First time in Paris, five days, and we’d like to break it up with a day trip or two - Versailles, Giverny, maybe Reims or the Normandy beaches. Which are genuinely worth a full day out of the city on a first visit, and which can wait? What would you prioritise?
Hey, with only five days in Paris, I’d probably choose Versailles and Giverny!! They give you two VERY different day trips without spending a huge portion of your trip just getting somewhere.
Versailles would be my must for the history and architecture alone; the palace, Hall of Mirrors and gardens could easily take up most of the day. It’s also super easy from Paris since you can take the RER C, with the journey usually around 40–50 minutes depending on where you’re starting. Then I’d pick Giverny for something completely different! Monet’s house and gardens look SO beautiful, especially if you’re going when everything is in bloom. You can take a train from Paris to Vernon-Giverny (around 45–60 minutes), then take the shuttle/bus.
I’d personally save Reims and the Normandy beaches for another trip when you can give them a little more time, especially Normandy. It really depends on what you’re looking forward to most though! @nicole, are you more excited about history/architecture, art and gardens, Champagne, or WWII history?