Paris , immortalized in films, books and songs, is one of those destinations that are always worth revisiting. However, the surroundings of the French capital also hold treasures for travelers eager for new discoveries.
On a round trip, which can be carried out in a single day it is possible to visit castles and gardens that are true works of art, taste authentic whipped cream and feel like you are inside an impressionist painting by Monet.
Discover 5 destinations near Paris for just a day trip:
The gardens of Étretat

At the beginning of the 20th century, many Parisians were looking for a second home in Normandy, especially in Étretat , 200 km from Paris. French comedian Madame Thébault was one of them, and in 1905, she built the villa “La Roxelane” at the top of Falaise d'Amont, inspired by the beauty of the place appreciated by the Impressionists. In 2015, landscape architect Alexandre Grivko discovered the remains of that same garden as Madame Thébault and decided to restore it, combining history and architectural innovation.
In just two years, Grivko recreated an environment that seems much older than reality, using techniques inspired by André Le Nôtre , known for creating the garden of Versailles. The Jardins d'Étretat are made up of sculpted plants that reflect the natural heritage and history of Normandy, featuring “sea spirals and swirls” and other elements.
More than 50 artists have contributed works to the site, which offers exhibitions, artistic residencies and interventions, connecting creators, local communities and visitors from around the world. Today, the Jardins d'Étretat has become a site of complex dialogue, enriching the region.
Les Jardins d'Étretat: Located in Falaise d'Amont, a protected natural area/ Calendar and opening hours: from February 17th to March 31st, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm; from April 1st to July 12th, every day from 10am to 6pm; from July 13th to August 25th, every day from 10:00 to 19:00; from August 26th to November 3rd, every day from 10am to 6pm; from November 4th to December 15th, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. The garden remains closed between the end of December and mid-February. Prices and reservations: adult: €12.50 (R$70), between 13/07 and 28/08: €14 (R$78).
Taste real whipped cream

O Chantilly Castle The just 50 minutes by train from Paris is one of the jewels of French heritage, associated with an exceptional history that dates back to Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale , son of the last king of the French, Louis-Philippe. This prince, considered the greatest collector of his time, transformed Chantilly into a stage for his countless masterpieces and precious manuscripts. He designed painting galleries to display his exceptional collections and housed one of the richest libraries in France . The treasures accumulated by the various owners of Chantilly were completed and enhanced with passion by the Duke of Aumale, the greatest bibliophile of his time.
In addition to the magnificent castle, one of the main attractions of Chantilly is, of course, tasting the famous white cream that bears the city's name. The history of this delicacy dates back to the time of Catherine de Medici, but it was only two centuries later that the name “Chantilly” emerged. In 1750, the culinary author Menon mentioned Chantilly cheese, and in 1784, the Baroness of Oberkirch described the Prince de Condé's festivities at Hameau, also mentioning cream. Food historian Pierre Leclercq traced the history of this “milk snow”, whose first recipe was published in England around 1545, followed by similar recipes across Europe a few years later.
To try this delicacy, the restaurant La Capitainerie , located under the arches of chef François Vatel's former kitchens, offers a variety of delicious dishes, including desserts such as ice cream and homemade crepes, all accompanied by the famous whipped cream. Already the Maison Trueba , close to the Condé museum and the Great Stables (horses have always played an important role in the castle), is a sweets outlet where you can enjoy ice cream and waffles decorated with whipped cream or chocolate cream, as well as cones. O Aux Goûters Champêtres , located on the castle grounds, is another essential place. There, the chef Jean-Michel Duda prepares the famous whipped cream following the traditional recipe, based on raw cream, providing a true journey through time.
Château de Chantilly: 60500 Chantilly/ Opening hours: 10am to 6pm (8pm for the park), closed on Tuesdays/ Tickets: total price €14; reduced price €10
Pure inspiration in Giverny

Among the Normandy countryside lies a place where the colors of nature mix in harmony, as if a magic brush had outlined them. Claude Monet He lived in this refuge in Giverny for 43 years, between 1883 and 1926. There, his passion for gardening rivaled his passion for colors, resulting in flower and water gardens that he transformed into true living works of art.
Visitors who enter his garden and home have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere that surrounded the master of impressionism. The floral compositions and water lilies that enchanted his eyes are still sources of wonder today. The gardens, in constant transformation, are witnesses of the cycle of life, where each season brings with it a new set of floral wonders.
Just 75 minutes from central Paris , Monet's gardens offer a surreal experience, allowing visitors to witness live the landscapes immortalized in his paintings. With almost 2,000 species of flowers and plants, the gardens are a dazzling spectacle of colors and fragrances.
Monet's house and gardens in Giverny: 84 Rue Claude Monet, Giverny, France / Opening hours: open every day from March 29th to November 1st, 2024 from 9:30am to 6pm, last entry at 5:30pm./ Tickets: €11 (R$61).
Palace of Versailles or Château de Versaillesan unmissable classic

The Palace of Versailles, whose origins date back to the XVII century , was successively a hunting lodge, a seat of power and, from the 19th century onwards, a museum. With the gardens and Palaces of Trianon, the Versailles Castle park extends over 800 hectares. With 60,000 works of art, the Versailles collections illustrate 5 centuries of French history .
A just 25 km from the center of Paris this complex reflects the dual vocation of the Palace that was inhabited by sovereigns and then a museum dedicated “to all the glories of France”, inaugurated by Louis-Philippe in 1837. Versailles has always been a center of artistic creation, as evidenced by the wealth collections commissioned over the centuries, and, always faithful to this vocation, the property hosts a different contemporary artist .
Numerous events are organized at the Royal Chapel, the Royal Opera and the Equestrian Academy of Versailles, while the Musical Fountain Shows bring the Garden's labyrinths and woods to life every year to the sound of baroque music, it's worth keeping an eye on the schedule and booking the guided tour.
Palace of Versailles: Place d'Armes 78000 Versailles France /Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, closed on Mondays/Tickets: from €21 (R$117).
Fontainebleau, to feel like a king or queen

The Palace of Fontainebleau is a historical treasure in France, being the only castle continuously inhabited by monarchs for eight centuries, from the Middle Ages to the Second Empire. Transformed into a national museum in 1927 and considered UNESCO World Heritage Since 1981, the palace has covered an area of 130 hectares. Its majestic gardens are world-renowned for the rare species of plants and flowers that adorn it, in addition to the variety of pools, fountains and water features, still little explored by the public.
A about 60 km from Paris , Fontainebleau is a day trip option beyond its palace, which is embraced by a forest. There are countless trails to walk or bike that become even more special during autumn, when they are flooded with orange tones. Fontainebleau also offers a market with more than 100 stalls offering local products and delicacies.
Château Fontainebleau: Place Charles de Gaulle, 77300, Fontainebleau/ The castle is open every day except Tuesday, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th; from October to March: 9:30 am to 5 pm; from April to September: 9:30 am to 6 pm./ Tickets from €14.00 (R$78)
Source: CNN Brasil

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