Paris is nothing short of mesmerizing, and visiting its tourist attractions should be a better portion of your trip. But surely, the wanderlusts and the road-trip enthusiasts would be having different thoughts, regarding their stay in Paris. For those of you itching to go wandering off into unknown roads and chance upon gorgeous scenery, stunning palaces, and picturesque vistas, here is the ultimate guide for planning a road trip in Paris!
Uh-oh: But What about My Luggage?
You may find a traditional locker system claiming to be a self-righteous enterprise, thrusting its policies on you, and trying to make you a scapegoat. But, you don’t want to fall victim to these traps. It can be quite daunting as well, not knowing whom and what to trust. So it’s better to search for options for Vertoe left luggage service in Paris beforehand and book a locker space while you are at it.
Luggage storage in Paris has become smoother with the increasing number of storage spaces in convenient locations around Paris. You needn’t worry about not finding a place within a 2-minute walking distance, because easy luggage storage is now a reality.
So, now that’s settled, let’s move ahead with five of the best road trips Paris has to offer! Get planning!
5 Best Road Trips to enjoy in Paris
It always helps to have a mental image of where you wish to go, and what you want to do when planning a trip to and around unknown territories. For the same reasons, this guide curates the five best road trips in Paris to add glamor to your trip!
Château de Maintenon
From Paris: At a distance of 86 kilometers towards west
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Of course, visiting Versailles should be in your bucket list, but do add this castle, as well. Chateau de Maintenon has a soft spot in the heart of every Parisian as it has a glorious past. The castle has a history that traces back to the 1200s, and it was the private estate of Madame de Maintenon, the secret second wife of King Louis XIV. Enjoy this offbeat day trip without the horrors of having to stand in long queues!
Pro tip: You could stop at the town of Rambouillet, which showcases another chateau that once hosted power players, such as Napoléon.
Provins
From Paris: At a distance of 91 kilometers towards the southeast
Driving time: 1.25 hours
Provins is the ideal place for time-traveling into the medieval ages when the country was mere buffalos and loincloths. Massive fortifications and hidden caverns dot the village, which is divided into Upper Town and Lower Town. You have got impressive things to explore here, and incidentally, UNESCO identified it as a Heritage Site in 2001. There is no way you can refuse a visit!
Pro tip: If you are visiting in December, during the Medieval Christmas Market, then charm alert! It’s no ordinary traditional holiday market experience. You can even pick up a few trinkets to put under the tree.
Orléans
From Paris: At a distance of 133 kilometers towards the south
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Joan of Arc, who made Orléans famous when she lived, had ruined the English here in 1429. The war between the English and the French might be over, but to this day, the town is very much relevant. There are plenty of old buildings and streets to wander along, apart from an impressive cathedral and charming museums. Catch some fresh air while strolling along the banks of the Loire River. A day would be enough to complete your tour here, but it’s a much-needed change of scenery from the usual hustle and bustle of the Parisian quartiers!
Pro tip: You will find the gastronomic experience more affordable at Le Lièvre Gourmand than the Parisian tables, but it is just as good.
Le Mans
From Paris: At a distance of 208 kilometers towards the southwest
Driving time: 2 hours
The town is best known for its 24-hour car race, with its fair share in the annual spike in carbon emissions. Le Mans houses a variety of architectural edifices and a beautiful cathedral. The city, once called Le Plantagenet, amalgams Roman, medieval, and Renaissance structures.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to miss the spectacular light shows Le Mans puts on its historical buildings, then consider visiting on one of the nights in July or August.
Chartres
From Paris: 90 kilometers towards the west
Driving time: 1.25 hours
Chartres is famous for its cathedral dominating the skyline, which you can see from quite far away. It’s one of the thousands of churches in France, but it’s also one of the most stunning. What makes the cathedral stand out from the herd is its two different spires and the stained glass windows, dating back to 1200s. Additionally, it survived the bombings during World War II when an American colonel revealed that the Church wasn’t being used by the Germans, by going behind enemy lines.
Pro tip: If you are visiting in any month from April to October, then do stay out at night to check out the illumination on the cathedral and the buildings in the town. Expect the unexpected!
Luggage Storage Paris to Travel with Peace of Mind
Any trip becomes exciting when you are not weighed down by your luggage. For this purpose, it becomes vital that you leave your bags with a Bag store Louvre, whom you can trust blindly. Enjoy the sights of Paris and France with a free mind and a free pair of hands!
