day trips in paris

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The 14 best day trips from Paris

Your trip to Paris shouldn't end there - hop on the train and check out the best day trips out of the capital

Paris is the best, obviously. There’s no doubt about that. But the summer can get painfully hot, and painfully touristy, and you might find yourself spending more time queuing outside Instagram-famous cafés than actually eating in them. Either that, or you might have just fallen in love with Paris , and be in desperate need of seeing more. 

Whatever your reason, we’ve got good news. Whenever you plan to escape the city, there’s a whole host of incredible places to discover near Paris, that you can get to via train, car or boat. Think sprawling champagne regions filled with vineyards, serene gardens and old architecture, and a ton of galleries for when you’ve had it up to here with all the fantastic galleries in the French capital. Here are the best day trips from Paris, right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🇫🇷  The greatest places to visit in France 🏘️  Where to stay in Paris 📍  The best things to do in Paris 🎨 Unmissable attractions in Paris 🏛️ The best museums in Paris 🏨 The best hotels in Paris

Planning your next trip? Check out our latest   travel guides , written by local experts.

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Best day trips from Paris

1.  Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a goldmine of fantastic architecture (especially castles), culture and history. It’s a Unesco World Heritage Site, full of lush gardens, French renaissance-esque towers and magical lakes. The Château de Chenonceau (otherwise known as the Ladies’ Castle, but everyone’s invited), sits right on the river and is truly something to behold, but make sure to check out Château de Cheverny and the rest of the Château de Chambord area while you’re there. Oh, and drink plenty of wine. It’s very good there. 

How far? 130 miles

Get there… A 1.5 hour train from Austerlitz to Blois and a 12 minute taxi to Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley. 

2.  Giverny

Here in the sleepy Pays d’Eure life moves at a more tranquil pace, much as it did when Monet lived and painted here from 1883 until his death in 1926. It was at his family home that he produced some of his most famous works, including his celebrated water lily series, ‘Les Nymphéas’. Today his magical gardens and the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes make for one of the most enjoyable day trips from Paris, drawing around half a million visitors each year. They're beautiful too, looking like a real-life Monet work, of course. Beautiful endless dots of colour everywhere. The interior is interesting and maintained well too. Of course, there's a lot more to do in Giverny than visit the Monet home. It's a picturesque place, with great history and a quaint, quiet scene full of nice walks and fab food. 

How far? 47 miles

Get there… A two-hour bus from Porte Maillot to Grand Val. 

3.  Champagne region

Considering France is practically synonymous with champagne, it’d be remiss to avoid the region that gave its name to the good stuff. Soak up the region’s rich history with visits to a vineyard, the Moët & Chandon cellars, and the royal city of Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne where several French kings were crowned back in the day. There's great regal cathedrals and other architecture, great food (especially the ham), and of course, plenty to drink. Tchin Tchin, as they'd say. 

How far? 89 miles

Get there… A 45-minute train from Paris-Est to Reims. 

4.  Boulogne-Billancourt

Paris’s closest suburbs often play second fiddle to the city’s   intra-muros   attractions, but you’d be a fool to miss out on Boulogne-Billancourt. Start with the Bois de Boulogne, Paris’s western lung, filled with lakes and parkland, perfect for a morning stroll. Then drop by the three excellent museums:   Musée Paul-Belmondo   if you’re into sculpture, the   Musée des Années 30   for everything Art Deco and the   Musée Albert-Kahn  for wonderful sculpted gardens and collections of 19th-century photography. Everything comes in threes, right? To get there, take line 10 to Boulogne – Porte de Saint-Cloud. There's some top food here too, whether you want a bistro or something grand (like fancy, not big). Also, given it's one of the richest communes in French, you can have a great time people (and house) watching here. 

How far?   10 miles

Get there…   A 30-minute train from Austerlitz. 

5.  Auvers-sur-Oise

‘Seriously beautiful’ is how Vincent van Gogh described Auvers-sur-Oise in a letter to his brother Theo. He knew a thing or two about how things look, did Van. This peaceful, charming hamlet is only 30 kilometres from Paris and has drawn all manner of influential painters over the years, mainly impressionists.  Gogh's final resting place, and his brothers's is here in fact. After visiting, why not toast to them at the musée de l’Absinthe.  Others who took inspiration from this picturesque spot include Charles-François Daubigny, Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro. A place for the taste-makers, indeed. 

How far? 32 miles. 

Get there... A 38-minute train from Gare du Nord to Méry-sur-oise. 

6.  Château de Versailles

Versailles must be one of the most impressive royal residences in Europe. A right royal palace, serious levels of palace. Transformed from a hunting lodge to palace by Louis XIV in 1682, with the help of more than 36,000 craftsmen and labourers, its scale and grandeur are matchless. Whether you want to tick off the estate’s headline attractions or discover little-visited corners in the grounds and beyond, this is an essential day out. Prepare to lose yourself in the gilded stucco wonder that is the hall of mirrors. And prance around the orange trees in the garden as if you’re Marie Antoinette yourself. It can easily take up an enrtire day, having, you know 2,300 rooms across 8.15km squared. If you find your way out and fancy some opulent dining for yourself, great places to manger nearby include Alain Ducasse's Ore, and La Mangette which has a new menu daily and doesn't take reservations. 

How far? 18 miles. 

Get there… a 46-minute train from Musée d'Orsay to Château de Versailles.

7.  Vitry-sur-Seine

Vitry-sur-Seine was once not quite a no-go zone, but almost – it’s the largest town in the Val-de-Marne region (with some 85,000 inhabitants), famed for its social unrest and riots. But don’t be scared away: this unseemly slice of suburbia has cleaned up its act, and now makes for a fun, artsy day out away from the pristine (and sometimes stuffy) offerings in central Paris. You’ll find streets decorated with graffiti by street art collective C215, plus monumental outdoor artworks including Jean Dubuffet’s giant ‘Chaufferie avec Cheminée’, an ode to Vitry’s industrial past. Our top tip? Get a snapshot of French art from 1950 to the present at the trendy   MAC VAL museum . Hidden gems are everywhere. This extends to the modestly priced bistros, which offer some serious grub to nourish you after a day's exploring. Not to mention good wine. You'll spot a bunch of trendy types around the university too. 

How far?   6 miles. 

Get there…   A seven-minute train from Bibliothèque François Mitterrand to Les Ardoines. 

8.  Chartres

If you like your architecture gothic – and monumental – there are few better places than Chartres. Its 12th-century Notre-Dame cathedral (not that one), which sits to the south-west of the capital, has been granted World Heritage Site status by Unesco on account of its remarkable preservation (many of its stained-glass windows are original). The area is best-known for the architecture of goths, but you should also wander this medieval city’s cobbled streets and you’ll find some decent bars and restaurants, too. For half the year, you can also catch a stunning lighting display across the city centre (at night, of course). 

How far? 56 miles. 

Get there… A train from Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 to Chartres for one hour and 15 minutes. 

9.  Normandy

If you’ve got a long day (or weekend) to spare, we suggest heading west to Normandy. This historic coastal region is probably best known for its involvement in the Second World War, with much of the war’s legacy still visible. While you’re there, explore the Caen Memorial Museum, the D-Day landing beaches and the breathtaking American cemetery, with its poignant rows of white crosses. Beyond the history, Normandy is also home to some great seaside views and food. Particularly, seafood, cider, cheese, and some seriously good poulet. 

How far? 125 miles. 

Get there… A train from Magenta to Hôtel de Ville for two hours and 30 minutes. 

10.  Fontainebleau

Royal France isn’t all about Versailles, you know. Before that was built, the medieval Palace of Fontainebleau was home to Napoleon III (nephew of the famous one) and Louis VII, and was known as the ‘Second Rome’ thanks to its suite of rooms decorated specially by Napoleon I for Pope Pius VII. Visitors should also take a look around Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which was extravagantly landscaped by the same architect who worked on the Palace of Versailles. While in (second) Rome, head to the forest of Fontainebleau, with its large boulders and stunning views. There's also three thousand or so species of mushroom here. 

How far? 43 miles. 

Get there… A 40-minute train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau - Avon.

11.  St-Denis

The northern  département  (Parisian suburb, basically) of Seine St-Denis, aka ‘Le 93’, used to be the one that best fulfilled the negative image of the  banlieue , with colossal housing estates like La Courneuve, Aulnay-sous-Bois and Sarcelles some of the most deprived (and crime-ridden) in France. There are still pockets that are best avoided, and the estates are still poor, but serious urban renewal projects have immensely improved things. Our advice? Go on a tour of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, home to the largest collection of funerary sculpture from the 12th to the 16th centuries. So yeah, there's a hell of a lot of history to take in around the place. But there's also lovely spots to eat in and spend timing walking around. You're not far from the heart of Paris in any case. 

How far? 13 miles. 

Get there… A five-minute train from Gare du Nord to Saint-Denis. 

12.  Domaine de Chantilly

The Domaine de Chantilly is one of the most enjoyable day trips north of Paris. The estate was the home of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, who amassed one of France’s greatest collections of precious books, paintings and decorative objects. Today, as well as admiring the château’s galleries, you can visit the impressive suites, stroll the gardens and stop by the stables, now an equestrian museum. Round off your trip with a Chantilly cream-based dessert (can't go wrong with cream and vanilla can you). Fun fact, Ronaldo (Brazil) got married at the Château, which cost about 700,000 euros. 

How far? 30 miles. 

Get there… A 23-minute train from Paris Nord to Chantilly - Gouvieux followed by a 30-minute walk to Rue du Connétable. 

13.  Montreuil and Vincennes

If you’re a Paris old-timer, or just looking for a fresh angle on sightseeing, consider the City of Light’s closest eastern suburbs, Montreuil and Vincennes. The former is famed for labyrinthine flea market, Les Puces de Montreuil.  Though less pretty than Vincennes, Montreuil's population has a distinct arty streak, visible in the town's numerous galleries, artist's workshops and graffiti clad walls.  Vincennes, meanwhile, is home to the postcard-perfect Château de Vincennes, which contains Europe’s tallest medieval dungeon, and the sprawling bois , replete with follies and lakes.

How far? 6 miles. 

Get there… An 18-minute train from Châtelet les Halles to Rue de Montreuil & Rue de Vincennes. 

14.  Parc de Sceaux

South of Paris lies the Parc de Sceaux, a beautiful yet little-known estate home to sprawling formal gardens and a small château. It’s one of the most delightful weekend escapes from the city, particularly in spring when you can picnic beneath the cherry blossom. We highly recommend picking up a gourmet picnic of salads, terrines and Nutella éclairs, and reclining in the shade of the cherry trees at Bosquet Nord. Also, home from home, you can get some top tea here. There's a massive range of Mariage Frères teas and a chocolat Viennois that will give you more than enough of a sugar hit for the journey back to Paris. Tres bien. 

How far?   17 miles. 

Get there…   A 25-minute train from Gare du Nord to Parc de Sceaux. 

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Paris in a Day: A 1 Day Paris Itinerary

Last updated: December 1, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 32 Comments

We love Paris, it’s one of our favourite cities in Europe and one we have visited many times. Ideally, we’d love for you to visit it for as long as possible! Still, we know that’s not always possible, and you might only have a short amount of time to see the city.

The good news is that whilst having a few days to explore Paris is wonderful, it’s also possible to see many of the highlights of Paris in a day. And in this post, that’s just what we’re going to help you do.

We’ve put together this post to help you get the most out of your 1 day in Paris. It’s going to take you to the highlights of the city – everything you’re going to want to see, even on a 24-hour timetable.

As well as a step-by-step itinerary, we’re also going to share some tips for getting around efficiently, saving money in Paris, tips on where to stay if you’re here overnight, and the fastest way to get to and from the major Paris airports, if you’re arriving by plane. Let’s get started.

Paris in a Day: Itinerary

This is a full all day Paris itinerary that will have you seeing some of our favourite sights in Paris – which also happen to be the highlights of Paris that most visitors want to see. It’s definitely set up to be a full day, with the sights towards the end opening late so you can keep sightseeing even into the evening.

It’s just a suggestion though, so don’t feel obliged to see everything on this list – it’s important to tailor any itinerary you read to your specific interests, available time, budget, and travel style.

• Sainte Chapelle

It took me multiple visits to Paris before I finally made it to Sainte Chapelle . Now I urge everyone to make it a priority on their trip to Paris!

This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely outstanding. It will definitely take your breath away.

The 13th century Saint Chapelle is quite popular, and the small size and mandatory security checks mean that the line to get in can be long. This is why I have put it on my list as the first thing for your second day in Paris – you want to get here early, ideally get in line ten – fifteen minutes before the opening time. After all, no-one wants to spend their time standing in lines.

There’s a fee to enter Saint Chapelle, and you can buy tickets online here .

Sainte Chapelle is close to Notre Dame , one of the world’s most recognisable cathedrals. However, following a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame in 2019, and the cathedral is closed to visitors as a result. We definitely still recommend walking by to get a glimpse of Notre Dame, however you can’t currently go inside.

Other nearby attractions on Île de la Cité include the Conciergerie (you can get a combined ticket for that and Sainte Chapelle here ), and the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation (Deportation Memorial) .

If you’re arriving into Paris on the same day as this itinerary, getting from the airport to Sainte Chapelle isn’t too hard.

From Charles de Gaulle, RER line B stops at St. Michel / Notre Dame, and a single ticket at time of writing costs under €10. From Paris Orly, you can take the Orlyval light rail train to the Antony RER station, from where you can also take the RER line B to the Sainte Chapelle area.

Another option is to take the bus, with bus companies operating routes from both airports into Paris city center. You can also book a shuttle bus transfer or a private transfer from the airports of course.

From Sainte Chapelle to the Louvre Museum , our next stop for our day in Paris, it’s either an 18 minute walk, or around 13 minutes if you take Metro line 7. We’d recommend walking as the views along the river are very pretty, and it doesn’t take much longer.

The Louvre was originally built as a fortress, and the first buildings date from around the 12th century. However, as the city developed, it evolved in function, and in the 16th century it became the main palace of the French Kings when they lived in Paris. Following the French Revolution, it was turned into a museum, and has served as an art museum since 1793.

Today, it is the world’s largest art museum, and is home to over 380,000 objects, with 35,000 on display at any one time. Highlights include the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, but as you would imagine, there’s a great deal to see here. In fact, you could probably spend a full day (or more!) just exploring the Louvre.

Of course, with just a day in Paris, this won’t let you see anything else if you really want to explore the Louvre. But if you want to see a lot of highlights in Paris, we suggest you limit yourself to about two hours. Entry is ticketed and timed, and as one of Paris’s most popular attractions, the lines here can be long. This is definitely an attraction you’ll want a skip the line ticket for.

You can buy them from GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here . It’s also included on the Paris City Card .

Alternatively, you can take advantage of a Paris Museum Pass , which includes skip the line access to the Louvre as well as a number of other attractions, however see the note below about reserving your entry time.

Note that in the busy times, which tend to be the summer periods especially, the Louvre gets very busy, and it’s recommended that you purchase a ticket online in advance to avoid disappointement.

If have a Paris Museum Pass , you must reserve your entry online on the official website . This is mandatory for pass holders in order to guarantee entry, and we highly recommend you do this in advance. If you do not reserve your slot in advance, you are not guaranteed entry even with the pass.

Another pass option to consider is the Paris City Card . This includes entry to the Louvre, and you can book the timeslot when you buy the card.

For more on the various pass options in Paris, check out the section further on in the post on saving money during your time in Paris to make sure you get the right option for you.

If you do not have a pass, you can reserve your ticket online on GetYourGuide here , on Tiqets here or on the official website here .

We have found that third party websites may have availability even if the official site does not as their allocation comes from a separate pool. Just note that sometimes there will be a booking fee added to these services which makes the price a touch higher.

We would recommend only using reputable websites – we can recommend either GetYourGuide , or Tiqets , both of which we have used in the past.

• Eiffel Tower

You can’t really avoid seeing the Eiffel Tower when you visit Paris, and a visit to this huge wrought iron tower is a definite must for your day in Paris!

Almost every time we visit Paris we visit the Eiffel Tower, and we are always awed by just how big it is. When it was opened in 1889 it became the tallest man-made structure in the world, with a total height of 324 metres to the very tip. As a visitor, you can go nearly to the top – the very top observation platform is 276 metres above the ground, making it the highest publicly accessible observation deck in Europe.

Of course, you don’t have to go to the very top to enjoy the Eiffel Tower, or in fact, to climb it at all. You can enjoy excellent views of the tower from the Champ de Mars gardens, as well as from the Trocadero on the other side of the River Seine. If pressed for time or not really into the tower, we’d recommend coming here instead for a nice view.

That said, if this is your first visit to Paris, we do recommend that you go up inside the tower. There are three floors that you can visit, and the first two levels even have restaurants. If it’s near a meal time, this is certainly a unique place to get a meal whilst you’re in Paris!

The more casual eateries don’t require reservations but if you want eat at 58 Tour Eiffel or Jules Verne you’ll want to make a reservation before your trip. You can reserve directly with the restaurants here .

The Eiffel Tower is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Paris, and if you want to go up it, it’s very much worth planning a little in advance. The on-site ticket lines get very long, so you definitely want to book in advance.

Tickets for going up the Eiffel tower are available from the official website , and prices vary depending on which level you want to access, and if you want to take the lift or stairs to the first floor.

We very much recommend that you buy your tickets in advance to save time. The best prices are definitely available by booking direct on the official website.

If you’d prefer to take a tour, we recommend this one with 2nd floor access or this one with summit access. These both include free cancellation last time we checked, which official tickets do not.

If you have a Paris Pass , a guided climb to the second floor is included. These tend to run in the middle of the day, so check times on the official site to ensure they meet your schedule. The Paris City Card also includes guided access to the second floor, with optional summit access.

Note that even with pre-booked tickets, you will still need to go through security screening, as with all the other major Paris attractions.

Getting to the Eiffel Tower from the Louvre will involve either a lovely 40-minute walk along the Seine, a 30-minute metro ride, or a 25-minute bus ride. For more tips on visiting, see our complete guide to the Eiffel Tower .

• Seine River Cruise

If all this walking around seems a bit much, then we suggest you take a Seine River Cruise . These are a really popular way to sight-see in Paris, and a number of Seine River cruises depart from right next to the Eiffel Tower.

There are a wide variety of Seine Cruise options available, from shorter cruises of around an hour to ninety minutes, as well as longer cruises that feature a meal.

Additionally, cruises differ in terms of commentary, from pre-recorded to live commentary, as well as the languages on offer. In terms of sight-seeing, cruises usually start at the Eiffel Tower and head along the Seine River towards Notre Dame.

We have a full post comparing Seine River sightseeing options , which we definitely recommend reading to understand all your options. If you’d prefer a dinner cruise, we also have a comprehensive guide to Seine River dinner cruises .

Our recommendation for an Eiffel Tower departure is a cruise with Bateaux Mouches (small discount with our link ) or Bateaux Parisiens . The latter is also included for holders of the Paris Pass and the Paris City Card .

You can also see a selection of cruise options, some of which include dinner, here or here .

• Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a massive monument in the shape of an arch, which commemorates and honors those who fought and died for France in both the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It was commissioned by the Emperor Napoleon in 1806, but due to its massive scale, it was not completed until 1836.

Today, the Arc de Triomphe stands alongside the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre as a must-visit location in Paris. You can admire it from the outside for free, but my suggestion would be to pay the entry fee and to go to the top.

From here, you get stunning views across the city. Twelve roads radiate out from the arch, including the Champs-Élysées, and from the top you can see the majority of the highlights of Paris.

Note that the Arc de Triomphe is in the middle of a huge traffic roundabout, and many visitors make the mistake of trying to walk across this. Don’t do this! There are pedestrian access tunnels which are far safer and what you should be taking.

You can purchase tickets on site for access, although you may have to queue. You can also purchase a skip the line ticket online here which is what we would recommend doing as the cost is the same and you get to skip the ticket line.

From the Eiffel Tower it’s a 15-minute metro ride or half-hour walk to the Arc de Triomphe. If you walk, we suggest going via the Trocadero for great views back to the Eiffel Tower.

Champs-Élysées

From culture to consumerism! The Champs-Élysées is the most famous shopping street to Paris, particularly for luxury items. It’s over a mile long and is home to everything from car brands to clothing stores to French macaroon shops .

It’s also one of the major streets in Paris for celebrations. The Bastille Day military parade for example, passes down the Champs-Élysées every year on the 14th July, and Europe’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France, has finished here every year since 1975.

The Arc De Triomphe is at one end of the Champs Elysees so it’s easy to get here!

• Tour Montparnasse

Our last suggested stop in Paris, if you still have time and stamina, is the Tour Montparnasse , one of our favourite photography locations in Paris . We’d even argue that if you only go up one “tower” in Paris, you make it this one. That’s because from the top you get a spectacular view of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower.

The 210 metre high tower has two main observation decks, an inside one which is also home to a restaurant, and an open top floor deck. This is surrounded by glass, but it does have cutouts through which you can take pictures and avoid nasty reflections – something I wish more observation decks in towers had!

This is a wonderful spot for watching the sunset over the Paris, and experiencing the city turning into the “City of Light”, as all the street lights come on and the daylight fades through dusk into night. It’s also open late, so you can come up here relatively late into the evening to enjoy the view.

The Tour Montparnasse is next to Gare Montparnasse, from where you can get the bus to Orly Airport, or take the Metro / RER out to Charles De Gaulle, if your day in Paris doesn’t involve an overnight stop and you have to get out to a transport hub. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to check-in and catch your flight.

There’s an entry fee for visiting, and you can either buy your tickets in person, or you can buy skip the line tickets in advance here on GetYourGuide . Free skip the line entry is also included for holders of the Paris Pass .

Map for Spending A Day in Paris

Here’s a map of the attractions to give you an idea of how it all fits together. As you can see, the route forms a rough circle, and sticks to central Paris, making it easier to get around. You can also see this map  here on Google Maps .

Paris 1 Day Itinerary Summary

Here’s an overview of what you will be doing on your day in Paris for quick reference:

• Louvre Museum
• Champs Elysees

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is an easy city to get around. For much of this itinerary you will be able to travel by foot, and then you can use public transport for any slightly longer trips. The Metro network is easy to use, and there are also buses. Jess loves using this Streetwise laminated map which also includes a metro map.

In terms of tickets, you can buy a single ticket which is valid on Zones 1 and 2 (this includes everywhere on our itinerary), and with this you can travel on either the bus, metro or RER (suburban railway). A better deal though is to buy a pack of ten tickets, known as a Carnet, which can only be loaded to a Navigo Easy card.

The Navigo Easy Card is a rechargeable card system which costs €2 to buy, but if you will be using public transport a few times the savings from the T10 carnet can add up.

Other than being electronically stored, the tickets work the same, so we would recommend visitors to Paris using the Navigo Easy system as the most cost effective method of paying for transport as a visitor to Paris.

You can buy the Navigo Easy card at all Paris Métro stations or RER ticket booths across the city.

It’s also possible to buy a ticket that is valid for a whole day. This is called a Paris Visite Pass. Depending on your situation, this may or may not be better value.

We have a full guide to how to get around Paris , which should help you plan your transport in the city.

Getting to and from Paris Airport

There are three major airports in Paris. Charles de Gaulle is the main airport for international arrivals, with Paris Orly being the second most popular international airport. Both of these airports are easily reachable by public transport from the city centre.

From Paris Orly to central Paris you can take the bus (see information here ), which takes 15 – 20 minutes to get to central Paris.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a little further away. You have the option of taking the bus, which will be around 30-45 minutes, or you can take the RER train from the airport which takes between 25 and 50 minutes to Gare du Nord, depending on if it is a fast or a slow service.

Another option, which might be more cost effective if you are travelling in a group, is to take a taxi or private shuttle. This will take you for a fixed price from the airport to central Paris. You can book this service in advance here .

Walking Tours of Paris

If you want to see the highlights of Paris in a day, but would prefer to do so as part of a guided tour, then we suggest you take a look at Take Walks . We’ve used them for walking tours in cities around the world, and have never been disappointed.

They focus on small group tours, led by experts, and they have a number of walking tours in Paris we can recommend. These are:

• A full day walking tour of Paris which includes many of the highlights in our post, including a major art museum, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
• A three hour tour that includes Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame
• They also have more tours in Paris, see all the options here

Of course, there are other operators running tours in Paris, such as  this delicious looking food tour ,  this in-depth tour of Hemingway locations  in Paris or  this tour of Montmartre .

As you can see, there are lots of good options for walking tours in Paris!

Where to Stay in Paris

If you have the time to spend a night in Paris, this will definitely give you more time to fit more into your day as you won’t have to rush off and catch a flight or train to your next destination. You might even be able to fit in a bit more sight-seeing, so check out our 2 day and 3 day Paris itineraries for some inspiration.

Paris has no shortage of accommodation options across a wide variety of budgets. Whilst it’s by no means a cheap destination, we think good value can be had. Based on our itinerary, we’d recommend finding somewhere as central as your budget will allow, to reduce time spent travelling to and from your accommodation.

Our recommended tool for finding accommodation in Paris  booking.com . They’re our favourite booking engine when we travel, usually giving us the best choice and the best prices. They also have everything, from apartments and hostels to high end hotels. Here are some options we suggest, depending on your budget.

• The People – Paris Marais , a well-reviewed hostel in the Marais, one of our favourite parts of Paris to stay
• Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten-minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
• Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4-star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
• Hotel le Compostelle , a highly rated 3* hotel centrally located near the Louvre Museum
• The Montparnasse Studio Deluxe – a highly rated apartment right next to where our itinerary ends

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, including a beautiful apartment in Paris with spectacular Eiffel Tower views. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the  best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find  here .

How to Save Money in Paris

Often when we put together a city itinerary, we recommend a city pass. For Paris, our favourite passes are the Paris Pass  (see our review here ) the Paris Museum Pass (see our review here ), and the Paris City Card .

For the Paris Pass, and the Paris Museum Pass, the minimum duration for both these passes is two days, which means that for just a day in Paris, you might not see much in the way of cost savings.

Here’s how the costs break down, as of November 2023, along with which passes they are included on and links to book tickets directly.

