@ainsleydurose This is part of a series exploring the quieter corners of Île-de-France-places full of charm, history, and everyday beauty, an hour or less away from Paris. Just a few euros (5 euros roundtrip per person or free if you have a Navigo card as it's within lle de France), they're easy to reach, yet often overlooked. Visiting, while being respectful of the locals, environment, and businesses, helps support these towns and gives Paris a little space to breathe! Also l've linked my outfit in my linktree, link in bio (anyone else or just me? but espadrilles are my preferred traveling shoe, very comfortable for me)☺️ But truly truly truly my favorite thing about living in Paris is how many amazing small towns are an hour or less away and just how easy and affordable it is to travel to them like St Germain en Laye for just a day getaway! France is so much more than Paris, and places like this are so easily accessible especially on a budget, so by doing these videos, I hope that I can inspire people to explore and enjoy all that France has to offer as many of these towns aren't being supported enough ! Just a short train ride from Paris (just take the RER A for about 30 minutes), Saint-Germain-en-Laye feels like stepping into a postcard. With its grand château, winding cobbled streets, and sweeping views over the Seine valley, it’s where royal history meets small-town charm. Once home to French kings—and the birthplace of Louis XIV—this elegant suburb now hums with cozy cafés, antique shops, and one of the loveliest outdoor markets in the region. It’s the perfect spot for a slow afternoon, a picnic, and a quiet escape from the city’s rush. Which place should I go to next (only in Ile de France) ?! From the station, we went to the open food market for some fresh fruit - open on Tues, Thurs, and Sunday. Then on the same street we went to the beautiful fromagerie @fromageriefoucher for Comte and salted butter, then a baguette at @elioetfranck, and then we got jambon at Charcuterie Gaudin. From there, we walked through the streets to the chateau gardens which are open and free to the public, and you can take your pups! It has the most spectacular view over the Seine valley, and you can even see a teeny tiny Eiffel Tower in the distance! Then you can explore the chateau @archeonationale in the city center which was built in the 12th century and has an amazing archeology museum inside with a stunning cathedral and courtyard. Dogs are not allowed inside, and the day we went, the permanent exhibit was free, but the other exhibits which includes the cathedral was 8 euros, reduced fairs are available. You can also visit the Eglise St Germain, the home of Claude Debussy, and all the beautiful cobbled streets throughout. Then you can either walk for 30 minutes or take a short 7 minute bus ride to the @Château de Monte Cristo, which is the home of the famous Alexandre Dumas who wrote The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. No animals were allowed, so Lev and I had to alternate going in, but the tickets were 9 euros (reduced fairs are available). #travel #france #castle #comewithme #traveltiktok ♬ It Happened One Night - Gordon L Goodwin