This sandstone cathedral was the tallest building in the world (since its creation upto 227 years), and is a testimony of the engineering wonders of the medieval period. The city centre of Brussels is the perfect spot to start exploring the city. Calanque is the name given to a bay carved out of the steep limestone or dolomite cliffs particular to the Mediterranean coast, the most striking examples of which are found on the French Riviera between Marseille and Cassis. Imagine stained glass windows so valuable they were taken down in war and hidden in the countryside to preserve them. This was the original resting spot of the Bayeux Tapestry before it moved to its own museum. OMG! 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. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. It will take just over 2 hours to get to this small town in Normandy. In the late afternoon, opt for a brewery tour in one of the two popular places in Bruges Half Moon Brewery or th Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres. 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facts about, Read More Interesting Facts About Luxembourg and why you should visitContinue, Your email address will not be published. Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! P.S: Please join my new awesome Facebook group where we discuss all things travel, culture, and trip planning. Its fun to do. La Table du Conntable is a great place to dine if youre looking for a high-end restaurant for a special occasion. A large abbey built on a rock island, surrounded by marshland, Mont Saint Michel is a sight to behold. Drive about an hour and a half south of Paris to reach Orlans, which was made famous by Joan of Arc. 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. Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Aside from the fast-paced action, you can also explore cathedrals here and watch a light show on the historic buildings in the summer months. 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. This cathedral stands tall in Old town and is filled with gilded medieval reliquary. You can walk around the monastery, the ramparts of the citadel, and the narrow streets of the village as you explore Mont Saint Michel. The site also puts on equestrian shows and flower displays for which tickets can be booked in advance. Bayeux is no exception, which makes it perfect for a quick getaway from Paris. Also, make sure to check out the Muse de Cond, which has a lovely collection of oil paintings. It hosts Champagne houses to take a tour through and learn all about the production of the worlds favorite celebratory beverage. Actual castles in Bayeux converted to hotels offer a luxurious experience at a fraction of the price compared to the rest of France. Right next to the cathedral is the Palace of Tau, which is also a beautiful landmark to check out. It is where the cathedrals treasury is kept. Paris to Geneva flights start at $70 USD one way, takes 1 hour. Its also fun to take a boat tour to relax and take in views of the canal. The cathedral lights up during Christmas with festive decorations and markets. There are chic rooms and suites in this four-star hotel thats a favorite among golfers. Before you arrive in the middle of town, youll pass through the lovely Chantilly Forest that is incredibly peaceful. Theres plenty to see and do in Nantes. 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. Many top-notch restaurants are located here too, including La Cave d Ct and Brasserie Chantecler. Learn how your comment data is processed. Legend has it that the archangel Michael appeared to St. Aubert of Avranches in 708 and instructed him to build a church at Mont Saint Michel. Many do not require advance booking or reservations. Follow us on our adventures as we travel, eat, and photograph this beautiful world! For a 2 day trip to London, stay in and around the main attractions like the Big Ben, Tower of London, Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace and take a tour to explore the heritage sites. Reims also has a beautiful cathedral, great cafs and restaurants as well as beautiful landmarks. You can easily find it, and the central train station is also located nearby. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Check out the hotel reviews and book your stay, BOOKS TRAIN TICKETS HERE OR CHECK OUT ROUTES & SCHEDULES, The Eiffel Tower + more Paris Photo Spots, Check flights and track prices for your trip here, Browse our travel favorites from Amazon here. It is a hamlet located on the outskirts of Versailles. So here are the destinations you can easily cover in a weekend trip from Paris. Like something out of a fairytale, this charming little Alpine town is full of brightly colored timber houses. An ideal cultural city break, Cologne is located in western Germany, with the River Rhine flowing through the city. There is much to discover in the surrounding Allier Gorges; either by bike, on horseback, or on foot. Strasbourg has been at the tug of war between France and Germany, and it is evident from the historical, architectural, and cultural nuances. You can easily arrive in Versailles in about 45 minutes by train plus transfer time to the palace. On a Schengen Visa, you can explore these nearby countries from Paris, without applying for an additional visa. The rich history of Cologne dates back to 2000 years, and the stunning twin spired Cologne Cathedral is its showstopper. We recommend the same if traveling from the USA. 