You probably won’t get “across the pond” that often, so why not make the most of your time in these two spectacular cities by planning a day trip or two from your home base?
Within easy striking distance of London:
Highclere Castle and the Yorkshire Countryside
You know it best as the backdrop for the wildly successful TV series “Downton Abbey.” It’s actually the real-life home of the Earl and Duchess of Carnarvon, and they open it to the public for tours during the summer and into the fall. If you’re going, there’s a last chance to get in on the action October 13 through 18th, when the castle hosts its tribute to Capability Brown, the famous landscape designer who re-fashioned the gardens, park and lakes around Highclere in 1771. Tours of the main living quarters and bedrooms plus refreshments will be on offer.
https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/
Stonehenge
A trip to England would not be complete without a viewing of the mysterious and intriguing Stonehenge. Scholars are still wondering if it was devised as a religious temple, astronomical clock or burial ground. Let your imagination run wild as you view the 40 ton rocks standing on a hillside in the middle of Salisbury. Everyone tries to push one over- but it can’t be done.
https://www.stonehenge-tours.com/stonehenge.html
Bath
Close to Stonehenge and the town of Salisbury is the city of Bath. “Take the cure” in the hot springs that bubble up in and about this town; people have been doing it since the Romans conquered England! This quaint community not far from London boasts great shopping, dining, and some of the best spa activities in the heart of England. Relax, refresh and rejuvenate after the bustle of “The Smoke” – the old term for London when the city teemed with belching factories and mills.
Trips outside Paris:
Chateaux de Versailles
Just 45 minutes outside of Paris, the “country home” of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette will make abundantly clear what the French peasants were complaining about. Mirrored galleries, gilded baroque banquet halls, art, architecture, ponds, gardens and stunning landscaping give you a glimpse into the opulent life led by these last rulers of France. Take in the Musical Fountains light show every weekend evening from April through October.
https://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
Normandy
In the heart of northern France, directly on the English Channel, Normandy is best known for its pivotal role for watercraft landings during the D Day invasion of World War II. It is an area of arresting beauty, fascinating historical monuments and tributes, and even a few German bunkers that remain to this day. Readily accessed from Paris by rail or auto, a visit to Normandy can be a life-changing event. Had events not unfolded as they did, the world could have been a very different place.
https://www.kensingtontours.com/
Bruges, Belgium
The massive size of the US tends to make Americans think that countries in Europe are far apart. Not so! A short 2 ½ hour train ride or drive from Paris brings you to the Belgian city of Bruges. Often called the Venice of the North, this picturesque town features canals, medieval architecture, and a ranking as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fine French food and wine round out the offerings on this convenient day trip from Paris.
https://www.kensingtontours.com/
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