A trip to the capital of France is always romantic and informative, but if your soul suddenly demands provincial charm, you should run away from there for at least one day. If you are wondering where to go from Paris, pay attention to the nearby cities that have preserved the medieval flavor of the Old World:
- The famous painter Van Gogh lived in Auvers-sur-Oise and it was this city that became his last refuge.
- Another great artist, Claude Monet, spent half his life in Giverny. He is everywhere here: on postcards and souvenirs - his pictures, and on the cafe menu - his favorite dishes.
- Rouen seems to have retained the medieval atmosphere more than others. Its streets still keep the steps of Joan of Arc, who stepped onto the fire in the local square.
In the footsteps of the impressionists
Claude Monet was an exemplary family man and lived happily with his wife and eight children in the town of Giverny for over 40 years. Choosing where to go from Paris on your own, pay attention to this city an hour's drive from the capital.
Trains run here regularly from Paris Saint-Lazare station. Get off at the Vernon station, from where you can reach Giverny by taxi, bus or bicycle.
The main tourist address here is Monet's house-museum on the street named after him. It is open from March 28 to November 1 from 9.30 am to 6 pm. The price of an adult ticket is about 10 euros, and discounts are provided for children, seniors and disabled people. A little further down the street - the Impressionist Museum, which receives visitors at the same hours. Every first Sunday of the month, an open day is held here and you can visit the exposition free of charge.
To the Virgin of Orleans
The easiest way to go to Rouen on your own is by train from the Saint-Lazare station in the capital. In just an hour, you can walk through the medieval streets and enjoy the views of the Rouen Cathedral, arguing for its grandeur with Notre-dam himself.
You can still find antiques at the Rouen flea market, and at the local Fine Arts Museum you can admire the paintings of the same Claude Monet, as well as Delacroix and Sisley. Details about the work of the gallery are available on the website - www.mbarouen.fr.
Rouen's architectural landmarks include the wave-roofed church in the Old Market Square, dedicated to Jeanne d'Arc, and the Gros-Horloge Clock Tower. The Rouen people are proud of the 14th century tower clock, which they consider to be the only ones in Europe that have survived almost perfectly to the present day.
Fabulous adventures
If your journey lacks magic and are wondering where to go from Paris to delight the kids, head to Marne-la-Valais. This town, 30 km from the capital, is the home of Disney in France. It is here that the Disneyland amusement park is located.
You can get there by high-speed trains directly from Terminal 2 of the airport. Charles de Gaulle and from the city center. The price of an admission ticket for one day starts from 50 euros, and all the details of the schedule, information on discounts and events can be found on the park's website - www.disneylandparis.com.