• Sainte Chapelle (€11.5) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Louvre Museum (€17) – included on Paris Pass, Paris Museum Pass and Paris City Card. Book on  GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here .
• Eiffel Tower (€34 for guided tour, €11.30 for standard stair access ticket) – tour included on Paris City Card and Paris Pass. Book tickets on the official website here
• Seine River Cruise (€18) – included on Paris City Card and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Arc de Triomphe (€13) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Tour Montparnasse (€19) – included on Paris Pass. Book online here .

Whilst all the attractions are included on the Paris Pass, as this is only available for two days, we don’t think it offers good value.

Honestly, with only a day in Paris, we think you are better off booking individual tickets for each attraction for the best value for this Paris itinerary.

If you are in the city for a bit longer though, or choose to visit some different attractions, then they are definitely worth checking out. In this case, we recommend comparing inclusions and prices between the following attraction passes to see which might work for you:

• The Paris Pass  (see our review here )
• The Paris Museum Pass (see our review here )
• The Paris City Card
• The Go City Paris Explorer Pass

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Eating in paris.

Paris has a wide range of dining options to choose from, from Michelin starred restaurants through to bistros and cafes.  You certainly won’t go hungry!

Generally we don’t recommend specific restaurants as they can change so quickly, however we do have a guide to some of our favourite restaurants in Paris here to give you some options.

Usually you’ll find that most restaurants in Paris and France will offer some sort of menu of the day, or “menu du jour”, which can be a cost-effective way to get a great meal.

We’d also suggest that if you want to eat at one of the more popular restaurants in Paris that you consider booking in advance. We recommend and use La Fourchette (the fork), which is the most popular online restaurant booking website in France.

It’s easy to use and makes booking a breeze, especially if you don’t speak French. Check it out here to find reviews, sample menus and book a table.

Electricity in Paris is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the US will need an adapter like this . See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

US travellers need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter. As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

Paris is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get Euros from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city and in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. If you are travelling from the USA, consider a Google Fi package which lets you use your data overseas, or an eSIM service like Airalo .

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in Paris is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available.

We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like one of these to save on having to buy water bottles. We love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for travel as they are lightweight, easy to clean and the company is a certified B-Corp.

Paris is a safe city in our experience, although it does have a reputation for being home to a number of scams. Most of these are easy to avoid once you know about them (read up on some of the common scams in Paris here ).

As with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home.

We’ve not had any problems in Paris, although there are a few scams to be aware of – check our guide to avoiding common Paris scams so you are prepared in advance.

Further Reading for Your Paris Visit

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Paris a number of times, and from our visits we’ve put together quite a few articles to help you plan your trip. We hope you find them useful!

• If you decide to stay longer, we have a guide to spending  3 Days in Paris , as well as a guide to spending 2 Days in Paris
• If you’re looking for good photos, we have a guide to the  best photography locations in Paris
• We have detailed guides to  choosing a Seine river cruise , Seine River dinner cruises , buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and  saving money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• We have a detailed  review of the Paris Pass , to help you decide if it might save you money
• Galeries Lafayette is one of the most well-known stores in Paris. However, there’s more to do here than shop! See our complete guide to visiting Galeries Lafayette for more information.
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both  Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and  Take Walks who both offer tours in Paris.
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition. We also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, and they have a guidebook on Paris .

And that’s it for our guide to getting the most from a day in Paris! Is Paris on your travel list? Would you visit Paris for just a day? Do you have any feedback or questions about our day in Paris? Let us know in the comments below!

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There are 32 comments on this post

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6th November 2022 at 4:04 pm

Hello Laurence, Your blog is very helpful. Thank you and I appreciate it. We are traveling to Paris august 24 arrival early at 645 am. It’s our first time, from CDG airport what transportation that can you recommend going to hotel? I am going to book the hotel dress code and spa or can you recommend centralize hotel. We would like to visit rue de bac For St. CAtherone laborie church? Lastly we would like to visit Lourdes for one day an overnight stay there ( can you recommend a hotel please) will take a train from paris and then from there take a train going to London. Any suggestions please?

Thank you so much in advance and for taking time to read my questions.

Many Thanks, Karen

Laurence Norah says

7th November 2022 at 11:10 am

Probably the easiest option from Paris to the Hotel Dress Code & Spa (which is a good centrally located option) is the Roissybus . It will drop you at Opera which is a five-minute walk from the hotel. So that is probably what I would recommend. You can also book a car transfer service , which will be a bit more expensive (depending on group size), but will take you door to door.

For Lourdes we don’t have any experience as we haven’t visited. I’d recommend visiting this page on booking.com for Lourdes , and then choosing a property based on price. It is already filtered to those properties with a good guest review score.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

10th November 2022 at 12:28 am

Thank you so much and taking time to answer my questions. 😊

Linda King says

14th May 2022 at 12:11 pm

This is really helpful. Thanks. I have one day in Paris alone, and a second with my husband who is abandoning me on day 1 to attend a conference :-/ We have booked tickets to Versailles, but apparently you can’t leave luggage at the moment? We want to take a picnic, and brollies just in case, but it says they’re not allowed. Any hints?! Linda

15th May 2022 at 8:21 am

So according to the Versailles website , there is left luggage available on site. I’m not sure where you saw that it is closed, but I can’t find reference to that. In terms of picnics, you can picnic in certain areas, as described here .

Hope this helps, have a great time in Paris!

peter Murrell says

19th January 2020 at 9:45 pm

Can I walk around the grounds of Museum Louvre as i am more interested in talking photos of the exterior.

20th January 2020 at 9:54 am

Yes, the exterior of the building including the famous glass pyramid is open to all and free to walk around,

Peter Murrell says

20th January 2020 at 11:44 am

Thank you Laurence.

18th December 2019 at 9:05 pm

Hello, My father is travelling to USA , has a layover in pairs for a day. He would like to see the places in pairs and prefer to take taxis for all the places. Can you please provide me list of taxi services which are cheaper and trustworthy. Can i book them in the online? If so, please provide me the websites and please let me know about 1 day packages for taxi? And what would the minimum cost for taxi from/to airport to hotel to sightseeing places. Does taxi drivers accept credit cards/travel cards? Please reply me asap so that i can make necessary arrangements. Thanks!

19th December 2019 at 1:57 pm

My suggestion would be rather than trying to book a series of taxis, would be to book a specific layover tour. These are designed for the purpose you have in mind, and can be booked in advance and tailored to your need. For example, there’s this layover tour , plus a selection of others here .

20th December 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thank you Laurence. This Blog and your suggestions help me explore more things about Paris. Thanks alot!

21st December 2019 at 6:52 pm

My pleasure Harry – have a wonderful time in Paris, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions 🙂

K V Mohan says

25th September 2019 at 10:18 am

Hi I will be in Paris from 14/12/19 afternoon till 15/12/19 with my wife & daughter. First time visit, heard scam and conman stories in Paris. Also heard Parisians don’t like to speak English. Need your kind advise and itineraries. Thank you.

25th September 2019 at 9:20 pm

So there are a few scams in Paris, but I cover most of them in this post: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-surviving-scams-of-paris/

To be honest, anything that seems to good to be true is, and ignore anyone with a clipboard or who tries to give you something “for free” and you should be fine.

In terms of Parisians being unfriendly or unwilling to speak English, this is definitely a well perpetuated stereotype. I’ve personally not found it to be true, although it depends how you approach it. Personally, I always try to start with a few words of French, like “bonjour”, and then most Parisians in my experience will realise I am not a native speaker, and switch to English. However, if one starts in English, this can sometimes work out less well.

However, consider if a French person appeared in your home town and launched into French, I’d suspect most people wouldn’t be too excited about that. So I think this is quite normal 🙂

I hope you have a great time in France!

26th September 2019 at 1:01 am

Thank you very much for your kind reply,hope to have a wonderful trip to Paris.

Ty Stewart says

13th September 2019 at 8:59 pm

I have a 7 hour layover in CDG Sept. 30. What do you recommend for seeing as much of Paris I can?

14th September 2019 at 2:46 pm

if you have not been to Paris before, then my recommendation would be to visit the Eiffel Tower and then take a Seine River Cruise. This will use up around 3 hours in total I’d say. You have to consider the time getting in and out of Paris as well, which will probably be around an hour each way, so that’s five hours. With your final couple of hours, you could have a meal, wander the left bank, or visit the Arc de Triomphe. You could also visit the outside of the Louvre, but I’m not sure it would be worth going inside unless you did a really quick visit.

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

16th September 2019 at 2:23 pm

Laurence, Thanks for the quick reply. I will let you know how it goes when I return home.

Anna Nelson says

9th September 2019 at 7:43 pm

Hiya folks, I will be visiting Paris for a day in January 2020 with an overnight stay.. Landing in CDG.. Is the itinerary recommended here good for winter too ? Any other tips ?

10th September 2019 at 9:14 am

It will certainly work for winter. The only thing to be aware of is that it gets dark a bit earlier in winter and obviously it’s colder, but the good news is that there will be less visitors to the city 🙂 I don’t think you need to change anything though, just wrap up warmly 🙂

Have a great trip!

Dave makota says

13th May 2019 at 11:55 am

Thank you very much for this guide. It was very useful for me when I visited Paris!

13th May 2019 at 5:21 pm

Our pleasure Dave, delighted to have been able to help!

Rajesh Kalla says

21st March 2019 at 4:56 am

I plan to be in Paris on way to Barcelona from 17th to 19th of June;2019. I have visited Paris in 2011 just for a day . However want to experience life in Paris without the guided tour. Would like to spend time walking .Have coffee at Maxims. Kindly guide how to reach from CDG Airport to City center. I am staying at Airport hotel Thanking you in advance. Rajesh

21st March 2019 at 11:01 am

The section of the post on how to get to Paris CDG from the airport should answer your question: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/paris-in-a-day-a-1-day-paris-itinerary/#Getting-to-and-from-Paris-Airport

I’d suggest taking the RER train into central Paris, it’s quite easy to do, you can buy a ticket at the train station 🙂

Lisa Shaw says

15th March 2019 at 6:19 am

Such wonderful tips, thank you so much! Will be in Europe for the first time ever, and Paris from May 5-7, 2019, all the way from Hawaii! Arrive the 5th, and leave the 7th. My boyfriend is not thrilled about a lot of walking and is not comfortable exploring on our own (unlike me, who LOVES to walk every where!) So I was looking for a tour that hits the main sites, as you listed: 1. Notre Dame 2. The Louvre 3. Champs-Élysées 4. Arc de Triomphe 5. Eiffel Tower 6. Seine River Cruise 7. Tour Montparnasse Any suggestions for a tour that covers the above? Mahalo nui loa!

15th March 2019 at 4:45 pm

So I have a couple of options for you, but this is quite a tough ask 😉 Many of the guided tours in Paris involve walking – it’s often faster than taking a vehicle due to traffic, and parking is also a challenge in the city. In addition, finding a tour that includes all of the above is probably going to be a bit of a challenge too!

I have done my best though to come up with some options for you.

So the first option option is this tour . It covers many of the sights you’ve requested, including the River Cruise, lunch at the Eiffel Tower and a guided visit of Notre Dame and the Louvre. I think this is a good starting point, although it does note in the description that there is some walking, largely in the attractions. The walking does seem to be minimal as the longer distances are covered by boat. With the inclusions it’s also pretty good value I think.

Another option would be to take a Hop on Hop off bus. This will hit all the major sites you want to see, however you would have to plan your own itinerary and this wouldn’t be guided.

Lastly, the tour I mention in the post is this full day walking tour of Paris . So obviously that one is going to involve some walking, but the tour does include metro rides between the main sites, so the only real walking will be around the various attractions, which is kind of unavoidable 🙂

Hopefully one of these options works for you. Have a wonderful time in Paris!

4th February 2019 at 8:44 pm

Booked a last minute trip to Paris for the day and this is exactly what i needed to help plan my trip as there is no much detail and information. Thanks so much!

5th February 2019 at 11:22 am

My pleasure Zay – have a wonderful time!

Shivank Sharma says

9th November 2018 at 11:50 am

This is excellent work, Something I was looking for, Really appreciate the details, maps and written guidelines.

11th November 2018 at 6:08 pm

Our pleasure Shivank – have a wonderful trip to Paris!

21st August 2018 at 12:07 pm

I have been to Paris on 2 separate occasions for multiple days each but you still were able to suggest places I haven’t been. I will definately be reading up your guides before my next visit.

21st August 2018 at 12:17 pm

Awesome to hear that 😀

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Driving in Paris

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Day Trips From Paris

The 12 Best Day Trips From Paris

Once you've seen  Paris' most essential attractions , why not get out of the city for a day and find out what lies outside its limits? Several interesting and entertaining destinations, including chateaus, natural parks, and medieval fortifications, are within close reach of the city. These are some of the best day trips from Paris—scroll down to see which places outside the city walls made the list. And if it's worth it to reserve a car to get yourself around from one spot to another. Before you do rent one, know the  pros and cons of renting a car in Paris for some informed advice on the matter.

Versailles Palace and Gardens

No in-depth visit to Paris would be complete without a visit to the former seat of royal power at the Palais de Versailles . A symbol of the French monarchy and its dramatic downfall following the Revolution of 1789, the Chateau de Versailles was erected by the powerful "Sun King" Louis XIV, then later was home to the ill-fated Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who were eventually executed. The palace, including the emblematic Hall of Mirrors, was recently renovated. Hordes of visitors throng on the palace every year.

In the spring, the palace's gardens are lush and idyllic, making it perfect for a long stroll or a picnic. Meanwhile, a visit to Queen Marie Antoinette's private quarters at Le Petit Trianon, her bucolic animal farm and cottage, can provide amusing and interesting additional perspectives on royal life at the palace.

Getting There:  Take the  RER C (commuter line train) from central Paris to the Versailles–Rive Gauche station; follow the signs to the chateau entrance.

When to Go:  Consider visiting in the early spring and fall, when crowds are a tad thinner than in the peak late spring and summer months.

Claude Monet's House and Gardens

An excursion to French impressionist painter  Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny is a must for those interested in art history—or for botanical enthusiasts, for that matter.

Open to the public since 1980, Monet's private gardens , immortalized in his brushstrokes, are a haven of green, shadows, and light, featuring elegant Japanese-style bridges, water lilies, and dozens of varieties of flowers and trees.

Getting There:  Giverny is a town at the edge of Normandy, about an hour from Paris. From the Gare Saint-Lazare train station, buy a ticket to Vernon. At Vernon, shuttle buses regularly offer direct service to Giverny (spring to autumn only; consult the official website  for a precise schedule).

When to Go: Try to go in April or May if you can; the blooms are dramatic and colorful and the weather is generally pleasant. Avoid wet days, however—this can ruin the fun, not to mention the photo opportunities.

Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica and the Royal Necropolis

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica is a marvelous medieval pilgrimage site and one of the earliest French example of high gothic architecture. You can find this site in the humble, working-class community of Saint-Denis just north of Paris, and it's easily accessible on Metro Line 13.

Many tourists overlook this astounding gem, which boasts a necropolis dedicated to the kings, queens, and other royal figures of French history. Come admire their melancholy, eerily beautiful recumbent effigies and see the mysterious crypt where the remains of the famed saint are said to have been buried. Joan of Arc is even said to have made a pilgrimage here; a plaque outside honors the famed French warrior.

Getting There: Take Line 13 of the Paris Metro to Saint-Denis; follow signs to Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica. While it's best to avoid this area after dark, during the day it's perfectly safe.

When to Go: You can visit this site year-round, but choose a sunny day if possible to enjoy the beautiful light streaming through the stained glass and onto the effigies. This is an unforgettable sight.

Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte

Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte is a little-known 17th-century chateau east of Paris and is worth a visit, especially for history and literature buffs. Home to countless royal fetes and a place of inspiration for dramaturges including Molière and La Fontaine, Vaux-le-Vicomte today is often chosen as a setting for period-piece films, and some have even opined that it's more beautiful than Versailles.

Like its more famous counterpart—also designed by Le Notre—Vaux-le-Vicomte's luxuriant formal gardens and fountains can provide repose from the hectic cityscape.

Getting There:  Take the SNCF regional train from Gare de l'Est to Verneuil l'Etang (Line P); then take the Chateaubus shuttle, a free transportation service between the station and the Chateau. Alternatively, take the RER commuter train line D to Melun, then the Chateaubus.

When to Go:  Spring, summer, and early fall are best to appreciate the formal gardens at their finest.

Disneyland Paris Parks and Resort

If you're  visiting Paris with kids , a day or two at ​​ Disneyland Paris  parks and resort can be a treat—and it's only about an hour away from the city, which is easily accessible by the high-speed commuter train. The resort facilities, including a golf course, ​ Disney Village , and Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows, can provide adults with an amusing day away from the city grind, too.

Getting There: The easiest way to get there is to take the RER commuter train line A to Marne-la-Valleé/Chessy station from central Paris (Chatelet-les-Halles). The park entrance is right outside. Some prefer to drive; plenty of parking spaces are generally available but may be further away from the entrance than desired, especially during peak visiting months.

When to Go: Visit year-round, but you may prefer spring through mid-fall to avoid waiting outside in the cold in long lines. Some families love to go for Halloween and Christmas  when the park is decked out in thematic decor for the holiday season.

Fontainebleau Palace and Park

Steeped in centuries of royal history, the palace and surrounding forest of Fontainebleau  served as a seasonal home to French monarchs starting from the 13th century onward. An excursion here will sate both history and architecture buffs and nature-lovers, who will find miles of hiking trails in the historic park and forest around the palace. Barbizon, a town which has gained fame as the home of painters such as Millet, is nestled in the Fontainebleau forest and is also worth a detour.

Getting There:  Take the SNCF regional train line from the Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Fontainebleau​–Avon. Follow directions or your GPS to the chateau and/or forest entrances. Bring a picnic if you wish to enjoy a hike in the area.

When to Go:  Head here during all seasons, although some will find the cold in winter less pleasant. Aim for spring or summer to appreciate the gardens and their ornate landscaping fully. Avoid hiking on wet days when trails can be slippery or muddy, and always exercise caution.

Chartres Cathedral

Along with Notre Dame Cathedral , ​​the  Chartres Cathedral is France's most breathtaking cathedral—a true masterpiece that draws visitors from around the world to a rather sleepy town about an hour from Paris by train.

Built between around 1190 and 1220, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a crowning achievement in high gothic architecture. It's been remarkably well-preserved and features dramatic flying buttresses, a breathtaking rose window, and delicate stained glass. The Chapel of Saint Piat resembles a castle from the Middle Ages, with its rounded turrets, and compared to most churches and cathedrals from the medieval period, Chartres has conserved much of its original design.

Getting There: There are more than 30 trains a day that run between Paris and Chartres, excluding some holidays. Take the regional line train from the Montparnasse station to Chartres; follow signs to the Cathedral or use your GPS to get there.

When to Go: Visit year-round, but as with the Saint-Denis Basilica, choose a sunny day to benefit from light coming through the stunning rose window and stained glass.

Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the fortified medieval town of Provins once hosted some of Europe's most extravagant fairs. Spices, silks, and other products were sold here, drawing visitors and merchants from across France and neighboring countries.

Built starting in the 11th century, this underappreciated gem of medieval history has inspired countless literary portrayals by authors including  Victor Hugo  and Balzac. Exploring the town's stunning stone fortifications and partaking in theatrical medieval shows and festivals there is definitely worth the trip.

Getting There:  Take the SNCF regional train from Gare de l'Est to Provins. The city is about an hour from Paris by train or car.

When to Go: Visit during the spring and summer, when fields of yellow flowers blossom all around the town and roses (a regional product of note) leave a lovely fragrance on the air. In the summer, medieval re-enactments and performances are fun for kids and adults, if a bit corny at times.

Mont-Saint-Michel

One of the most breathtaking natural and architectural sites in the world, the Abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel is further from Paris than the other places on the list—but the trip is well worth it. Towering over a bay that joins the regions of Normandy and Brittany, and whose dramatically changing ties create a poetic show of light and water few could forget, the rocky mount on which the abbey stands was first settled by an Irish hermit.

The Abbey and monastery that was built atop it starting in the 8th century are remarkably intact—one of the most impressive medieval sites in the world, with walled fortifications and winding streets leading to the church at the top. While it's almost purely a tourist site—very few "residents" actually inhabit it—it's a remarkable place. At high tide, the site is entirely surrounded by water; thanks to a new high-tech walkway, the Abbey is now accessible at all times, and previous dangers for visitors exploring the site have been reduced.

Getting There: There is no direct train to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris, so many tourists prefer to drive. Parking is available near the Abbey; walk or take a free shuttle from the parking lot to the entrance. If you do opt to take the train, you can catch one from Paris' Montparnasse station to the city of Rennes, then take a bus called Keolis to the Abbey. The bus runs several times a day.

When to Go:  Head to this site year-round: the tides, sky, and light will be different during each season, each beautiful in its own way. Sunnier days allow you to fully appreciate the play of light on the sand and the dramatic contrast between the sea, sunlit water reflecting on the sand, and the imposing presence of the Abbey.

Cellars and Towns of Champagne

Situated a little over an hour from Paris by train or car, the prestigious region of Champagne beckons visitors for a decadent day away from the city.

Visit the elegant town of Reims , a medieval city whose underground chalk quarry networks are so impressive and extensive that they've been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sip champagne in the cellars of some of the world's most famous producers, from Dom Perignon to Taittinger. Learn about the history of how this prized white wine was first produced, the prominent families who reign over the business, and how it's transformed the region into a powerhouse.

If you don't mind renting a car or taking a guided tour, you should also consider spending a few hours in the nearby village of Epernay , famous for its prestigious champagne cellars and elegant countryside. Dom Perignon and Mercier both have tasting rooms here. 

Getting There:  Renting a car is probably easiest so you can get around the region and its best cellars. You can also travel to Reims by train from Paris: SNCF regional and high-speed (TGV) trains leave almost every hour from the Gare de l'Est station.

When to Go:  A fall or winter visit to Champagne is something to consider. The vineyards often display beautiful foliage in the autumn, and a wintery getaway to cellars underground can be a cozy way to escape the rain.

Heading northward to the edge of the Belgian border, Lille is a humble but alluring city that attracts visitors for its unique Flemish heritage, attractive town center bustling with restaurants and shopping spots, and pretty architecture.

Hop on the train from Paris to see a French city that couldn't be more different from the capital's sometimes ostentatious vibe. On the old medieval square, admire tall, narrow Flemish-style buildings and the elegant opera house.

Visit the town's enormous, bustling flea market, and enjoy traditional Northern French and Flemish fare such as moules-frites (mussels and French fries) on a terrace somewhere. You should also spend some time at the Palais des Beaux-Arts,  which is a fine arts museum filled with masterpieces and lauded as one of the most beautiful buildings in France.

Getting There: The high-speed TGV or Eurostar train will take you from Paris Gare du Nord to Lille in a little over an hour.

When to Go:  The city is especially lovely in the spring and summer, but any time of year can be a charming time to visit. In the winter, spend more time at the Palais des Beaux-Arts; in the summer, enjoy outdoor meals in the old town and easy self-guided architecture strolls.

Last but certainly not least, a day-long or overnight stay in Burgundy is an ideal way to add a wine-themed trip to your Paris adventure. You might want to cheat a bit and extend this to a weekend getaway, though, to really take in the region and learn something about its history, architecture, and fine wines.

The old Duchy of Burgundy once reigned here, making the region truly distinctive since it was politically independent for much of France's history. In the medieval era, the Dukes of Burgundy were tremendously powerful; this is visible in the ornate, wealthy towns of Beaune, Dijon, and others in the region.

Beaune , symbolized by its elegant old hospices (hospital) graced with distinctive, glazed tiles and prestigious wine cellars, is a natural stop in the region. Also make sure to visit Dijon : one of the prettiest cities of France, this capital of mustard, pain d'épices (gingerbread), and lovely half-timbered houses is well worth a few hours to a day of exploration.

If time allows, make sure to venture into the vineyards to taste some of the finest local bounty. Companies offer wine tours that are affordable and accessible to many travelers. Other companies provide private tours that offer real local insight and access to some renowned cellars.

Getting There: Trains depart for Dijon and Beaune from Gare de Lyon in Paris several times a day, and the trip takes a little over two hours on high-speed trains. When traveling to Beaune via TGV, you will need to make a connection in Dijon.

When to Go:  The fall is a magnificent time to visit Burgundy as you can take part in ceremonial harvest celebrations and wine tastings. You can also witness gorgeous vineyards painted in autumn colors and admire fall light hitting old buildings in Dijon.

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Short Trips From Paris

20 Top-Rated Day Trips from Paris

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Apr 25, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The area surrounding Paris is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, lines, and hustle and bustle of the Parisian metropolitan area. All the sights on this list are about an hour or less (by train or car) from the Paris city center.

Tourists can escape to the peaceful countryside, visit charming villages, admire glorious churches, and tour magnificent châteaux. Easy day-trip excursions include the incomparable Château de Versailles, the spectacular Gothic Cathedral of Chartres, the serene abbey of Royaumont, and the wonderfully preserved medieval town of Provins.

For those who love Impressionist art, Monet's Gardens in Giverny are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Napoleonic estate of Château de Malmaison, the National Renaissance Museum in Écouen, and Saint-Germain-en-Laye for its antiquities museum. For families with young children, an outing to Disneyland Paris is not to be missed.

Just outside of Paris, an array of sightseeing adventures awaits travelers. Plan your itineraries with our list of the best day trips from Paris.

1. Château de Versailles

2. cathédrale notre-dame de chartres, 3. château de fontainebleau, 5. mont saint-michel, 6. normandy d-day battlefields and landing beaches, 7. château de chantilly, 8. château de vaux-le-vicomte, 9. basilique cathédrale de saint-denis, 10. giverny, 11. provins, 12. disneyland paris, 13. château de malmaison, 14. abbaye de royaumont, 15. château d'écouen (musée national de la renaissance), 16. château de saint-germain-en-laye (musée d'archéologie nationale), 17. auvers-sur-oise, 18. château de rambouillet, 20. compiègne, map of day trips from paris.

The UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles is a marvel of classical French architecture. Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the Palace of Versailles was the showpiece of King Louis XIV, who embodied the 17th-century belief in absolute power and the divine right of the monarch.