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. We list the best places to enjoy lamour. The cathedral holds over 900 years worth of royal coronations of the kings of France. The tour of Champagne Lanson is concluded with a wonderful Champagne tasting! With crisp weather, fall foliage, slightly fewer crowds, visiting the city of light between September to November is a great idea! It is a good idea to book a tour to beat the crowds. Its a medieval village divided into two sections, the Upper Town and the Lower Town. Bayeux Cathedral (Cathdrale de Notre-Dame de Bayeux): Another key attraction to see is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux. Head to the Markt Square first. Today Lyon is known as the gastronomy capital of France. Cheese is what Meaux is known for, especially brie. At the center, do check out the Belfry Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the Bruges Historium where you can learn about its history! German Towns in USA Vail, Colorado: Alpine Bavarian village Vail is known, Read More 8 German Towns in USA to fuel your wanderlustContinue, Missing cobblestone lanes, Victorian houses, Greek food, or Biergartens? Located in Belgium, Bruges is often known as the Venice of the North. Where to Stay: Plan to stay at the Empreinte Hotel in Orlans for your trip. Book Your Trip With Our Travel Resources! Nearest Schengen countries to visit from Paris. Lyon is a must-visit city in France, perfect for anyone who is spending time in Paris. 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. Theres a movie theater, a World War I museum, and lots of cheese. One of the most beautiful and unique sights in the world, about 4 hours from Paris, is the spectacular Mont Saint Michel. Expert chefs welcome guests to the hotel restaurant, and theres also a wellness center that offers spa treatments and massages. This town, about two hours southwest of Paris, is famous for its 24-hour car race. Required fields are marked *. The house was owned by many prominent figures in France since 1760 and they also have a Royal Warrant with the Queen of England! You must set aside some time for exploring the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvire. Its also common to see flamingos flock to the hazy beaches, which are patched with clusters of rushes and little lagoons. Chartres was one of our favorite cities near Paris. So whether it is traveling within France from Paris or crossing the borders for another country, you will be arriving/using Gare du Nord the main train station in Paris. We rather be safe and secured with the booking than face the disappointment of not being able to travel that day! Filled with medieval structures, Bruges rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries due to the expansive canal system. This is a boutique hotel thats urban, cozy, quiet, and romantic. This square is filled with fountains, restaurants, gelaterias, and shopsAlso visit the St. Pierre Cathedral here, which is the largest cathedral in the city. Currently on a mission to explore all of Europe (cities, castles, microstates you name it). Lets build a tribe together Join Here. The sooner you book the tickets, it will be easier to get discounts. Another great place to visit in France for the weekend is Honfleur, a charming coastal town. Note, automated machines dont accept foreign credit cards, another reason to book ahead of time. An adult ticket is 40 one way, which makes it a quick and easy weekend getaway from Paris. 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! These alone would be worth the effort to see on a day trip from Paris, but combine them with, what many term, the mini-Notre Dame and youve got yourself an amazing day trip! From the old town, you can soak in river views too. These days there are more tourists than pilgrims at Mont Saint Michel, but the spirit of the island remains. 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. High speed trains will take you there in 3 hours. The Chteau houses the Muse dHistoire de Nantes. We cant find a country that matches your search. You can check out the various exhibits and display rooms here. Also, its best to book to get cheaper fares and to guarantee a seat, especially for High Speed Thalys Trains. You will love Paris in autumn. You can walk on the walls of the castle and have a fantastic view on Nantes. Known for its historical and architectural landmarks Lyon is a delightful visit for history and culture lovers. Another favorite is Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, This shopping mall is super stunning, and it dates back to the 1850s. Wander around, admire the cleverly made machines and watch the demonstrations. This is an ideal place to visit for foodies who love amazing local specialties. The big attraction here is the Chateau de Fontainebleau, which is a country castle that was inhabited by royal French dynasties and is one of the most beautiful castles in France. From Paris, you can easily make a weekend trip to Cologne. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Being a port city, the coastal vibes in Marseille are very different from any of the other destinations listed in this post. Consider staying at the Hotel De Orangerie. It is a large fountain in Geneva, and can be seen at all times of the year. Check out our detailed guide to the Schengen Visa here. Here you can check out the Musee Boudin, the lovely harbor, the Church of Saint Catherine, and Le Vieux Bassin. Try some on fresh strawberries! Other landmarks to include in your Marseille itinerary are Le Corbusiers influential Cit Radieuse complex and Zaha Hadids CMA CGM Tower. From Geneva you can soak in views of Mont Blanc and everywhere your eyes go, you will see the Alps and Jura mountains. We highly recommend taking some time to wander and explore the colorful winding lanes of Marseille. Strasbourgs grandeur can be explored in the Grand le and Petite France cobbled streets. If you prefer a more relaxed trip to London, visit 1 -2 museums (The British Museum, Museum of London, or Natural History Museum), and then relax at Kensington Gardens, or Kew Gardens. Spend time here exploring the beautiful architecture, eat or embark on a horse carriage ride. Paris in Autumn: Reasons to visit Paris in the fall Paris is always a good idea, and this travel, Read More Paris in Autumn: Reasons to visit Paris in the fallContinue, Heading to Paris for an unforgettable trip? The Bayeux tapestry depicts the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy back in 1066. Sancerres hilltop location offers stunning views across the Loire Valley. Marseille boasts of 300 days of sunshine. 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. Next, for a panoramic view of the city, head to Parc de Rochers des Doms. You can lose yourself wandering through the surrounding vineyards and patchwork fields that seem to roll across the horizon. This is a great place to visit for history and architecture buffs because there are cathedrals and museums to explore. You can learn about how the cheese is made at Fromagerie Ganot and Fromagerie de Meaux Saint Faron. From the Gare du Nord Paris you can take the train to Thalys. Other popular attractions to check out in Brussels are the Atomium Park, Mont des Arts, Mini Europe and the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. One of the newest attractions in Frankfurt is the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum, aka Chocolate Museum, which was opened in 1993. 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. Since time immemorial, Marseille was used as an immigration port and trade center. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". After exploring all the landmarks, set aside some time to hang out at Versailles Markets. With a population of over 2 million (c. 2018) Havana is the cultural, historical and political hub of the country. The Jet dEau is a must visit landmark in the city. Most of these houses, or rather, majestic, Renaissance style mansions, are located on the central Avenue de Champagne, which open their gates for tours and sampling sessions on selected days of the week. Geneva is home to many international agencies and you must take time to explore the United Nations headquarters Palace of Nations. A visit to the palace can take up to two-three hours. Where to Stay: A recommended place to stay in Reims is Chateau Les Crayeres, which has plush rooms, antique-style furnishings, and a restaurant and bar. At the train station in Paris, the platform departing for London is separate from Schengen countries. Colmar has a unique culture due to the influence of nearby Germany and Switzerland; it echoes with the magic of Alsatian folklore, celebrated through music and dance evenings which are regularly held in the historical center. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. From one romantic city to another, you will love Bruges. They were eerie, fascinating and historical! It was home to the European Parliament in the past. But France has much to offer lovers beyond the city limits. Air travel might be a cheaper option too, to consider. You can book high speed train tickets online as well. Where to Stay: A great place to stay here is Hotel Carmin, which is just a five-minute walk to the beach and next to city hall. Theres a famous cathedral here with spires and stained-glass windows that date back to the 1200s. It is one of the most impressive Gothic structures in all of Europe and a Unesco World Heritage site. Its about an hours drive from Paris. Top things to do include taking a tour at Pommery or Veuve Clicquot and visiting the caves where Champagne is stored. But Versailles has so much to offer (other than Palace of Versailles). Versailles is the second most visited site in France after the Louvre Museum, making it one of the most popular and easy day trip options. Where to Stay: Chambres dhotes Les Carrieres is a charming B&B that has hiking trails accessible from the property. The Chartres Cathedral is a short hour drive from Paris, located 80 km (50 miles) southwest of the City of Lights. