France
Giverny, home to Monet's gardens, a charming village with the Impressionist painter Claude Monet's house and famous gardens. Chartres Cathedral, an UNESCO site, showcases Gothic architecture, noted for its preserved stained glass and intricate sculptures.
You visit Giverny by train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny (45 min), then shuttle/taxi (15 min). Chartres by direct train from Paris Montparnasse (1 hour). The cathedral walk is short.
Explore further beyond Versailles with these additional destinations.
From Versailles, Paris is an easily reachable nearby city. The RER C train runs directly to central Paris, with stops at iconic places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Continue your exploration of French history and culture with nearby châteaux and villages.
For a change of scenery from historical sites, the Île-de-France region holds beautiful natural areas.
This large forest, southwest of Versailles, is part of a regional natural park. It includes extensive walking and cycling trails, a peaceful nature retreat. The Château de Rambouillet and its national sheepfold are here.
This regional natural park, near Versailles, features charming rural villages, hills, and hiking/cycling paths. It is good for gentle outdoor activities and countryside exploration.
Paris is an easily reachable nearby destination from Versailles via the RER C train, featuring iconic landmarks.
This charming village has the famous gardens and house of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. It makes for a serene half to full day trip.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Chartres Cathedral is a fine Gothic architecture example, known for its preserved stained glass windows and intricate sculptures. It holds historical and artistic significance.
This former royal residence, where Louis XIV was born, now houses the National Museum of Archaeology, displaying prehistoric and Gallo-Roman artifacts.
The former home of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Joséphine, this smaller château offers personal insights into their lives and imperial taste. It includes beautiful gardens and period furnishings.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its stunning Renaissance châteaux (castles) like Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, and Azay-le-Rideau. Each château has an unique story and architectural style.
Normandy, a historic region, holds diverse experiences, from D-Day landing beaches and memorials to charming medieval towns like Rouen and Honfleur, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel.
For longer stays, consider regional extensions across France.
Combine Versailles and Paris with 3-5 days in the Loire Valley, focusing on châteaux and historical towns.
After Paris, head to Normandy for 3-4 days to explore D-Day history and coastal towns, perhaps continuing to Brittany.
For extended trips, fly or take a TGV to southern France (Provence/French Riviera) for a different landscape and culture.