The famous Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) was designed to impress the king's courtiers. This extravagant, sparkling reception hall has 17 gigantic gilded mirrors comprised of over 300 mirror segments that reflect the sunlight, creating a sensational effect. In sumptuous Baroque style, crystal chandeliers and elaborate ceiling paintings add to the dazzling impression.

Other highlights of the château include the lavishly decorated Queen's Bedroom , with an exquisite Rococo ceiling, and the Hercules Salon , adorned with The Apotheosis of Hercules ceiling painting by François Lemoyne, as well as a masterpiece by Veronese.

Within the Château de Versailles, visitors have several dining options: the Grand Café d'Orléans , a casual cafeteria-style restaurant at the garden level of the château, accessible via the Cour des Princes without an admission ticket to the château; the Ore restaurant , an elegant café (open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, pastries, and refreshments) in the Pavillon Dufour on the first floor of the château overlooking the Cour Royale, accessible without an admission ticket via the Cour d'Honneur; and Restaurant Angelina , a refined tea room on the first floor of the château.

In the evenings, the Ore restaurants offers the " Ducasse au Château de Versailles " experience, exclusive gastronomic dinners created by the renowned French chef Alain Ducasse. The menu takes its inspiration from historic meals served at the court of Versailles, and meals are served on the porcelain dinnerware of Marie-Antoinette. The "Ducasse au Château de Versailles" dinners are available upon request, by advanced reservation.

The Château de Versailles is surrounded by 800 hectares of parkland and formal gardens ( Les Jardins ) created by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre. Full of fountains, perfectly trimmed shrubs, and tidy flowerbeds, the immaculately manicured gardens rival the château in terms of splendor.

From April through October, visitors marvel over the gorgeous fountains as they dance to the rhythms of Baroque music during the Musical Fountains shows, held on Saturdays and Sundays. The Music Fountains shows are also held on Tuesdays from May through June and on holidays during springtime and summer.

During late spring through early fall, Musical Gardens adds to the charm of visiting the Château de Versailles estate. Musical entertainment enlivens the formal gardens and the groves of the parkland from Tuesday through Friday (days vary depending on the month).

The parkland and gardens of Versailles include several places to dine: La Petite Venise , an Italian restaurant in a Historic Monument (open for lunch and takeaway meals) located between the Bassin d'Apollon and the Grand Canal; Angelina Petit Trianon (in front of the Petit Trianon palace), which serves sandwiches, quiches, salads, and pastries on the outdoor terrace or to take away for picnics; Le Dauphin , a snack stand in the Bosquet du Dauphin, which sells sandwiches, salads, homemade ice cream, and buckwheat crepes; and La Girandole in the Bosquet de la Girandole, another casual café-restaurant that offers sandwiches, crepes, and ice cream.

Versailles is 20 kilometers from the center of Paris and is easily accessed by train, which takes an hour or less (depending on your departure point). To get the most out of a visit to the Château de Versailles, an organized tour is recommended.

A good choice for those who appreciate art and culture, the Versailles and Giverny Day Trip includes guided visits to both the Palace of Versailles and Claude Monet's garden in Normandy. A knowledgeable guide shares historical insights about the Château de Versailles, leaving enough free time to wander about the gorgeous gardens. This tour includes a three-course lunch near Giverny at Le Moulin de Fourges restaurant, housed in an 18th-century riverside watermill inspired by the faux rustic architecture of Marie-Antoinette's hamlet on the Versailles estate.

For a more adventurous way to reach Versailles, take the Versailles Helicopter Tour from Paris . The tour takes participants on a 25-minute round-trip helicopter ride, soaring above the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks in Paris, and then stops near the Château de Versailles.

Read More: From Paris to Versailles: Best Ways to Get There

The beauty of Chartres' Cathedral is said to have inspired faith in the doubtful. It's easy to see why when stepping into this UNESCO World Heritage Site , a breathtaking example of medieval Gothic architecture. In its vast high-vaulted nave, the cathedral features brilliant stained-glass windows that provide the sanctuary with a serene glow. The filtered light lends an otherworldly quality.

Viewers are awed by the intricate details of the windows, the result of painstaking craftsmanship. Some of the windows, such as the venerated Notre Dame de la Belle Verrière , date to the 12th century; the majority are from the 13th century. The immense rose windows are especially stunning. Other highlights include the La Vie de la Vierge ( Life of the Virgin ) window and the L'Arbre de Jessé ( Tree of Jesse ) window, which shows the genealogical tree of Jesus Christ.

Every evening (nightfall until 1am) from early April through the holiday season, the town of Chartres has a spectacular nighttime light show. Chartres en Lumières illuminates the town's historic monuments, including the cathedral, using creative visuals and vibrant colors.

The cathedral also hosts the "Grand Prix de Chartres" (International Organ Festival) with free concerts every Sunday afternoon in July and August. During the festival, musicians compete to win the Grand Prix de Chartres prize.

Address: 16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres

About an hour's drive from Paris, Fontainebleau is a royal French château at its finest. Surrounded by forests and a lush parkland of 130 hectares, the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau was a residence of France's sovereigns for eight centuries. The original medieval château (dating to the 12th century) was almost entirely rebuilt when François I ordered renovations in 1528.

As a literary king and patron of the arts, François I created a spectacular Italian-style palace that is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. François I commissioned the best Italian artisans and artists of his time to decorate the interior. Today, the château houses an outstanding art collection of approximately 30,000 pieces dating from the 16th century to the 19th century.

With 1,500 rooms, Château de Fontainebleau is one of the best places in France to see a fully furnished castle. The opulent Appartements Royaux (Royal Apartments) of Château de Fontainebleau reveal the influence of various royals. The Boudoir d'Argent de la Reine , sumptuously adorned with Neoclassical art and gilded paneling, reveals the refined taste of Marie-Antoinette.

After the French Revolution, Napoléon I made Fontainebleau an Imperial palace, adding his signature classical-inspired decor to his apartment. Napoléon was particularly fond of Fontainebleau but had to sign his first abdication here on April 6, 1814.

Equaling the beauty of the interior, the Jardins du Château exemplify classic French style, with delightful pools; statues; and a Grand Parterre created by André Le Nôtre, who designed the garden at Versailles. The 130-hectare parkland offers opportunities for outdoor activities , including jaunts by horse-drawn carriage and boating. The Petit Train ride amuses the youngest visitors.

To see all of the highlights of the Château de Fontainebleau requires at least a half day and could take a full day. A guided tour allows for the most rewarding visit. Many tourists enjoy a day trip tour from Paris that stops at two of the most splendid castles in France: Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Address: Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau

With its delicate Flemish architecture; narrow, old streets; and quaint canals, Bruges offers the captivating charm of another era. This wonderfully well-preserved medieval town in Belgium has a rich history, as an important trading port from the 12th to 15th centuries.

Known as the "Venice of the North" because of its waterways, Bruges enchants visitors with its many things to see and do . The town is filled with ornate churches and exceptional art museums, as well as many small boutiques that sell delicious artisanal Belgian chocolates.

Although Bruges is in Belgium, it is only about a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris, which makes it possible to visit as a day trip. An easier way to discover Bruges is by taking an organized tour. An excellent choice is the Bruges Day Trip from Paris , which includes a guided walking tour of the town plus a canal cruise (offered from spring through autumn).

Read More: From Paris to Bruges: Best Ways to Get There

One of the most awe-inspiring spiritual sights in France, the island of Mont Saint-Michel rises out of the waters of Normandy's Baie de Saint-Michel. The UNESCO-listed Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel stands on the highest point of the island. An important medieval pilgrimage site, this medieval Benedictine abbey is a marvel of Gothic architecture presiding over the sea, with graceful cloisters and a majestic church.

At high tide, Mont Saint-Michel appears as a distant mystical island, while at low tide, it is possible to walk from the mainland to the island just as pilgrims approached it in the Middle Ages. The entire island of Mont Saint-Michel is well-preserved, with a village atmosphere, ancient cobblestone streets, and old-fashioned shops.

To see all the sights on Mont Saint-Michel (the abbey's church, cloister, village, and ramparts) takes at least four hours, if not an entire day. Since it's a long drive (around four hours) from Paris, the best way to visit Mont Saint-Michel is either by staying overnight or taking an organized day-trip tour.

The Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip from Paris is a full-day tour that includes a scenic drive through Normandy, lunch, and a guided visit to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The tour also leaves free time to stroll the narrow, old streets; peek into enticing little boutiques; and admire views of the bay.

Read More: From Paris to Mont Saint-Michel: Best Ways to Get There

On June 6, 1944, the battles of the D-Day became the turning point in World War II that allowed the Allies to gain a favorable advantage. Evidence of the wartime bunkers and tanks still stands on the sandy beaches that were landing sites.

For many American tourists, visiting Normandy's D-Day landing beaches and memorials is a moving experience.

Omaha Beach is the most famous of the Normandy landing beaches and was the scene of the bloodiest D-Day battle. Overlooking Omaha Beach is the largest American cemetery in Normandy, with 9,000 gravestones. Nearby, the Overlord Museum chronicles the D-Day Allied landings and the Liberation of Paris.

The Caen Mémorial museum is an excellent place to learn more about the Battle of Normandy and other World War II military history. The Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches illustrates the heroic operation of the Mulberry Harbor, one of the most challenging events of the war.

While the Normandy D-Day museums provide an excellent background to the D-Day battles, the best way to explore the Normandy Landing Beaches is by taking a guided small-group tour. The Normandy D-Day Beaches & American Cemetery Tour includes stops at Omaha Beach, Arromanches, and the Caen Mémorial museum, led by a knowledgeable guide, who shares insights about the D-Day battles and the historical context.

Read More: From Paris to Normandy: Best Ways to Get There

An easy day trip from Paris (only 25 minutes by train from Gare du Nord), the grandiose Château de Chantilly is a remarkable Renaissance castle in a unique setting. Surrounded by woodlands and swampy marshlands, the castle appears to be floating above the property's man-made ponds and canals.

The château interior features lavish Rococo decor and precious furnishings. Within the château, a fine arts museum displays a vast collection of historical paintings that is second in importance to the Louvre Museum. The galleries include many masterpieces, such as works by Botticelli, Raphaël, Philippe de Champaigne, Poussin, Ingres, and Delacroix.

The Château de Chantilly is also renowned for its expansive formal garden (Jardin à la Française) designed by André Le Nôtre, with his signature French-style flowerbeds, geometric design, and elegant fountains.

Tucked away in the Anglo-Chinese Garden of the chateau's 115-hectare parkland is a collection of small rustic houses, originally surrounded by an orchard and vegetable gardens. These thatched-roof cottages , which give the impression of a tiny country village in a pastoral landscape, provided the inspiration for Marie-Antoinette's hamlet at Versailles.

Chantilly is one of the best places to visit near Paris for outdoor activities. There are many enjoyable things to do in the Château de Chantilly park, such as boating, cycling, romantic strolls, and attending equestrian shows.

Children enjoy taking a ride on the Petit Train , a 35-minute excursion through the park and gardens. On this pleasant joyride, the Little Train passes by the formal garden, the Grand Canal, and the hamlet of the Anglo-Chinese Garden.

Other visitor amenities at the Chantilly estate include two gift shops, as well as two options for meals and snacks: La Capitainerie , an upscale fine-dining restaurant; and Le Hameau restaurant (open March - November), in a delightful little house of the château's hamlet, which serves lunch and desserts made with the famous Crème Chantilly (whipped cream).

Visitors can enjoy a luxurious overnight stay near the château at a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, the Auberge du Jeu de Paume . Guest rooms offer the elegance and refinement of an 18th-century French mansion. Gourmands will be delighted by the haute-cuisine at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, La Table du Connétable , which has seating that overlooks the gardens of the Château de Chantilly. Other amenities include a fitness center, spa, concierge, room service, a boutique that sells regional products, an inviting lounge, and a casual bistro.

Address: 7 Rue Connétable, Le Château, 60500 Chantilly

Official site: https://chateaudechantilly.fr/en/

Nicolas Fouquet, minister of finance to Louis XIV, commissioned the best architect (Louis Le Vau) and artists of his time to build this sumptuous château. However, Fouquet's enjoyment of his castle was short-lived. After hosting a lavish celebration for Louis XIV on August 17, 1661 at his new estate, Fouquet was the next day accused of embezzlement. Three weeks later he was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Vaux-le-Vicomte was confiscated.

Today the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a private estate that is listed as a Historic Monument and is open to the public. The estate is also a coveted venue for weddings and has been used as the location set for more than 80 film productions.

Beautifully preserved over the centuries, Vaux-le-Vicomte is a rare example of a French château that has retained its furnishings and decor from the 17th century. Fouquet's private apartments on the First Floor are mostly in their original state.

André Le Nôtre designed the 33-hectare Formal Gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte in classic 17th-century French style, with geometric lines, elaborate fountains, and graceful statues. Because the garden made such a dazzling impression, Louis XIV hired Le Nôtre to landscape the grounds of the Château de Versailles.

The château looks most enchanting on Candlelit Evenings , every Saturday from mid-May through September and every Friday from early July through August, when the gardens are illuminated by more than two thousand flickering candles.

The 500-hectare estate of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has two picnic areas; Le Relais de l'Ecureuil, a casual self-service restaurant; Les Charmilles, which offers a romantic fine-dining experience on Saturday night Candlelit Evenings, with meals served on a terrace overlooking the formal gardens; and Jean de La Fontaine's table in the formal gardens, for dinners on Friday night Candlelit Evenings during July and August.

The château also hosts events throughout the year, such as period costume parties and Christmas festivities . For children, one of the most fun things to do at the château is the annual Easter egg hunt in the gardens.

Address: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy

Official site: http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en/

An easy day trip from Paris (10 kilometers away), the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is a masterpiece of early Gothic architecture. Construction of the basilica was begun in the 12th century, when churches began to transition from Romanesque to Gothic style, and completed in the 13th century. The sanctuary's spacious high-vaulted nave and sublime stained-glass windows impart a sense of airiness as well as serenity.

Since early Christian times, Saint-Denis has been an important place of pilgrimage. The legend of Saint Dionysius describes how, after his beheading on the Butte Montmartre, the saint carried his head in his hands to the place where he desired to be buried. A church was built on the spot in the 5th century, followed in the 7th century by the foundation of an abbey.

Devoted to the patron saint of France, the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis stands on the location of Saint Denis' grave. This sacred house of worship is the royal burial place of 43 French kings and 32 queens.

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis

Impressionist art lovers will appreciate a visit to Giverny, about 75 kilometers from Paris (less than 45 minutes by train). In a beautiful setting on the Seine River, the village of Giverny is most famous for its association with Claude Monet.

The artist discovered the beauty of Giverny in 1883 and stayed here for thirty years. During the same time, other artists were attracted to the area and were influenced by Monet's techniques of painting in nature.

The top attraction in Giverny is Claude Monet's House & Gardens , a charming countryside retreat where Monet painted his renowned Water Lilies paintings. Tourists can see the water lily pond, with its iconic Japanese bridge, and wander about Monet's blossoming flower garden.

For an insider's tour of Claude Monet's house and gardens, take the Skip the Line: Giverny and Monet House Half-Day Trip from Paris . On this five-hour tour, a knowledgeable guide leads a walking tour through the gardens, pointing out the weeping willows, orchids, and water lilies that inspired Monet's paintings.

For those interested in visiting both Versailles and Giverny on the same day, an excellent choice is the Versailles and Giverny Day Trip , which stops for lunch at a charming riverside restaurant outside of Giverny.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Provins was a bustling city, where merchants gathered for trade fairs, and trouvères (troubadours) sang ballads about courtly love. This captivating walled medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 50 listed Historic Monuments. The ambience of the Middle Ages is uncovered in quaint half-timbered houses, a maze of winding streets, and spacious public squares once used for markets.

The Ramparts with fortified gates built in the 12th and 13th centuries are a top attraction. Visitors can stroll alongside the defensive walls via the Allée des Remparts and the Allée des Lépreux.

Another must-see sight, the Tour César is a 12th-century tower that served as a fortress under King Henry the Liberal; the building exemplifies medieval military architecture and houses the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate church (which was never completed).

The most noteworthy church in Provins is the 11th-century Prieuré Saint-Ayoul , which features a bright and inspiring sanctuary. Saint Ayoul's relics made the church a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages.

The Maison Romane (Romanesque House) is the oldest edifice in Provins. Today, the building houses an excellent antiquities collection, including Merovingian sculptures and Gallo-Roman tiles and pottery.

Provins hosts several historical reenactments that bring the medieval world to life. Once a year, Provins hosts the Les Médiévales de Provins during a lively weekend of entertainment. This medieval festival includes a medieval ball, medieval music concerts, dances, troubadour performances, games, jesters, acrobatic shows, and a costume parade. A highlight of the festival, the Eagles of Ramparts show gives visitors a glimpse of the ancient art of falconry.

A perfect day trip for families with kids, Disneyland Paris is a gigantic fairyland of fantasy and adventure. A top attraction is Sleeping Beauty Castle , which depicts the story of Sleeping Beauty in stained glass and tapestries, while the vaulted cellars are occupied by a fire-breathing dragon. Other favorite areas are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups spinning ride, and it's a small world cruise.

Disneyland Paris has several hotels and over 50 different restaurants. From Paris, it's an easy journey by taking the RER Line A train from Chatelet Les Halles to Marne-la-Vallée (the ride takes about 40 minutes). There is also a direct TGV train from Charles de Gaulle airport to Marne-la-Vallée.

Address: Disneyland Paris, 77777 Marne-la-Vallée

Official site: www.disneylandparis.com

In the suburb of Rueil-Malmaison, the Château de Malmaison (which houses the Museé des Châteaux de Malmaison et de Bois Préau) is a worthwhile and easy excursion from central Paris. The château, built in 1620, exemplifies Early Baroque style.

The château was acquired in 1799 by Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoléon Bonaparte's first wife. After separating from Napoléon in 1809, she lived here alone. As the château was her private residence (rather than an official palace), it has an intimate feeling despite the grand Empire style.

Joséphine used her home to host social gatherings and concerts. She also took an interest in landscaping and botany. Reflecting this passion, the château has a beautiful rose garden filled with flowers that bloomed here during Joséphine's time.

Address: Avenue du Château de Malmaison, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison

The Abbaye de Royaumont is a Cistercian abbey surrounded by dense woodlands in a peaceful setting that feels much farther away than 49 kilometers from Paris. The Royaumont Abbey offers a welcome retreat in nature and a place for spiritual contemplation.

Founded in 1228 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis), the abbey was created as a place of theological study. Visitors can take a guided tour of the beautiful Gothic abbey and see where the monks prayed, read holy texts, and prepared meals in the refectory. The old sacristy has been converted into an intimate chapel.

A highlight of the abbey is the grounds, including a serene cloister, idyllic gardens, and an expansive park, which inspire relaxation and meditation.

For those seeking a relaxing escape, the abbey offers welcoming bed-and-breakfast accommodations for overnight stays on Saturday evenings. Besides offering a restful night's sleep, the experience includes fine dining in a gorgeous 13th-century vaulted hall. The gourmet cuisine of the La Table de Royaumont restaurant is prepared from local and seasonal farm-fresh ingredients. The restaurant serves dinner on Saturday evenings and lunch on Sundays.

The abbey also has a salon de thé (tea salon) with a garden terrace and a bookstore/gift shop that sells local artisanal products and books about art, history, architecture, music, and gardening.

Address: 95270 Asnières-sur-Oise

Official site: https://www.royaumont.com/en

The Château d'Écouen presides over a 17-hectare estate, surrounded by the vast Forest of Chantilly just 20 kilometers north of Paris. This impressive Renaissance château was built in the 16th century for the Duc Anne de Montmorency, a philanthropist and patron of the arts. The sumptuous interior of the château displays many remarkable pieces from the Duke of Montmorency's art collection.

The château houses the Musée National de la Renaissance (National Museum of the Renaissance), which contains a renowned art collection that includes Renaissance decorative arts (furniture, ceramics, stained glass) as well as paintings and tapestries. One of the highlights is a tapestry that depicts the history of David and Bathsheba ; another masterwork is the 16th-century Jupiter and Latona tapestry, a piece once owned by Diane de Poitiers.

The Musée National de la Renaissance is open year-round every day except Tuesdays. The museum also hosts Renaissance-themed exhibitions throughout the year. Guided tours are available.

Visitors will want to spend some time exploring the château's lovely park, which is open daily. The château property includes a restaurant, À la Table des Rois, which is open every day (except Mondays and Tuesdays) from 10:30am until 5:30pm.

Address: Château d'Écouen, Rue Jean Bullant, Écouen

The birthplace of the composer Claude Debussy and King Louis XIV, the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye boasts one of the most beautiful castles in France.

In the 12th century, King Louis VI built a fortress here on a plâteau above the Seine River, although it was destroyed by the English during a war in the 14th century. Successive monarchs Charles V and François I rebuilt the castle complex. Except for the 13th-century Chapelle Saint-Louis, the rest of the buildings date to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale (National Museum of Archaeology), the only museum in France devoted entirely to archaeology. This extensive collection includes archeological finds and prehistoric art from all over France, spanning the Paleolithic era (including the Venus of Brassempouy) to the Bronze Age and Celtic and Gallo-Roman times.

Surrounded by 3,500 hectares of forest, the 40-hectare estate of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye has splendid grounds featuring formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, as well as a romantic English garden created in the 19th century. From the Grande Terrasse of the formal gardens, there is a magnificent view across the Seine River towards Paris.

The Musée d'Archéologie Nationale is open year-round daily except Tuesdays. The park and gardens of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye estate are open every day of the year except December 25th, January 1st, and May 1st.

Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise was a favorite destination of many Impressionist artists, who came here to paint the bucolic scenery. This picturesque village takes visitors into the quaint world of the French countryside, about an hour drive or train ride from Paris.

The town's must-see site is the Eglise Notre-Dame d'Auvers , a Romanesque church built in the late 11th century. Perched at the top of the village, this church was immortalized by Vincent van Gogh in his painting L'Eglise d'Auvers -sur-Oise, vue du chevet . There is a statue of Vincent van Gogh by the sculptor Zadkine in the town's Parc van Gogh .

For those seeking the trail of Vincent van Gogh, the Auberge Ravoux , also known as the Maison de van Gogh (House of Van Gogh), is where the artist rented a room for bed and board beginning on May 20, 1890. The Ravoux Inn no longer has rooms available but has retained its restaurant with the same decor of a 19th-century artists' café. Van Gogh sat at a table at the back of the dining room. The restaurant serves classic French cuisine prepared from local ingredients.

A listed Historic Monument, La Maison-Atelier de Daubigny was the house and atelier of Charles François Daubigny, a celebrated landscape painter. It's easy to see why Daubigny chose this house with its delightful flowering garden. Daubigny turned his atelier into an artistic center where other artists gathered to socialize and work. Today, the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny is open to the public as a museum and displays the works of Daubigny, as well as his artist friends, including Corot, Daumier, Dechaume, and Oudinot.

On the outskirts of the town in a pristine forest, the exquisite 17th-century Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise is surrounded by lovely formal French gardens. The château presents an innovative multimedia exhibit, the " Impressionist Vision " designed as an immersive experience to teach visitors about Impressionist art. For lunch and afternoon snacks, the château has a chic restaurant that serves a seasonal menu.

Nestled in the dense woodland between Versailles and Chartres, this magnificently furnished château boasts more than 20,000 hectares of parkland. The park offers pleasant walking trails through the refreshing forest of Rambouillet. Although the Château de Rambouillet is the summer residence of the President of the Republic, it is open to visitors.

The château was built in 1706 for the Comte de Toulouse. In 1783, the château was acquired by King Louis XVI, who used it as a hunting lodge. He created the Laiterie de la Reine , a dairy built for Marie-Antoinette that resembled a Greek temple. The château's 150-hectare property is classified as a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden).

Napoléon made the château his residence, and since 1959 it has been a part-time residence of the French President. The richly decorated interior features fine Delft tiles and period furniture. Notable rooms are the 16th-century Salle de Marbre (Marble Hall), the 18th-century Council Chamber , the bathrooms installed by Napoléon in 1809 and the Ballroom with Aubusson tapestries. Not to be missed is La Chaumière aux Coquillages, adorned with exquisite decor featuring pearls and seashells.

Address: 78120 Rambouillet

Official site: http://www.chateau-rambouillet.fr/en/

Brimming with Old World charm, this small historic town lies about 50 kilometers northeast of Paris. Senlis was an important religious city (the see of a Bishop) from the 3rd century until 1790.

The old town is dominated by the majestic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis , constructed between 1153 and 1184. This awe-inspiring cathedral represents various Gothic styles, as the edifice was renovated in the 13th century and the 16th century. The richly carved main doorway depicts the triumph of the Virgin. The beautiful interior, dating to the 12th century, is one of the earliest Gothic naves in France.

Near the cathedral are the remains of the town's Gallo-Roman walls and of the vestiges of a medieval castle, the Château Royal . In the park of the Château Royal is the Musée de la Vénerie (Hunting museum), which illustrates the art and history of hunting; the museum displays weapons, costumes, hunting horns, and trophies. On the western outskirts of the town are the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater .

Steeped in history, the city of Compiègne is remarkable for its royal legacy and Imperial Palace. Louis XV built the grandiose Neoclassical Château de Compiègne , and Louis XVI enlarged it in the 18th century. After the French Revolution, Napoleon I made the palace his own, and later Napoleon III enhanced it further in glorious Second Empire style.

The Château de Compiègne is surrounded by an enchanting 700-hectare parkland featuring pavilions and neoclassical marble statues. Within the lush grounds is a delightful Jardin des Roses (Rose Garden) created in the 19th century and the five-kilometer-long Allée des Beaux-Monts, a pathway through the forest that affords stunning views of the château.

Official site: https://chateaudecompiegne.fr/en/royal-and-imperial-palace

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The 14 Best Day Trips From Paris

From Champagne to the Château de Versailles, these are the best day trips under two hours away from Paris.

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While Paris has plenty to sustain a person — from world-class museums and designer ateliers to shops that pair artisanal ice cream with natural wine — there comes a time when one must journey beyond the Périphérique (the ring road surrounding the city), and not just to shop around the famous Marché aux Puces Saint-Ouen. One of the city’s best offerings is the accessibility of its surroundings, from the lavish glamour of nearby Versailles to the quaint charm of Barbizon’s artist village in the Fontainebleau Forest. 

