Countryside restaurants around Paris?

[rpdkpd]

During the course of a trip to Paris in mid-December, we would like to make a short trip to the countryside for lunch. We will not have a rental car, so proximity to train service (out in the morning, back in the afternoon) would be helpful. We could also hire a car service.

We are very interested in the food, but for an excursion like this we would also value a warm and inviting setting. Suggestions are appreciated!

[John Talbott]

During the course of a trip to Paris in mid-December, we would like to make a short trip to the countryside for lunch.  We will not have a rental car, so proximity to train service (out in the morning, back in the afternoon) would be helpful.  We could also hire a car service.

We are very interested in the food, but for an excursion like this we would also value a warm and inviting setting.  Suggestions are appreciated!

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I think the Paris Notes recent article on "Day Tripping" is quite nice; esp re: Vaux le Vicomte, a favorite of ours. One must subscribe, but it's a good source.

[menton1]

Your wish to do a suburb restaurant without a car could prove to be daunting. The main problem is that after you get off the light rail (RER) it can be quite a long distance to the restaurant from the station.

Another suggestion: The Bois de Boulogne is Paris' secret jewel. Once inside the parc, you will feel as if you are in the countryside! Easily accessible by Métro or Bus, there are several noteworthy restaurants inside the park; La Grande Cascade is probably the nicest (and most expensive) restaurant in the park, occupying an historic lodge formerly belonging to Napoleon III. On Allée de Longchamp. A budget-friendlier choice is Chalet des Iles, on the lake.

If the weather is good, take a little stroll around the park. It is huge, and you will have a tremendous feeling of serenity and beauty without leaving Paris!!

Chalet des Iles WebPage

La Grande Cascade Website

[raisab]

I would just pick the day you are going to go and rent a car online in the states NOW. Prices are very cheap and most major agencies have rental sites within the Perpherique. Once you get out of the city driving is easy as long as you go fast! Seriously, I would rent the car. Try Budget or Avis for very good prices.

Edited for spelling, when is spellcheck coming?

Edited October 11, 2005 by raisab (log)