Much like New Yorkers head to the Hamptons en masse on Friday afternoons in the summer, Parisians know where to go when the weekend rolls around. The only loose rule? Don’t spend hours getting there.
PICNIC IN VERSAILES GARDENS CLOSE TO PARIS
No matter where you live in Paris, anywhere worth going on a weekend, especially long weekends, can easily be reached by train. For city people in need of a little beach time, Trouville-Deauville – yes, that Deauville – is a mere 2 hours away. And easy: Parisians are known to hop on the first train with friends, walk the 5 minutes to the beach, and spend the day horizontal and happy. It is just as easy to get back in time for a late supper close to home. Bordeaux is a slightly more than two-hour train ride away, while Reims, at the center of Champagne, is just 45 minutes from Paris and totally picturesque. Breton coastal towns like Dinard and St. Malo are exquisite and easy to get to for weekends away, with healthy doses of white beaches, emerald water and fresh seafood. Go to one and take the boat ‘taxi’ to the other. You’ll hear lots of Parisian accents around you either way.
In a car, more small country towns off the beaten path open up to you. Friends with country houses, even small ones, seem to all subscribe to that “the more the merrier” adage. Anything worth enjoying is worth sharing with good friends, n’est-ce pas?
LET THEM EAT CAKE
“Where shall we go for lunch? How about that chic little café with a view of the Palace of Versailles?” If you live in Paris, it couldn’t be easier to get to Versailles. And, secret of secrets (so don’t go telling everyone), you can also pack a gourmet picnic and have lunch in the gardens of the chateau. Don’t forget your favorite French beer…
ONE OF THOUSANDS
There are literally thousands of hidden little corners of France to explore. And the closest one of all? The moment the weather shows promise, Parisians head to the banks of the Seine with picnic blankets, good food, and great friends as the sun goes down to do what they do best: Enjoy. La vie est belle!