The capital of France is ideally located to take in much of what makes France such a wonderful country to visit. From the beaches of Normandy to the Chateaux of the Loire Valley and France’s horse-racing hub in Chantilly, there are many easy day trips you could do from Paris.

BEACHES OF NORMANDY
Taking the train to Caen from Gare St. Lazare, is a superb way of getting a snapshot of the Normandy beaches and understanding their role in the D-Day landings. Remnants of the artificial harbour that was towed over in sections from England still exists at Arromanches, where there is also the Musee du Debarquement which recounts and honours the men who fought in June 1944.

THE LOIRE VALLEY CHATEAUX
Surrounding Paris, there are many remarkable chateaux many, of which, were ransacked during the French Revolution. Today, they are well looked after and ensure a day away from Paris to remember. If you take one of the Loire Valley tours it’s an early departure from the railway station in Paris Montparnasse to the city of Tours.

From Tours it is possible to visit up to three stunning-looking chateaux. These are:

1. Chateau D’Azay-le-Rideau was constructed in the early years of the 16th century and is built in the French Renaissance style.
2. Chateau de Chenonceau stands in a lake and has the most fantastic array of arches.
3. Chateau D’Amboise is also worth a visit as it is built in the gothic style. It was home to King Francois I of France and later to Leonardo da Vinci who is buried in St. Hubert Chapel.

CHANTILLY
Chantilly is a town located North from Paris. It is easily accessible by train from Paris Gare du Nord (35 minutes) and is probably the most beautiful countryside you will find so close to Paris. Chantilly has a famous Chateau and adjacent to it enormous stables that have now been converted into a “living horse museum”. There is also the Chantilly race-track that hosts the famous “Prix de Diane” and “Prix du Jockey Club”. In a nearby village there is a new Polo Club that boast Polo events all year round.

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