Exploring outside Paris
There is so much to explore within the limits of Paris, that you could spend months visiting and never get bored. But if you'd like to venture out a bit there are certainly many sites worth seeing - and all just a easy train ride away. Here are a few that can be reached in about an hour or less, and will have you back in the heart of The City of Lights in time for your dinner reservation.
Versailles
The spectacular home of perhaps France's most famous king - Louis XIV, Versailles the very definition of "over the top". All that glitters is actually gold here - gold leaf covers almost every surface in the almost 2300 rooms of the castle.
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The Palais, which is nearly 400 years old, is a work of art and one of the most visited places in all of France. Make sure to devote a full day to visit both the palace as well as the stunning grounds.
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From the center of Paris, the train ride to Versailles is just about one hour. You can buy your train tickets right at the station - but we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance for entrance to the Palais itself as it is typically very crowded.
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Leave yourself some extra time to have lunch in one of the many great restaurants in the town of Versailles - or an even better idea, if the weather is cooperating, stop by the markets in town to pick up some food and drinks to bring to have a picnic in the beautiful grounds of the chateau.
Parc Disneyland
If you're a Disney Family (or Disney Adult) we know you are hoping to go to Disneyland Paris. But how do I get there? How do I arrange the tickets and reservations? What about fastpass/lightning lane/genie plus/premier access because I do not want to wait in lines!
Fear not - we can help you plan your day (or days) at Disney!
How many days do I need to book?
Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios are two theme parks located about 20 miles (34 km) outside of central Paris. The RER A will take you straight to the gates in about an hour. Ticket prices are about the same as the US based theme parks and reservations are required so make sure to get your tickets and reservations in advance to ensure a smooth entry. These theme parks are slightly less full than the US based parks so if you plan your day well, arrive early and stay late, you can definitely hit everything on your list with just one day in the parks (if you have a 2 park ticket). However, if you'd like to have more relaxed theme park days and don't want to miss anything, then two days is perfect. That will give you time to see all the nooks and crannies of these beautiful parks while not stressing if a ride goes down for an hour or so, knowing that you can hit it later.
Where should I stay???
If you're only going for one day, we recommend staying closer to the center of Paris and taking the train. If you're going to be there for a couple of days, you might want to book a stay a bit closer, maybe actually on property or nearby in Val d'Europe.
What about the food?
While the food at the parks and Disney Village has gotten better over the years, if I am going to be there for just lunch, I still prefer to grab something from a local boulangerie to bring along with me but if you're looking for some American style food on your visit, I highly recommend booking PYM Kitchen, the Avengers buffet. When my kids have a hankering for an american buffet this is where we go. Corn dogs, mini sliders, make your own ice cream sundaes and chocolate cake as big as your head are served all you care to eat.
What shouldn't I miss?
My family never goes to Disneyland without visiting the dragon under the castle. He is our absolute favorite! Also, no matter the weather we always get ice cream from March Hare Refreshments in Fantasyland. It's the BEST!!!
Rides? We all love Crush's Coaster in Walt Disney Studios. I will also tell you that I personally live in a house divided as half of us LOVE Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and half of us (read: THEM) do not love it. When you visit, please weigh in for us!!! Especially if you agree with me that it's amazing!
Please don't make me wait in line!!!!
As a rule, these parks don't get as busy as Magic Kingdom in Orlando so while they might get a little crowded, it won't be too busy. In Paris, the service that allows you to skip the line is called Disney Premier Access and you can book it on the day of, for each member of your party on your Disneyland Paris app. Once you're through the gates, you can purchase your DPA for individual attractions, to skip a line from 5 - to 20 euros per attraction or show per person. You will need to use the app to purchase and manage these features. Unless you're visiting on a weekend in July or Christmas week, you should be able to purchase just a few tickets to ease your park day.
But that's too much work - make it easier! I'll PAY!!!!
Disney Premier Access Ultimate is a service you can purchase in advance or on the day of, if supplies allow. This service will give you access to one time each, of every available attraction in both theme parks. This will also be utilized through the Disneyland Paris app. Current pricing is 120 - 190 euros per person per day. If you want to walk onto all the rides and not think about it (and have euros to burn) this is the way to go.
Giverny
Just a 45 minute train ride from the center of Paris, Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny will have you feeling as if you've been transported into an Impressionist painting. The landscape for his most famous works Water Lilies, you will find yourself mesmerized by the same light that so inspired Monet.
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This is definitely worth the trip and can easily be done in just half a day if your schedule is tight.
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Sadly, the home and gardens are not open during the winter months (November - beginning of April) so be sure to confirm availability before coming. And if you're visiting in the off season - well we suppose its just another sign that you'll have to plan a return trip.
