Paris holds many treasures within its 12 arrondissements, but thereโs a wealth of things to be seen just outside of its borders. If youโre thinking of coming to the city for a week or more, consider including one of these secret Paris day trips into your visit. Whether you pick a blossoming park, a grand chateau or a medieval townโฆ you wonโt regret these mini detours!
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Below, check them out and find out how to get there!
Parc de Sceaux
Parc de Sceaux, an ideal escape less than half an hour from Paris, is a pretty domaine with a grand chรขteau and gardens. It is particularly famous for its stunning cherry tree orchard, which comes into bloom for a few weeks in April. Inspired by Japanese hanami festivals, the domaine put on a special two-day event for the occasion, complete with Japanese music and picnics under the sakura trees. There are also musical concerts organized around the year, from open-air opera to jazz groups, all performed on the resplendent grounds.
Beyond that, the grounds, lake and chรขteau are a beautiful backdrop for lounging and soaking it all in on any day. This is a secret Paris day to enjoy the great outdoors โ pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket, a set of boules or a book and youโre set!
8 Avenue Claude Perrault, 92330 Sceaux
Getting there: Parc de Sceaux or Bourg-la-Reine on the RER B from central Paris.
Opening hours: open daily, from 7am up to 10pm in June, July (9pm in August)
(Free entry to the garden)
www.domaine-de-sceaux.hauts-de-seine.fr
Chรขteau de Fontainebleau
Chรขteau de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Franceโs largest royal chรขteaux. It has been inhabited by members of the French royal family for the past seven centuries, including Marie-Antoinette and the Emperors Napoleon and Napoleon III.
As one would expect of a chรขteau of that era, it is positively spectacular, with incredible ornate ceilings and lavish decor as far as the eye can see. There are a variety of guided tours offered, such as Marie-Antoinetteโs boudoir and the Imperial Theatre. Afterwards, you can stroll around the chรขteauโs impressive gardens or hike in the surrounding Foret de Fontainebleau. For a less active option, head into town to grab a bite at one of the classic bistro restaurants.
77300 Fontainebleau
Getting there: Enter the Fontainebleau-Avon station at Paris Gare de Lyon, take Bus no. 1 for Les Lilas, and get off at the โChรขteauโ stop.
Opening hours: open daily (except Tuesdays)
October to March; 9:30am – 5:00pm (last entry at 4:15pm)
April to September: 9:30am – 6:00pm (last entry at 5:15pm)
Entry: 12โฌ (free entry to the garden)
Provins
A secret Paris day trip fit for royalty! Despite being 90 km to the southeast of Paris, Provins is still in the รle-de-France region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Provins is arguably the best place to plunge yourself into the spirit of medieval France. You can’t miss the Tour Cรฉsar: the famous 7th-century keep that offers gorgeous panoramic views of the town, and be sure to traverse (at least some) of the 1,000+ meters of ramparts and fortified gates, built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Provins is also home to a unique variety of rose, which you can find in the lovely rose garden; there are also several lovely fragrance products presented for purchase in the townโs shops. Provins is most famous for the Les Mรฉdiรฉvales de Provins โ a weekend-long festival filled with parades, shows and activities, all in traditional medieval clothing! Held in the middle of June, this is a unique occasion to see the townโs special heritage truly come alive.
77160 Provins
Getting there: Take the train on the Transilien P line from Paris Gare de LโEst.
Entry for Tour Cรฉsar: 4โฌ30