Not only Versailles: three places to see around Paris

When visiting Paris for the first time, twoDestinationsextra-muros never miss the itinerary:Disneyland Parisand of course Versailles.

In addition to these famous destinations there are many other interesting places in the vicinity of Paris, although there is a tendency to say that "out of Paris there is only campaign". The regionIle-de-France,As well as the surrounding ones, it offers a lot in terms of attractions and activities, especially for those looking for places far from the usual tourist circuits.

Three in particular deserve a visit, especially if you are in Paris for more days and you have time for something unusual.

1.  Fontainebleau Castle and Forest

Located 57 km from Paris, Fontainebleau is an elegant and residential municipality known for its forest andThe castle of the same name.

The forest of Fontainebleau extends for25000acres and is a renowned place, as well as for trekking, also forclimbing, thanks to large rocky walls that are well suited to this sport. You can also find many raw quartz minerals. In 1840 it was declared"artistic reserve"to allow artists of theBarbizon school to continue to use its natural landscapes as a "model" for their works. Historically, this was the first public measure of nature protection.

In Fontainebleau you can't missthe castle, UNESCO heritage since 1981.It is a very important place in the history of France, home of the French rulers from Francis I to Napoleon III. Francis I in particular made his favorite, as well asplace of expression for Italian artists in France.The castle consists of rich medieval, Renaissance and classic elements, witnessing themeeting between Italian art and French tradition.Right in Fontainebleau was born aThe same school,representative of the richest period of Renaissance art in France.

How to get to Fontainebleau from Paris:

from the stationGare de Lyon,takingNetwork R lineTransilien.

2. Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuses

When I was in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuses for the day of Pasquetta, the reaction of many was the usual "go down there". Always according to the conviction that the beautiful places exist only in the capital and that in the vicinity of Paris there is nothing remarkable. This peaceful French town is an ideal destination for a day away from the Parisian frenzy.

Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuses is located just 30 km southwest of Paris and is an integral part of the greatregional natural parkHaute Vallée de Chevreuse.Just like Fontainebleau, it is therefore perfect for those who love peace and above allnature.Starting from the RER station of the municipality, from which trains arrive and leave for Paris, a long lane reserved for pedestrians leads up toriver Yvette,of the Orge.

Continuing the route, you will then arrive atcastle of Madeleine,originally from the 11th century and which owes its name to a chapel inside it, dedicated to Sainte Marie-Madeleine. In the surrounding areas there are many picnic areas or simply relaxing in nature as well as a magnificent view. The Castle of Madeleine was also a film set of the TV seriesCamelot.

Part of the castle isfree visit,every day except Monday.

How to get to Saint-Rémy-Les-Chevreuses from Paris:

take theRER Btowards Saint-Rémy-les-Chevreuses (direct train) from central stations such asSaint Michel-Notre Dame, Chatelet-Les HallesorGare du Nord.

3. Chartres

The last of the three places I recommend near Paris is not located inIle-de-France,but in the departmentEure-et-Loirein the regionCentre-Val de Loire.This is Chartres, especially known for its imposingGothic cathedral.

Placed in a region inhabited since prehistory, today it is a place of pilgrimages but above all one of the stages ofWay to Santiago.It is in fact part ofVia Turonensis,medieval pilgrimage journey from Paris to Santiago de Compostela.

However, the pilgrimages to Chartres began much earlier, when in 876 the cathedral received the relics of Emperor Charles the BaldVoile de la Vierge.According to tradition, it is the shirt worn by the Virgin Mary at the time of the Annunciation.

Although the cathedral is the main place of interest in Chartres, the city also offers interesting museums, including theMusée des Beaux-Arts,located right next to the Cathedral, theMuseum of Natural Sciences and Prehistoryand especially theCentre International du Vitrail,dedicated to the art of stained glass.

How to get to Chartres from Paris:

from the stationMontparnasseTrains leave for Chartres every 30 minutes. Tickets cost from 10 euros up.

Obviously this list of three places is not exhaustive at all. Would you like to find out more? If you like alternative routes, just let me know!