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. Then head to one of these most European cities in America to quest your wanderlust. Many visitors also pay a visit to the ruins of Pont du Gard, which is a great way to learn about Roman history in a magnificent setting. Two other places not to miss are Pont dAvignon, a 12th-century bridge on the river, which used to have 22 arches, only 4 of which remain today, and the town square, Place de lHorloge which has several cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. This lane is full of murals, including that of Tin tin. Le Puy-en-Velay is nestled between thickly forested hills and towering rock formations, which give a real sense of secrecy to the place. They are safe and reliable. We do the same, as we travel from Canada and there is not a huge difference in prices. The city is located near the German border, and shares a rich culture German and French influences. Reims is in the Champagne region of France and is famous for the sparkling beverage we all know and love. 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? A weekend escape to Reims would not be complete without visiting Champagne Lanson. 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. Check out the hotel reviews and book your stay. Reserve approximately 2 hours for the castle. Where to Stay: Villa Florentine is a five-star hotel with impressive views of Lyon and the historic Old Town. To complement your visit, stay at the historical Hotel DEurope, built in the 15th century, and located in the vibrant town square. In the evening, you can enjoy a canal tour or see the sun go down on the beautiful city. 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. Lyon is the third largest city in France and it can be easily reached from Paris by train. Where to Stay: Stay at the Kyriad Meaux, which is just five minutes from the historic center of the city and close to the regions theme parks. But today, were focusing exclusively on getaway spots in France. Another must do activity here is to embark on a canal tour in the evening to enjoy the night lights in Frankfurt. This is an ideal place to come for a peaceful retreat, and theres a spa onsite for ultimate relaxation. This small medieval town in the south-west Aquitaine region, perches upon craggy rock faces that wall the passing Dordogne River. Reims is a quaint city that is known as the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine region. 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. London deserves at least 4 to 7 days to explore the citys major highlights. We highly recommend taking a walking tour of Altstadt (old town) to learn about the citys history. La Rochelle is a gorgeous harbour town on Frances southwestern border, backing onto the Atlantic Ocean. **The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Zone. The Camargue is a gorgeous stretch of marshland in southern France, where the two branches of the River Rhne run into the sea. Where to Stay: Stay at Aux Vieux Remparts for a romantic weekend away. This quaint home amazes with millions of pieces of crockery, pottery, and more built into mosaics. This museum was awarded the Museum of the Year 2012, and it is home to one of the most important collections in Germany. The most memorable part of the tour was walking through the caves (cellars). The Cuban capital city of Havana requires no introduction. Cruise w/ $500 Shipboard Credit, Air & 12-Day Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Adventure, Air & 10-Day Japan & China Vacation | Save 80%, All-Incl. The romantic allure of Paris is undeniable. Normandy is a historic part of France that has been a significant place throughout the ages. La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvire is the most visited site in Lyon, it is a minor basilica in the city. This is also an excellent option if you are considering short flights from Paris. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site! For all of the Champagne lovers out there looking for a wonderful weekend break in France, there is a perfect province for you to explore that is located in the Northeastern part of the country. A good place to stay is the Zenitude Hotel-Residence Nantes-La Beaujoire, with a swimming pool and your own kitchen. The church has stood as a symbol of national unity, especially in the 19th century. For art lovers, head to the Stdel Museum. You can venture to other countries from weekend trips from Paris via high speed trains or cheap flights from Paris. We recommend reservations if you are on a short trip, and your itinerary is set. Trains in France are fast and efficient. Itll only take you about 50 minutes to drive to Meaux from Paris, but this small town is a haven for city-dwellers. Wild! Wander the historic center area of Place du Bourg-de-Four. The glorious Chateau de Chantilly is a wonderful destination for those who want to discover other interesting sites located around Paris, either for a day trip or a short weekend visit. 