While most of the destinations on this list are reachable by public transit (with trips made shockingly short thanks to the TGV, France’s high-speed railway), others are only a car ride away. If Paris is a moveable feast, consider these day trips an amuse bouche. 

Whether you’re looking to stroll through the countryside, sip Champagne, or soak up some sun on the beach, these are the best day trips under two hours from Paris. 

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Let’s start with the most popular pairing: Versailles . Even for shorter sejours in Paris, a half-day visit to Versailles is a must for history buffs, aesthetes, and monarchists alike. It’s just over an hour away by car or on the RER (Paris’ commuter rail), making it one of the most convenient day trips. The opulent 17th-century château and marvelously manicured gardens cover nearly 2,000 acres, a portion of which you will stroll through with your jaw on the floor and your camera in hand. Famously the former home of Marie Antoinette, the crowning jewel of this visit is the Hall of Mirrors. If you’re feeling a bit peckish after touring the château, pop over to Michelin-starred La Table du 11 (and by pop over, we mean book a reservation several weeks in advance). Located in the charming Cour des Senteurs, it’s one of the chicest addresses in town, with a focus on sustainability and organic, locally-sourced produce.

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50 miles west of Paris, another beloved jaunt from the city center is Giverny, the former residence of renowned impressionist painter Claude Monet. Even if you’ve never heard of the two-and-a-half square mile village, you’re likely familiar with Monet’s “Water Lilies,” a series of 250 oil paintings inspired by the gardens around his home. Wander through the lush landscape of Fondation Monet and you’ll be unsurprised to find that it feels like walking through a work of art. A tour of the house offers glimpses of the artist’s tiled kitchen and sunny yellow dining room, as well as his art studio. Prime time to visit is April through October, with peak season falling from May to July when the space is spectacularly verdant and flowers are continuously in bloom. If you’re looking to extend your visit, the nearby Le Jardin des Plumes is the premiere dining destination in the area, serving up creative French fare in a rustic countryside estate. 

Fontainebleau

Just under an hour from the City of Light, Fontainebleau offers fairy-tale forests, drool-worthy gastronomic experiences, and the château of the same name that was dubbed “the true home of kings” by Napoleon. A museum dedicated to the Emperor is on display in the château, featuring mementos from his daily life, weapons he used in battle, and more. Reachable by train in just under an hour, Fontainebleau’s palace — a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site — is the primary draw, featuring one of France's largest collections of decorative arts. For those looking for a breath of fresh air, there’s plenty else to keep you busy, from bouldering in the woods to produce shopping at the Marché de Fontainebleau (a thrice-weekly occurrence) or a fine-dining delight at L’Axel , a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto.

Fringing the Forest of Fontainebleau is the quaint artist’s village of Barbizon. The birthplace of the Barbizon School (a movement towards realism and naturalism in art), it’s evident why the area drew 19th-century painters like Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet, who immortalized the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Follow the cobblestoned main road to peek into modern galleries, Rousseau’s former abode, and Millet’s studio before stopping at The Auberge Ganne , a historic inn that welcomed many of the artists at the time and has since been preserved as the Museum of Barbizon Painters. A visit to Barbizon can easily be tacked on to a day in Fontainebleau, as the village itself is rather small.

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While there are enough bars à vin (wine bars) in the French capital to sustain even the thirstiest traveler, a pilgrimage to Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne, is a must for true oenophiles. Around 45 minutes away on the TGV, Reims is home to a number of Champagne houses, including Pommery and, famously, Veuve Cliquot — which offers tastings, tours of its cellars, and Madame Cliquot-themed tours around town. If visiting the Pommery estate, stop nearby at the Domaine Les Crayeres for a drink at the Relais & Châteaux property’s La Rotonde bar, which looks out over the magnificent grounds. Beyond all the day drinking, leave time to visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a near-ruin that’s well worth a peek inside.

When it comes to the crème de la crème of day trips, a visit to Chantilly — the home of whipped cream’s classier ancestor, Chantilly cream — is up there. Less than 30 minutes from Paris by train, the main draw of this region is the extravagant Château de Chantilly , famed for its manicured French gardens that are the signature of Andre Le Nôtre, whose masterwork was the gardens of Versailles. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the château’s Musée Condé, which unexpectedly houses the largest gallery of antique paintings after the Louvre.

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Designated the “European Capital of Culture” in 2004, this bustling university town boasts everything you could expect from any cultural capital worth its salt, from a bustling gastronomic scene to troves of artwork and architectural marvels. Bordering France and Belgium, the Flemish-influenced old town, Vieux Lille, is très charmant (very charming) and centers around La Grande Place, a 17th-century square. A visit to the city is incomplete without a stop at the Opéra de Lille (remodeled in the early 1900s after the 18th-century original went up in flames), the Palais des Beaux Arts (one of the largest museums in France), and Méert , a patisserie famed for its gaufres (waffles).

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Only two hours from Paris by high-speed train, Lyon is another university town that beckons when you’re eager for city vibes at a slower, more laid-back pace than Paris. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, it’s home to Restaurant Paul Bocuse, a paragon of French dining. Cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, and the smell of freshly baked bread are just some of the main draws to this pretty city, which is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The ornate limestone Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière offers the best view of Lyon from its terrace, while the Gallo-Roman Museum (built into Fourvière hill) is home to ancient Roman artifacts that offer a glimpse at the city’s history. All throughout the old town are traboules , covered passageways that date back to the 4th century.

Loire Valley

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If châteaux-hopping is your idea of a good time, look no further than a day trip to the Loire Valley. All along Europe’s longest river, the Loire, you’ll find over 20 Renaissance-era castles that are open to the public, each offering a healthy dose of art, architecture, and French pomp and circumstance to visitors. If you’re day-tripping, narrow it down to a visit of Chambord and Chenonceau, two of the region’s most extravagant châteaux. If you’re able to swing a weekend trip, spend a few hours wandering around Orléans, a city famous for its connection to Joan of Arc. You may want to consider renting a bike, as cyclists flock to this region for the renowned Loire à Vélo cycle route, which spans nearly 600 miles. And after all those castles and cycling, be sure to leave time to indulge at some of the local wineries , which are about as omnipresent as the castles.

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The medieval capital of Normandy is only an hour and a half from Paris by train. Walkable and full of enough art and architecture to merit an easy few days of exploration, Rouen is difficult to squeeze into just a day trip. To make the most of your time, arrive early. After a visit to the city’s Gothic Cathédrale Notre Dame, walk yourself over to St. Joan of Arc’s church, a marvel of stained glass that honors the young heroine who was burned at the stake in the city center. The Musée des Beaux Arts, commissioned by Napoleon, is another cultural must-see. While Rouen is full of history, it’s also doing its best to keep up with the times. Stop by Public for natural wine, oysters, and top-rated people watching in a square full of Disney-esque timbered buildings.

Auvers-sur-Oise

Vincent van Gogh was enamored with Auvers-sur-Oise, and it’s easy to see why. The painter, who died in the picturesque town just 18 miles outside of Paris, is now a part of the draw to this beautiful French village, where you can visit his grave as well as several landmarks and landscapes that feature heavily in his later works, including the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church. After a few hours of exploring, stop by the Absinthe Museum for an apéro before catching the train back to Paris.

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Dubbed the Parisian Riviera thanks to the influx of well-heeled city folk who flock there in the summer months, Deauville is the perfect place to escape a canicule (heat wave). If you’re renting a car, it’s just a two-hour drive away from Paris (by train, it’s about 30 minutes further). Beyond a spectacular stretch of sand dotted with colorful umbrellas and a 1920s boardwalk featuring retro bathing cabins, there are plenty of cultural activities to keep you busy in this seaside town, from film festivals to high-end boutiques.

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History buffs will find a visit to Caen worthwhile just to meander around the Mémorial de Caen, a spectacular museum dedicated to World War II, the 1944 Battle of Normandy, and the Cold War. The exhibits muse on the fragile nature of peace and are a meaningful stop en route to the D-Day Beaches and Pointe du Hoc, the stark vertical cliff where you can walk around bunkers high above the English Channel.

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Two hours south of Paris by train lies Bordeaux, where many young Parisians flocked during the COVID-19 pandemic in search of cheaper rent and more space. As a result, the city is in the midst of a cultural renaissance, with a fresh crop of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops coming up faster than new vines. The region, of course, is famous for its namesake grape, which you can learn all about at the interactive La Cité du Vin museum — an architectural delight in its own right. Another welcome addition to the city’s scene is Bassins des Lumières , a massive digital art space housed in the city’s former submarine base.

7 easy day trips from Paris we love

Apr 1, 2024 • 8 min read

From the gorgeous gardens of Giverny to a family day out at Disneyland, you can reach fabulous sights within an hour or so of Paris © Franz-Marc Frei / Getty Images

Who would ever want to leave  Paris ? Anyone interested in magnificent châteaux, exquisite gardens, medieval cathedrals and rambling forests.

Indeed, a wealth of treasures for art lovers, families, outdoors enthusiasts and just about anyone can be accessed via an easy train right from the City of Light, providing a sampler of all the wonderful things France has to offer in an easy day trip.

Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of Monet in Giverny, tuck into a medieval banquet in Provins or delight the kids by meeting Mickey Mouse, here are seven of the best day-trip destinations, each within around 90 minutes’ travel time from central Paris.

1. Step into a fairy tale at Château de Chantilly and stroll atmospheric Senlis

Travel time: 25 mins to 1hr 

Rising up from a shimmering lake,  Château de Chantilly and its splendid gardens seem out of a fairy tale. An extraordinary collection of paintings fills its Musée Condé, and you can taste the renowned crème Chantilly (sugar-whipped cream), which was invented here. The domain is perhaps best known for its hippodrome (horse-racing track) and stables, the Grandes Écuries , which contain the Musée Vivant du Cheval , filled with riding-equipment displays, and which also mount dressage shows . From here, riding and walking trails fan out into the forested former royal hunting estate, the Forêt de Chantilly .

From the refined town of Chantilly  itself, regular buses (25 minutes) travel the 6 miles (10km) east to medieval Senlis, whose narrow cobblestone streets, Gallo-Roman ramparts and towers reward an afternoon’s stroll. A royal seat from the 5th century to the early 17th century, Senlis is crowned by the Gothic Cathédrale de Notre Dame . Completed in 1191, the church retains its original stained glass and intricate stone-carved portal. 

How to get to Chantilly from Paris: Chantilly is 31 miles (50km) north of Paris, 1 hour away by car. TER train services (direction Creil) link Paris’ Gare du Nord with Chantilly–Gouvieux train station in 25 minutes.

2. Get a taste of medieval life in Provins 

Travel time: 1hr 20 mins

UNESCO lists the walled town of Provins  as the “ Town of Medieval Fairs ” – and this charming place certainly does a convincing job of channeling the Middle Ages (thankfully, without the stink and plague). Provins’ some 150 medieval structures include the Tour César, the Church of Saint Quiriace and the Grange aux Dîmes, where you can watch a live re-enactment of a medieval market. Elsewhere, you can explore the town’s ramparts, fortified gates and over 6 miles (10km) of underground tunnels.

But it’s the medieval-themed spectacles that most convincingly bring the period to life, making Provins an ideal day trip from Paris for families. Between April and November, visitors can enjoy regular displays of falconry, horsemanship and medieval warfare (complete with trebuchets and jousting), as well as a weekly banquet on Saturday, where you can tuck into medieval food while being entertained by troubadours, acrobats and jugglers.

How to get to Provins from Paris: Provins is located southeast of Paris and can be reached in 1 hour 20 minutes on the P Line from Gare de l’Est (disembark at Provins), or by car.

3. Make a pilgrimage to Chartres, and what might be France’s finest cathedral

Travel time: 1hr 15 mins to 90 mins

France’s best-preserved medieval cathedral is Chartres ’ 13th-century Cathédrale Notre Dame . Built on the site of a Romanesque predecessor that was all but destroyed by a 1194 fire, the staggering structure is topped by Romanesque and Gothic steeples, and is revered for its 176 luminescent, deep-blue stained-glass windows. The sanctuary also houses a number of sacred relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil), believed to have been worn by the Virgin Mary during Jesus' birth.

Nearby, you can learn more about stained glass at the Centre International du Vitrail , which occupies in a half-timbered former granary, and admire the fine-arts collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts , in the 18th-century Palais Épiscopal (Bishop’s Palace). From the cathedral’s steps, steep streets lined by medieval houses descend to the western channel of the Eure River. In the newer part of town, bistros surround Chartres’ iron-canopied market (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

How to get to Chartres from Paris:  Chartres is 57 miles (91km) southwest and can be reached by car in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Frequent TER trains link Paris’ Montparnasse with Chartres’ train station, with a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.

4. Channel your inner Impressionist at Giverny

Travel time: 45 mins to 1hr 30 mins

Anyone who loves flowers or art or both must visit Giverny , in Normandy . This tiny village was home to Impressionist Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926, and we recommend a visit between April to October, when the key sights are open and the gardens are in bloom. Monet’s rose-pink, green-shuttered house and the flowering gardens he planted and painted – including the iconic Japanese bridge and water lily pond – are now the Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet . You can also visit the painter’s final resting place: his tombstone is located on the eastern side of Giverny’s L'église Ste-Radegonde .

For more artsy activities, stroll the galleries of the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny for an overview on all things related to the Impressionist movement, with lectures, readings, and concerts taking place regularly. Worked up an appetite? Enchanting Michelin-starred inn Le Jardin des Plumes serves sublime modern French cuisine (each dish almost a work of art in itself), while La Capucine Giverny offers staple dishes in a lovely garden setting.

How to get to Giverny from Paris: Giverny lies 46 miles (74km) northwest of Paris and can be reached in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. Trains run from Paris’ Gare St-Lazare to Vernon (45 minutes to 1 hour, up to 15 daily), which lies 4 miles (7km) to the west of Giverny. Shuttle buses link Vernon with Giverny in season; alternatively, you can walk, cycle along a dedicated track or take a taxi.

5. Let the Palace of Versailles’ opulence dazzle you

Travel time: 40 to 45 mins

Strolling through the lavishly adorned, 700-room baroque  Château de Versailles  will help you appreciate the outrageous wealth of the French monarchy – and perhaps give you a sense of why the French Revolution took hold. Transformed from a hunting lodge by Louis XIV in the mid-17th century and serving as the seat of the royal court until 1789, this palace complex had as its last royal occupants King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette – both of whom the revolutionaries eventually executed by guillotine.

The most striking features include the opulent Grands Appartements du Roi et de la Reine (King’s and Queen’s State Apartments), and the 246ft-long (75m-long) ballroom Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors), where 17 massive mirrors face windows that open to the setting sun. After a thorough renovation, Marie Antoinette’s private apartments have recently opened to visitors , too.

Outside, visitors can wander around the beautiful Château de Versailles gardens and park, with their geometrically aligned terraces, 300 or so statues and fountains that “dance” to classical music in the summer months. The estate’s drinking and dining options include the elegant, palace-housed Ore , while those not on royal budgets can find cheaper options in the pretty surrounding town of Versailles  and its  markets .

How to get to Versailles from Paris: Just 14 miles (22km) southwest of central Paris, Versailles is most easily reached by train: take the frequent RER C  from Paris’ Left Bank RER stations to Versailles-Château–Rive Gauche station (journey time: 40 minutes). Alternatively, the travel time by car is around 45 minutes.

6. Follow the many trails through Forêt de Fontainebleau 

Travel time: 40 mins to 1hr 15 mins

Surrounding the elegant town of Fontainebleau , the 108-sq-mile  Forêt de Fontainebleau offers countless walking and cycling trails (including mountain-biking tracks), plus rock climbing on its sandstone ridges and plunging gorges. Fontainebleau’s most impressive human-made site is its royal  château , sprawling over 1900 elaborately gilded, frescoed rooms amid formal French and free-flowing English-style gardens . The first château was built here in the early 12th century; a succession of monarchs subsequently expanded it – most notably Renaissance ruler François I.

Fontainebleau is also awash with lively local bistros such as Le Bistrot 9 . Pick up forest-picnic supplies at wonderful pâtisserie  Dardonville or the bustling town market , which runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

How to get t o Fontainebleau from Paris: Fontainebleau is 42 miles (68km) southeast of Paris, with the travel time around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. R trains link Paris’ Gare de Lyon with Gare de Fontainebleau–Avon station (40 minutes, up to 40 departures daily).

7. Delight the kids with a day at Disneyland Paris

Travel time: 40 mins to 1hr

While most visitors associate Paris with splendid monuments built by French kings , those with young ones in tow can assume the more compelling “kingdom” is the realm of Mickey, Minnie and friends. Within the vast Disneyland Paris complex,  Disneyland Park  is home to five themed “lands” with all the classic sights (Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, turn-of-the-20th-century Main Street USA), quintessential rides (Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain...) and larger-than-life characters.

Adjacent to Disneyland Park is the separate Walt Disney Studios Park , where high-tech rides such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the delightful Parisian-set Ratatouille – The Adventure are complemented by cinemas, sound stages and behind-the-scenes tours. Deals abound, including tickets covering both parks, so be sure to research ahead of your visit and pre-book online.

How to get to Disneyland Paris: from Paris Disneyland Paris is 20 miles (32km) east of Paris, and journey time is around 40 minutes by car. Frequent RER A trains run from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy (journey time: 40 minutes to 1 hour).

This article was first published August 2019 and updated April 2024

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25 Most Magical Day Trips From Paris You'll Never Regret

These dreamy destinations are almost (almost!) as noteworthy as the City of Lights—and they're not all in France.

If you're not sure what your ideal 24-hour excursion looks like, we have 25 Paris day trip ideas to inspire you. From escapes on the periphery of the city to slightly farther destinations with completely distinct feels, every spot on this list deserves a bookmark. Some places aren't even in France at all; European day trip destinations like London and Luxembourg are a stone's throw away when you're in Paris. Plus, because each journey maxes out at about two hours each way (any that go slightly over are well worth it, we promise), if you play your cards right, you'll be back in Paris just in time for an apéritif.

Giverny, France

Home to the real-life inspiration for Monet's Water Lilies , Giverny makes our list for its convenience (the trip takes around 45 minutes each way on the train) as well as its iconic gardens. Monet's House and Gardens may be the reason you've made the journey, but the Musée des Impressionnismes is equally worthwhile for art lovers. Stop in a local restaurant for lunch—or unpack a picnic—and spend an afternoon wandering the water garden.

Reims, France

In an hour, you can be sipping Champagne in the French countryside. Swoon. Make pit stops at the Reims Cathedral and the Palace of Tau to fulfill your cultural quota before heading to the wineries. Reims has a long list of Champagne houses where you can tour the cellars and sign up for tastings. If you're feeling like a fancy post-tasting meal, the city is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants for the ultimate luxe end to an already-extravagant day.

Versailles, France

Undoubtedly the most famous Parisian day trip—and with good reason, as it's only around a half hour away on the RER train—Versailles is a bucket-list destination brimming with history. Book a tour or amble solo through the Château De Versailles and its grounds. (Don't miss Marie Antoinette's farm, The Queen's Hamlet , while you're there.) There's more to do than just palace-watching though: Pick up lunch at the open-air market in town and take your artisanal cheeses and fruit back to the gardens to enjoy possibly the most opulent picnic ever.

Lyon, France

The unofficial-official food capital of France, Lyon is only two hours away from Paris by train and offers a completely different big-city experience. Two rivers run through it, with Vieux Lyon (the old quarter) and its colorful houses on one side. Spend your day predominantly there, exploring the city's " traboules " (hidden passageways that are a product of the Renaissance) as well as the Basilique de Fourvière that sits atop a hill and is accessible via a funicular. If you plan your visit around one of the traditional bouchon restaurants serving hearty traditional Lyonnaise cuisine like coq au vin and paté, we fully support you.

Strasbourg, France

If you're visiting France around Christmas, a day trip to Strasbourg on the German border (around one hour and 45 minutes by train each way) is a must, if only for the famous Christkindelsmärik holiday markets where you can get last-minute shopping done while sipping mulled wine. Otherwise, don't miss the Petite France neighborhood to see the fairy-tale houses along the Rhine. You can also take a boat trip to explore the city by water.

Étretat, France

Jump on a fast two-hour train and head to this seaside town in Normandy. It's most famous for its white cliffs and rock formations, offering lots to do in the way of hikes and nature walks. The Jardins d'Étretat , a cliff-top garden that has views of the ocean, is an unusual but must-see spot. In the city, explore the Old Market in Maréchal Foch square for regional specialties to bring home.

Rouen, France

An hour and a half north of Paris lies Rouen, another bustling city on the Seine that expertly blends old and new. (Just look at the colors on those timbered houses!) Your first stop should be the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is both a Gothic masterpiece and the tallest cathedral in France. Since the region is known for its seafood, grab lunch in an Old Town bistro before gearing up for an afternoon of sightseeing. Since this is the city where Joan of Arc died, there's no shortage of homages: You can see a church, tower, and museum dedicated to the city's most famous historical figure.

Fontainebleau, France

The town of Fontainebleau (more specifically, the nearby Château de Fontainebleau ) is a UNESCO World Heritage site only about 50 minutes from Paris. Similar to Versailles, the palace itself is enough to take up a whole day: From exploring the gilded interior to walking along the canal and strolling the gardens, there's so much to see. If the weather's nice, you can even take a rowboat out onto Carps Pond .

Lille, France

Begin your day by grabbing one of the city's famous sweets, un merveilleux , at one of the many bakeries you'll find scattered around the historic Old Town . If you're an art history aficionado, the huge Palais des Beaux Arts is not to be missed. Avid readers should visit the book market that pops up every afternoon in the courtyard of the V ieille Bourse building—go with a tote bag and pick up a couple paperbacks to read on your hourlong train ride back to Paris.

Chantilly, France

Less than a half hour from Paris, the Château de Chantilly is a 1500s-era castle that's just as stately as Versailles—minus the hoards of tourists. The city itself has two other famous exports: Chantilly lace, a type of delicate lace made from black silk, and whipped cream. Though the latter's origins are not 100 percent known ( chantilly is the French word for "whipped cream"), you'll find plenty of spots around town to indulge in the sweet treat.

Auvers-sur-Oise, France

Auvers-sur-Oise has become synonymous with Van Gogh, as it's where the artist is buried. (You can even visit the room where he was living when he died at the Auberge Ravoux .) There are also a couple of noteworthy museums, like the Musee Daubigny , for fans of impressionist painter Daubigny, or the Absinthe Museum . Sitting on the outskirts of Paris, it takes about an hour to get to by train.

Colmar, France

Though it's just over two hours east of Paris, the extra train time is worth it. The Alsatian city is full of canals, with enough brightly colored houses dotting the water to fill an entire camera roll. Because the region has both French and German influences, you'll get a different take on French food: Try the tarte flambée , baeckeoffe , and coq au Riesling . Then, walk it all off with a stroll through Petite Venise's Quai de Poissonniers, considered to be the most photogenic street in the city. (That's saying something when the entire town looks like it was plucked out of a fairy tale.)

Barbizon, France

Also known as the painters' village, Barbizon inspired to artists from Monet to Renoir. The trip is around an hour from Paris and definitely a must-see for any art buffs, as the Musee de Barbizon houses a comprehensive collection of works by the city's past residents. You can also walk in the footsteps of these artists in the areas that inspired them (like the nearby forest of Fontainebleau ) via a guided or self-guided tour.

Deauville, France

The so-called Parisian Riviera is two hours from the city and offers the perfect opportunity for a beach fix without trekking all the way to the south. Deauville's beach and boardwalk have Art Deco huts and rainbow-colored umbrellas, making them especially picturesque. Further in, the Villa Strassburger and Casino Barrière are stunning odes to Belle Époque architecture.

London, England

We're going to venture outside of France for a minute (or a day). It's impossible to pack everything there is to see in London into one day, but here's a start: Head to Borough Market for an incredible selection of local and international delicacies before walking over the nearby Tower Bridge for views of the Thames. Up in Shoreditch, you'll find rows of vintage shops as well as some of the best curry in the city. Before hopping back on the Eurostar (which takes around two and a half hours), take the tube to Primrose Hill and watch the sun set over the park.

Bordeaux, France

There's the Wine Museum , wine tasting, and the Bordeaux Wine Festival in June, but even if you're not in it for a glass of red, this city has a lot to offer. It's a two-hour train ride from Paris, with old streets to explore and street markets for sampling. Don't miss the Place de la Bourse Miroir d'Eau , a water installation that's basically a massive reflective pool. For retail therapy, walk along Rue Sainte Catherine —Europe's longest shopping street—while taking café breaks along the way for a reviving espresso.

Épernay, France

Another must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Champagne region—and around an hour and 15 minutes away via train—Épernay is worth it for the photo ops and the bubbly. Climb Mount Bernon for sweeping vineyard views or rent bikes to see everything up close. Of course, there are also plenty of Champagne houses to tour (and sample, of course) along the Avenue de Champagne .

Dijon, France

Gourmands, rejoice: About an hour and a half on the speediest train will land you in Dijon, a culinary haven and the birthplace of a particularly famous mustard. Start at the famous Les Halles farmers market for edible souvenirs. Condiments aside, there's also the impressive Musée des Beaux-Arts , a fine art museum that's among the oldest in the country—and the city's very own Notre Dame.

Provins, France

Another medieval town worth visiting, Provins is less than an hour and a half from the capital city. It's a UNESCO site with lots of architecture from the era—from the 12th-century Tour César and the Medieval Tunnels to the Romanesque Church of Saint Quiriace . If your travels are never complete without a sampling of local food, your bucket-list item here is a niflette : a tiny puff pastry filled with orange blossom cream that hails from the area.

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

We're saying a quick "see you later" to France again. The fastest train will get you to Luxembourg's capital city in just over two hours. Start by walking around the Old City , a UNESCO World Heritage site full of winding cobblestone streets. Next, explore the Bock Casemates , an underground tunnel system that was once part of the city's defense system during World War II. When you get hungry, stop into a lunch spot for gromperekichelcher —the country's famously delicious potato pancake .

