There’s plenty to do in Paris, and no one can be blamed for visiting France several times without stepping beyond the gate that is the peripherique. Nonetheless, the villages, suburbs and country sides that surround the French capital are worth a visit, if only for an afternoon. A short jaunt beyond city limits offers a wonderful, new French experience accessible by public transportation, rental car and, in some cases, even bicycle.
The beauty of these brief excursions outside of Paris is that travelers can experience something new, and be back in their New York Habitat Paris accommodation before night falls.
A great majority of tourist day trips in the Parisian region head directly to the gilded gates of Versailles. In fact, many tourist itineraries for the city of Paris include a visit to one of the world’s most famous castles and historic sites. Versailles, the city and chateau, is easily accessible by commuter train from the Montparnasse train terminal. If you’d like to go the guided route, there are plenty of tour guides that bus camera wielding travelers out to the castle for a fee. The chateau Versailles and its gardens are massive. Much like the city of Paris, you’ll probably never be able to see the entire chateau Versailles, although you can’t be blamed for trying.
Beyond the infamous palace, which we could easily dedicate dozens of posts to, is the city of Versailles itself, a wealthy Parisian suburb with small town charms and a cosmopolitan character. Of course, most visitors are in the town for the opulent palace that shares its name, but visitors who step a bit off the beaten path and take the time for a stroll and a coffee on the city’s cobble-stoned streets won’t be disappointed. Those that do decide to spend the majority of their day at the palace should buy a map and wear a comfortable pear of walking shoes, it really is that expansive.
As mentioned earlier, the beauty of Paris day trips is that visitors can get a taste of France outside of the capital without having to leave the comfort of their New York Habitat apartment rental in Paris. Dozens of New York Habitat apartments are available year-round, just a short train ride to the city of Versailles and the lavish palace that shares its name. Below are a few to get your search started:
- This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Trocadero, Auteuil-Tour Eiffel (PA-1087) features a renovated kitchen, rooftop views and tasteful furnishings and design touches.
- This stunning 1-bedoom rental accommodation in Gambetta, Pere Lachaise-Nation (PA-2147) is a one of a kind apartment. The duplex features hardwood floors, a massive floor-to-ceiling bay window and swirling spiral staircase.
- This simple, inexpensive and ideally located 2-bedroom rental apartment in Invalides, Auteuil-Tour Eiffel (PA-2914). The Paris flat can accommodate up to four guests and features a modern, tiled bathroom.
I was happy to have the chance to see Versailles, but it really was not near the top of my list of my favorite things in Paris…
Personnally I prefer the Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte it is indeed a much smaller castle but this is my favorite in the Paris Region. You should really consider a trip to this Monument during your stay in the capital of France.
I have heard people say that while Americans may bring their girlfriends to Paris to be romantic, the French go to Versailles. 😀
Hey Carlton, me like that. Yeah the americans also take her up to the Eiffel Tower and propose
Versailles is really pretty.
When I went to Versailles, I saw the Jeff Koonz show of giant balloon animals and flower topiaries. It was such a ridiculous display of superfluous luxury and money. I guess that is what Versailles is all about, though. Marie would have been proud.
You mean the princess?