Just a note before we start – we’ve chosen our favorites for the sheer experience of them, and not necessarily the convenience. After all, that’s what Versailles is for! But these are day trips from Paris that may not necessarily be top on your list, but with a guided tour package are not only doable, but much easier – and unforgettable. You’ll find the links below.

Château Chambord, Loire Valley. Photo courtesy of blieusong

Loire Valley

You can be forgiven for thinking that the castles of the Loire Valley are far from Paris – and you may figure that once you’ve seen Versailles, you get the picture. But the stunning châteaux of the Loire, particularly Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau, are stunning feats of architecture as well as a way to see another part of France that is normally reserved for road trips, not day trips. From their meticulous gardens to the tops of their spires, they are a fascinating look into French history that should not be missed.

Book a Loire Valley day trip from Paris

Mont Saint-Michel. Photo courtesy of etxebaiker on Flickr

Mont Saint-Michel

Why should you take a day trip from Paris to see Mont Saint-Michel? LOOK AT IT! It seems like a mirage when you see it from a distance; like a dream as you approach; and once you’re inside its walls, it’s like something not even Walt Disney himself could have imagined. And day trip to Mont Saint-Michel is not only about its abbey and quaint winding streets – its location affords some jaw-dropping views of the tide’s lightning-fast comings and goings.

Book a Mont Saint-Michel day trip from Paris

American Cemetery and Memorial, Normandy. Courtesy of The U.S. Army

Normandy Battlefields

I’ll confess that before I visited the American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy, I had flashbacks to the countless boring field trips I went on at school. But once I arrived, I was embarrassed by my assumption; it is a moving tribute to the battles fought in this region, made all the more so immediate by its location on a cliff overlooking the very beaches they stormed. And a tour of the battlefields is also emotionally charged, given the bucolic setting before you. History buffs will be in their element, but everyone will benefit from this experience.

Book a Normandy battlefields day trip from Paris

Bruges, Belgium. Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Staudt on Flickr

Bruges, Belgium

This day trip is yet one more reason to love Paris, and Europe in general – how often can you sit down to dinner having popped over to another country for the day? A day trip to Bruges, in Flemish Belgium, gives you a taste of another part of Europe without the hassle of additional vacation logistics. In the summer months, you can take a boat trip through the canals of this “Little Venice of the North,” but it’s a gorgeous city all year round that really makes you feel like a jet-setter.

Book a day trip to Bruges from Paris

London from Paris via Eurostar. Photo courtesy of jurvetson on Flickr

London via Eurostar

Speaking of jet-setter, you don’t have to waste hours in airports to hop across the Channel for a spot of tea. The Eurostar train can have you in jolly old England before lunch! You leave right from the middle of Paris and are deposited right in the middle of London, so you have plenty of time to visit this world capital before heading back to the City of Light. This is a super-fun trip, and highly recommended. Remember to bring your passport with you!

Book a day trip from Paris to London

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

Best Day Trips From Paris from Viator Paris

Bastille Day. Photo courtesy of joshveitchmichaelis’ buddy icon joshveitchmichaelis on Flickr

Summer in Paris – not as nightmarish as you’d think! In fact, it’s quite the opposite – with the sun not setting until 10 at night and plenty of fun (and free!) events throughout the city, visiting Paris in the summer can give you a unique experience that’s more than simply visiting the museums and sights. Let’s break it down by month, shall we?

Fête de la Musique. Photo courtesy of boklm on Filckr

Paris in June

June 21, the summer solstice, is always marked on a Parisian’s calendar – and that’s because it is the day of Fête de la Musique, a nationwide music festival that brings huge acts to every major venue in the City of Light. But it’s not only about arena or music hall concerts; wander around town and you’ll find anything from a DJ spinning tunes outside a hip bar, to a string quartet set up on a street corner, to a choir performing in a neighborhood church. It’s just one big party – and you’re invited!

But the whole month of June is a glorious time to visit Paris; the kids aren’t out of school yet, everything is lush and green, and the sun doesn’t set until 10 p.m.! So if you’ve ever wanted to spend a long evening at an outdoor cafe watching Paris go by, this is your month.