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The Perfect One Day in Paris Itinerary (How to See Paris in a Day!)

Ah, Paris: the architecture, the food, the art, and the iconic sights are legendary for a reason, and even one day in Paris can be an absolute dream of a quick getaway.

One day in Paris may not be enough to work through a long wish list of what to see in the city (we’re still going strong on ours about 10 visits later), but don’t worry–you can indeed get a fantastic glimpse of Paris in one day.

Planning to spend a day in Paris and want to make sure you have the perfect itinerary?

Here’s how to see the best of the City of Light in a limited time!

I f you’re anything like us, when the sun sets on your day in Paris, you’ll say goodbye already dreaming of your next visit.

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The perfect one day in paris itinerary, where to stay with one day in paris, tips for enjoying one day in paris, more than a day in paris, getting around during one day in paris, one day in paris itinerary map.

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The independent one day Paris itinerary we outlined below will show you many of our favorite places in the City of Light, from Notre Dame to the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and beyond.

However, if you would rather not worry about navigating through Paris yourself, and your goal is to see absolutely as much as possible of Paris in one day, you can also consider signing up for this extremely well-reviewed tour .

Take Walks, who hosts this popular Paris in a day tour , is one of our favorite companies for small group tours in Europe, and we’ve used them in many cities (including on this Paris food tour ).

While there are trade-offs to booking a full-day tour of Paris–the thrill of meandering aimlessly through the streets of St. Germain and being beholden to no one’s schedule but your own as you munch on a crepe in front of the Eiffel Tower would be hard to give up–there are benefits to a tour, too.

The biggest one is that thanks to a knowledgeable and efficient tour guide, Take Walks’ tour covers an enormous amount of ground–be prepared for sore feet but a very satisfying day if you sign up.

Book your Paris in a day tour today!

Start at Notre Dame (though you can no longer go inside).

Located on Île de la Cité (one of the islands in the middle of the Seine, and the place where Paris was founded), there’s no better place to kick off your one day in Paris than at Notre Dame.

Iconic, beautiful, and centrally located, Notre Dame is an excellent starting point for any trip to Paris.

Sadly, after the awful fire at Notre Dame in April 2019 , the cathedral is closed to visitors.

We continue to recommend starting your one day in Paris here for a couple of reasons: Île de la Cité is still an incredibly central spot to start a day in Paris, and Notre Dame, though wounded, is still a beautiful structure.

As of December 2022, the area in front of and surrounding Notre Dame is closed to the public, and the damage from the fire is obvious from most angles (you can see lots of cranes if you look at the back of the building in particular).

Notre Dame is slated to reopen to visitors in 2024 , so fingers crossed we’ll all get to marvel at the interior of this Gothic beauty again soon!

For now, if you’d like to get the most “normal” view of Notre Dame possible at the moment as you start your one day in Paris, we recommend heading to the corner Rue de la Cite  and  Quai de Montebello , near the  Pont de Coeurs , where you can photograph the tops of the towers and some of the front of the cathedral looking semi-normal.

The front view of the Notre Dame, though not flawless, is worth a look too.

The views of Notre Dame from a Seine river cruise are also lovely, but more on that in a bit.

Stroll over to Shakespeare & Company.

5-minute walk from Notre Dame.

Just a short walk over the Seine from Notre Dame sits Shakespeare & Company, which is easily the most famous English-language bookstore in Paris.

Known as the haunt of Lost Generation writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and later (in its current location), the gathering place of writers like Langston Hughes and Ray Bradbury, Shakespeare & Company has a storied history that includes many famous names, an eccentric owner or two, and even a closure during the Nazi occupation of France.

Today, Shakespeare & Company is stuffed with beautiful books and is worth visiting during even a one day trip to Paris.

Be sure to check out the view of Notre Dame through the second-floor window, say hello to the cat who lives upstairs, and purchase a book (they’ll stamp the title page with their seal at checkout, which makes for a wonderful Paris souvenir ).

Be sure to avoid taking photos inside–they are explicitly forbidden , so stick with admiring the books in real-time instead!

Grab a cup of coffee from a typical Parisian cafe.

Several gorgeous Parisian cafes are located within easy distance of Shakespeare & Company, and after an early start to your day in Paris, enjoying a traditional French breakfast is a great way to soak up the atmosphere of the city.

A few great options on or near Île de la Cité include Odette for something popular and photogenic, the cafe at Shakespeare & Company for surprisingly delicious and affordable options (their scones, while not typically French, are delightful).

For something iconic, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is an option for the late risers among us (though the cafe is extremely famous and photogenic, it also doesn’t open until noon).

For a less-famous but delightful option that we love, A. Lacroix Patisser offers wonderful drinks and pastries.

We’ve been eating there for years and love its cozy atmosphere and views of Notre Dame!

Check out the oldest clock in Paris.

8-minute walk from Shakespeare & Company or Odette.

On the side of the Conciergerie, mere steps from the Seine and affixed to the Tour de l’Horloge, sits the oldest clock in Paris.

Installed in the 14th century, the clock is both functional and absolutely stunning.

It also only takes a quick moment to stop to admire its beauty on the way to Sainte-Chapelle.

Make your way to Sainte-Chapelle.

3-minute walk from Tour de l’Horloge.

Since visiting the interior of Notre Dame is no longer an option, you now have time during your mad dash through Paris in a day to tour the interior of Sainte-Chapelle, which is–in my totally biased opinion–one of the prettiest church interiors in the entire world.

Built in the 13th century to hold precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns that now typically lives at Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle’s magnificent upper chapel is home to soaring 15-meter walls that are made up almost entirely of stained glass.

And, as beautiful as it is, the sheer amount of stained glass becomes even more impressive when you realize that over 70% of it is original!

The lines do get long here, so we recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Like many attractions around Paris, they’re available with no upcharge at all!

Book tickets to visit Sainte-Chapelle today!

Head to the Luxembourg Gardens.

13-minute walk from Shakespeare & Company.

Home to the beautiful Luxembourg Palace, the Luxembourg Gardens are the perfect example of Paris’ iconic gardens.

Flowering and beautiful in the summer, it’s impossible to walk by during almost any kind of halfway-decent weather without seeing plenty of people gathered for a picnic, some gossip, or a quiet afternoon of reading.

Be sure to check the fountains for miniature sailboats in the summer: young Parisian children have a long tradition of playing with them there!

We have visited the Luxembourg Gardens in all seasons, and while each season has its pros and cons, summer is absolute magic.

Make your way to the Louvre through Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

18+ minute-walk from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Louvre.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is widely considered to be one of the most iconically Parisian neighborhoods, and for good reason.

With its lovely buildings, shuttered windows, and wrought-iron balconies, St. Germain feels like quite the Parisian postcard.

It’s also a wonderful place to eat, which means that a stroll through St. Germain as you vaguely make your way toward the Louvre serves 3 purposes: enjoying a beautiful Parisian neighborhood, resting your feet during lunch, and making your way to your next destination!

We enjoyed eating at Eggs & Co. in St. Germain, and, though it isn’t technically lunch, Laduree (makers of some of the best-known French macarons) has a beautiful store here as well.

Technically a few blocks outside of St. Germain but still delicious, we also love our lunches at Le Prince Racine.

The walk from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Louvre is technically under 20 minutes, but depending on how much you want to meander around the neighborhood, it could take quite a bit longer!

Dive into the Louvre.

Giant, overwhelming, and incredibly iconic, no attempt to see Paris in one day could leave out the Louvre .

There’s absolutely no way you could possibly see it all–we’ve been several times for many hours each and still feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface!

W ith only one day in Paris to work with, strategy and prioritization will both be important to making the most of your time in the Louvre.

We recommend spending 2 hours here, more or less, depending on what time it is when you arrive and how quickly you have moved during your day in Paris so far (keep an eye on the time of sunset–you don’t want to miss seeing the Eiffel Tower before dark!).

S tart by heading directly to the piece or collection that is most important to you–maybe that’s the iconic Mona Lisa, maybe it’s the Venus di Milo, maybe it’s the Egyptian artifacts. Who knows!

Alternatively, if you’d like some structure and a timeline to your visit, consider booking a guided tour ( we loved this one , and this popular tour is a more traditional option).

Regardless of whether you choose to take a guided tour of the Louvre or not, like with Notre Dame, we absolutely recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre before arriving .

T he lines can be insane, and even with a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll still have security to worry about!

Book your guided tour or skip-the-line tickets to visit the Louvre today!

Pay a visit to the Palais Garnier.

17-minute walk from the Louvre.

One day in Paris definitely isn’t enough time to visit Versailles–but you can get a small taste of Parisian glitz and glamour at the Palais Garnier (also called the Opera Garnier) all the same!

Paris’ iconic opera house is gilded and stunning–the incredible Grand Foyer might just make you think you’ve stepped into a smaller version of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

While the interior of the theatre itself is a bit standard, the rest of the building, from the Grand Staircase to the Loggia, is truly remarkable.

And while there’s unlikely to be a phantom under the opera house, some of the legends connected to the famous story do hold true, including a deadly accident involving the famous chandelier in 1896 (though in the real story the counterweight, not the chandelier itself, fell to the ground).

Though the lines are not typically as long at the Palais Garnier as opposed to the Louvre and Notre Dame, we still recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets ahead of time at no additional cost to ensure your one day in Paris runs as smoothly as possible .

(The Palais Garnier is also right around the corner from the famous Galeries Lafayette, which boasts a beautiful, free view of Paris from its rooftop–if you have a bit of extra time to work with by this point in your Paris itinerary, consider making taking a quick detour).

Purchase your skip-the-line tickets for the Palais Garnier today!

Head to the Trocadero Gardens and enjoy iconic Eiffel Tower views.

23 minutes from Palais Garnier via metro line 9.

No one day Paris is complete without enjoying an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower!

The Trocadero Gardens offer the best view of the Eiffel Tower in all of Paris–so grab a crepe from one of the nearby vendors (the prices are surprisingly reasonable to be right next to the Eiffel Tower) and get ready to soak in some beautiful views.

If you’d like to wander closer to the Eiffel Tower, feel free to make your way through the Trocadero Gardens, past both the carousels, across the Seine, and to the Eiffel Tower itself.

Sadly, increased security measures have recently been imposed that prohibit anyone from walking directly under the Eiffel Tower without a ticket to the top, but you can still get pretty close!

Wrap up your one day in Paris with a Seine river cruise.

To be perfectly honest, it took us many trips to Paris before we  signed up for a Seine river cruise … and after taking one, we can’t believe that we waited so long!

Yes, they’re a bit touristy, but there’s nothing quite like admiring Paris and its many gorgeous monuments from the water.

Add in the possibility of a sunset, and the view is even better.

Many Seine river cruises leave from very close to the base of the Eiffel Tower, too, making taking one an easy addition to this one day Paris itinerary!

Want to splurge a bit for your first night in Paris?

You can even  sign up for a full dinner cruise  if a standard one-hour cruise doesn’t sound like quite enough time on the Seine.

Book your Seine river cruise  today!

In a city as large and dense as Paris, deciding where to stay (especially when you only have 24 hours in Paris to work with) can be quite daunting!

Paris is famously divided into 20  arrondissements , or neighborhoods, that are named via a number system that starts with 1 in the center of the city (where you’ll find the Louvre) and circles outward like the shell of a snail.

After roughly 10 trips to Paris, we’ve stayed in many neighborhoods spread across the city, from Montmartre ( we loved this aparthotel ) to the Bastille area (an underappreciated place to stay, and  this hotel was wonderful ).

And, while everyone has their own opinions about where to stay in Paris (there’s no one right answer) we love and highly recommend Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th  arrondissement ) or the Latin Quarter (5th  arrondissement ) to travelers visiting Paris for the first time and frequently choose to stay there ourselves.

In these areas, you’ll be within walking distance of attractions like Île de la Cité (home of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle), the Seine, the Luxembourg Garden, the Louvre, and many more.

Here are a few hotels we’ve personally stayed in and loved in the 5th and 6th, arranged more or less from most budget-friendly to most luxurious (though if it’s Parisian charm you’re after,  this one  is the clear winner).

Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain  (Centrally Located & Cozy)

We love this cute boutique hotel in Paris, mostly because of its truly unbeatable location less than a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame and therefore an easy walk away from much of the attractions of Île de la Cité (and a metro stop, of course).

Despite the super central location, the streets outside were still quiet at night, a huge benefit, and the views during the day were lovely.

The customer service was excellent, the bed cozy, and the room, while still very small by global standards, was a bit roomy compared to what we’ve gotten used to in Paris.

We’d be happy to stay again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain!

Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris  (Classic Parisian Charm)

Located on a quiet street less than a block from the Seine and Île de la Cité,  Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris  offers all the advantages of a central location while maintaining its peace and quiet.

… and it does all that while still managing to have one of the most charming interiors we’ve experienced in a Paris hotel!

The ceilings, wallpaper, and overall decor never let you forget that you’re in the City of Light, and we loved every second.

The breakfast is also delicious, served at the table, and includes a generous selection of pastries as well as fruit, cheese, orange juice, coffee, and tea.

Check rates & book your stay at Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris!

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris  (Modern Amenities + Kitchens on the Seine)

Located right on the Seine in one of the most convenient locations in Paris, the crisp and modern  Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris  offers ease at every turn.

And, that includes the fact that studios and apartments here include kitchens or kitchenettes!

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from sightseeing in Paris, a chance to enjoy an occasional dinner of cheese and baguette you picked up at the market, and a bit more elbow room than is traditional in the City of Light, this is the place for you.

We loved our stay here–and, thanks to the hotel being pet-friendly, so did Ranger.

Check rates & book your stay at Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris!

Don’t let simple mistakes cost you time during your one day in Paris!

T hese Paris travel tips will help you make the most of your limited hours in the city!

Get started early.

We are the absolute opposite of early risers, but with one day in Paris, we would be amiss to suggest anything but an early start.

The earlier you start, the more time you can spend enjoying Parisian cafes, shops, and views, and the most ambitious among us may even want to squeeze in one more attraction or museum along the way.

Here are the best things to do in Paris if you’re looking for even more ideas on what to see in the city!

For those who like to stay out late and want to expand their one day Paris itinerary a bit further, here’s what to do in Paris at night .

Strategize your metro use.

For most of this itinerary for seeing Paris in a day, the best way to enjoy the city is on foot.

You’ll experience the neighborhoods, the sights, the cafes, and so much more on a different level by spending as much time on your feet as you can!

Fo r that reason, we’ve only suggested one metro ride in this guide to spending one day in Paris.

However, if your feet are killing you (even one day in Paris could mean many hours of walking), the weather is terrible, or you’re short on time, you can definitely consider adding more metro rides into this itinerary.

Skip-the-line passes are your best friend.

Without planning in advance, one day in Paris during the popular summer months could easily mean spending your whole day in line!

Skip-the-line passes are absolutely the way to go in Paris–we use them ourselves whenever we visit–and often don’t cost even a penny extra!

Based on the itinerary sketched out here for one day in Paris, we recommend purchasing skip-the-lines passes for Sainte-Chapelle ,  the Louvre , and the Palais Garnier .

You’ll also want to book your Seine river cruise in advance to make sure you end up with the time slot you want.

Shop skip-the-line tickets for your day in Paris now!

Embrace the weather.

Paris is a cloudy, rainy city–there’s just no getting around it.

For that reason, we recommend planning your one day in Paris expecting the weather to include thick clouds with the occasional rain shower.

That leaves you room to be pleasantly surprised with a beautiful day, but lowers the risk of disappointment with a dreary one.

Regardless of what the weather is like when you arrive in Paris, try not to let it get you down–Paris is beautiful in the rain!

If you’re a museum buff who gets caught in the rain and wants to enjoy more art, the Musée de l’Orangerie is small, conveniently located for this itinerary, and one of our favorite museums in the city.

Dress with Paris in mind.

Deciding what to wear for one day in Paris requires taking a few things into consideration–even for those who aren’t particularly concerned about fashion.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes (especially shoes!) that are easy to wear for an entire day.

Shoes are by far the most important–if your feet are incredibly pained by noon, your one day in Paris won’t be nearly as fun as it could be.

We’d also recommend wearing something classically fashionable (think dark colors, flattering cuts, and simple lines)–this is Paris, after all, and you’ll want to look good in your photos!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than one day in Paris, you have so much to look forward to!

With a little extra time–say an afternoon or a morning–consider adding on a visit to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysses, or a visit to the Musée d’Orsay .

To enjoy a different side of Paris, consider heading out to the gorgeous and wildly popular neighborhood of Montmartre , which is home to some of the most charming streets in the city (not to mention phenomenal views from the Sacré-Coeur).

If you have a few days in Paris, be sure to check out our detailed 3 day Paris itinerary to help you find the best sights.

We’ve intentionally structured this one day in Paris guide to include a lot of walking.

W alking directly between every attraction before heading to the Trocadero Gardens (we definitely recommend a metro there) will require about an hour of walking total, but that doesn’t include time spent on your feet in places like the Luxembourg Gardens and the Louvre.

Be prepared for sore feet after your day in Paris!

If you’d like to use the metro several times throughout the day instead of walking, consider purchasing a “carnet” of metro tickets–by buying 10 tickets at once, you save a little money.

Alternatively, if you’d like to avoid as much walking as possible, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour can help.

Coming from Charles de Gaulle Airport

To get into the center of Paris from the Charles de Gaulle airport, take the RER B line into the city.

I f you’re arriving in the morning ready to start your one day in Paris, you won’t even need to make any changes!

The Saint Michel – Notre Dame metro stop is on the same line, so you can jump on the train at the airport and get off right at Notre Dame.

Travel time is about 40 minutes, though I’d recommend allowing an hour for any delays.

Coming from Orly Airport

Coming from the Orly airport, you’ll follow almost the same directions as arriving from Charles de Gaulle.

T he only difference is that you’ll need to hop onto a train called the “Orlyval” first, which will take you over to pick up the RER B line.

The signs are very clear, so don’t worry–getting into the center of Paris is the goal of just about everyone arriving at the airport, so the directions are designed to be easy to follow.

Travel time is about 40 minutes, just like Charles de Gaulle, and I’d recommend allowing an hour for any delays here, as well.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

36 thoughts on “The Perfect One Day in Paris Itinerary (How to See Paris in a Day!)”

I’m gonna be in Paris next week! Definitely doing this for one of the days I’m there

Jeremy y Kate Agradezco muchísimo vuestros consejos, es exactamente lo que necesitaba. Pienso que me serán de mucha ayuda. Mil gracias! Tania

Muchas gracias, Tania! Espero que tengas un viaje increíble a París!

I am planning to travel Europe for a month but was so concerned about time and making sure I was able to see the most of each place. This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you!

That’s so great to hear, Anna! Hope you have a fantastic time in both Paris and Europe as a whole!

Thanks for the great guide. Will be using it for my trip next month.

So glad to hear it helped! Hope you have a wonderful day in Paris. 🙂

Thank you!! Perfect itinerary. Got everything mapped and ready to go!!!

Have an amazing time, Debbie! 🙂

I will definitely be using this guide for this weekend – so helpful!! Thank you! We’re going for a weekend but I’m dying to see Versailles on sunday so I’m going to squeeze everything else on Saturday!

So glad we could help, Annie! Enjoy Paris–and Versailles! 😀

hey Kate, writing this after a long time after all the pandemic, but your post was so helpful for us to see Paris in 2 days before covid, we almost tried to go to each and every places as you suggested in the particular order and ended up having the best time in Paris, Thank you so much for your post and helping us out…….

So happy to hear this, thank you so much! Glad we could help! 🙂

Is it a problem having luggage on the metro from the airport to the hotel?

Definitely not! You’ll be in good company. 🙂

I’m a big time traveler and am planning a trip for my sister (I don’t have much time to organize it). Your report was wonderful!! So much better than I could have done. Thanks for making it seem good for everyone.

So glad we could help, Susan! Hope you and your sister have an amazing time in Paris. 🙂

I’m planning a trip for next year, hope we can enjoy most of the places listed. I love all your detail and links for references, save us a lot of time. This is a very useful blog, thanks!!

So happy you found it helpful, Anna! Hope you have a wonderful time in Paris. 🙂

Going to Paris in late July! This is very helpful. Will fly in and out on the same day, with approx 8-9 hours to see the city. Any recommended itinerary or changes based on this info or since the article was written?

It all depends on how fast you sightsee!

If you’re not a big museum person, you could skip the Louvre since you have such limited time and just take a stroll past the exterior.

Paris in a day! is looking possible and achievable now with your wonderful itinerary. It is so helpful for old couple like us. We intend to arrive at 9 am and return to London by 9 pm Euro rail. Can we purchase Hop on & Hop off bus tickets at the station or online? Does the bus stops at all the places you mentioned? We definitely want to visit all the attractions you mentioned in your blog. Do we have time for a river cruise? You saved us lots of planning and thank you.

So glad our itinerary helps! 🙂

You can purchase Hop on/Hop off tickets either online or in person (though I’m not sure exactly what stops you can buy them at in person). We tend to book everything online these days. There are a few different companies running similar tours, but with slightly different schedules/stops/prices, so it’s definitely worth comparing. They’re listed with Get Your Guide, the same company we linked for skip-the-line tickets in this post.

As for a Seine River Cruise, you may have to trim a stop or two to make it work, but there are 1-hour cruises and if you want to do one, there’s no reason you can’t fit it into your schedule!

Thank you for this info i am wanting to do as much as possible in 1 day in Paris. Most things we just want to see and photograph but Eiffel is a to the top place. Moulin Rouge is a stop, would love a show, but not sure about late night. the area up the hill Montmartre looks fascinating to us. see Notre Dame and Shakespeare bookstore. a river cruise would be lovely and to see Arc de Triomphe.. we are staying at DLP.and commuting to city so a long day walking is fine for the next day we come back to exit Paris from CDG to USA.

Hi Marlene,

I think you can easily fit in most of what you want, but definitely be open to cutting a few things based on time!

Mouline Rouge and Montmartre are the furthest away from the center, but if they’re a priority you can make it happen.

The Arc de Triomphe is a bit out of the way from everything else on your list, so I’d ask yourself how badly you want to see it. The view from the top is one of our favorites, but so is the view from the top of Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre.

Without the Arc de Triomphe, you have 3 distinct geographic areas on your list: Il de la Cite and nearby with Notre Dame/Shakespeare and Company, Eiffel Tower + river cruise (many leave from near the tower), and Montmartre + Moulin Rouge.

You’ll absolutely want to use the metro to get between those areas, especially going out to Montmartre and back!

Thank you for this itinerary. We are going to follow it exactly since we are just coming over from London for a day. Do you think we will manage all of these locations okay considering we are traveling alone and don’t speak any French?

Yes, definitely–you don’t need to speak any French to enjoy your day in Paris!

That being said, if you have time to at least learn basic greetings, it will be much appreciated (and may help you feel more at ease).

Thank you. You’re being so helpful I’d like to ask one more… working out our timeline to make the train back to London, I think we will have to choose between going inside the Louvre and doing the River cruise. What would you recommend? Thank you again!!

Personally, I’d definitely do the Louvre!

The river cruise is lovely and worth it if you have time, but the Louvre is one of the best museums in the world. No contest in my opinion. 🙂

Is your itinerary printable?

Sadly we don’t have a printable version yet, though we hope to make some in the future!

It seems that purchasing timed tickets directly from places like Versailles, Louvre, and Eiffel Tower are just as effective and less expensive than skip the line tours. Would you agree?

I think you’re conflating a couple of different things.

In Paris, timed entrance or skip-the-line tickets (separate from tours) can be booked in many places for the same price. Whether you purchase an entrance ticket (not tour) to those attractions through the website or through an authorized reseller like Get Your Guide, the price is the same. We like to use Get Your Guide for ease and also due to their generous cancellation policy, but if you prefer to go direct you of course can. It’s the same price either way.

Skip-the-line tours (not tickets) include a guide, and of course cost more than tickets do. Often, guided tours are able to skip more lines or ensure additional access than independent travelers have, though that varies based on the tour you book. Security lines generally can’t be skipped anywhere, for obvious reasons, though guided tours sometimes have access to dedicated ones for groups that are much shorter. Getting the lowest possible price isn’t the point in the case of a tour!

Thanks for the great suggestions! We just had a fun day visiting several of the places mentioned here. One note: at Sainte-Chapelle the security lines were still pretty long (20-30 mins) even with pre-purchased tickets. No lines with or without tickets at the Opera building though. Thanks!

So glad you guys had a great time!

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5 Best Day Trips from Paris

By Mary Winston Nicklin and Lindsey Tramuta

There's enough culture in Paris—be it food, drink, art, history, dance, music, or shopping—to entertain for a lifetime. Believe it or not, though, that range of experiences increases ten-fold if you venture beyond the city borders. These are the day trips (or weekend getaways, or short overnights) that are worth your limited time, even as a visitor. Within, find our guide on where to go, what to see, what to eat, and what to do in lovely Versailles, Fontainebleau, Reims, Chantilly, and Lille. These are the best day trips from Paris, according to Condé Nast Traveler.

Click the link to read our complete Paris guide .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Versailles is one of the most common trips to pair with a visit to Paris for reasons that are apparent: the Palace of Versailles is a marvel and one of France's most popular tourist destinations, and it's barely 30 minutes away by car. The crowds can get gnarly, but it's well worth it to experience a slice of history so vividly. Expand beyond the court of Louis XIV during your trip, and nab at table at some of the modern restaurants setting the standard for food in the city. 

Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace Arrow

Just at the edge of the Chateau de Versailles gardens, the Trianon Palace takes its inspiration from the Grand Trianon, the pink-marble hideaway built by Louis XIV as an escape from confining courtly life. Rooms are spacious with plush, contemporary furnishings, but request one facing the garden or park in the historic hotel, and not the newer annex. Rooms come with Nespresso machines, Salvatore Ferragamo bath products, and mosaic-tiled marble bathrooms with heated floors. Some have marble fireplaces. You can’t get much closer to sleeping at the Chateau de Versailles than an overnight at the Trianon Palace.

