Maison Jean Cocteau

June 22, 2010 | By Heidi Ellison | Daytrips From Paris

Jean Cocteau in front of his house in Milly-la-Forêt on July 24, 1963. © KEYSTONE-FRANCE/Keystone/Eyedea Presse Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) is a slippery character. It’s hard to get a grip on who he was and what he did, partly because he … Read More

Europe XXL

March 24, 2009 | By Heidi Ellison | Daytrips From Paris

The city of Lille inaugurated a major cultural festival called “Europe XXL” on March 14 with a massive parade, the burning of giants papier-mâché falla sculptures (a heritage of the time when the city was part of the Spanish Netherlands), … Read More

Little-known Gardens

July 30, 2008 | By Helen Stokes | Daytrips From Paris

Summer Parking The new Parc Clichy Batignolles is a huge success in park-starved Paris. The promenade plantée, an elevated park built on top of the Viaduc des Arts along the Avenue Daumesnil in Paris, is now a familiar part of … Read More

Lille

June 10, 2008 | By Paris Update | Daytrips From Paris

Culture in the Land of the Ch’tis The Lille post-office tower sports a Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis banner. Photo: J. Gascoigne After the runaway success of the film Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis, set in the north of France very near … Read More

Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

May 20, 2008 | By Heidi Ellison | Daytrips From Paris

Eclectic Estate The “Eloge du Compost” garden includes a “dry toilet” (in the structure in the background). Photo: Eric Sander pour le Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire Big changes are afoot at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a Loire Valley château/estate best known … Read More

Chaumont-sur-Loire

May 20, 2008 | By Heidi Ellison | Daytrips From Paris

Eclectic Estate   Big changes are afoot at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a Loire Valley château/estate best known for its annual garden festival. Formerly the property of the French national government, the entire estate was recently devolved to the Centre … Read More

Troyes

November 13, 2007 | By Nick Hammond | Daytrips From Paris

Treasures of Troyes Inside the Troyes cathedral. If you are considering a day or two away from Paris, Troyes is the ideal town to visit, only an hour and a half away by train and full of pleasant surprises. In … Read More