Tour de France. Photo courtesy of Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr

Paris in July

July is a fun month in Paris, as it gears up for two huge events. First is July 14, also known as Bastille Day. This national holiday is marked in Paris with a parade down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées during the day, and a fantastic fireworks display at night.And the city is adorned in tricolor flags and it’s all so very French!

The second event comes roughly a week later; in 2013, it’s on July 21. And that’s the final stage of the Tour de France, the world-famous cycling race. Once again, the throngs descend on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to cheer on the athletes as they approach the finish line, which is at the Arc de Triomphe. While not a holiday, the entire city is abuzz with excitement and the party-like atmosphere is electric.

Paris Plages. Photo courtesy of Saskia Heijltjes on Flickr

Paris in August

Paris doesn’t close down in August nearly as much as other European cities, although you will see some smaller businesses shut their doors around August 15 for a week or so. The vibe is generally one that celebrates these lazy days of summer; for a fun and unique experience, head to the Paris Plages along the Seine. The city imports in an astonishing amount of sand and covers the riverside walkways, allowing both Parisians and visitors to relax in a beach setting miles away from the sea. It’s a bit surreal!

There are other events to entertainment the masses who aren’t able to get away from the City of Light for the August holiday, including open-air movies at iconic locations like the Place des Vosges and the Trocadero, free concerts at La Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame, and other activities for the whole family to enjoy.

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

Paris in Summer from Viator Paris

If you are looking to purchase something, it’s best to go as early in the morning as possible to find the best items. Also, most vendors, particularly for smaller items, only take cash, so be sure to factor that in. Now, let’s take a look at the three major Paris flea markets!

Saint-Ouen Flea Market in Paris. Photo courtesy of jafsegal on Flickr

Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

Located at Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt on the northern border of Paris proper, this is the mother of all flea markets and can be overwhelming for a first-timer – so much so that there are even tours of Saint-Ouen with an expert guide who can help you navigate the “battlefield” and find the good deals. There’s everything from spoons to chandeliers, spread out over an endless succession of stalls, stores and lean-tos, and really should be on everyone’s itinerary, at least once. Insider tip: the Garibaldi stop on the metro will take you past the made-in-China junk and into the good stuff. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Porte de Vanves Flea Market in Paris. Photo courtesy of istolethetv on Flickr

Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

If the thought of Saint-Ouen’s sheer size gives you pause, then you’ll want to head to the market at Porte de Vanves (Avenue Georges Lafenestre). It’s only open on the weekends and only until 2pm, so it won’t eat up your whole day and is much more manageable in size. You’ll find all manner of ephemera here, including discounts on vintage and couture items. So if you have Champagne dreams but a tap water budget, keep a lookout for great bargains here. Insider tip: There are lots of tiny trinkets on sale, perfect for an already over-packed suitcase.

Montreuil Flea Market in Paris. Photo courtesy of Damouns on Flickr

Les Puces de Montreuil

Open Saturday through Monday from 7-7, the Montreuil flea market gives you the most flexibility in terms of visiting. And because it’s perhaps the least well-known market of the three, the vendors are more likely to be talked down from their asking price. Insider tip: when entering from the Porte de Montreuil metro stop, don’t be discouraged by all the new stuff – keep walking, and you’ll hit the jackpot.

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

Flea Markets in Paris from Viator Paris

Eurostar from London To Paris. Photo courtesy of Mike Knell on Flickr

A lot of people know, in theory at least, that you could go to Paris on a day trip from London. But then you look into it, and it seems like a hassle. Do you fly, and spend half your day going to and from airports and sitting at the gate? You can take the ferry, but neither London nor Paris are on the coast, so that’s even more unnecessary travel to get into the actual cities.

Then you discover the Eurostar, and all of a sudden it falls into place: Yes, you can go to Paris from London on a day trip! The journey takes you from London’s St Pancras International station to Paris Gare du Nord via the Chunnel in just 2.5 hours. With that kind of fast travel, you can get in a bit of sightseeing in Paris before sitting down to lunch, and have the entire afternoon and early evening as well – even an early dinner can be squeezed in!