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The best part about dining here is that the experience is all Alain Ducasse in style and service, without the steep prices. The menu at Ore is a combination of gussied-up snacks like croque-monsieur, and thoughtful market-fresh dishes like spelt and wild mushroom salad, or steamed turbot with truffled hollandaise sauce, all priced to fit a range of wallets. Signature desserts, such as “Les Versaillaises,” offer lightened updates on French classics. Foreigners are likely to come here only if they're already planning to tour the Château—but it merits a special visit on its own. It's grand, as it should be, but accessible.

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At Le Pincemin, the artistic, inventive menu changes often based on the chef's whims, but you're likely to find dishes that meld land and sea; say, beef tartare with oysters, salicornes, and confit cucumbers, served in a giant Limoges porcelain shell. The signature—which must be ordered in advance—is the blue Breton lobster, flambeed and served with vegetables glazed in lobster bisque. The fixed lunch menu costs 35 euros (about $38); dinners have a five-course tasting for 65 euros (about $70).

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

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La Mangette is a postage stamp-sized canteen close to the Palace of Versailles. The daily menu is scrawled on a blackboard with a handful of simple options featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding Ile de France region. An added bonus? It’s mostly organic. La Mangette is also a great option for take-out. There’s a refrigerated display case by the door where you can pick up salads and such—perfect for picnics in the palace gardens. It's a perfect spot for a healthy lunch or to provision a picnic to enjoy in the palace gardens.

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This Michelin-starred restaurant is steps away from the Palace of Versailles, but worlds away from the crowds. The setting is sublime; the Cour des Senteurs (“the courtyard of fragrances”) was restored a few years ago and is now a tranquil, cobbled courtyard lined with fashionable shops (like one devoted to Toile de Jouy fabrics), a tea room, and La Table du 11. Young chef Jean-Baptiste Lavergne Morazzani (he’s not even 30 years old) trained at top addresses, including the Trianon Palace, Cobéa, and Le Meurice (under super-chef Yannick Alléno) before striking out on his own. Now he’s branched out with a bistro and wine shop in addition to this gourmet address—a veritable gastronomic empire in Versailles, with a mission of promoting sustainability. Lavergne Morazzani is all about line-caught fish and organic vegetables sourced from his own vegetable garden in Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. 

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This mind-blowing historic marvel is one of France's most opulent jewels, and is crucial to understanding the country's history and a very specific moment of leadership. A 17th century Château and estate that spans over 800 hectares (1,977 acres), The Sun King's grand creation is open for visits year-round and includes bedrooms, the King's state apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and some 2,300 rooms in total. Annual summer exhibitions highlight the works of prominent contemporary artists like Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, and Olafur Eliasson, whose art is displayed in the sprawling gardens. The old and new come together beautifully, a nod to its initial mission to support artistic creations.

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This spot inside the Trianon Palace provides a beautiful backdrop for afternoon tea. It is served in The Gallery, the long vestibule that serves as the main artery of the hotel. Think soaring columns, gold ceiling, and marble floors in black and white tiles. Crystal chandeliers hang above velvet sofas and high-backed green leather armchairs. You have choices as to how indulgent you want your tea service to be, but note the chariot de pâtisseries (pastry trolley) is available on Saturdays and Sundays only. When it comes to the tea itself, the selection may include classics like Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Oolong, and Tarry Lapsang, but you want the Marie Antoinette NINA’S: Ceylon tea scented with roses and apples pulled from the Potager du Roi (the King's Kitchen Garden) in Versailles.

FONTAINEBLEAU

Little more than 40 miles from Paris and accessible by train, Fontainebleau is a cinch of a day trip. The main sight to see is the Château de Fontainebleau, but you'll want to stay a while to savor the food and drink at places like the acclaimed L'Axel. It's also a perfect jaunt for the outdoorsy, too, with ample opportunities for bouldering and climbing in the plucked-from-a-fairy-tale forest that surrounds the town and has inspired artists for centuries.

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The owners refer to the Hotel de Londres (“Hotel London”) as a “hotel de charme,” and the minute you step inside you see why, with its toile de Jouy wallpaper, comfy armchairs, and wall-size painting depicting an English hunting scene. Three generations of the Famille Colombier have tended to this cozy three-star hotel, which is a historic registered landmark dating from 1850. Best of all: You can’t get much closer to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. From the light-filled breakfast room, you can watch the morning light glint on Napoleon’s gilded gate while sipping a café crème and munching on a croissant.

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La Demeure du Parc is like the private home of a stylish connoisseur, with a sleek and contemporary design, and right next to the Chateau de Fontainebleau gardens. The interiors still have historic touches, like the hefty timber beams in the restaurant. Back in the Chateau de Fontainebleau’s heyday, this mansion served as an annex for Louis XIV’s guests. Today, it's a boutique hotel with black and white tiled floors alongside natural wood parquet, covetable designer chairs in a rich royal blue, and a glass-roofed atrium flooding the lower level with light.

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The forest of Fontainebleau inspired 19th-century painters in the Barbizon School, the art movement anchored in Realism that was named for the village at the forest’s doorstep. Oozing charm, the village is still an inspiration to present-day artists—you'll see plenty of galleries lining the cobblestone streets. Take a stroll down the main road to see the Théodore Rousseau house and Jean-François Millet’s art studio. The Auberge Ganne, the inn that hosted many of the period painters, has been converted into a small museum (Musée des Peintres de Barbizon).

Frédéric Cassel Pâtisserie Arrow

In the world of haute pâtisserie, there are a few names enshrined in the hall of fame. Frédéric Cassel is one of them. Early in his career, he worked alongside his friend Pierre Hermé at Fauchon, and now has international stores in Kyoto, Tokyo , Berlin , and Casablanca. Cassel was World Pastry Champion in 2013 and presided over the prestigious Relais Desserts association from 2003–2018. Reflecting the seasons, his collection changes every six months. Showstoppers in the display case may include the Jivara, a brownie-bottomed dome with layers of vanilla crème brûlée and chocolate mousse; and the Tarte Jardin des Hesperides, a shortbread tart topped with bergamot-flavored orange and grapefruit wedges.

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This restaurant inside La Demeure du Parc isn’t just a hotel restaurant but a stylish spot for a good meal. A fashionable crowd takes its time to linger over the food, savoring amuse-bouches and multiple courses. Chef Christophe Borniche frequently changes his menu based on what’s fresh and seasonal at the market. Dishes might include the oeuf parfait to start—served with truffles and spring shoots atop a comté-infused potato purée—and, for the main course, aged beef cooked in a Josper charcoal oven. Tip: Order the mandarin and cinnamon soufflé at the beginning of your meal as it takes time to prepare.

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Inside a townhouse, just a few minutes’ walk from the Fontainebleau chateau, is the best table in town. Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto opened L’Axel with his wife Vanessa in 2012 and won a Michelin star shortly after. The food is dizzyingly good. To start, choose the “oeuf translucide” with green asparagus and parmesan emulsion. (If you’re lucky, there might even be an amuse-bouche of foie gras flan and oyster foam.) Taste flavors like yuzu and salty salicornes in the signature fish dish: a turbot prepared in the meunière fashion with beurre blanc. Don’t miss the Wagyu beef prepared with onions, ginger, and vegetables as a riff on a classic “pot au feu.” The wine list features some excellent bottles from Burgundy, thanks to the chef's contacts there.

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It's a UNESCO World Heritage site , but still perhaps one of the most underrated landmarks in France. For one thing, it was inhabited by French royalty continuously for seven centuries. Napoleon preferred it to any other residence, calling it “the true home of kings.” It's also the most furnished chateau in the country and the decor is something to see (think Renaissance frescoes, precious porcelain, exceptional furniture through the Second Empire). No wonder so many art history students come here to study the decorative arts. There are newly renovated spaces that are only available on special guided tours: the Imperial Theatre, commissioned by Napoleon III, Marie-Antoinette’s Turkish Boudoir, Napoleon III’s study, and Eugenie’s Lacquer Room. The chateau is close enough to Paris —less than an hour southeast by train—but it feels like deep countryside. Allow time for a stroll in the sprawling gardens and along the canal designed by architect André Le Nôtre.

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Fontainebleau's famous forest is one of the largest in France, encompassing 50,000 acres. The chateau , in all its stupefying glory, wouldn’t exist without the Forest of Fontainebleau. This was the playground of Renaissance king François I, who spent so much time on the royal hunting grounds that he decided to expand the existing medieval castle into a royal chateau. (Why camp out in the Loire Valley when you have access to game-packed forest much closer to Paris?) Stags and wild boar still roam the woods—you’ll notice warning signs on the road. In the 19th century, the forest starred on the canvases of the Barbizon school painters , like Jean-Francois Millet and Camille Corot. Today, Fontainebleau Forest continues to inspire artists, as it does outdoors enthusiasts, who flock for hiking, cycling, and bouldering.

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Three times a week (Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings), the grand square next to the Fontainebleau tourist office (Place de la République) is converted into a bustling street market. Hitting up the marché is a great way to mingle with locals and soak up the authentic ambience. Fontainebleau is in fact a city (and a prosperous one at that), but the market exudes a village vibe. Cheesemongers, butchers, green grocers, farmers, clothing, artisanal soaps—there’s a huge selection among the stalls. Follow the locals to find the best ones, and don't leave without a wheel of brie de Meaux. 

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Sprawling across 6,600 square feet, the serene spa takes its design cues from nature, with “living” walls, white stones, and light-colored wood. It occupies two levels of a restored ancient building. A highlight is the vast “sensorial space” that includes a wet area with pools, a hammam, sauna, “rain mist” corridor, and ice cave. There’s a three-pronged focus here: relaxation, slimming, and après-Golf, and you can actually follow the circuit through the sensorial zone based on your spa goals. The spa is open to the public, but it’s also possible to rent out the whole space.

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Simply put: This is the prettiest privately owned château in France. Even Princess Elizabeth agreed. On a visit in 1948, she said, “more beautiful than Versailles!” Famously, Vaux-le-Vicomte was actually the inspiration for the Château de Versailles . Today the chateau can be visited year-round, except for an annual winter closure; tickets can be purchased on site or online in advance. It draws a mix of Parisians and tourists. There are fun events throughout the year that draw regulars. In the summer, the gardens are lit with 2,000 candles during the “candlelit evenings.” There are also theatrical shows and concerts. The annual Christmas festivities are wildly popular as well; each room is individually decorated with a Christmas tree and festive decor.

Reims is a lot of things—the unspoken capital of the Champagne wine region , the City of Kings, and home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. One of them is the nearly destroyed Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where kings were crowned for more than a thousand years. The underrated destination in northeast France is riddled with Roman history, too. It's said that Remus, the brother of Romulus, founded the city, hence its name.

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Not only is it one of only two luxury hotels in the region, it's also a temple of high gastronomy. Any stay here should include a meal in the three-Michelin-Star restaurant which, on its own, is memorable enough. The outside may look straight out of the history books, but it's completely contemporary once you step through the front door. Rooms are large, bright, and airy, with jumbo beds ideal for sleeping. Finally, as this is Champagne, there is plenty of the good stuff available.

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Grand is the operative word at this Relais & Châteaux property adjacent to the Pommery champagne house. The building is surrounded by 17 acres of verdant parkland, the best view of which can be had from the La Rotonde bar, a warm space with live music and tall bay windows. A grand staircase takes guests up to one of 20 rooms done up in classic French style. Room decor sports royal vibes, transporting visitors to another century. With a Michelin-starred restaurant on site, staying here is like experiencing life as a Champagne royal.

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Tours at the Veuve Clicquot headquarters spotlight the brand's history while also showing off the cellars, which are carved into ancient limestone quarries called crayères. Group tours are limited to 19 people and conclude with a tasting. Other options include a Madame Clicquot-themed tour of Reims (for up to eight people) and tasting workshops. The tour provides a good overview of the Champagne-making process while also evoking a fascinating backstory.

Arnaud's Lallement three-Michelin star restaurant inside L'Assiette Champenoise hotel offers unparalleled ingredient sourcing and plated perfection.  Lallement took over the space from his father 20 years ago and puts out signature dishes, like langoustine royale with a creamy "nage" and caviar lemon; farm-raised squab with spinach caillette and pigeon juice; blue lobster from Brittany (an homage to his father). Service is first-rate from start to finish. Given the price tag and the formality of the experience, this is a once-in-a-lifetime meal for a special trip or occasion.

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An elegant dining room dining room set inside Les Crayères hotel , is the place for a last-meal-of-your-life situation. It's pure poetry and presentation. From the way the dishes are served to the plating and masterful flavor combinations, the food is awe-inspiring and far more modern and inventive than the grand, if classic, dining room decor would lead you to believe. If your belly allows, opt for the “Entre Vigne et Terroir” menu to get the full experience, or the Menu Blanc, which gives carte blanche to chef Philippe Mille to surprise you. Make sure to call over the cheese trolley, which features many options from the region, and choose the Champagne pairing with dinner. The list is truly vast. 

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An original fine-dining experience that feels unique for Reims. Artistic presentation and perfect preparations are what you'll take away from a meal here. Beautiful flavors that blend the chef's Japanese heritage with French training and ingredients. It's no surprise it earned a Michelin star. Go for the tasting menu to get a broad sense of the chef's culinary vision. Take the diner who wants a fine-dining experience without the pomp and circumstance that often follows the Michelin-starred vibe in Champagne.

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A puckishly hip ten-room hotel opened by Anselme Selosse, one of the great small Champagne makers, in a handsome nineteenth-century neoclassical manor house with sweeping views of the vineyards. A postmodern riff on conventional château style. French designer Bruno Borrione, who once worked with Philippe Starck, furnished the spacious lounge and dining room with sleek contemporary pieces while highlighting the parquet floors and white-painted moldings. Rooms are plush, well-lit cocoons in warm, acidic earth tones.

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This Reims institution is super-charged, with stained glass, wall hangings that look plucked from an antique market, old paintings and framed illustrations, small statues and flea market ephemera, vintage clocks, and old bistro tables and chairs. It's bright and colorful but if the weather allows, take your meal on the outdoor terrace. The space is full of character, with hearty, saucey, generous food, and a friendly and engaging staff. Perfect for a quick lunch before touring the Champagne estates all afternoon.

Domaine Vranken Pommery Arrow

This estate is one of a few in Champagne to have crayères, chalk caves that began as quarries in the Early Middle Ages and are ranked a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour itself, which is only available upon request, with reservation, and with a guide (in English or French), takes a sizable group (10 to 12) into the Gallo-Roman crayères. Most cellar visits are relatively straight forward, but the Pommery visit is punctuated by contemporary art installed throughout the tunnels and galleries as temporary exhibitions. This is an excellent tour for anyone visiting Champagne who knows little about the region, Champagne production, and even less about the crayères. It's an engaging visit that ends with a tasting.

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This gothic cathedral in the heart of Reims is more than 800 year old, and was badly damaged during WWI. In fact, 80 percent of the city was razed around it, so it's no small feat that it still stands today (with the help of perpetual periods of renovation). It was once where the kings of France were crowned, and it was one of the first monuments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets are required ($9), but can be purchased upon arrival. A visit inside is crucial to really getting a sense of its grandeur, as well as the history of Reims. 

Is it possible to see too many châteaus in one trip to France? We think not. So go to Chantilly and visit one that's manageable but opulent, and famed for its extraordinary garden, which is the work of famous French gardener Le Nôtre. Chantilly is also known for its horses. The aforementioned château has the largest stables in Europe, and the town's Chantilly Racecourse is a prevalent part of the local culture.

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If it looks like a rustic cabin in the middle of the Domaine de Chantilly's vast gardens, you've found the right place. The restaurant is located in a little house, and is only open for lunch and tea service from March to November. Hearty, traditional French food is on the menu, but the real star of the show is the thick whipped cream, the Domaine's namesake heritage product. Oui oui, la crème Chantilly refers to whipped cream from Chantilly, a heavenly and decadent variety you're unlikely to taste anywhere else.

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It is an oasis in an already blissfully relaxing locale. With such close proximity to the Château de Chantilly , the stables, and the gardens, it is the perfect component to a countryside escape. Beyond the spacious and tasteful rooms, there's the Michelin-starred restaurant La Table du Connétable and the Valmont Spa, which includes a pool, sauna, and hammam. Guests will also find a billiard room, bar, and valet parking. Since the hotel is part of the Domaine de Chantilly, they have the keys to the château. As the most luxurious property in the area and given its relationship with the Domaine, you can't beat the location, calm, services, and dining experience.

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On the grounds of a vast park, this restaurant has developed a reputation for beautiful, terroir-driven cuisine emphasizing ingredients sourced from Chantilly and the extended region. Chef Anthony Denon took over the kitchens in early 2020; he’s worked alongside French culinary greats like Alain Ducasse, Christophe Saintagne, and Jean-François Piège, and his cooking shows technicality and finesse. For an outing at the horse races or a leisurely visit around the Château, the culinary experience here completes the visit. Go for a family lunch or a one-on-one dinner in the evening.

Château de Chantilly Arrow

With 115 hectares (285 acres) of land surrounding a Château in three different landscape styles—a French-style garden created by André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, an Anglo-Chinese Garden created in the 18th century, and the English Garden in the 19th century—you might say this is grand in design and scale. It's definitely on the manicured side of the continuum, but suitable for long walks. The French style garden offers incredible views, thanks to mirrored waters that produce reflections of the sky, fountains, and surrounding statues.

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Located inside the Château de Chantilly , the museum is effectively a series of rooms that housed the personal collection of the Duke of Aumale (Louis Philippe's son). Its art galleries boast the second largest collection of antique paintings after the Louvre (for real!), with a layout that remains unchanged since the 19th century. This museography sees paintings laid out at several levels, frame by frame according to format, with no chronological order. The Santuario room houses the major masterpieces owned by the Duke, like The Three Graces and The Madonna of the House of Orléans by Raphael. Other rooms focus on art history, portraiture, Italian artists, and tapestry. While many visitors visit the Château at the gardens, not everyone realizes the breadth and scale of the collection housed in the museum.

Spa Valmont, at Auberge du Jeu de Paume Arrow

On the lower level of the L'Auberge du Jeu de Paume in the heart of Chantilly, this spa excels in service, and you're guaranteed a recharging experience. Fans rave about the signature "Thousand & One Chantilly" treatment, a sweet, sensory journey that includes a full body exfoliating treatment, massage, and whipped cream body mask. After the treatment, there's a pool area for a hot tea and a verrine of fresh Chantilly (whipped cream from the property) with seasonal fruit. You can lounge, go for a dip, or slide into the hot tub to extend the experience.

Lille, which is on the French-Belgium border, is known for its Flemish influences and architecture and for being named the European Capital of Culture. The university town is an intellectual hub, full of coffee shops and cafés where you'll find residents and students in conversation. Vieux Lille, the city's old town, is a charming neighborhood of restored red brick buildings that have a totally different feel from Paris when you walk along them.

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Through a courtyard and into an 18th-century former hôtel particulier , or private mansion, there's a stately feel to an arrival at Clarance. It's one of the only five-star boutique hotels in town and is affordable for the quality of the services and dining options available. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and all decorated differently. La Table , the on-site restaurant, has a Michelin star, its chef Thibaut Gamba having worked with the likes of Pierre Gagnaire and Thomas Keller. The garden terrace is a wonderful spot for a drink when weather allows.

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There's no mistaking you're in a converted, historic building: long before the Flemish gabled structure was Lille's first five-star hotel, it was a 15th century hospice. There's a massive stained glass window on the façade, an old hospice room still intact, and a 17th-century chapel. All of this sits alongside modern art, vast courtyards, a glass canopy, and a modern restaurant. Rooms are a mix of modern and a bit old fashioned: exposed wood beams, wood panels lining the walls around the bed, great light. There's fine dining in the red vaulted-ceiling restaurant, and it's considered some of the city's finest.

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Inside the Clarance Hotel , La Table serves Michelin-starred food in 18th century surroundings. The food is seasonal and hearty, and the chef includes herbs foraged from the garden. Dishes may range from grilled langoustine served with salsify from Dries, fermented black garlic butter, and sage tempura, or Burgaud roasted duck atop stuffed Flanders cabbage. All of it beautifully plated and balanced in flavor (arguably what won the restaurant a Michelin star). The natural light the main dining room lets in is exquisite, but the other dining room is an all-wood library alcove set off in the back of the restaurant. It has an original spiral staircase that leads up to rows of books.

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From a self-taught chef, the high level of modern Flemish cooking happening here draws increasingly discerning crowds. New York City loft meets Berlin beer garden meets French industrial zone: a vast space with heavy use of brick, rough-hewn wood, metallic beams, and massive open kitchen. It's laid-back and casual, welcoming and cool, a vibe that doesn't adequately prepare you for the high level, original cooking that lands on the plate. There’s a fixed menu called “Les yeux fermés,” a multi-course surprise with drink pairings, which shows off the bounty of the region. Sample dishes might include creamy pollack rillettes with bread chips, endive leaves and a jus de cuisson mousse; brined and grilled chicken with plump cauliflower; nettle sorbet with whole strawberries, strawberry chips, and yogurt mousse.

Aux Merveilleux de Fred Arrow

Take one look at the line snaking down the street, and you'll know you've come to the right place. And, as the name suggests, it's all about merveilleux here: an airy, layered meringue mound covered with sweet whipped cream and enveloped in a variety of coatings, from chocolate flakes to caramelized hazelnuts. All of the merveilleux are prepared in front of customers in a large open kitchen, and it's quite a sight to behold.

La Capsule Arrow

This is a destination for beer lovers. Since 2008, they've offered French and foreign craft beer brewers, on tap and by the bottle. There are always a rotating selection of 28 beers on tap and more than 100 options by the bottle. Don't want anything too hoppy? Into IPAs? There's something for everyone. Send your beer-loving friends and family members here for a taste of the best coming out of France and beyond. It's also in the heart of the old town, which means there are plenty of sights to take in before or after.

Méert Arrow

This shop and tea salon is visually arresting, with 18th and 19th century and Louis XVI decor , and many of its original bones. Even the façade dates to the first part of the 18th century. The rows of shelves and display cases full of cakes, waffles ( gaufres , the Méert signature), candies, and chocolates recall an old fashioned candy shop. The vanilla gaufre may be the house's signature, but any manner of other exquisite, perfectly prepared pastry are worth attention: financiers, éclairs, lemon tartelettes, Saint-Honoré, and another Lille specialty, the merveilleux. This place makes an impression inside and out.

Opéra de Lille Arrow

The original 18th-century opera house was destroyed by a fire, so its replacement dates to the early 1900s (officially opening to the public in 1923). Yet it still does a terrific job of transporting you to the past with its neo-classical flourishes. Today, it is one of the most prized architectural icons in the city. You can see operas, concerts, and contemporary dance performances—for the most part they're all original and locally produced. The primary audience is Northern French and Belgian, however, any fan of dance, opera, or music should stop in for a show to experience the space.

La Piscine - Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André Diligent Arrow

The Art and Industry museum in Roubaix, not far from Lille, is set inside the town's former Art Deco municipal pool. There are sculptures, paintings, ceramics, drawings, and more, all related to the textile industry. It's an atypical museum experience, but a fascinating look at northern France's artistic and industrial heritage. The central atrium with the solar stained glass and the water basin often hosts fashion shows, and there are often several temporary collections viewing simultaneously. The space itself is incredible and brings the pieces to life in a bold way. Overall: it's an Art Deco relic that has been preserved to honor the city's industrial and working class past. Good news when it comes to food, too. This isn't your average cafeteria food, it's Méert , the Roubaix outpost of the historic Lille pastry shop and tea salon.

Palais des Beaux Arts Arrow

This is one of the largest museums in all of France (also one of the first to be built, under Napoleon I), so expect grand and expansive collection halls. The collection highlights fine arts, modern art, and antiquities, with sculptures, paintings, drawings, and ceramics. All the heavy hitters are here: Raphael, Donatello, Van Dyck, Tissot, Jordaens, Rembrandt, Goya, El Greco, David, Corot, Courbet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Delacroix, Rubens, Rodin. It's an incredible and diverse array of works, with highlights like ancient mummies and Monet's painting of the Houses of Parliament in London.

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BEST of Paris in One Day: Most Complete Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

Are you planning to visit Paris for a day and wondering what you can see and do in such a short time? In this guide, we share a suggested 1-day Paris itinerary that will bring you to all the must-see spots and help you make the most out of your time. Find out!

Paris, France, is a fascinating city that has a lot more to offer than you could ever see in a week, let alone in a day. So figuring out an itinerary that allows you to see the best of Paris in one day can be overwhelming. But – with some advance planning and preparation – it’s definitely possible.

Below, you can find our recommended itinerary that allows you to see many of the ‘musts’ in Paris in one day. We also share a map as well as useful information and our experience-based tips to help you plan your first visit to this fascinating city.

Keep in mind that there is not one ‘best’ itinerary to follow for a day trip to Paris. So this is just one of many possibilities. The aim of this itinerary is to show you what’s possible and how you could plan your time if this is your first time in the city and you want to experience the very best of Paris in one day. Take a look!

Top Experiences to Book for Paris in a Day:

• Sainte Chapelle .
• River Seine Cruise .
• The Louvre .
• Eiffel Tower .

Some planning tips and info to make the most out of your day in Paris:

Further below, you will find a detailed itinerary indicating what to see, plus approximate hours based on the time that you need in order to get to and visit the places. Please note that these are only meant for your reference, to give you a better idea of how it all could fit together and how to help you plan your time and pre-book time slots for all the sights.

Important to know: If you are exploring Paris on your own, you will need to book timed-entry tickets for all the attractions that you want to visit!!!

For this itinerary, you will need tickets to Sainte-Chapelle , either the Louvre OR d’Orsay Museum , the Eiffel Tower , the Seine cruise , and also Arc de Triomphe . If you decide to see the show at the famous Moulin Rouge , you will need to reserve that well in advance too!

TIP: If you find it all too overwhelming to plan a good Paris 1-day itinerary on your own, take a look at this highly-rated day tour . It takes you to many of the best spots in Paris in a day and you don’t have to worry about tickets or timing and how to make it all fit together. It’s a great option if you are short on time and want to make the most of it without having to stress about anything.

This tour has a somewhat similar itinerary as the one described below and ends at the Eiffel Tower. So you could easily visit the places that we recommend seeing in the evening after doing this tour as well.

And now, let’s take a look at what your day in Paris could look like – see below!

