If you’re tired of croissants, bistros and the Eiffel Tower, there’s much to do outside of Paris. For a 3 to 4 hour traveling time, drive to less touristy cities in France to make the most out of your vacation.
Giverny
Art lovers will enjoy a day trip to the commune of Giverny, where Le Maison et Jardin du Claud Monet is situated. Come here during the summer and you’ll find lavenders, and Claud Monet’s iconic pink and green shades against the bluest skies. Don’t miss the Jardin Japonais accessible within the house grounds.
To foodies, eat a slice of Val de Loire’s local Tarte Tatin topped with warm apple slices at the Restaurant Les Nympheas.
Deauville, Normandy
In Normandy, the commune of Deauville’s half-timbered architectures reminiscent of the popular Colmar town should entice you to visit this posh town. Coco Chanel opened her first store here in Deauville, and so you’ll find luxury stores sandwiched between cute bistros and ice cream shops here.
Trouville Sur Mer, Normandy
But if you desire local bites, Deauville’s sister city Trouville sur mer is a haven for foodies and seafood lovers. Grab Petite Friture — eperlans and limande-sole — small fried fishes you dip in tartar sauce. But then you’ll never go wrong with their fish of the day. 800g fresh sole drizzled with molten butter is so fresh, you’ll not wonder why the Vikings had held the region of Normandy so dear to them.
Nevers
To religious pilgrims, the town of Nevers in the Bourgogne-Comte-Franche region shouldn’t be new. The monastery where St. Bernadette fled from Lourdes until her death should be in your bucket list. Here, you’ll find the incorruptible body of the saint, and though her face is already caked with makeup, it’s still a sight to behold. A replica of the grotto in Lourdes is also at the Espace Bernadette Soubirous Nevers.
And while you’re in Nevers, a photo stop by the lesser known castle Palais Ducal de Nevers is a delight. #Nevers.
Where to eat: Au Tour Du Monde’s ble and grilled meat plates are so huge, you’ll never be hungry for a gas station stop on the way back to Paris.
I’ll let you in a little secret — Musee du Camembert is on the way back to Paris. You won’t get lost because the road literally says Rue du Fromage. For a good 15 euros, you’ll have a tasting of Camembert Brie cheese from local Camembert farms. Best to drink it with local apple cider.
On the way back to Paris, you’ll probably get a chance to see sunflower fields.
Val de Loire
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without visiting Val de Loire or Loire Valley. Chateau Royal d’Ambois is a romantic hike for castle lovers, complete with live violinist performers, and wine connoisseurs should find a cheap 5 euros flight of wines at Vin de Amboise. Feels like a set of a James Bond movie, IMO.
If you have extra time, Chateau de Clos Luce is a must for art lovers. The home of Leonardo da Vinci has more than just paintings; it’s perfect for hobbyists wanting to know the celebrated inventor’s dam and flying inventions.
Where to eat: Authentic gelato at Amorino near Chateau Royal d’Amboise. You can pick as much flavors as you want with the rose ice cream.
Dijon
If you’re exiting Paris and heading to Lucerne, Bern or Zurich, Dijon is a natural pitstop that will be meaningful in the middle of a 5 hour drive. Have a cup of coffee and a platter of saucisson at Cafe Hugo, and buy Dijon’s product — authentic Dijon mustard.
Versailles
Finally, the most touristy day trip: Versailles. Versailles needs no introduction and you can’t go to Paris without visiting Versailles. It can get crowded during the summer so best to come here in other seasons and maybe you’ll enjoy it more. I’d say its crowds are no different from the Louvre, which can get challenging for those who desire a better photo at the Hall of Mirrors. Don’t miss the Gardens of Versailles, Marie Antoinette’s newly opened bedrooms, and the nice bookstore on your way out to grab some souvenirs.