Depending on the time of year and holiday schedules, the first train from London to Paris is usually 5:40am GMT, and the last train back to London from Paris is 9:13pm CET. (London’s time zone is one hour behind Paris.) But there are many trains throughout the day in both directions, so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn; you have a lot of flexibility in your schedule.

The only thing you really have to remember is to bring your passport, as London is not part of the EU’s Schengen Territory – there’s no “I forgot” where that’s concerned.

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

London to Paris Day Trips On The Eurostar Train from Viator Paris

For an entire month, starting on May 1, 2013, when you buy two Paris tours you get 20% OFF of a third tour! That’s right – Buy 2, Save 20% on your 3rd tour!

You can get an in-depth experience by choosing three tours in the city or you can travel around the region with day trips!

You may like to explore the Paris city sights, travel to Versailles and beyond on a day trip, sample local dishes and wine on a food tour, or explore more of France on a multi-day trip. Whatever it is you want to experience, now’s the chance!

Hurry, these special promotions end May 31, 2013!

(Moulin Rouge and Disneyland Paris tickets are not valid with this offer.)

Buy 2 Paris Tours and Save 20% on Your 3rd! from Viator Paris

Musée d’Orsay, home of Impressionism in Paris. Photo courtesy of Dimitry B on Flickr

Impressionist art is just what it sounds like – paintings that give the viewer an impression of the subject, rather than a photo-like realism. It started in the mid- to late-19th century, and it took the art world by storm – and still inspires artists today.

If you’re into Impressionism, or simply want to learn more about its influences and influencers, then Paris is the place to be. And more specifically, you want to head to the Musée d’Orsay. If Impressionism were a religion, the Musée d’Orsay would be its church. Its collection of Impressionist masterpieces is unparalleled, and when you see them grouped as they are, you get a sense of who inspired whom, and how the genre progressed over time.

But it’s not just in museums that Impressionism can be experienced in Paris. The Montmartre neighborhood, long known as a haven for artists over the centuries, was where Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh perfected their craft. In fact, you can still see the windmill in Montmartre from Renoir’s legendary Bal du moulin de la Galette painting.

As for Monet, considered the father of the Impressionist movement, there are two locations just outside of Paris where you can experience his work in a unique way. The first is Rouen, whose cathedral was the subject of a series of Impressionist studies painted by Monet; and the second is Giverny.

You may not have heard of Giverny, just a short day trip from Paris. But you have surely seen Monet’s Water Lilies, and you can see the garden that contains the same pond that inspired this Impressionist masterpiece. It’s been perfectly preserved, and there’s a museum there as well in Monet’s former home that gives you the context for not only his art, but for Impressionism in general.

Once you have some Impressionist knowledge under your belt, you can head over to the Musée de l’Orangerie; until July of 2013, there is an exhibition of Macchiaioli, considered to be the Italian Impressionists of their time. It’s a treat to see this collection assembled in the city of Impressionism – its reach throughout Europe is unquestioned.

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

Impressionism in Paris from Viator Paris

Food Lover’s Guide to Paris. Photo courtesy of olga on Flickr

Cheese. Bread. Pastries. With all the amazing things to eat in Paris, it’s a wonder anyone has time to visit the museums! If your itinerary for Paris looks more like a grocery list than a guide book, then you’ll want to check out our tips for food lovers who are ready to fall in love with the City of Light.

Steak frites is a simple dish, but don’t overlook it.

Steak frites. Photo courtesy of adactio on Flickr

It can be easy to forgo this brasserie staple in search of more inventive cuisine, but in a way it should almost be your first meal upon arriving. It’s one of the Parisian comfort foods and should be eaten at a quality place (a great one is Charbon Rouge, 75008). Note that the French love a bloody steak, so if you’re squeamish, go one level up from your normal cooked preference.

Read more about France’s best food

Don’t overlook the fare at wine bars, either.