1-Day Paris Itinerary – Overview

Here is an overview of our recommended Paris itinerary for one day. Further below, you’ll find all the details about each place we recommend visiting.

As you can see, this is a very full itinerary that starts very early in the morning and ends late at night. We did our best to create a very complete itinerary that shows you as much as possible in a day.

If you feel like this is way too much for you, you can easily adjust this itinerary to suit your interests. For example, skip the places/activities that are marked as optional. Not interested in spending 2 hours inside a museum? Just see the architecture of the Louvre from the outside. Not interested in the sightseeing river cruise? Head straight to the Eiffel Tower, etc.

But this gives you a good idea of what can be done in Paris in a day, which places are worth it the most on the first visit, and how to plan your time.

Here is our recommended Paris 1-day itinerary in a nutshell:

• 7-8.30 am: Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur Basilica (optional).
• 9-11 am: Île de la Cité ( Sainte-Chapelle , Notre Dame, early lunch).
• 12-2.30 pm: The Louvre or Musée d’Orsay .
• 2.30-3.30 pm:Jardins de Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III (optional).
• Walk, taxi, or metro.
• 4 – 5.30 pm: Eiffel Tower *.
• 6-7 pm: Seine Cruise .
• 8-9 pm: Arc de Triomphe .
• Evening: Champs-Élysées and dinner.
• Metro or taxi to Moulin Rouge or back to your hotel.
• 11 pm: Moulin Rouge (optional).

* Good to know: If you opt to visit the Eiffel Tower summit (instead of just Levels 1 and 2), you’ll need at least 1 hour more, so skip something else and adjust the rest of your itinerary as needed.

Map & Getting Around

To give you a better idea of where everything is located and how to plan your time, we created a map indicating all the places mentioned in this article. See below!

If you want to make the most of your day in Paris, it’s best to cover all the biggest distances by metro. For smaller distances, you can walk or take a taxi/Uber.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

This is our recommended Paris itinerary for one day:

Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur Basilica (Optional)

7 – 8.30 am

If you want to make the utmost out of your day in Paris, start with a visit to Montmartre . This is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city and you could easily spend a day here alone. But even if you just come for an hour, you can see the best parts!

Start by taking the metro from your hotel to Abbesses station. Check out the Wall of Love ( Le Mur des Je t’aime ), and then take the stairs or funicular to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica . The church is usually open from 6.30 am so you can even visit inside (it’s free).

Enjoy the stunning city views from the stairs in front of the church, then turn right, and walk to Place du Tertre . This charming square is the heart of the Montmartre.

During the day, it’s very lively, full of local artists and tourists. In the morning, you will likely find it very quiet, so the atmosphere won’t be the same, but it’s worth visiting either way. You will also find many cafes and restaurants here. Many of them are open from early morning, so this could be a nice place for a coffee or breakfast.

Depending on how much time you have, you could explore a bit more of the neighborhood. For more tips on what to see, take a look at our detailed guide to this neighborhood via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Montmartre

Next, take a metro to the Cité station in the center or a taxi/Uber straight to your next destination – Sainte-Chapelle.

Good to know: We indicate this as optional because we realize that not everybody will be able/want to start their day this early. Plus, Montmartre is quite out of the way from all the main attractions in the city center. But if you want to get the maximum out of your day in Paris and see different facets of the city, then definitely consider a short visit here.

Île de la Cité: Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame

9 – 11 am

Île de la Cité is the heart of Paris. This little island on the Seine River is best known as home to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, but there is so much more to see here!

With just a day in Paris, you will have to be selective, however. So we recommend just focusing on the two main landmarks – Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle.

TIP: Book the earliest possible time slot for Sainte Chapelle and head there first ( reserve timed-entry tickets here asap – it’s extremely popular!). This Gothic masterpiece with 1113 stained glass windows will take your breath away! It’s the most impressive church to see in Paris, and I promise you, it will be one of the highlights of your day!

Then walk to Notre Dame to admire its impressive exterior. Keep in mind that the church is still closed for restoration after the devastating fire, so you cannot visit it inside. The opening is now foreseen for December 2024.

Early Lunch

Now it could be a good time to find something for lunch. There are many cafés on Île de la Cité, or you could just grab a crêpe (French pancake) on the go.

You could stop by the restaurant called Aux Vieux Paris d’Arcole (it’s quite famous for its Instagrammable exterior). But it looks more charming in the photos than in reality, and quite frankly, there are better price/quality places nearby.

Recently, we had a very good low-key lunch at the nearby café Sur le Pouce. But both of these cafes are a bit out of the way for this itinerary.

Anyway, you will find many other good places in this area too. There are a few nice crêperies on the way to the Louvre which would probably fit this itinerary the best. We indicated all these places on our map further below.

Louvre Museum OR Musée d’Orsay

12 – 2.30 pm.

Next, you could visit one of the most famous museums in Paris – either the Louvre or d’Orsay Museum .

The Louvre is somewhat closer by, about 15 minutes walk, and the d’Orsay Museum is on the opposite side of the river, about 30 minutes walk from Notre Dame.

If you go to the Louvre, you could also see the Hôtel de Ville (the City Hall of Paris) and Pont Neuf on your way there. This iconic bridge can also be seen on the way to the d’Orsay Museum. 

No matter which museum you choose, a walk to get there along the shores of the Seine is really nice. You will pass the famous green Parisian Bouquinistes kiosks selling old books, posters, and postcards. Often, you will also see street vendors selling roasted chestnuts (one of the traditional French foods you should try in Paris !)

Musee d’Orsay is located inside an old train station and the interior is stunning. It also has an incredible art collection. The must-see here is the Impressionist section with some of the best works by Monet, Renoir, Manet, and many others. You can also see some masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh.

At the Louvre , you can see the famous Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and countless other famous masterpieces. In addition, you will see the famous Louvre pyramids. 

Considering all this and its location, for this itinerary, I think I would recommend choosing the Louvre, especially if this is your first time in Paris. On the other hand, d’Orsay Museum is usually a bit less crowded. But both are among the most popular Paris attractions, so it will be very busy either way.

Important! If you want to visit any of the museums, count to spend about 2 hours inside (or you won’t have much time left for the other places). Also, you absolutely have to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance! Here you can book tickets for the Louvre and here – for d’Orsay Museum .

If you decide to visit the Louvre, below, you can find a link to our detailed guide with useful tips (such as which entrance to take in order to avoid the biggest crowds).

LEARN MORE: Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum

Jardins de Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III (Optional)

2.30 – 3.30 pm.

Located just next to the Louvre is the famous Tuileries Garden ( Jardins de Tuileries ), one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. You can also easily get here from d’Orsay Museum – just cross the bridge to the other side of the river.

If you are coming here from the Louvre, you will also pass Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel . This triumphal arch was built earlier, before the famous Arc de Triomphe de Etoile which you can see in the distance from here (and can visit in the evening – see further).

Next, you will pass Place de la Concorde , one of the biggest squares in Paris. In the center, you can see an ancient Egyptian Obelisk, and there is a really nice fountain here too.

Walking towards the river, you will arrive at Pont Alexandre III , the most decorative bridge in Paris.

Good to know: I indicate these places as optional since visiting them all adds quite a bit of walking to this itinerary (about 1.8 km (1.1 miles) – at least 20 minutes of walking time). You could also skip these places to save time, or just walk through the garden and then take a metro from Concorde station.

Next, make your way to the Eiffel Tower. A walk from the Alexandre III bridge is another 1.6 km (1 mile). The distances may not look big, but it all adds up throughout the day, also in terms of time… So you may want to take a taxi or a metro.

Eiffel Tower

4 – 5.30 pm.

No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower ! You can just walk around admiring its impressive structure, but you’ll probably also want to go up and see the views from the top.

In that case, you really have to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance!!! And you have to choose which levels you’ll visit in advance when booking your ticket.

Good to know: Eiffel Tower has three levels that you can visit: Level 1, Level 2, and the Summit. Level 2 tickets include levels 1 and 2, and the Summit tickets include all levels. In addition, for the first part – up to level 2, you can choose between taking the elevator or the stairs. The summit can only be reached by a separate elevator from the second level.

While going all the way to the summit is a very unique experience, the city views are probably somewhat better from the second level. From the top, you can see much further, of course; it’s just a different perspective really.

Also, it takes much more time to visit the top since the queues for the elevator can be really long. Realistically, you need about 1.5 hours for levels 1 and 2, and 2.5 hours if you visit the summit.

So with just a day in Paris and limited time, visiting level 2 is probably a better option. But if standing at the summit of the Eiffel Tower is high on your bucket list, then definitely go for it! In that case, you’ll probably need to skip something else from this itinerary.

Good to know: You can book Eiffel Tower tickets on their website and also on sites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets . Depending on how long in advance you book, often, Summit tickets on the official site might not be available anymore, but you can still find them on these other sites, sometimes in combination with e.g. a Seine Cruise or other popular attractions. Tickets for the second level are easier to get, but also there, if you want to be able to choose the best time slot, try to book asap!

TIP: Alternatively, you could also opt for this Eiffel Summit + Seine Cruise ticket combo . Keep in mind that you’ll need to foresee extra time if you go to the summit.

Seine River Cruise

6 – 7 pm.

Next, take a scenic cruise on the Seine River . It’s a great way to see more of Paris and at the same time rest your legs a bit after all the walking and sightseeing. A river cruise is something that should be on any Paris bucket list, so don’t miss it!

There are many cruise options departing from various locations. For this itinerary, exactly as described here, you could take this sightseeing cruise . It starts near the Eiffel Tower and has regular departures throughout the day. The ticket is valid for any boat on the selected day (more info via the booking link above). Or, as said earlier, simply get this popular Eiffel Tower + Seine Cruise combination ticket .

TIP: If you feel like this itinerary is already full enough as it is and would like to call it a day after this, opt for a Seine Cruise with dinner !

If you are determined to make the most out of your day in Paris, next, make your way to Arc de Triomphe. You can walk there from the Eiffel Tower, take a metro, or get a taxi/Uber. If you walk, you can enjoy nice views of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Gardens on the other side of the river. If you are visiting in winter when it gets dark early, you might be lucky to catch a sunset and/or see how the Eiffel Tower sparkles in the dark. 

Good to know:  Eiffel Tower lits up a few minutes after sunset. In addition, the tower ‘sparkles’ for 5 minutes on the hour every hour, between dusk and 11 pm.

Arc de Triomphe

8 – 9 pm.

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is one of the most iconic landmarks of Paris and needs no introduction. You probably have seen it in countless movies, usually in a scene involving cars trying to navigate the 12-fork roundabout around the Arch.

Also here, you have two options. You can simply admire the Arch from the outside or you can go all the way to the rooftop to enjoy some amazing views of Paris. Inside, you will also find a small museum. And on the outside, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The 360° views from the top of the Arch are amazing. It’s one of the most impressive viewpoints in Paris ! Just below, you can see the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The view of the Eiffel Tower is great too and in the distance, you can see the modern La Défense district, Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Basilica, and many other landmarks of Paris.

Good to know: Arc de Triomphe is extremely popular at sunset. The views can be magical indeed, but it’s also crazy busy… Depending on the season when you visit, it’s possible that you will be here around sunset, but with just a day in Paris, I wouldn’t time your visit just for that. You’ll have difficulties squeezing in all the top sights in a day already, so just come here when it suits your itinerary the best.

The views are really nice in the dark as well, and the Arch stays open until late (usually around 10.30 pm).

TIP: If you want to go up, we also highly recommend booking your tickets in advance . At the moment, they are not timed (so are valid at any time during the day of your choice), but purchasing them online saves you a long queue at the ticket desk. You’ll still have to queue at the security check, but that can’t be avoided anywhere.

Champs-Élysées & Dinner

9 – 10.30 pm.

End your day in Paris at the city’s most famous boulevard – Avenue des Champs-Élysées .

This street is a few miles long, but the nicest and the liveliest part is right at the Triumph Arch. Here you will find many famous fashion designer stores and this area also has tons of restaurants.

If you are visiting on a weekend or want to dine at a specific place at a specific time, be sure to reserve in advance. Otherwise, it should be possible to find something on the go. 

TIP: Restaurants on Champs-Élysées are very expensive and price/quality-wise not always the best. But in the side streets, you can often find much better value for your money. Despite the touristy location, we had a really good dinner at La Flamme, just 5 minutes walk from the Triumph Arch. I indicated it on our map below.

Alternatively, if you are heading to Moulin-Rouge, you can find some very good restaurants in that area (more local and much cheaper too).

Moulin Rouge (optional)

If you want to experience the very best of Paris in a day and think that you’ll still have some energy left, we highly recommend seeing a cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge.

It’s a very professional show with fantastic artists, dazzling acts, colorful costumes, and great music. Furthermore, a traditional Parisian cabaret is something that you can only experience in Paris! It’s an experience you won’t quickly forget!

Good to know: You’ll need to take a taxi/Uber to get here. There are two shows here every evening – at around 9 pm and at 11 pm. The Moulin Rouge show tickets usually sell out at least a few weeks in advance, so you really have to book them asap ( see here for the availability and to book ).

They also have a dinner + show combo , but dinner starts at 7 pm already and these tickets usually sell out at least a month in advance.

TIP: If Moulin Rouge tickets are sold out, check if there is availability at other cabarets in Paris . While the Moulin Rouge is the most iconic and best known, many others – like Paradis Latin or Crazy Horse are just as good.

Where to Stay

Even if you only have just one day in Paris that probably means that you’ll spend at least 1 or 2 nights in the city. 

Since you will be sightseeing all day, the location of your accommodation doesn’t matter that much. Ideally, it’s close to a metro station so that you can easily get to wherever you start/end your sightseeing itinerary.

For this itinerary (if you visit everything), you could stay close to Montmartre/Moulin Rouge. That way, you are close to your hotel in the morning and in the evening too. And if you decide to go to Moulin Rouge in the evening, you could even quickly change clothes before the show.

Here are some highly-rated hotels in this part of Paris:

• €€€€€ Manolita Paris .
• €€€ Hôtel des Arts Montmartre (great value).
• €€ Hotel Darcet .

So, this is our recommended itinerary that brings you to all the must-see places in Paris in a day.

I hope that this gives you a better idea of what to expect, what to see, and how it could all fit together.

As you can see, it’s packed, so you may want to adjust it a bit to suit your interests, time, and budget.

Once again, you really have to book timed entry slots for all the main attractions . It’s not just a matter of wasting time at the ticket desk anymore. Without advance reservations, you can’t even expect to visit most places at all, especially in the high season.

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Know Before You Go: Paris Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

More travel inspiration for Paris:

• Traditional French Food
• Best Museums in Paris
• Best Views in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum
• Best Things to Do in Montmartre
• Paris Itinerary for 4 Days
• Paris in October

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
• 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
• 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in London (UK)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
• 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
• 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Seville (Spain)
• 1 Day in Toledo (Spain)
• 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
• Read also our top tips for traveling to Europe (includes itinerary suggestions and so much more).

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Aimee Morland

Sunday 4th of February 2024

We will have 2 full days in Paris. I love your one day tour. My husband is interested in visiting Versailles but I know it is a whole hour away. Do you think it make sense to do your one day itinerary in Paris and then the other day to go to Versailles? Or should we skip Versailles and spread your one day itinerary into two days?

Thank you!!

Monday 5th of February 2024

@Jurga, Thank you! That is helpful. We will do Versailles on the second day. I just booked a combined Eiffel Tower and Siene River cruise from a link from your page. It says "get your guide" and "Full Suitcase" at the top. I want to make sure this is a legit website as it was more money and it doesnt give you a ticket but just a meeting place to pick up your ticket. My second question is in regards to the river cruise. I would like to book the time but I don't see how to do that. It just says use anytime after the Eiffel Tower visit. But will all the cruises be booked for the rest of the day? We only will be there for one day. Thank you for your help!

Hi Aimee, the Palace of Versailles is well worth a visit, but you can easily visit the Palace and see some of the gardens in about half a day. So you could 'spread' this itinerary over 1.5 days and then visit Versailles in the afternoon of day 2. You can also take a look at the first two days of our suggested 4-day Paris itinerary and see if it looks more doable for you. It's more relaxed on day 1 and includes Versailles on the second day. There are literally countless ways to plan any trip to Paris, so pick the places that interest you the most, see what makes sense location and timing-wise, and you can easily adjust this to plan your own dream trip. Hope this helps.

Thursday 10th of August 2023

i am going to Paris with my 3 kids. I think the most important tip is to plan the entry tickets well in advance. If you want to go to the TOP of the eiffel tower without spending an arm and a leg on fees for tourist agencies or without queuing the day itself, you should buy tickets EXACTLY 2 months before your visit and EXACTLY at midnight 12 pm. Five minutes later, the top-tickets will be sold out.

Friday 11th of August 2023

Yes, it is very important to plan ahead nowadays, Koen. I didn't know Eiffel Tower has gotten this crazy this summer. It was not nearly as difficult last fall, so it's likely just in the peak season and hopefully, it gets better again as the summer is over. But yes, if you travel in any major city in Europe and don't think to prebook all your tickets in advance, you won't be able to visit (m)any of the top sights... Btw, we have this and many other useful tips for visiting Paris in this article.

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

We just returned from Paris and followed this itinerary to the t. It was such a great day. Well thought out and we saw so much. We would have never been able to do all this without you! PS We bought the Paris City Card as you suggested and it was very easy. Moulin Rouge was sold out so we went to Crazy Horse 😊. Thanks, Tim & Tina

Wednesday 9th of August 2023

Thanks for sharing your experience, Tim. Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Paris!

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

What a brilliant itinerary. Thank You! We followed it to the t and had the best time in Paris. Sadly, Moulin Rouge was sold out but we booked a dinner cruise which was amazing.

Saturday 1st of July 2023

Glad to hear that, Frances, and appreciate your feedback. Happy travels!

Michael Cicchi

Monday 17th of April 2023

I will make sure to try Sur La pouce and La Flamme restaurants. Musée d'Orsey is on my must do for next Paris visit.👍

@Jurga, Hello again, I was thinking that I could help you make some sponsorship $$ if I followed some of your suggestions.🙂

Oh, Michael, there are SO MANY restaurants in Paris! These are just a few that we chose on this particular trip. :) And yes, d'Orsay Museum is absolutely worth a visit next time you are in Paris!

Best Day Trips from Paris

• See & Do
• Day Trips from Paris

13 Epic Day Trips from Paris

Just beyond Paris lies a whole other world for you to visit and explore:   thrillingly beautiful chateaus, castles, and cathedrals, the Normandy beaches where heroic D-Day invasions unfolded, fabulous vineyards where you can savor the best Champagne in the world, a medieval abbey almost surrounded by water, and for kids of all ages, Disneyland Paris.

Planning a Day Trip from Paris?

The most popular day trips from Paris fill up quickly, especially from April through October.  Book early to get the dates you want:

The most popular day trips from Paris:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Gardens  - Optional garden tour
• Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour  - Our favorite Giverny tour
• Day Trip from Paris to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch - Loads of fun!
• Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket  - Choose 1 or 2 parks; enter fast
• Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Full-Day Tour from Paris - Small group tour  

Thanks to convenient tours with transportation from Paris, you can easily make day trips from Paris to Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint-Michel, and all of these other magical places . 

You can even leave Paris in the morning and spend the day enjoying famous sights in London, sampling delicious wines and lunching at a château surrounded by vineyards near the city of Bordeaux in Southwestern France , or cruising down the picturesque canals of Bruges, Belgium - and still return to Paris in time for a late dinner.

Check out our suggestions for 13 best day trips from Paris and the best ways to explore them during a one day adventure.

Here's what you'll find in this article:

1.  Claude Monet's Garden & Pond at Giverny    2.  Versailles Palace & Gardens   3.  Normandy D-Day Beaches 4.  Disneyland Paris   5.  Mont Saint-Michel   6.  Loire Valley for Champagne Tasting   7.  Castles in the Loire Valley   8.  Chartres Cathedral   9.  Chateau de Vaux Le Vicomte   10.  Chateau de Fontainebleau     11.  Weekend Getaway to London   12.  Bruges, Belgium   13.  Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

Top photo: The King's Gate at Versailles, less than an hour outside of Paris, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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1.  Day Trip to Giverny: Monet's Home, Garden, & Water Lily Ponds

Impressionist artist Claude Monet spent the last half of his life in Giverny, a tiny village in Normandy about 45 miles (about 1 hour and 15-30 minutes) outside of Paris.  Using his favorite Japanese wood block prints as inspiration, he created lush flower gardens and a pond filled with floating water lilies, where reflections of light inspired his famous Water Lilies paintings.

Visiting Giverny  is a quick and easy day trip from Paris, and if you're a Monet fan, it's an experience you should put at the top of your bucket list.  Thanks to a meticulous restoration after Monet's death, you will see his house, gardens, and water lily pond much as they were when he lived here and painted some of his finest masterpieces.

You'll stroll among the masses of flowers in the breathtaking gardens, explore the charming pink stucco house filled with mostly-original furnishings where Monet lived with his second wife and their six children, and perhaps best of all, immerse yourself in the tranquil Japanese-style water garden where the lilies fill the air with fragrance during July and August while other plants bloom from late March through early November.

Here are two of the best side trips from Paris:

• Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour - For this small-group tour, you'll travel to Giverny in an air-conditioned minivan with a guide who will speed you through a fast-entry tours-only gate for tours.  You'll explore Monet's beautiful house, gardens, and lily pond, and will also visit the peaceful graveyard where he is buried.  Book your ticket
• Giverny & Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip - This combo full-day tour gives you the perfect way to combine a visit to Giverny with a trip to the Palace of Versailles, where you'll visit the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and the spectacular gardens.  Book your ticket

Find out more about day trips to Giverny

Best ways to get to Giverny from Paris

2.  Versailles Palace & Gardens

The Palace of Versailles' over-the-top opulence and famous former occupants including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette attracts around 10 million visitors a year, and for good reason. 

With its dazzling c rystal chandeliers, priceless art and antiques, and masses of gleaming gold, mirrors, tapestries, and gilded ornaments everywhere you look, Versailles Palace packs a visual punch - and that's before you explore the vast 2,000 acre grounds  filled with flower gardens, trees, statues, fountains, a mile-long Grand Canal, a couple of smaller palaces called the Grand and Petit Trianon, a lake, and Marie Antoinette's rustic Queen's Hamlet, a small village of thatched roof cottages. 

There's no other place in the world that's quite as magnificent or fascinating - or that symbolizes extravagance, royal power, and decadence in quite the same way.  You can easily spend an entire day here, and still wish you had longer.

Even better:   Spend a night or two at one of the luxury resorts or cute apartments close to the Palace (or a budget-friendly 2- or 3-star hotel), and explore the Palace, gardens, and other attractions at the estate at your leisure.  Did you know there's a new hotel inside the Palace?

• Top things to see & do Inside the Palace of Versailles and Its Gardens
• Best guided walking and bike tours of Versailles from Paris
• How to get to Versailles from Paris: 6 options
• Where to stay near Versailles Palace

Located 14 miles (23 km) and about 30-45 minutes travel time from the center of Paris, Versailles is quick and easy to reach by the RER C train plus a 10 minute walk to the palace - but there's a catch.   Remember those 10 million visitors per year?  During high season - April 1st through October 31st - you'll swear they're all there on the same day as you.

Forget all the tips you may have heard about how to beat the crowds during the high season.  No matter how early you arrive in the morning and no matter which day of the week you visit, you'll almost always face a 2-hour or longer wait in line even when you have a so-called "skip-the-line" ticket. 

Why?  While those tickets let you avoid the ticket line, you still have to go through the very, very long security line.   At other Paris attractions, skip-the-line tickets shorten your wait to almost nothing - but not here, due to the massive crowds.

Fortunately, there's an easy solution right at your fingertips:  book a guided tour.   Groups accompanied by a tour guide get to use a special "guided tours only" entrance where the security line moves much faster. 

A wide variety of guided Versailles tours are available, so you can choose the combination of transportation (or not) from Paris, tour length, and other experiences you prefer.  All include your admission ticket to the Palace and Garden and, of course, entrance to Versailles through the group tour gate.  Here are 3 popular choices:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Half-Day Tour & Hotel Transfer  - Experience the lavish palace and gardens enjoyed by French kings and queens, including Marie Antoinette as an expert guide shows you the famous Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, King's Bedroom, and more.  Find out more
• Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen Farm Entrance - For a different type of experience, this 8-hour bike tour  includes train tickets to/from Paris, a visit to the local farmer's market for picnic provisions, bike rental and helmet, and a guided bike tour of the palace grounds, including the Petit and Grand Trianon plus Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet.  Your guide will take you through the guided tour entrance to the palace, where you'll get an audio guide so that you can the Hall of Mirrors and other rooms on your own.   Find out more
• Versailles by Train Escorted Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Tickets - A guide meets you at a designated spot in Paris, escorts you on the RER train to Versailles, and takes you through the guided tour direct entrance to avoid the lines.   After lunch (on your own, or add on a gourmet 3-course lunch with wine when you book), you'll visit the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's personal domain and her quaint country "village."  After your tour, you'll take the direct train back to Paris.

More Highly-Rated Versailles Tour Choices

3.  normandy d-day beaches.

No matter how many times you may have seen photographs, videos, or movies of the Normandy beaches where American, Canadian, British, and other nations' troops landed during D-Day for a courageous and successful military operation leading to the end of World War II in Europe, there is nothing quite as moving or as fascinating as seeing this part of Northern France in person.

The easiest and most convenient way to see the D-Day beaches from Paris is to join a 1-day tour.  Not only does a comfortable coach provide your transportation to and from Normandy, but it also makes getting from one site to another easy, and you don't have to deal with parking. 

The tours last 12-14 hours and typically include visits to a couple of the landing beaches where you can also see the remains of Nazi bunkers, Pointe du Hoc where US Rangers scaled the 100-foot high cliffs as they dodged German fire, the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, and a museum dedicated to World War II history and the D-Day landings. 

These two popular 1-day tours are similar, but their itineraries and lunch options may differ.  Both are excellent - so check them both out and choose the one you like best:

• Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Full-Day Tour from Paris - Small group tour
• Normandy D-Day Beaches: Day Trip from Paris

Can You Get to the Normandy D-Day Beaches by Train from Paris?

