More Places to Visit in Paris

Chartres is best known as the location of the Cathedral of Notre Dame (Our Lady of Paris).  It is about an hour southwest of Paris by train.  Many art historians claim the cathedral, built in the 12th century, is the best example of the Gothic period of architecture.  If you visit on a clear day, make sure you climb to the top of the North Tower, where you can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance.  If you visit on a day when the choir or organist are practicing or performing, make sure to take the extra time to stop and listen.  There is an 800 year old pilgrim path Labyrinth in the Cathedral.  At night colored lights showcase the Cathedral, bathing it abstract images. 

Travel just north of Paris to the village of Saint Denis.  Denis was born in Italy, although not much is known of his younger life.  As the Bishop of Paris, he was beheaded for his preaching of the Gospel.  Legend says he picked up his head, washed it off, and walked to the town that now bears his name.  A basilica was built in his name during the Gothic period.  The town of Saint Denis grew up around it.  Many in the French monarchy, including Marie Antoinette, are buried in it's cemetery.

The Forest of Fountainbleau, a former royal hunting ground, is a popular getaway for Parisians.  In addition to the trees and plant life in the forest, there are piles of boulders throughout.  This makes for a great climbing experience as well.  The Chateau of Fountainbleau has been a haven for the royalty of France.  While tourists enjoy the Forest and the Chateau, there are also many elite universities that have made their homes here.  The town is close to Paris but when you are there you feel much further away because of the serenity one experiences. 

Chantilly, the birthplace of whipped cream, is a town on the north border of Paris.  A triangular shaped Chateau, built throughout 3 centuries, reflects Gothic, Renaissance and Victorian architecture.  Around the grounds you can visit the stables, and beautiful gardens, as well as the Chateau.  It is surrounded by moats, canals, and lakes.  A Roman citizen built a villa in Chantilly, and a string of Medieval Lords and later French Royalty added on and expanded this into the building it is today.  Inside the Chateau is a collection of Pre-Modern paintings.  There are marble busts and drawings of the royalty who lived in the Chateau over the years.   There are 2 original paintings by Raphael.  There are over 800 paintings and 3000 drawings along with a Gutenberg Bible.  Outside in the gardens the latest addition is a kangaroo enclosure with 15 wallabies.   You never know what kind of flair you'll find in Chantilly!

Disneyland Resort Paris is the second Disney Resort built outside of the US.  Along with Disneyland Paris is Walt Disney Studios Paris and Disney Village, a shopping area.  Plan 2 days to be able to see all the attractions.  Disney now entertains more visitors than the Eiffel Tower!  Its the fourth most visited theme park in the world.

Enjoy your trip to Paris, France!  You will never be bored.