Food Lover’s Guide to Paris. Photo courtesy of Christophe on Flickr

Wine bars in Paris are especially useful for sampling the fruits of France’s vineyards, as many outside of Paris only serve their own region’s labels. And recently, the trend towards serving more than just some basic snacks has taken over, and now you can easily make a meal out of their offerings – in fact, many chefs are opening up bistrots à vins. Frenchie Bar à Vins (75002) is a fine example.

Beware of outdoor seating.

Food Lover’s Guide to Paris. Photo courtesy of athomson on Flickr

Outdoor seating is a popular temptation in Paris – and one I take advantage of regularly. But if you’re a foodie purist, there are two things you need to think about before grabbing that seat. First, this isn’t the States – outdoor seating is snapped up by smokers, and Parisians don’t mind when someone next to them lights up. So if you’re the type who coughs and splutters the second you see a cig, you’ll probably want to eat inside. And second, check out the traffic scene. Some places have a steady stream of buses, scooters, or just plain heavy foot traffic, which can leave you distracted and jostled. Check out the restaurants on tranquil Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine (75004) if the traffic seems way too much for you (but I can’t help you with the smoking.)

Not all bread is created equal.

Food Lover’s Guide to Paris. Photo courtesy of volantwish on Flickr

You can barely walk 15 feet in Paris without stumbling across yet another boulangerie. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find a truly crappy baguette (croissants are another story; boy can they suck!). But if you make sure that the place has a blue and yellow “Artisan Boulanger” sign out front, then you can be sure that at least it’s homemade. And in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a “best baguette” in Paris, at Boulangerie Mauvieux (159 rue Ordener, 75018). They have a contest for it and everything.

Go behind-the-scenes of a boulangerie

Rent an apartment and hit the markets.

Food Lover’s Guide to Paris. Photo courtesy of curtis_ovid_poe on Flickr

Even non-foodies enjoy visiting Paris’s many food markets, but if you don’t have any way too cook, it’s no different than a (really awesome) museum. But whether you take a Parisian food tour or go it alone, with a vacation apartment you have the luxury of taking home that strange legume and messing with it for the rest of the morning. Or you can stock up on all the cheeses, even the stinky ones, without stuffing them in the mini-fridge between tiny bottles of vodka and candy bars. For true food lovers, the markets are where it’s at. Don’t miss the Marché des Enfants Rouges (75003), which is open more than just on the weekends and dates back to the 1600s.

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

Food Lover’s Guide to Paris from Viator Paris

How To Skip The Lines At The Eiffel Tower. Photo courtesy of Bob Doran on Flickr

No trip to Paris, especially for first-timers, is complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower. But one look at the crowds gathered at the ticket offices under this soaring landmark, and suddenly you have better things to do. Except, what if you could skip that line, and head right to the very top? If that idea interests you, we have some secrets to share.

First and foremost, you can book a tour of the Eiffel Tower. A private tour guide will walk you right to the front of the line! This may seem like an extravagance, but here’s the thing: You also get to learn about its significance as more than just the world’s most famous observation deck. The tower has a fascinating history, and it’s worth the extra cost to know it the way Parisians do.

If you want to go it alone, you can buy advance tickets on the website for the Eiffel Tower. It’s certainly cheaper than a private tour, but here’s the thing – buying it advance means that you’re locked into a certain time that is not of your choosing, and there’s no changing it because there is no one to contact to do so. And once you’re there, you won’t have anyone pointing you in the right direction – it’s you against the crowds. If you’re willing to take the risk, though, then it’s a decent option.

Another option, of course, it to sidestep it altogether. You can see the tower from almost anywhere in the city, and it’s free to go right up to it and even touch it! And if you want the same panoramic view of Paris but with the Eiffel Tower in it, then you can head to Tour Montparnasse. It’s the tallest building in France, and not nearly as crowded as the Eiffel Tower. You’ll still have to buy a ticket, though!

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

How To Skip The Lines At The Eiffel Tower from Viator Paris

Romantic Things to do in Paris. Photo courtesy of zoetnet on Flickr.

