Paris: Day Trips

D-Day Beaches See where the Allied invasion to liberate Europe began on June 6, 1944. Nearby, the American Cemetery is accessible via the 2007 commemorated visitors’ center. Arrange bus tours through Cityrama or Paris Vision. 160 miles northwest of Paris; www.abmc.gov
culture | tour | history

Fontainebleau This 1900-room palace (another former royal residence) was a popular retreat for centuries of French kings. Surrounding forests provided fertile hunting grounds for the monarchs; today they attract visitors for biking and hiking. 42 miles southeast of Paris; www.fontainebleau-tourisme.com
family | architecture | culture | history

Giverny Monet buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the home and gardens where the great painter lived and worked for more than 40 years – the Claude Monet Foundation operates public tours. 50 miles northwest of Paris; www.fondation-monet.com
culture | tour | outdoors | history

Mont St-Michel The evocative silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel’s towering, mist-shrouded abbey is worth the lengthy day trip from Paris. Bus tours can be arranged through tour operators like Cityrama or Paris Vision. 205 miles northwest of Paris; www.ot-montsaintmichel.com
architecture | culture | tour | history

The Loire The vineyard-bordered valley is equally famous for wine as it is châteaux (musts include Chambord and Chenonceau). Combine tours with hiking, bicycling or hot air ballooning through the scenic countryside. Chartres is 55 miles southwest of Paris; www.loirevalleytourism.com
family | architecture | culture | wine tasting | history

Versailles The Château de Versailles with its extensive fountain-speckled gardens, are a testimony to the royal extravagance of 17th century France’s notorious “Sun King,” Louis XIV, who embellished them to what they are today. 14 miles southwest of Paris; www.versailles-tourisme.com
family | architecture | culture | outdoors | history