This former unofficial capital of France sits just 10 miles from Paris and is easily reachable by train. Even though the Chateau de Versailles has been known as the epitome of indulgent luxury for centuries, seeing it in person is a jaw-dropping experience. The chateau's magnificent gardens are free, but it's worth shelling out for a day ticket to see the interior—although it does make...
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This former unofficial capital of France sits just 10 miles from Paris and is easily reachable by train. Even though the Chateau de Versailles has been known as the epitome of indulgent luxury for centuries, seeing it in person is a jaw-dropping experience. The chateau's magnificent gardens are free, but it's worth shelling out for a day ticket to see the interior—although it does make going back to even a fancy hotel seem rather humdrum. Less
This 49,000-acre forest is one of the biggest in France.
Why did Marne-la-Vallée make our list? It's simple: Disneyland Park Paris. Families have flocked here since its opening in 1992. Other Disney attractions include Walt Disney Studios Park and Golf Disneyland. If you need a break from Minnie and Mickey et al., visit the Sea Life Centre or Val d'Europe Shopping Center.
Dom Perignon, Cristal, Veuve Clicquot... The very names evoke images of decadence and luxury, from star-studded parties in sunny destinations to candlelit evenings in 5-star surrounds. Champagne-Ardenne breaks out the bubbly by the millions of cases every year, drawing thirsty travelers the world over to taste its unparalleled sparkling wines and explore the chalky caves in which the...
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Dom Perignon, Cristal, Veuve Clicquot... The very names evoke images of decadence and luxury, from star-studded parties in sunny destinations to candlelit evenings in 5-star surrounds. Champagne-Ardenne breaks out the bubbly by the millions of cases every year, drawing thirsty travelers the world over to taste its unparalleled sparkling wines and explore the chalky caves in which the Champagne matures. The surrounding countryside is rife with deep forests, rolling limestone and bright waterways. Less
Thank Claude Monet for making this small village, located less than 50 miles northwest of Paris, a global landmark. Not only did the world-famous Impressionist painter live here for over four decades, but his Japanese-inspired garden (and the artist’s restored 19th century home) remain must-see attractions for visitors to France. Art lovers also will want to check out the Musée des...
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Thank Claude Monet for making this small village, located less than 50 miles northwest of Paris, a global landmark. Not only did the world-famous Impressionist painter live here for over four decades, but his Japanese-inspired garden (and the artist’s restored 19th century home) remain must-see attractions for visitors to France. Art lovers also will want to check out the Musée des Impressionnismes, which houses—as you’d expect—a collection of paintings and special exhibitions highlighting the Impressionist movement. Great for day trippers visiting from Paris, Giverny also offers bed-and-breakfast lodging for those travelers who want to spend the night. Less
Wide beaches along the "Flower Coast" attract families and those commemorating the D-Day landings of 1944. Inland, cattle graze in rural idylls and pre-WWII buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Rent a car or take tours from Caen or Bayeux. The landscape around his home in Giverny inspired Monet's Water Lilies, and summer's profusion of blooms is quite lovely. Don't miss...
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Wide beaches along the "Flower Coast" attract families and those commemorating the D-Day landings of 1944. Inland, cattle graze in rural idylls and pre-WWII buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Rent a car or take tours from Caen or Bayeux. The landscape around his home in Giverny inspired Monet's Water Lilies, and summer's profusion of blooms is quite lovely. Don't miss Rouen's old town and cathedral, Caen's cathedral, Bayeaux's tapestry and the ancient island-abbey of Mont-St-Michel. Less
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
Maureen Jenkins is a Travel and Food writer who has visited nearly 35 countries and territories and now lives outside Paris.