From Shopping to Culture, These Are The Top Things to Do in Paris
By cmarks
Dreaming of a vacation to Paris? When you stay at Marriott’s Village d’Ile-de-France, you can easily visit Paris for fascinating entertainment, history, and cultural activities. Prepare for days strolling along the Seine, shopping high-end labels for less, and toasting your vacation with a glass of Champagne — directly from the source.
IMMERSE IN LOCAL CULTURE
The French capital is about 24 miles away from the resort, which presents the perfect day trip or dinner outing.
You can easily walk along the Right and Left banks, from the trendy Marais District to historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with plenty of stops to refresh at inviting sidewalk cafes. Spend an afternoon walking along the Seine, lined with barges and picnic spots. From the famed Pont Neuf bridge, pass by the Louvre Museum and stroll the majestic Tuileries Garden — just a few of the possibilities in the City of Light.
Just under an hour’s drive west is the Palace of Versailles, which housed the kings and queens of France until the French Revolution. Plan to spend the better part of the day here to fully experience the royal apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, as well as the sumptuous gardens and the Petit Trianon, which was the summer home of Marie Antoinette.
You can also choose to head south to another storied address: The Palace of Fontainebleau, home of the kings of France since the 12th century. This former medieval royal hunting lodge is surrounded by formal gardens that will take your breath away, each one telling stories of the property’s rich history. This national museum became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.
DISCOVER CELEBRATED SHOPPING
You will find over 100 discounted luxury brands at La Vallée Village. Complete with cafes and restaurants, this outlet center features high-end French, Italian, and international labels, including Givenchy, Longchamp, Armani, Valentino, and Baccarat.
A TOAST TO VACATION LIFE
For a taste of some of France’s top Champagnes, including Ruinart, Taittinger, and Pommery, head to the historic city of Reims. In the heart of the Champagne region, you can visit cellars for tastings and learn all about this famous French libation. Before leaving the city, stop to admire the 13th-century Reims Cathedral — the traditional place to coronate kings — to see another UNESCO World Heritage site.