Auvers-sur-Oise
None other than the legendary Vincent Van Gogh was enamored by Auvers-sur-Oise when he was living in France. In fact, you might even get a glimpse of the area in many of his priceless scenic paintings. Though even if you won't, just visiting this area for a day would already show you just how beautiful it really is here. A grand manor awaits history buffs while its carefully-curated gardens are perfect for a wedding venue in the summer!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Champagne Region
Paris is where you can drink the finest champagne in the world. But it's at the Champagne region, just a 39-minute drive from the French capital, where you'll get to see how it's made. One can't even call a drink as 'champagne' if it didn't originate from here. While the whole world embraces this expensive and luxurious beverage, those who live and work in this area do their best to provide it. So isn't it worth your time visiting them and paying respects to their tradition?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Château de Versailles
The Château de Versailles is probably the number one reason tourists travel outside of Paris. Once you're in France, you shouldn't miss going to one of the country's most opulent and historic sites. The once seat of power in France, the extravagant palaces stand as a reminder of France's history, both as the capital of elegance and luxury and its revolution. If you've ever watched a movie about Marie Antoinette, Louis XIV, and other French royals, this is where they've filmed them.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Château Vaux-le-Vicomte
Another palace worth visiting is the Château Vaux-le-Vicomte. A 17tch-century structure, it's almost hard to believe that this place used to be a private residence. Today, it's become a portal to the old world. One where priceless works of art hung on walls. One where baroque style was the name of the game. And one where opulence was normal, not a novelty. But even beyond its visual feast, it's also a nice retreat from the bustling metropolis of Paris.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Disneyland Paris
A common misconception is that Disneyland Paris is located at the heart of the French capital, but no, it's not! The "happiest place on Earth" is actually set just a few miles from Paris, but not so far that you'd need to stay in that area for the night (though Disney's hotels aren't that bad!). If your country doesn't have its own Disneyland—which is highly likely—you should miss dropping by here for a day or two. You'll meet all your favorite characters, go on exciting rides, and even watch colorful parades!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Domaine de Chantilly
If you're not into that fairytale stuff but you still want to visit a place that's just as enchanting, go to Domaine de Chantilly. A large palatial estate that once housed the Duke of Aumale, Henri d’Orléans. He was one of France's most prominent collectors of art, books, and other priceless items. You could even see most of his collection in the estate, all preserved by the current curators. Going here is like stepping into the past, with all the fanciful beauty that once defined France.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fontainebleau
You've probably heard of the famous Fontainebleau castle in France, haven't you? A beloved landmark that used to house some of France's most notorious monarchs and historic noblemen. Not to mention its rather iconic baroque design that hs inspired the sets of various films and TV series over the years. Wouldn't you want to visit such a place while you're in France? Well, it'll be easy if you're staying in Paris. The popular palace is located just 57km southeast of the French capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Giverny
If you're a fan of Monet, you shouldn't miss going to Giverny. It only takes an hour to drive from the French capital to this tranquil, beautiful retreat. Think of the beautiful lily ponds, wispy willows, and colorful flora that you saw in Monet's paintings. you'll actually find them all here as the historic painter stayed in this area from the late 19th century to this death in 1926. And even if you know nothing of the legendary artist, Giverny's natural beauty is enough of a reason to go here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Loire Valley
Can't get enough of French castles? The Loire Valley has a lot of them. Enough to keep you from going back to Paris for a while. Though you can visit the place on a day trip, you'd probably want to explore as many—or is possible, all of them—castles as you can. And with every castle that you visit, you'll discover something more about France's past and heritage. Not to mention keep your imagination alive of what must have happened within the walls of these palatial homes.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rouen
Is the town where Joan of Arc was burnt enough of a historic significance for you? History buffs, welcome! The city of Rouen is just a few kilometers away from Paris. Here, not only will you get to see the place where one of the most legendary people who ever existed got executed, but you'll also see the charms of Old France. All preserved to continue to charm people from different cities, countries, and continents.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
There may be a lot to do in Paris alone, but there are also a few amazing places just right outside the French capital. You'd enjoy your time better in France if you take the time to visit and explore them. Don't worry, they'll mostly fit within a day of traveling!