Paris is arguably the most romantic city on Earth, so it’s no wonder that people go there to stoke the flames of love. But are there specifically romantic things to do in Paris? We sure think so. Here are our favorites.

Have a picnic on the Champs de Mars.

Romantic Things to do in Paris. Photo courtesy of dewet on Flickr.

Hire a row boat on the Grand Canal at Versailles.

Romantic Things to do in Paris. Photo courtesy of eregis on Flickr.

Sit side-by-side, French style, at a cafe on the Left Bank.

Romantic Things to do in Paris. Photo courtesy of baraka27 on Flickr.

Go for a Champagne tasting on the Seine.

Romantic Things to do in Paris. Courtesy of Олександр on Flickr.

Watch the sun set over Paris from Sacre Coeur.

Romantic Things to do in Paris. I took this one!

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s France tours and things to do, France attractions, and France travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in France for a customized tour!

Romantic Things to Do in Paris from Viator Paris

How to Rent an Apartment in Paris

There’s been a huge trend recently among visitors to Paris – they’re bypassing hotels and renting apartments in the city. Whether it’s for convenience, your travel budget or just to feel like a local, a vacation apartment is worth looking into. Here’s how it works.

First Step: Get a Map

Just like Parisians, any visitor to Paris will live and die by their map of the city. Make sure your map has clear boundaries for each arrondissement (neighborhood). The 1st arrondissement starts at the Louvre, and spirals out like a snail shell in a clockwise direction. Each arrondissement has its own postal code – 75001 for the 1st, 75020 for the 20th – and a name, usually corresponding to the major building or monument in that neighborhood (the 9th is named Opéra, for example).

However, you want to look out for popular names like the Marais, which is mostly in the 4th arrondissement (Hôtel-de-Ville), and the Latin Quarter, which is in the 5th (Panthéon). Like I said – a map is essential, especially when looking for apartments.

This step is also where you’ll be considering your budget. Obviously, the closer to the 1st arrondissement, the higher the rent. So you may have to check the outer arrondissements if you’re on a budget; just make sure there are metro stops nearby.

Second Step: Think Amenities

Decide what you definitely want to have included in your apartment, and what you’re flexible about. You want to do this now, before you start looking at apartment pictures and get emotional. And it may even swing you back to opting for a hotel. Here are some things to consider:

• Will you be making meals at home, or do you just need a place to store some yogurt and make coffee in the morning? Parisian kitchens can be laughably small, so think about how much time you’re going to want to spend in one. Also, dishwashers are rare.
• Most apartments do NOT come with a clothes dryer, and a few don’t even have washing machines. Make sure you check for this.
• Most apartment DO come with Internet access, but it can be spotty; if you absolutely need access at home, confirm this with the owner before placing your deposit.
• Are you traveling with small children, seniors, or physically challenged guests? Many of the most charming apartments are in walk-ups, and in others the elevators have been retrofitted into stairwells and are VERY tiny.
• Ground floor apartments are available, but you should check guest comments to make sure it’s not loud. Also, Paris is a busy city; you probably won’t be opening the curtains to have privacy, which can make an apartment cloying.
• Air conditioning is far from ubiquitous – that attic apartment that’s cozy in the winter may be an oven in the summer. Ask about climate control options if you’re worried about it.

Third Step: Start Your Search!

Once you’ve figured out all the above, it’s time to start searching. These are services I’ve used and can recommend confidently.

• If you literally need someplace to crash and you’re traveling alone, you can try CouchSurfing, which pairs locals with sofas and travelers who need them.
• A large step above this is AirBnB, a private rental service that is revolutionizing the accommodations industry.
• VRBO has places that are also by owners, and usually has lengthier stays available.
• On the high end are sites like Demeure, which feature top-of-the-line apartments with every possible amenity. These can be costly, but at least on Demeure the places are big and if you’re traveling with a larger group, are completely worth it.

- Contributed by Christine Cantera

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s France tours and things to do, France attractions, and France travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in France for a customized tour!

How to Rent an Apartment in Paris from Viator Paris