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Home / Travel
Travel

The Best Weekend Trips From Paris

By Maya Kachroo-Levine on June 26, 2019

For when you've had your fill of city life and want to escape to a more tranquil destination.

© iStockphoto/Getty Images

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Departures is published by Meredith Corp. and owned by American Express. While American Express Card Member benefits are highlighted in this publication, including through the links indicated below, the content of this article was independently written by the editorial staff at Meredith. Other Departures content paid for by American Express is explicitly marked as such.

France is divided into 13 metropolitan regions, and the reality is that each are worth seeing in their own right. From the northernmost region, Normandy, down to Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, France is brimming with rich history, incredible vineyards, and exquisite food. And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. The cultural significance contained within the 13 regions is felt worldwide; just think of the influence Bordeaux wines have over sommeliers around the globe or how quickly summer styles in Cannes circulate around the internet.

All this to say, if Paris is currently serving as your home base, it’s a perfect launchpad for other French excursions. If all you have is a weekend, traveling within the country usually takes just a quick flight and allows travelers to see how drastically French culture varies from city to city. And, of course, you can also easily travel outside of France for a long weekend, thanks mainly to the efficient trains and short flights. Exploring some of the surrounding countries, like Switzerland or Spain, can actually provide further insight into how France has impacted European culture beyond its borders.

If you’re looking for a weekend trip from Paris this summer or fall, these seven destinations won’t disappoint.

 
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Bordeaux, France

The vineyards of Bordeaux are fawned over by a global audience for a reason; the scenery is spectacular, and the wine is even better. Book your luxe long weekend through Original Travel, and their custom itinerary will set you up with accommodations at Les Sources de Caudalie, an American Express Fine Hotel & Resort Property, where you can enjoy their wine-infused spa and take a wine-tasting class with the hotel’s sommelier. Perhaps best of all, your itinerary will include dinner at Michelin-starred La Grand’Vigne.

iStockphoto/Getty Images

Lyon, France

Overlooked in favor of Le Sud or La Belle Paris, Lyon is the third largest city in France and well worth the weekend trip. Tour the expansive Saint Antoine Market and Vieux Lyon (Old Town), and reserve well in advance at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, a foodie mecca with three Michelin stars. Stay at Villa Maïa, a five-star hotel experience known for their stunning gardens and calming, haute atmosphere in the midst of a fairly busy city.

Getty Images

Geneva, Switzerland

It’s impossible not to be taken with the Swiss scenery in Geneva—from the glittering lake to the pristine peaks of the Alps on the horizon. Geneva appeals to a myriad of travel palettes; hikers might want to venture to Salève mountain, the artistically inclined will want to visit the famed Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, and those looking to sink into relaxation can head to the ultra luxurious spas of Geneva. For the spa-goers, consider staying at Hotel President Wilson, an American Express Fine Hotel & Resort Property, which has Switzerland’s first LA MER spa.

Courtesy Hotel Metropole, Monte Carlo

Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Summering in Monaco means sunbathing on Larvotto beach, visiting outdoor beer gardens, and languishing with a bottle of wine and fresh huîtres (oysters) on your hotel patio. If you’re in Monaco from July 6 to August 8, be sure to visit the Salvador Dali Exhibit at the Grimaldi Forum. Très chic accommodations can be found at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, another American Express Fine Hotel & Resort Property—you’ll have a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea from your room and will be in walking distance of Monte-Carlo Casino, an essential Monaco attraction.

Courtesy Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat/Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Cap-Ferrat, France

If you’ve yet to visit the American Express Fine Hotel & Resort Property Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, you’re not doing France right. The rooms are lavish, the views are unprecedented, and Cap-Ferrat’s high-end Riviera charm will illuminate your weekend with a glowing luxury you can’t get elsewhere. Rent a private cabana for the day at Club Dauphin, the Grand-Hotel’s pool area and restaurant overlooking the Meditteranean. And for a true treat yourself day, take an UberCOPTER to Cannes for lunch. It’s an eight-minute helicopter ride along the coast from Nice to Cannes that you won’t soon forget.
Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images

Reims, France

Come to Reims for the Champagne—and stay for, well, the Champagne. Reims is about two hours northeast of Paris, and is a picturesque city to set up camp in when visiting the Champagne region. In addition to tasting tous les bubbles, visit the Palais du Tau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and les Halles du Boulingran, a renovated Art Deco-looking food market originally built in 1929.

Getty Images

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a destination where modern art meets historic architecture. From the City of Arts and Sciences, with its uber-modern design, to the 15th-century gothic La Lonja de la Seda, the sights run the visual gamut. While in Valencia, unwind at Hotel Balneario Las Arenas, a five-star hotel that sits right on the coast of the Balearic Sea. Make sure to spend at least a few hours at the spa, which has a relaxing hydrotherapy wellness circuit, and by the pool overlooking the water.

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