Best Towns To Visit Outside Of Paris
So, you've done Paris. You've Eiffel-Towered, Louvre-d, and croissanted your way through the City of Lights. Awesome! But guess what? France is way bigger than just Paris. And the stuff outside Paris? It's seriously charming. Like, ridiculously charming.
Think fairytale castles. Think ridiculously picturesque villages. Think wine regions that'll make you sing French chansons (even if you only know "Frère Jacques"). And the best part? They're all easily reachable. No need for a private jet or anything. Just a train ticket and a sense of adventure.
Why is this even fun to talk about? Because it’s like discovering a secret. Paris is amazing, yeah. But these smaller towns? They’re the hidden gems. They're where you can really breathe French air. And maybe eat even more cheese. Because, let's be honest, that's a valid travel goal.
The Royal Treatment (Without the Royal Hassle)
First up, let’s talk about Versailles. Yeah, I know, technically it's a suburb. But it feels like its own thing. And that thing is bling.
The palace is… a lot. Like, a lot a lot. Gold everywhere. Chandeliers that could blind you. And the Hall of Mirrors? Forget about it. It's so shiny, you'll start questioning your own reflection. Is that really me?
But here’s the fun part: the gardens. They’re HUGE. You could get lost in them for days. And you probably will. They have these amazing fountains that put on a show. It’s like a water disco for kings and queens. So extra.
Pro tip: rent a golf cart. Your feet will thank you. And you can pretend you're royalty, cruising through your vast estate. Just try not to run over any statues. They’re kind of important.
Fairytale Dreams and Gothic Grandeur
Next on the list? Chartres. Why Chartres? The cathedral, duh.
This place is straight out of a medieval movie. It’s got flying buttresses that look like they’re defying gravity. And the stained glass windows? Oh. My. Goodness. They’re like giant, colorful stories told in glass. Seriously, you could spend hours just staring at them. Mesmerizing.
And here’s a quirky fact: some of the glass is from the 12th century! Imagine that. People centuries ago were looking at the exact same vibrant blues and reds. It’s like a direct connection to the past. Pretty cool, right?
Chartres also has this thing called the "Blue of Chartres." It’s a really specific, intense blue color you see in the windows. It’s famous for a reason. It just… glows.
Wandering through the old town is also a treat. Cobblestone streets, little shops, that authentic French vibe. It’s not as flashy as Versailles, but it’s got a quiet, powerful beauty. Like a wise old wizard.
Champagne Wishes and Castle Dreams
Alright, let's talk bubbles. Reims. It’s the capital of the Champagne region. Yes, please!
The biggest draw here is the Reims Cathedral. Another stunner. This is where French kings got crowned. So, it’s got history dripping from every stone. It’s also got more gargoyles than you can count. Watch out, they might judge your fashion choices.
But the real reason you’re here? The champagne houses. You can tour them! Walk through underground cellars. Learn how they make the magic happen. And, of course, taste it.
Some of the cellars are massive. Like, cathedrals of champagne. They’re cool and dark, and filled with thousands of bottles aging to perfection. It’s seriously impressive. And a little bit intoxicating, even before you’ve had a sip.
Imagine sipping on some bubbly, surrounded by history and effervescence. That’s a good day, people. That's a really good day.
Medieval Magic and Majestic Manors
Now, for something a bit more, shall we say, enchanting. The Loire Valley. This isn't just one town, it's a whole region. Think châteaux. Lots and lots of châteaux.
We're talking castles that look like they were plucked from a Disney movie. Château de Chambord is like a giant fairytale castle. It’s got more chimneys than I have socks. Seriously. And this crazy double-helix staircase inside. Leonardo da Vinci supposedly had a hand in it. Mind. Blown.
Then there’s Château de Chenonceau. This one is built right over a river. It’s literally spanning water. It’s super elegant and romantic. It was mostly built by women, too. So, you know, girl power and all that. Fabulous.
And you can’t forget about Château d'Amboise. It's got a beautiful view of the Loire River. And guess who’s buried there? Leonardo da Vinci himself. Talk about an artistic pilgrimage.
The Loire Valley is also known for its wines. So, it’s a perfect combo of history, architecture, and delicious drinks. Just remember to pace yourself. You’ve got a lot of castles to see.
Impressionist Inspiration and Artistic Escapes
Let’s switch gears to something a little more mellow, but equally inspiring. Giverny. This is where Claude Monet lived and painted.
His garden is the star here. It’s an absolute riot of color. Water lilies, bridges, flowers everywhere. It looks exactly like his paintings. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into one of his masterpieces. It’s that surreal.
There’s his house, too. It's decorated with his collections. And you can see his studio. It’s a really intimate glimpse into his world. You can almost feel his artistic energy. So inspiring.
The famous Japanese bridge is there. The one he painted so many times. It’s incredibly peaceful. You can sit there and just… absorb. It’s the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Paris.
It’s a small place, but it packs a big punch. Especially if you love art. Or just really beautiful gardens.
A Taste of Normandy's Coastal Charm
Finally, let's head north to Honfleur. This is a super cute port town in Normandy.
The old harbor is the heart of it. Colorful buildings crammed together. Boats bobbing in the water. It’s like a postcard came to life. Artists have been flocking here for ages to paint it. Can you blame them?
There’s this massive wooden church called Sainte-Catherine’s Church. It’s made entirely of wood. And it looks like a giant ship’s hull. Pretty unique, right? It was built by sailors. So, it makes sense!
Honfleur is also known for its seafood. Fresh oysters, mussels… you name it. Enjoy it with a glass of local cider. Perfection.
It’s got a laid-back vibe. Perfect for strolling, people-watching, and eating. It feels… authentic.
So, there you have it. A little taste of what’s out there. Paris is amazing, but don’t forget the rest of France is pretty darn spectacular too. Go explore. Get lost. Eat some more cheese. You won't regret it. Bon voyage!