in the world, about 4 hours from Paris, is the spectacular Mont Saint Michel. Le Croix dAugas is a fun and kitschy restaurant here to check out. It is a Roman Catholic Gothic church and is the largest religious building in the city. We also did a fair bit of research before our trip and we were intrigued by the interesting facts about, Read More Interesting Facts About Luxembourg and why you should visitContinue, Your email address will not be published. This was used as a place of refuge for the monarch, and the complex has its own private park and forest nearby. One of them is the Versailles Cathedral. It is important to know that the French Railways (SNCF) have the fastest trains in Europe. Traditionally Lyon was known for the production and weaving of silk. Pineapple Beach Club Antigua | 5th Nt Free, Air & 15-Day Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil Tour, $715 Off | 9-Day Luxury All-Incl. Another cathedral, the Lyon Cathedral is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Lyon. As part of our Europe trip, we left for Brussels from Paris via Thalys High Speed train (from Gare du Nord), and it took us less than 2 hours. You can check out the various exhibits and display rooms here. Taking a day tour to visit the major sites is worth it, if your itinerary involves checking out the London bucket list in a short trip. Head to the Markt Square first. It is filled with festive decorations, mulled wine, and is home to one of the prettiest Christmas in France. If you have time on your hands, visit the Lyon City Hall and museum located near the historic square. The rich history of Cologne dates back to 2000 years, and the stunning twin spired Cologne Cathedral is its showstopper. Today, the fairytale castle complex comprises Le Petit Chteau, Le Grand Chteau, the Muse Cond, and the Chantilly Racecourse, as well as manicured gardens, lakes, and passages. Nearest Schengen countries to visit from Paris. The capital city of Belgium has so much to offer from the medieval Grand Place to the European Union Headquarters to comic history to tasting Belgium chocolates, waffles, and beer. If interested you can also embark on half day wine tours from Strasbourg. The capital city of France, Paris is well connected to many major cities in Europe by trains and short flights. The Cuban capital city of Havana requires no introduction. Geneva is located at the southern tip of expansive Lake Geneva. Its fun to do. Geneva has a lot of history and art museums to keep you busy on a weekend getaway from Paris, France. Trains in France are fast and efficient. A beautiful landmark to admire is the Cathdale Notre-Dame de Reims (also known as Reims Cathedral). Another great place to visit in France for the weekend is Honfleur, a charming coastal town. We are Mayuri & Salil from Canada, and we love creating AWESOME & TIME EFFICIENT travel itineraries to make the most of our trips. In the evening, you can enjoy a canal tour or see the sun go down on the beautiful city.

Another favorite is Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, This shopping mall is super stunning, and it dates back to the 1850s. But that doesnt mean you cant explore London on a weekend trip from Paris. Other notable museums to include in your weekend itinerary: Confluence Museum, Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon aka Muse des beaux-arts de Lyon.