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Are you thinking of spending some time outside Paris, but you don’t want to miss the glowing Eiffel Tower at night?

You can head out and visit palaces, amazing gardens, or even historical towns just a short trip from the City of Lights. Here are some places you will definitely enjoy and the things that you can or must do to maximize your time there. 

1.  The Chateau de Versailles

The Chateau de Versailles, one of the largest and most magnificent castles in the world, is famous as a symbol of the 17^th century French Absolute Monarchy--- its controversies and complete downfall after the French Revolution. The Chateau de Versailles has four parts: The Palace, The Garden, The Grand Trianon and Le Petite Trianon.

How to get there

It is advisable to go there early in the morning to avoid long lines at the palace entrance. You can get there by train or bus. If you opt to ride the train, you can get to Versailles via local RER C line. It is less hassle since it is also the last stop. Travel time usually takes around 90 minutes.

Best things to do

• Chateaux de Versailles is open daily except Mondays. It is open from 9AM – 5:30 PM from November to March and 9AM – 6:30 PM from April – October. You can buy tickets online to avoid being stuck in long lines or choose from a One Day Pass (all inclusive) or separate tickets for its attractions.
• You can purchase a guided tour package that incorporates places open only for accompanied groups such as: the private apartment of Louis XV and Louis XVI and the Royal Opera or Royal Chapel.
• If you plan to visit the palace, it is recommended to get there as early as you can. The queue usually takes 45 – 60 minutes; however, if you arrive just in time to see the long lines, you can return around 4:00 – 4:30 when the queue is shorter. In the meantime, instead of wasting too much time waiting in the line, you can visit the park first.
• The palace’s most famous sites are the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Apartments of the King, and the King and Queen’s Bedchamber. After your tour of the palace, your next destination must be the Grand Trianon and its gardens, Le Petit Trianon, Queen's hamlet, French and Anglo-Chinese gardens, French pavilion and temple of Love.

2. Giverny

Are you an art enthusiast? How about a flower or plant lover? Or are you looking for a wonderful place to unwind? Monet’s gardens bloom from April to October and it is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. Each month, the garden offers a different array of flowers and aroma, so you will never get over Giverny even you visit it regularly.

How to get there

You can get here from Gare Saint – Lazare station by a fast train for 45 minutes to Vernon, and then take a bus from Vernon to Giverny.

Best things to do

• There are two parts in Monet’s garden; a flower garden called Clos Normand and a Japanese inspired water garden on the other side of the road. To preserve the beauty of the garden, visitors walk on the side alleys, but can walk all around to admire its different perspectives. You can take pictures, but picnics are not allowed.
• To reach the water – lily pond, you will experience the underground passage and will step on the famous Japanese bridge. You can explore all the hidden recesses of the water garden. Sound good? Absolutely yes!
• After experiencing the beauty of the two gardens, you should explore Monet’s house to get a real feel on how the master lived and become inspired. You can tour the bright yellow dining room, blue tiled kitchen and other rooms of the house. Although the house is only a restoration, everything is arranged as accurately as how it was during Monet’s days. Check it out and you might find the inspiration that hit Monet while he was still alive.
• Lastly before you enter Claude Monet Museum, you will pass Monet’s studio. You can see some of the reproductions of his famous paintings like Nympheas and buy souvenirs for the trip.

3. Disneyland Paris

Are you looking for a place which offers fun and excitement?  Disneyland Paris is one of the best tourist destinations for couples, groups and families who want to enjoy their vacation and to experience lots of entertainment. Kids and those young –at-heart will definitely enjoy the adventures, from its different attractions such as rides, shopping areas, restaurants, golf clubs, pools, sights, and musical theaters. Selfies with the mascots and princesses are also trendy nowadays.

How to get there

From  Paris, you can get here from taking an RER A train in direction of Marne la Vallée.

Best things to do

• Never miss Disneyland’s 5 best rides such as: It’s a Small World (Fantasyland), Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland), and Buzz Lightyear’s Laser Blast.
• Take memorable pictures with Disney characters in Fantasyland (meet Disney princesses), Mickey’s Café in Disney Village, and Buffalo Bill’s live Wild West show in Disney Village, or in any hotels in Disney Village and Disneyland Hotel.
• There is still so much to do and explore while in Disneyland Paris, plan your map and choose your best way to see/explore all the five areas of Disneyland – Main street USA, Frontier land, Adventure land, Fantasyland and Discovery land.
• At night, relax and wait for the fireworks show to start.

4.Provins

As one of Medieval UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2001, Provins has proved its value and historical significance in the world. With its medieval towns, the town never stops stunning people with its architecture, medieval shows and festivals and movie portrayals like Game of Thrones.

How to get there

You can take a Transilien train that leaves Paris from Gare d’Est. The journey usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Best things to do

• The first thing you can do when you reach the village of Provins is to climb its main tower – Caesar’s Tower (la tour césar). It gives a good aerial view of the whole town.
• Next, you can get a guided tour to its underground tunnels which provide grease for wood works and acts as storage for champagne fairs, and subterranean passages with their ancient graffiti.
• When lunch time comes, here are the three things you ought to do.  Try the medieval foods, locate where locals eat and try some samples of local dishes and outstanding cuisines.
• After eating, move on traveling to the Museum of Provins where you will find a collection of medieval artifacts from Provins and its countryside.
• Last but not least; explore ancient churches like the unfinished Saint – Quiriace collegiate church.