Paris is amazing, but sometimes you just need to get out and explore. The best part? There are so many incredible places just a short drive or train ride away. Here are my favorite short getaways:
Map
A 2 hour ride to get to cities like Bayeux or Caen, with beautiful beaches and rich history. Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery are beautiful sites if you're a history buff.
Normandy (D-Day Landing Beaches)
About 3 hours, 30 minutes by train. An absolute must-see medieval abbey and island. 10/10 if you can stay on island.
Mont-Saint-Michel
A high-speed train gets you to the heart of the French Riviera in about 3 hours, 10 minutes. Must-see for history, food, and nightlife.
Marseille
The Auberge Saint-Pierre offers the most authentic way to experience Mont Saint-Michel. This charming, timber-framed 3-star hotel provides an unbeatable location, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the magic of the island after the crowds have...
Auberge Saint-Pierre: Staying Inside the Magic
My stay at the nhow Marseille was nothing short of spectacular. This hotel is a modern masterpiece, boasting a truly gorgeous property with design details that perfectly complement its stunning coastal location. The rooms are a standout feature! Incr...
nhow Marseille: A Seaside Sanctuary
This combo ticket for the Mucem and the Le Panier audio tour is a fantastic way to spend a day in Marseille. The fast-track entry ticket to the Mucem was invaluable, allowing us to completely bypass the long line and immediately enjoy the striking ar...
Marseille: Mucem Fast-Track Entry Ticket and Le Panier Audio Tour
About 3 hours, 45 minutes by train to visit the French side of Lake Geneva. Visiting Lausanne in October is an absolute delight. The city, which is already stunning due to its dramatic hills, truly shines as the autumn foliage turns golden and red, o...
Lausanne
The Carlton Lausanne Boutique Hôtel offers a refined and truly charming experience. The 'boutique' distinction is immediately apparent in the hotel's beautifully curated interiors and the highly attentive, personalized service provided by the staff, ...
Carlton Lausanne Boutique Hôtel: Understated Elegance and Service
Visiting The Olympic Museum in Lausanne through Viator was an excellent decision that made our visit incredibly smooth. The process for redeeming the voucher was quick and easy, allowing us to gain seamless entry without any hassle or waiting in line...
The Olympic Museum Tour
Reims is a magnificent blend of history and hedonism, centered around the stunning Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO site where French kings were crowned. Nearby, the Palais du Tau and Saint-Remi Basilica offer deeper his...
Reims
A visit to Champagne Lanson is a highly recommended and unique experience in Reims, setting itself apart as one of the few Grandes Maisons located in the city center to offer a comprehensive "vine to flute" journey. The tour is consistently praised f...
Champagne Lanson Tours: Discover our experiences in the heart of Reims
The Novotel Suites Reims Centre is a highly-rated 4-star hotel praised for offering excellent value, cleanliness, and comfort, especially for families and travelers requiring extra space. Its prime location is just a short, 5-10 minute walk from the ...
Novotel Suites Reims Centre
A Giverny half-day trip from Paris is a fantastic, hassle-free way to explore Monet's house and iconic gardens, offering round-trip transport and skip-the-line access. The choice between a live Guided Tour and a Self-Guided/Audio Tour primarily comes...
Giverny and Monet's House Half Day Trip from Paris Guide or Audio
Lille, the capital of French Flanders, offers a captivating blend of French and Flemish heritage, making it a distinct and highly walkable destination often praised for having the friendliest people in France. The city's charm centers on Vieux-Lille ...
Lille
The train journey from Paris (Gare du Nord) to Lille (Lille Flandres or Lille Europe) is remarkably efficient and is highly recommended as the fastest way to travel between these two French cities, typically taking just over an hour on the high-speed...