Beyond Paris: Five Day Trips from the French Capital

Paris, by any definition, is one of the great world capitals. The City of Light is renowned for extraordinary museums, fine architecture and exceptional cuisine. A cultural cornucopia with a vibrant nightlife and a fascinating history, Paris enthralls. Still, there are wonderful places to visit outside the city. Following is a look at five.

Mont St. Michel
You probably won't be alone, as 3.5 million people visit each year, but the place is big enough you can still enjoy without feeling too crowded, especially out of high season. More than 1,200 years of history on display on a sometimes island.

Since the causeway was built in 1878, silt has built up enough that Mont St., Michel isn't completely surrounded by water.Visitors can wade across the mud flats out to the abbey, being mindful of a tide that can come in at about 12 miles per hour.

You can travel on your own or take a guided tour from Paris which lasts 14 hours start to finish. You will see the Normandy countryside and take in what used to be one of the top pilgrimage sites for Christians. Now Mont St. Michel is more for history and culture buffs than pilgrims.

The Somme
You might have decided to visit the battlefields of Normandy related to the D-day invasion of WWII. Less visited, and sadly less remembered by many, WWI sites have much to offer. The first "modern war," saw battles so horrific that many hoped it would be enough to make it the last war. Of course, the way it ended laid the groundwork for the next. I count myself luck for having been able to go there.

The Somme saw trench warfare unleashed, with casualties devastating in volume. The front line is about 30 miles long, and can be reached by car, train, or organized tour. If you have more time are so inclined, see it by bicycle.

Versailles and Giverny
Of course the palace at Versailles in on most lists, for a reason. History, intrigue, and a monument to the excess of birthright are on display. See the opulent Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Apartments, and the gardens around one of Europe's most famous palaces.

After Versailles, continue out to Giverny and visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet. See why Monet said "my garden is my most beautiful masterpiece." Giverny is easy to get to by car, train or organized tour.

The Loire Valley
Tour the chateaux of the Loire Valley, to the south of Paris. The central Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, primarily because of the collection of castles and chateaux.

A rail trip is the best way to make the Loire Valley into a day trip. Here are two possible itineraries with castle admissions and an English speaking guide included.

London
You flew to Paris, and your air tickets don't include other stopovers, but you would love to see London too. It's possible to make a day trip to another of Europe's great cities work, as London is just over a two hour train ride away on Eurostar.

Combine two of Europe's best cities and enjoy a train ride under ocean waters. Lunch in London, late dinner in Paris!