The allure of Paris is unquestionable. The art, the food and the fashion are all uniquely, and exquisitely Parisian. But to savour the true French experience, travellers are booking a hire car in Paris and taking day trips out of the city to explore some of the other attractions that make any visit to the country’s capital extraordinare.
Relaxation
Pick up some supplies at any of the markets or grocery stores in the city and take the one hour drive south of the city to the forest of Fontainbleu. Here, you’ll find the historical town which is surrounded by idyllic woodland and country walks and numerous spots where you can settle down for a picnic. After that, you could take a tour around the grand Chateau de Fontainbleu; a royal castle which is one of the largest in France, to wander among its ornately decorated rooms and explore acres of its perfectly manicured gardens.
Adventure
For a day of pure thrills and excitement, take a 40 minute drive east out of the city and head to the extensive resort of Eurodisney, or for something a little less chaotic take a 45 minute drive north to Astérix Park. Both offer a huge range of rides suitable for all ages, animal shows, accommodation and restaurants which make them ideal for families and those looking for a fun-filled days, or nights, out.
Culture
One you’ve admired the art in the galleries of Paris, why not take the one hour drive north-west to Giverny to see the inspiration behind some of it. The infamous gardens which inspired some of Monet’s most celebrated works are open to the public, as is his house, and well worth a visit.
History
This journey to the Côte Fleurie, or ‘Flower Coast’ is a little longer than the others at just over 2.5 hours long, but is undoubtedly worth it. Here, you can spend time on any of the region’s fine beaches which stretch from Honfleur to Cabourg, drive along the scenic Normandy coastal route between Villerville and Trouville-sur-Mer and visit the memorial and cemetery of some of the allied forces who lost their lives in the D-day landings of 1944.
All of these destinations are within easy reach of the city, particularly if you have a car. There is currently a great offer on car hire in Paris with Holiday Autos which is available for any vehicles collected between 7th January and 31st October 2013. Bon voyage!
