Château de Maisons-Laffitte Day Trip: Where to Stay, Eat & Wander

Paris is a powerful stimulant not loud, not urgent, but quietly intoxicating. Its beauty awakens the senses, its history stirs the intellect, and its rhythm invites reflection rather than haste. In this first chapter of the Explore the Enchanting Château de Maisons-Laffitte series, we step into Western Paris with intention, shaping a refined day trip that blends architecture, gardens, cuisine, and literary calm. This guide is designed to be both practical and poetic, supporting a sovereign, unhurried way of experiencing Paris.

HOTELS

Honestly, this day trip is so short, you do not need to book a hotel near Château Masions-Laffitte. Instead, I offer recommendations in the western part of Paris, close to the Eiffel tower.

Tips for Success

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring

  Dodging rain showers is common this time of year. Going in and out? Don’t forget that in France, the ground floor is considered level ZERO. Booking a flat up on the fifth floor? That’s SIX flights of stairs!

• Summer

  Sensitive to heat? Consider booking a location with aircon. Heatwaves are common, with temperatures rocketing to over 40°c/100°f.

• Autumn

  With the beautiful weather, you’ll want to throw open your doors to greet Paris every morning. But be careful about street-facing flats. Late night bars and the sounds of scooters can keep you awake all night.

• Winter

  Time to bundle up! Paris can be very chilly in the winter. If booking a private flat, be sure that the owner doesn’t put a governor on the heat and that it has adequate facilities.

Where to Eat - NEAR CML

• YUTA - The restaurant offers fresh, refined and Italian-inspired sophisticated cuisine. Online reservations available.

• Le Tastevin - a few steps from the Château, Le Tastevin, a gourmet restaurant welcomes you in a magnificent residence dating from 1899 surrounded by a wooded garden. The Chef owner Denis Rivoire offers a beautiful cuisine made from fresh and seasonal products. Online reservations available.

• Zebra - Traditional French cuisine Bistronomic cuisine. Everything is homemade, even the sauces. Zebra’s chef revisits the traditional dishes of French cuisine, always enhanced with seasonal vegetables. Online reservations available.

• Le Bouche à Oreille - Eat in or take out. Traditional, affordable, freshly prepared French dishes. Handicap accessible. Air conditioned space.

• La Pâtisserie de Longueil- For desserts, breads, croissants, or sandwiches on the go. Great for budget treats and snacking.

A Curated Day at Château de Maisons-Laffitte

For me, a perfect day includes quiet spaces (little to no crowds), romantic and inspired places, beauty, gardens, books, coffee, and a light meal.

I prefer a pace that is calm and easy, not rushed.

And I enjoy and find peace in surroundings that include nature, art, history, and a spot or two where I can relax and reflect on my experiences.

Note that this itinerary is intended for primarily walking and metro as transportation.

Shannon’s ITINERARY

• NOIR COFFEE

  Noir is an independent chain of coffee shops in Paris. They roast their own beans and each location is superb, consistent, comfortable, and modern. You’ll find one nearby in almost every neighborhood in Paris.

• CHATEAU MAISONS LAFFITTE

  Next, I’d jump onto the RER to head out to Château Maisons-Laffitte, arriving around the opening hour (10 AM) to maximize the quiet spaces and make the most of my time. Please note that they close at 12:30 PM part of the year.

• LUNCH

  For me, I’d be headed to Tastevin for an exquisite lunch in a beautiful setting. After being inspired by the gorgeous interior of Maisons-Laffitte, this environment and their delicious meals is the perfect pairing.

• ARC DE TRIOMPHE

  On the way back to Paris, I’d pop off at the Charles de Gaulle metro stop and use the underground access to head over to the Arc de Triomphe. The view of Paris from the top is breathtaking.

• LINE 1 TO TUILERIES

  If the weather was nice, I’d finish the afternoon with a stroll through the Tuileries and then drop down to the Seine River on my way back home. Raining and feeling a bit celebratory? I’d have a cocktail at the cozy bar in the Le Meurice hotel nearby.