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. Vieux-Port or the Old Port used to be a hub spot for fishermen selling their catch, and today it is filled with colorful boats and places to eat. From Paris, you can take a weekend trip to Geneva by train. In case you dont think that is crazy enough, Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family are direct descendants of who would become King William. Make reservations online for the Machines de Lile, so that you can visit everything in one afternoon. Your email address will not be published. In the many rooms the history of the castle is told and the history of Nantes from start to finish. A single entry Schengen Visa is sufficient as long as you remain within the Schengen zone. Passport holders from the United States and Canada do not need a visa for a weekend trip to the country. It is filled with festive decorations, mulled wine, and is home to one of the prettiest Christmas in France. Small towns in France are perfect opportunities to learn the history of the region without the crowds but with all the culture. Chantilly is a beautiful French town that you can reach from Paris by train or car. Shop at the Piccadilly Circus, or Oxford Street. Where to Stay: Book a room at the Mercure Chantilly Resort & Conventions, which is in the heart of the Chantilly Forest and has rooms with forest and golf course views. It is important to know that the French Railways (SNCF) have the fastest trains in Europe. Here are some quick tips for taking trains in Paris to other towns in France, and other countries. Rent a bike to get around town and experience Lyon like a local. A stunning 4 star hotel, with beautiful views, a dining room for breakfast (extra charge), and lavish suites. In Marseille, you must visit the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, a Romanesque-Byzantine church. Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! Paris is a romantic city, an artsy city, and a city where theres always something to see and do. Please try again. The region is famous for its white horses, which can often be seen galloping through the shallow waters. It either takes you from the Galerie to Le Carrousel or vice versa. This site had been the site of three churches in the past. The Haus Rmer is the prime landmark at the Rmerberg plaza. 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. Other notable museums to include in your weekend itinerary: Confluence Museum, Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon aka Muse des beaux-arts de Lyon. Located within the complex is Petit Trianon, which was used as a solitary refuge for Marie Antoinette. And be very mindful of your belongings. 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. Best of all, entrance is free! The center of Bruges is only 20 minutes walk away from the train station. Le Croix dAugas is a fun and kitschy restaurant here to check out. 10 Top Hotels near LAX with Free Shuttles, 8 Most Exclusive Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast, 11 Most Beautiful Villages in Tuscany, Italy, You Can Rent The Byers New Mexico House From Stranger Things Season 4 on Airbnb. How to get to Bayeux: As with many small towns in France, it is easy to get to Bayeux by train. Then ride The Elephant. Be sure to also stop by the Massion Picassiette The House of a Million Pieces. The Chateau was originally built in the 16th Century for Duke Anne de Montmorency, but was later destroyed during the tumultuous French Revolution and rebuilt in the 19th Century by Henri dOrlans. At the weekends it hosts a bustling farmers market. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. The 12 miles of coastline between these two towns hides dozens of these little alcoves in its craggy precipices, providing secluded romantic havens close tobut completely concealed fromthe popular Riviera beaches. Rolling vineyards, idyllic rural villages, and spectacular coastlines are wonderful locations for a less clichd and more secluded romantic getaway. This is a square located in the city center of Lyon (between the Rhne and the Sane, at the foot of the hill of La Croix-Rousse). The nearby forest area is also great for rock climbing if youre looking for a little adventure. This is one of the primary attractions in Bruges, and looks like a fairy tale place that you see in picture-perfect postcards. Each French town usually has its own Christmas Tree and market. Pineapple Beach Club Antigua | 5th Nt Free, Air & 15-Day Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil Tour, $715 Off | 9-Day Luxury All-Incl. Tickets reservations cost about $35 USD+ plus the rail pass for the day. 14 Best All-Inclusive Spa Resorts in the U.S. During winters, Strasbourg is a stunning place to spend Christmas in Europe. The direct journey only takes around 25 minutes which makes visiting Chateau de Chantilly ideal for a day trip. Over the centuries, pilgrims would make their way to Mont Saint Michel to pray, eventually building a small village in its vicinity. If interested you can also embark on half day wine tours from Strasbourg. During a tour through Champagne Lanson, you will see the fermentation process along with all of the machinery. Top attractions to add to your weekend list are the Normandy Beaches, Caen, Giverny, Falaise, and the seaside resorts. 2022 tosomeplacenew ToSomePlaceNew is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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