1. Palace of Versailles

Top of the list for any visitor to Paris, has to be a trip to Chateau de Versailles. This famous palace – the final home of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also hosting the equestrian and pentathlon events, during the Olympics. The lavish palace is on the outskirts of Paris and a short train ride, so it’s a popular day-trip. If you wanted to stay longer, then for a truly memorable experience, Airelles Chateau de Versailles, Le Grand Controle, is a 13-room luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the palace, with after-hours’ exclusive access. Visit en.chateauversailles.fr; airelles.com

2. Le Touquet Paris-Plage

If you are craving a trip to the beach, during a summer visit to the capital, then head to Le Touquet Paris-Plage, a smart resort in Pas-de-Calais, on the north coast. Around two hours by train or car, the resort, which dubs itself “nature and elegance”, has welcomed the likes of Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich and Ian Fleming and is full of cafes, brasseries and designer shops. Its most historic stay is Hotel Barriere Le Westminster, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and the famous Art Deco hotel, with its Michelin-starred restaurant and spa, was recently renovated. Visit en.letouquet.com; hotelsbarriere.com

Image Credit: LE TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGE

3. Battlefield sites

You don’t have to book a special battlefield tour in Northern France – if you are visiting Paris, it’s easy to take a trip to some of the key sites. On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, once again, Normandy’s Landing Beaches become the focus of celebrations. It’s just an hour-and-a-half drive or train ride from Paris to Amiens and the Somme, the centre of much fighting in World War I. The Sir John Monash Centre in the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery tells Australia’s story of the Western Front and is the hub of the Australian Remembrance Trail. Visit en.normandie-tourisme.fr; sjmc.gov.au

4. Orient-Express trip

France is famous for its high-speed train service, meaning you can travel all over the country quickly and easily, from Paris. But for an unforgettable journey, then get on board the Belmond Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express. It has trips from Paris to various cities in France, including Cannes and Albertville, but for a longer journey, there’s the brand-new Paris to Portofino route to Italy, finishing in Hotel Splendido. Visit belmond.com

5. Disneyland and Parc Asterix

If you are looking for some family fun, make time for Disneyland Paris. You get all the Disney magic plus good food, because the French wouldn’t have it any other way. You can catch a train or shuttlebus to Disneyland Paris from the airport, or city centre. However, for a real French theme-park experience, then visit Parc Asterix Paris, celebrating its 35th birthday. Asterix is to the French what Mickey Mouse is to Americans and this fun theme park has three hotels and 50 attractions and shows. North of Paris, it’s around half an hour by car or taxi, or you can catch a shuttle bus from the airport. Visit disneylandparis.com; parcasterix.fr

6. Monet’s garden

They’re some of the most famous gardens in the world and visiting the landscape that so inspired the Impressionist Monet, is a special experience. Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, complete with his lily pond, are now a huge tourist attraction. Giverny is a village in Normandy, an hour by train and slightly longer by car, from Paris. There’s also the Musee des Impressionnismes and many events planned for the 150th anniversary of Impressionism. Visit fondation-monet.com, mdig.fr

7. Champagne

For a fabulous add-on to Paris, then there’s nothing better than popping a few corks in Champagne, in eastern France. Paris to Reims is around an hour on the train, or an hour-and-a-half drive. Nearby Epernay is home to famous Champagne Houses such as Moet & Chandon and Perrier-Jouet. If you want to stay longer, there’s the Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa, a gleaming new hotel behind a historic façade. With 47 rooms all with fabulous views of the vineyards, a large spa and Michelin-starred restaurant, you can get exclusive cellar visits, too. Visit champagne.fr; royalchampagne.com