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From Paris, you can easily reach the Brie region for a day trip and if you have more than one day, drive further to the Champagne region for a quick glance at the vineyards and treasures of architecture. Of course, a road trip from 4 to 8 days is the best option as both these regions have tons of sightseeing and activities to offer. There are mainly five geographical poles you can travel to from Paris: the modern and vibrant pole built around Disneyland Resort Paris, which offers the best family attractions in the region; the Fontainebleau pole, with the surroundings villages of Barbizon and Moret-sur-Loing will certainly enchant art amateurs; the medieval city of Provins for both adults and kids passionate about stories of knights, princesses and battles; Melun and surroundings offer a couple of great castles and wide forests; and finally, the Champagne region is a must-see for wine connoisseurs.
Disneyland Resort Paris and Surroundings
There is certainly plenty to do in Disney theme park, whether you visit the park itself, golf at your hotel’s course or enjoy the magic kingdom of Walt Disney Studios. The Vallée Village shopping center is only a 5-minute drive for those who need their Saturday shopping fix. 20 minutes away from the resort is Château de Champs-sur-Marne and the medieval city of Meaux. Visit this Episcopal city with its Palais and Vieux Chapître. The Musée du Brie will surely delight cheese connoisseurs.
Fontainebleau and surroundings
Fontainebleau is easily reachable in less than one hour from Paris or Disneyland Resort. A magnificent city rich with history, its Château is likely to please you since you will be able to overview eight centuries of French history in its architecture. After this cultural visit, it’s worth taking a walk in the city and let yourself be amazed by the splendid buildings. If you stay for the night, be sure you attend one of the concerts at the Théâtre Municipal. In the afternoon, check out a horse race at the Hippodrome de La Solle, a must-see in the capital of equestrian sports. A short drive away from Fontainebleau is the medieval village of Moret-sur-loing, where you will learn about impressionist painter Alfred Sisley who resided there for ten years. Visit Point Sisley in the morning and float down the Loing river with a canoe. A short escapade to Barbizon, where the eponymous French school of painters established its headquarters in the 19th century will enchant you likewise. Visit the Auberge Ganne - Musée Départemental de l'école de Barbizon and a painter's workshop before you head back to Fontainebleau forest.
Provins and Surroundings
If you are into European history, a visit to Provins is a must. This fortified city retains much of its medieval architecture and heritage. One of the main sites of the “Champagne Fairs,” take an audio tour of the Grange aux Dîmes (Tithe Barn), and learn about the impact and importance of these fairs on the development of modern society. Climb up the remarkably well preserved Tour César (César's Tower) and get not only an incredible view of the town and surrounding countryside, but a history lesson as well. During the summer months, be sure to catch the “Aigles des Remparts” show and witness mystical displays of falconry and horsemanship. The spectacle will transport you to a more chivalrous time of knights and maidens!
In Coulommiers, Commanderie des Templiers is a historical village that has been maintained by volunteers since the 1960's when an organization dedicated to the restoration of ancient buildings signed a 99 year lease with the French government, saving it from destruction. This region is home to one of France's most famous exports, Brie cheese. Each town has its own unique style of cheese, and a trip to eastern Paris would not be complete without an indulgence (barring lactose intolerance of course)! Throughout the territory there are numerous creameries where you can witness (and taste!) the production of the fine cheeses in small, artisanal batches.
Melun and surroundings
If you’re spending a whole week in the Seine-et-Marne region, visiting Melun and surroundings is a nice day trip, although it may not be as exciting as Provins or Fontainebleau. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is the not-to-be missed attraction here, built under Fouquet’s mandate as Louis XIV’s superintendent of finance. Back in Melun, take a lunch-cruise on the Seine or stroll down the Promenade de Vaux alongside the river. At the SNECMA Museum, you’ll learn about how planes and engines evolved in the history of aeronautics. A guided tour of the old city, where you’ll learn about its history and the famous figures that lived there, can be done if you have a morning left in your schedule.
Champagne
As one might guess, one of the main draws to this region is the sparkling wine named after it. Many of the wineries here have been in operation for centuries, and undoubtedly produce the best champagne in the world. Although touring and tasting is a treat, just meandering through the pastoral beauty of rolling vineyards and quaint villages is an idyllic experience.
In Reims, one of the region's commercial centers, there are many examples of classic Gothic architecture. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is modeled after its namesake, and is one of the most visited sites in the region. Once the coronation site of French kings, this 13th century masterpiece features stunning stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Palais du Thau was originally constructed during the 6th century and served as a Gallo-Roman villa but has undergone numerous remodels and additions over the centuries, and is today a remarkable example of Gothic and Baroque styles. Constructed in the 11th century, Basilique Saint Remi is a premier example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Peek inside for an awe inspiring view of stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings.
A great way to experience the sights and sounds of the region is to follow the Route Touristique de Champagne, which winds its way through farmlands and villages. In the Côte de Blanc territory, a stop at Mesnil-sur-Oger is well worth your while. Awarded the “most floral” town in France, this enchanting little village on a hill is sure to fulfill all your fantasies of the romantic French Countryside. While you're here, take a tour of Musee de la vigne et du vin, where you can learn about the area's long and rich history of grape growing and wine production.
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