7 sites less than 1 hour from Paris to visit during the Olympic Games
This summer, Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games. The city will come alive for the Games. Several emblematic venues in the heart of the capital have been chosen to host the competitions. Will you be visiting the capital of France this summer? There are plenty of things to do in Paris during the Olympic Games. But, if you want to take a break from the city, there are plenty of sites less than 1 hour from Paris to visit during the Olympic Games. Check out our article and choose your next destination!
Château de Versailles, visit the French history and heritage
Just a little less than an hour by train from Paris, the Château de Versailles is a must-see. The castle, a 17th-century architectural marvel, is a great way to discover the history of French royalty. It has witnessed key moments in French history. Once the residence of the kings of France, this site offers a journey back in time. During the Paris 2024 Games, the Château will host the Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It's quite easy to get to the Château de Versailles from Paris. Go to any RER C station in Paris. There are several stations in the heart of Paris, including Musée d'Orsay, Invalides, Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame. The train ride takes about 40 minutes. You'll arrive at Versailles Rive Gauche station. It is then a 15 minutes walk to the Château.
Fontainebleau: stroll through nature and French history of the site
With its magnificent château, its forest and its village center, Fontainebleau is the ideal place to take a break from the Olympic Games. Located in Seine-et-Marne, the castle has witnessed countless historical events. The gardens are a reminiscent of different eras and offer a journey back in time. A visit there is a fascinating exploration of the history and artistic taste of France. You can also visit the Napoleonic Museum, which traces the history of Bonaparte and his reign.
To get to Fontainebleau, you'll need to get to the Gare de Lyon in Paris. Take a train to Fontainebleau-Avon, the journey takes about 40 minutes. Once you arrive at the station, take a local bus which will take you to the Château in a few minutes. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car from Getaround directly at the train station.
Disneyland Paris in Seine-et-Marne
Disneyland Paris is the perfect place for a day out or a weekend of fun with your family or your friends. Located in Seine-et-Marne, the place is close to the Olympic site of Vaires-sur-Marne. If you're looking for a hotel on the site, the prices may be very high. Or you can find a cheaper hotel near the site.
To get to Disneyland Paris, you can take the RER A from Paris. There are several stations in the heart of Paris including Gare de Lyon, Nation, or Châtelet - Les Halles. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes. Once you arrive at the station, the walk takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Shopping trip to the Saint-Ouen flea market outside Paris
The Saint-Ouen flea market is accessible from the Porte de la Chapelle arena located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Porte de la Chapelle is one of the Olympic venues. It will host the badminton events of the Olympic Games. For the Paralympic Games, it will host the para-badminton and para-taekwondo.
The Saint-Ouen flea market is one of the largest flea markets in the world. This unique site is home to fourteen separate markets and more than 1,500 stallholders. Stroll through the market on Saturday, Sunday or Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to find great vintages and antique items.
Giverny: the charming and cultural place near Paris
Located in the Normandy countryside, Giverny is a charming place that inspired one of the greatest artists, Claude Monet. The home of Monet has rooms filled with art and period furniture. The gardens are quite famous for their beauty. The pond is full of water lilies and the Japanese bridges are reminiscent of the artist's iconic paintings. If you're a lover of art and nature, this place is for you!
To get to Giverny, take a train from Paris at the Gare Saint-Lazare. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Get off the train at the Vernon-Giverny station. Giverny is about 5 km away from the train station. You can take a taxi, a bus or rental car to get there.
The Château de Vincennes: a historical and cultural site
The Château de Vincennes is located just outside of Paris. Built in the 14th century, this medieval castle will take you back in time. A living testimony to French history, the castle impresses with its famous towers and well-preserved ramparts. The Sainte-Chapelle reflects the grandeur of the Middle Ages. Visit this castle to learn about the French medieval history.
It's quite easy to get to the Château de Vincennes. Take the métro line 1 direction Château de Vincennes. The castle is located near the métro station. The walk from the station to the Château takes about 5-10 minutes.
Take a break from the Paris Olympic Games in the Rambouillet Forest
Everyone needs a break from the city. Especially if you are in Paris during the Olympic Games. If you need some fresh air, go to the Rambouillet forest! It offers a natural retreat. Stroll through its winding paths and its lakes for a relaxing walk. The Château de Rambouillet is located at the heart of the forest. Lovers of history and nature will find their happiness here!
It's quite easy and quick to get to Rambouillet. All you need to do is go to the Gare Montparnasse in Paris and take a train to Rambouillet. The trip takes 36 minutes. From the train station, you can reach the forest on foot by following the local signs.
Now you know what to do during your stay in Paris if you want a break from the Olympics. The region offers many charming sites less than 1 hour from Paris to visit during the Olympic Games. It's possible to buy tickets in advance on Internet to avoid queuing. In most places, you can book a tour with an English-speaking guide.
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