No, but you can get close.  Although you can take a train to Normandy from Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris, none of the trains go directly to the landing beaches. 

Your best option is to take the train to Caen or Bayeux, and then rent a car to travel along the 50-mile swath of the Normandy coast where the five D-Day landing beaches, museums, cemeteries, bunkers, and other important sights are located. 

To do this trip on your own as quickly as possible, plan on two days.  For a more leisurely pace and/or in-depth exploration, plan on three days - or even more if you decide to visit Mont Saint-Michel while you're on the Normandy coast.

4.  One Day (or More) in Disneyland Paris

With the Magic Kingdom, a fantasy castle, and of course Mickey and all the other lovable Disney characters, parades, and evening fireworks, a day at Disneyland Paris offers loads of fun for kids of all ages. 

The park offers you two exciting experiences:  Disneyland Park with Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain Mission 2, and lots of other kid-friendly rides and adventures, and Walt Disney Studios Park with stunt demonstrations and other behind-the-scenes shows.  Whether you choose one or both, you'll enjoy a day packed with entertainment and adventure. 

Disneyland Paris is fast and easy to get to from the city: just hop on the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée (tickets cost around $10 each way), get off 45 minutes later at the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, and walk 2 minutes to reach the Disney entrance.  Don't worry about finding it - you can see it from the station but even easier, just follow the crowd.

Disneyland Paris tends to be somewhat more relaxed and low-key than the parks in the US and other countries (and tickets are usually slightly less expensive ). 

Even so, you should expect big crowds on weekends, during summer months, during French and European school vacations in the spring and fall (basically, late March-May and October-November), and of course at holidays when Disney puts on spectacular celebrations.  

To save time at the entrance by skipping the ticket line , buy your Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket  before you come.

If one day isn't long enough, get a Disneyland Paris Multi-Day Entrance Ticket and stay over at one of the Disney resorts or other hotels nearby. 

Find the best places to stay at Disneyland Paris and make your reservations

5.  Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel

Rising from a tiny island just off the Atlantic Coast between Normandy and Brittany, Mont Saint Michel Abbey is an unforgettable sight.  Inspired by a bishop's vision of the Archangel Michael, worship began here in 708 and the abbey's construction started in 966.  The magnificent abbey has been the destination of pilgrimages since medieval times. 

Comfortable transportation  from Paris makes it possible to visit Mont Saint Michel in just one day, while seeing the beautiful French countryside along the way. 

Here are two of the most popular day trip choices:

• Small Group Mont Saint Michel Tour & Cider Tasting - Explore the famous abby and fortified island town mostly at your own pace, and make a special stop to enjoy some famous Normandy Cider Pommeau and Calvados
• Full-Day Mont Saint-Michel Guided Tour - Choose this tour if you prefer a fully-guided experience, including lunch, during your time at Mont Saint Michel

6.  Champagne Tasting in the Loire Valley

A day trip to France's beautiful Champagne region, located less than 100 miles east of Paris, gives you a memorable opportunity to sample the country's most famous beverage at champagne houses such as Mumm, Taittinger, Nicolas Feuillatte, Veuve Clicquot, and Moët & Chandon, and visit the renowned vineyards where the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes used to make champagne grow.

Although you can travel by train from Paris's Gare de l'Est to Reims or Epernay, the major city and town along the Champagne route, you'll need a car (and a designated driver) or other transportation to get to the vineyards as well as to producers in smaller villages.  A much easier and more efficient option is to go on a day trip to Campagne country from Paris. 

Here are several of our favorites:

• Day Trip from Paris to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch - With visits to 2 or more champagne houses (including a world-famous choice and 1-2 small traditional champagne houses), champagne and food pairings during lunch (included with your tour), and a masterclass in a vineyard, this small-group tour gives you the opportunity to taste 8 different champagnes during the day.  You can also privatize this tour for your group of 1-8 people.
• Small Group Tour from Paris to Champagne with 3-Course Lunch - You'll be picked up from your Paris hotel for a full-day excursion to 3 Champagne houses including Moët & Chandon, where you'll have a guided tour and sip some fine vintage Champagne.  You'll also visit a small local winery for more tastings, savor a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant, stop by a local producer who works with 80+ farmers to create special sparkling wines, and sample sample 4 more glasses of Champagne before your return back to Paris, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.  Limited to 7 participants.
• Champagne Region Bike Tour & Tastings - After traveling by train from Paris to Reims (as quick as 39 minutes on the high-speed TGV train from Gare de l'Est), your guide will meet you and provide you with an electric bike  to use during the tour through the Champagne region countryside past historic vineyards and picturesque villages.   You'll visit Champagne houses and their cellars, learn how the beverage is made, and enjoy tastings as well as a traditional lunch.

7.  A Day (or Weekend) Trip to London

Hop on the high-speed Eurostar train to London at Paris's Gare du Nord train station and in just over two hours, you'll be in a different country - ready to begin your day of adventure exploring one of the world's great cities. 

A fun and easy way to see London is on top of a double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off bus.   The narrated tour route includes all of London's iconic sights:  Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.  Your ticket also includes a Thames River cruise and a free walking tour.  Hop off to explore on foot, shop, or enjoy some tasty pub grub whenever you please, and then hop back on. 

Save time by getting your tickets in advance for specialty tours or experiences such as a Harry Potter guided walking tour or thrilling ride on the London Eye . 

Read our review of the Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking tour

If you want to visit lots of places in one day, consider a 1-day London Pass, which lets you choose from 80+ attractions.

You can book your Eurostar tickets online before you go.  Prices vary based on how close to your travel dates you book your seats (book up to 3 months ahead for the cheapest seats) and whether you choose Standard, First Class, or Business seats.  In case you're wondering: Standard seats are quite comfortable, but First Class and Business seats give you more amenities if you're planning to work on your laptop during the 2+ hour trip.  Booking information:   Eurostar website

8.  Fabulous Loire Valley Castles

Over 300 castles built between the 10th and 15th centuries dot the beautiful Loire River Valley south of Paris and stretching west all the way to the Bay of Biscay.  

Some of the grandest and most beautiful of these historic châteaux from the Renaissance period have been authentically restored inside and out, and are open to the public to tours. 

If you have only one day to spend seeing chateaus in the Loire Valley, choose a day tour from Paris to make the most of your time. 

You'll see the beautiful scenery and small villages of the Loire Valley, explore 2-3 of the most famous castles, and learn a lot about the region's history and nobility who lived here.  Depending on which tour you choose, you may also get to combine this with good food and wine.

Our favorite is the small group (25 or fewer) Fairytale Loire Castles, Wine Tasting, and Lunch tour - a fantastic day packed with wonderful experiences, including tours of two very different but spectacular castles,  Château de Chambord (fans of Disney's Beauty and the Beast will instantly recognize it!) and the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, built partly over the River Cher and filled with original furnishings and art. 

You also get to see visit a smaller family-owned castle, Château de Nitray, where you'll be served a tasty lunch featuring local products and wine from the castle's own vineyard/winery.  The tour of Chenonceau is in the afternoon, where you'll be offered another wine tasting (alternately, you can spend time exploring the castle's gardens) - a nice end to a perfect day.

9.  Chartres Cathedral - Medieval Perfection

Twelfth century Chartres Cathedral, a soaring French Gothic masterpiece with incredible stained glass, lies just over an hour by train outside of Paris in the Loire Valley - an easy and rewarding day trip from Paris.

Catch the train to the medieval town of Chartres at Montparnasse Station in Paris.  Buy your tickets in the station for around 25€ each way.  Trains run about every hour the weekends, and even more frequently during the week - you can check the schedule on the SNCF website.  

When you arrive in Chartres, you'll spot the spires of the Cathedral slightly to the left as you exit the train station - a 3-5 minute walk.

As you walk around the outside of the cathedral, look up to see flying buttresses and pointed arches, and massive expanses of intricate stone carvings - about 4,000 in all.

The only newish elements are the metal roof, put in place in 1837 after a massive fire - similar to the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris - destroyed the original roof, and an early 16th century Flamboyant-style spire that contrasts with the plainer original spire.

Inside, be sure to notice the Gothic rib-and-panel vault, numerous statues, and of course, the stunningly beautiful mostly-original 12th and 13th century stained glass including three exquisite and enormous rose windows.  You can also (usually) visit an 11th century crypt.

After you explore the cathedral, walk around the nearby narrow Medieval-period streets with half-timbered buildings.  You'll find boutiques and many appealing bistros and cafes.   

Next to the cathedral in the former bishops' palace is the Chartres Museum of Fine Arts (free admission).  The museum buildings date from the 15th, 17th, and 18th centuries, and contain interesting collections from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century.

If you prefer a guided tour , this VIP option that offers the luxury of a private driver and guide from Paris who will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Chartres for a customized experience based on your personal interests and preferences.  This 5-hour private tour can accommodate from 2 to 7 people.  After the tour, you'll be driven back to Paris and dropped off at your hotel.

Book the private VIP tour now

10.  Château de Vaux Le Vicomte

Built in the 1600s by a team including the top architect, top painter, and top landscape artist of the time, the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte located in the small village of Maincy just 35 miles outside of Paris inspired King Louis XIV to hire the same team to transform a rustic hunting lodge into his splendid Château de Versailles. 

Today, privately-owned Vaux le Vicomte rivals Versailles for its beautiful and harmonious design, fabulous gardens and fountains, and lavishly decorated rooms - but without the crowds.   The castle has welcomed the public since 1968 and offers a variety of experiences including tours, a carriage museum, water and fountain shows on the 2nd and last Saturday afternoon of each month, and romantic candlelight evenings (and optional dinners) from May to October. 

At Christmas, Vaux le Vicomte's spectacular holiday decorations make the castle a popular winter designation from mid-November through early January.  The castle then closes for the remainder of January through late March.

Here are several easy ways to visit Vaux le Vicomte:

• Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte - Day Tour from Paris - If you'd like to also see Fontainebleau, this package gives you luxury coach transportation from Paris to both castles and also includes admission and audio guides to both places.  A great value, and much easier than trying to coordinate train schedules/shuttles/taxis, especially if you want to see both castles in a day. 
• Chateau de Fontainbleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte Small Group Tour from Paris - Prefer a more personalized experience when you visit these magnificent and historically significant castles?  This small group tour by air conditioned minibus combines information and insights from an expert guide with time to explore on your own with audio guides. 
• A Candlelit Evening at Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace with Dinner & Fireworks - You'll travel to the chateau from Paris by air-conditioned vehicle (pick up/drop off at your hotel included).  Then you'll be seated for a tasty 3-course candlelit dinner at Les Charmilles restaurant overlooking the illuminated chateau and gardens.  After dinner, explore the château on your own, visit the carriage museum where you'll see everything from a Roman carriage to 20th century saloons, and stroll around the beautiful gardens illuminated by 2,000 candles.  A fireworks show ends this special evening.  Available May - October, with limited availability - so don't wait to book this unforgettable experience.   Make your reservations
• On your own by train:  From Gare de l'Est in Paris, take the direct train Line P (in the direction of Provins) to Verneuil l'Etang station (about 35 minutes; direct trains run every hour).  At the station, the "Chateaubus" shuttle meets each train, and will take you to the castle in the town of Maincy and then back to the station at the end of the day.  (Please double-check availability.)  You must buy your timed-entry admission tickets in advance online.   If you want to see the Christmas decorations between late November and early January, get your ticket in advance as they sell out sooner than you might expect.

11.  Château de Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau, another magnificent palace with medieval roots as a hunting lodge, overlooks spectacular gardens including the largest formal garden in Europe.  The castle itself has served as a residence for French rulers including 34 kings and two emperors from the 12th through the 19th century. 

Located just 42 miles from Paris, Fontainebleau is a popular day trip destination from Paris.

You can explore numerous meticulously maintained rooms filled with beautiful antiques, art, wall coverings, and artifacts. With elaborately painting ceilings, paneled walls, door-top decorations, frescoes, and hand-carved moldings, Fontainebleau rivals Versailles for beauty and artistry, although it doesn't have nearly as much gold or as many mirrors (or as many crowds).  Must-see rooms include Marie-Antoinette's boudoir, Napoleon's Throne Room, and the Pope's Apartment.

Fontainebleau, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site and museum, also contains four other museums: The Empress's Chinese Museum dedicated to East Asian treasures (some plundered by Napoleon, some given as gifts), the Napoleon 1 Museum, a Paintings Gallery, and a Furniture Gallery exhibiting collections of the castle's furniture from different time periods.  In addition, Fontainebleau includes three exquisite chapels.

To visit on your own, buy an inexpensive priority entrance ticket online, and then take a train from the Gare de Lyon station in Paris to the Fontainebleau Avon station (three different train lines stop there - it's about 40 minutes from Paris).  Walk to the nearby bus station, take the Aérial 1 bus toward Les Lilas, get off at the Château stop, and walk two minutes to the castle. 

For greater convenience, choose one of these special combo tours with transportation from Paris:

• Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte - Day Tour from Paris - This excursion gives you luxury coach transportation from Paris to both castles as well as admission and audio guides to both places.  A great value, and much easier than trying to coordinate train schedules/shuttles/taxis, especially if you want to see both castles in a day.  Book Now
• Chateau de Fontainbleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte Small Group Tour from Paris - Prefer a more personalized experience when you visit these magnificent and historically significant castles?  This small group tour by air conditioned minibus combines information and insights from an expert guide with time to explore on your own with audio guides.  Book Now
• Chateau de Fontainbleau & Chateau de Versailles Private Tour - After picking you up at your hotel, your driver/guide will first take you to the Chateau de Fontainebleau for a private tour of the magnificent palace, where you'll also see Napoleon's Throne.  After lunch in the nearby village, you'll head to Versailles for a tour of the Hall of Mirrors and other famous rooms and a walk around the magnificent gardens before heading back to Paris.   Book Now

12.  A Day in Bruges, Belgium

Sometimes called "the Venice of the North," Bruges looks like it stepped out of a movie set in the Middle Ages with its medieval Flemish architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, winding tree-shaded canals, and photo-worthy bridges. 

Thanks to this comfortable coach tour from Paris, you can get there and back in one day  and still have plenty of time to explore the compact city.  A guide leads you on a walk through the city center and points out the famous cathedral, museums, and other important sites. 

After your guided tour, you're free to take a boat cruise along the picturesque canals (the ticket is included with your tour), photograph the famous Grote Markt (market square) lined with colorful neo-Gothic buildings, and admire the fabulous architecture of City Hall and other buildings in the Burg.

For lunch, savor a bucket of steamed mussels with fries and a mug of Belgium beer at a cafe, and then buy some Belgium chocolates or other souvenirs offered by the many small shops before heading back to Paris. 

Reserve your place on this tour

13.  Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

Imagine spending a day in Bordeaux on the Garonne River in southwestern France, visiting vineyards and sampling a variety of world-famous Bordeaux wines, sightseeing, and perhaps savoring a gourmet lunch in a château.  

Bordeaux is actually quite a distance from Paris, but thanks to high-speed SNCF trains covering almost 200 mph, you can get there in as little as 2 hours and 6 minutes.  Trains leave Paris from the conveniently-located Montparnasse station on the Left Bank, and arrive at the Bordeaux-Saint Jean station.  Getting your round-trip ticket is easy - book online on the official SNCF website.  

Tip:   Book as early as possible for the best selection of cheap tickets, and choose an early arrive to allow plenty of time to connect with your tour group.

To make the most of your time (translation: savor lots of great wines!), join a guided day tour such as the small-group Saint-Emilion & Medoc Wine Day Tour with Lunch.  Your guide will meet you in central Bordeaux for a wine-tasting workshop, and then you'll go by minibus to two different grand chateaus in the Medoc region, where you'll sample at least 10 wines, see beautiful scenery, and enjoy a picnic lunch.  At the end of your tour, you'll return to Bordeaux by minibus, where you can take the train back to Paris.

For a shorter-duration adventure, consider a half-day small-group tour from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion .  In this shorter experience, you'll head out for a guided walking tour of the charming village with its winding lanes and Romanesque churches, and then go in a Mercedes minivan to visit a classified-growth chateau for a wine-tasting.

If you want more than just one day in this fascinating part of France, consider spending a night or two in Bordeaux.  Pro tip:   You'll find much cheaper hotel rates here than in Paris.

Our hotel recommendations for Bordeaux include: 

• Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa (144 Rue Abbé de l'Épée) - Gorgeous 5-star boutique hotel in a 19th century mansion with air conditioning plus spacious guestrooms and suites in central Bordeaux; amenities include a seasonal swimming pool and spa
• Mama Shelter Bordeaux (19 Rue Poquelin Molière) - Trendy 2-star hotel designed Philip Starck with super-comfortable beds near the cathedral in central Bordeaux; rooftop bar and restaurant
• Hilton Garden Center (17 Allee de Rio) - This 4-star hotel is close to the river and a short walk from the train station, but a bit outside of Bordeaux center

More Articles about Things to See & Do in Paris

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Day Trips from Paris

15 Best Day Trips from Paris

It is hard to say anything about Paris that hasn’t already been said before. It’s the city of love, the home of famous artworks and beautiful architecture, a gastronomic extravaganza. The people are stylish and fashionable, the cuisine unrivalled, and there’s a famous landmark around every corner.

Once you’ve exhausted the must-do spots – climbed the Eiffel Tower, fought the crowds around the Mona Lisa, wandered along the Seine – you might look to venture further afield, and explore beyond the capital proper.

Here are fifteen of the best nearby spots to visit on a day trip from Paris.

1. Versailles

Once a quiet village, Versailles grew popular in the 17th century, when Louis XVII built a hunting lodge there.

The palace of Versailles was the centre of the absolute monarchy during the Ancien Régime, and this exclusivity shows in the stunning architecture of the buildings and the lavish rooms within.

Explore the exquisite gardens and learn about the history of the era, from Marie Antoinette to the Sun King.

Wander past fountains and sculptures in the gardens, and pay a visit to the fantastic Hall of Mirrors for a bit of a laugh.

2. Disneyland

It would be remiss to leave out Disneyland on a list of Paris day trips, though of course it is technically in Paris.

Hop on a shuttle from the city and spend the day meeting Mickey and friends, making yourself sick on the myriad roller coasters.

Head behind the scenes or catch a show in the Walt Disney Studio Park, where the real magic happens.

This is a great option for the whole family, with child-friendly rides on offer as well as full-on thrill rides for the adults.

3. Giverny and Monet’s Gardens

The picturesque village of Giverny is not only charming in itself, it has also been the source of inspiration to many highly respected Impressionist painters in its time.

Stroll past Hotel Baudy, where Manet and Renoir worked, and wind up at the home and gardens of one of France’s most influential painters, Claude Monet.

Monet lived in Giverny from 1883 to 1926, and poured hours of effort into his exquisitely well-kept gardens and charming house.

Pack a picnic and eat your lunch looking out onto a replica of the iconic Japanese bridge, featured in Monet’s most well-known work.

When you’ve had your fill of gardens, you can head over to the fascinating American Museum of Art, or wander aimlessly through Giverny’s streets, exploring its café scene.

If you feel like exploring a bit further afield, the neighbouring country of Belgium is reachable in a long day trip from France’s capital.

A UNESCO world heritage site, Bruges has a charming historical centre, filled with fantastic architecture from as early as the 12th century.

The works of Flemish painters such as van Eyck and Bosch are another key attraction of the city, and they can be viewed at the popular Groeningemuseum.

It would be wrong to visit Belgium without sampling its iconic cuisine, so take the opportunity somewhere in the day to sample moules-frites (mussels and chips) for lunch, accompanied by locally brewed Belgian beers, and, of course, chocolate.

5. Mont Saint-Michel

A rocky island located about one kilometre off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is well worth the day out.

Another UNESCO world heritage site, Mont Saint-Michel is a great spot to discover historic buildings, including the island’s towering abbey and its ramparts.

The drive through French countryside to reach it is almost as worthwhile as the location itself: you’ll pass through quaint, traditional Norman villages, which are worth a stop too.

Excitement will quickly build on the immediate approach, as the island truly looks like something out of a fairy tale.

6. Loire Valley

The Loire Valley boasts numerous Renaissance masterpieces in the form of grandiose chateaux, and this day trip is sure to impress.

Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise are each arresting in their own right, and seen in sequence will leave you speechless.

Take in the spires and columns of the Chateau de Chambord, and climb its double-spiral staircase; learn about the fascinating history of the Chateau Chenonceau, run by women for much of its existence; and pay a visit to Francois I’s favourite home in Amboise.

In Amboise village, you may also want to seek out the resting place of Leonardo Da Vinci, if the rest wasn’t impressive enough.

7. Champagne Region

No trip to France would be complete without a visit to the home of its most famous export: Champagne.

Take the opportunity to brush up on your knowledge of this classy beverage, while visiting the locations where Moet, Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon are sourced.

Take lunch with a view over a vineyard, and sample a perfectly paired tipple while you eat – expect a lot of bubbles throughout the day! Wander through the bottle galleries, learning about the characteristics of each batch, and discover the art of opening a bottle to perfection.

You’ll return to Paris with your head spinning – and not just from the alcohol!

8. Normandy

For those who fancy themselves as a bit of a history nut, Normandy is the perfect place to explore.

The site of the infamous D Day landings, Normandy is also a picturesque place for a day out, albeit with a poignant history.

Arromanches’ artificial harbour, Colleville-sur-Mer’s American military century, Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc are all spots that should be visited for a full understanding of the events of the war.

The extensive Memorial de Caen explores the history behind D Day and the Second World War more broadly, with both memorial and a museum on offer.

This is the best place in Normandy to explore the events and consequences of D Day.

9. Chablis and North Burgundy

France is synonymous with good wine, and what better way to experience this than a trip to the wineries of Chablis and Burgundy, where some of the best stuff is made? Explore stunning chateaux and beautiful landscapes along the way, before ending the day by sampling some of the region’s best.

In your day out you will learn about the whole process of wine making, from picking the best grapes, to the fermenting process, to seeing how the produce is stored in barrels and cellars.

Find out how to properly sample wine, and visit a wine cellar built by monks – as if the rest of the day wasn’t fun enough.

10. Château de Fontainebleau

The Chateau de Fontainebleau offers more than 1500 rooms and 130 rooms for your exploring pleasure.

Continuously inhabited for over eight centuries, the Chateau was frequently used by visiting royalty – just think who might have walked the same floors you are.

On your visit, you will be able to find Marie Antoinette’s bed, the throne of Napoleon, French Renaissance and landscape gardens, and heaps more to keep you entertained.

It’s not hard to imagine what it would have been like to visit there centuries ago, among the well-preserved rooms and grounds.

Thanks to the Eurostar, visiting London in a day from Paris is not just possible, it’s actually very manageable.

You’ll have to set out early, but it’s worth it to explore London’s many famous landmarks from either side of the Thames: spot the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and more besides.

London’s best sights are very walkable, so spend the day wandering through political and historical points of significance, assisted by the help of the well-connected London Underground.

Then head to Spitalfields or Borough Market for a taste of lunch from around the world, or browse Brick Lane if you want some of the city’s best curry.

And before you know it, you’ll be heading back to Paris to sleep.

Suggested tour : Full-Day Trip from Paris to London

12. Medieval City of Provins

Provins is an exquisitely preserved medieval village, located in the Ile-de-France region.

Yet another UNESCO world heritage site, it offers visitors the chance to meander through ancient monuments – of which it has over 58 – as well as watching one of many medieval shows on offer, from falconry to horse shows.

Standing since the 11th century, Provins is a genuinely great day out for the whole family.

Suggested tour : Medieval City of Provins Full-Day Tour from Paris

With its half-timbered houses, antique dealers’ district, and stunning cathedral, the Norman city of Rouen is well worth a day trip.

On the way you’ll pass through the gorgeous countryside of the Seine valley, making the drive a delight in itself.

Rouen has been a source of inspiration for many famous French artists, including Pissarro and Monet, and as part of your trip the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see, as one of the best of its kind in the region.

Admire masterpieces of sculpture, glorious paintings and intricate drawings from some of the world’s best known artists, from Rubens to Renoir.

14. The Somme Battlefields

For a more sobering, if fascinating, day trip experience, head to the Somme to get a look at some of the sites of the great tragedy of the First World War.

Explore Poziere, Thiepval and Longueval to visit the graves of those who were lost to the conflict, see memorials to those who fought, and take a look at the still-present remnants of the battlefields themselves.

At the Newfoundland Memorial you can experience life in the trenches in some small way, by walking through the well-preserved trench systems left as a reminder of the war.

Finally, for a deeper education on the subject matter, take a look at the Historial in Peronne, which documents the origins and outcomes of the conflict.

15. Stables of Prince de Conde & Chantilly

For a more unusual historical visit, head to the famous stables of Prince de Conde, and take a fascinating tour of another side of France’s history: the Great Stables and Living Museum of the Horse.

See up close the country’s most famous racers, before getting stuck into a fascinating history lesson, ranging across culture, architecture, cuisine and more.

What better way to learn about the region’s noble family?

Finish off the visit with a delicious meal at the Chantilly Domain, sampling some delicious goat’s cheese. This tour can be booked online .

15 Best Day Trips from Paris:

• Giverny and Monet’s Gardens
• Mont Saint-Michel
• Loire Valley
• Champagne Region
• Chablis and North Burgundy
• Château de Fontainebleau
• Medieval City of Provins
• The Somme Battlefields
• Stables of Prince de Conde & Chantilly

27 EPIC Day Trips from Paris by Train 2024

Beautiful Paris – popular among all for its dazzling Eiffel Tower light shows and impressive Notre Dame Cathedral, but also well known for the popular day trips from Paris by train that you can take!

This list of 27 amazing Paris day trips by train will take you through some of the best sights in France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and even Luxembourg.

Paris is an incredible city with so many things to do, see, and explore! But, the best thing about the City of Lights is that it’s also a great jumping-off point for day trips, and the surrounding regions are full of so much beauty.

From the French Riviera to the medieval towns of Colmar and Bruges, and the sophisticated Lyon to the luxurious Geneva, we’ve included something for everyone! Not only will you find the best 8 easy day trips from Paris, but also day trips full of nature, beaches, and even great weekend trips from Paris.

At the bottom of this post, be sure to check out our other helpful Paris resources including one and four-day itineraries, everything you need to know about when to visit Paris, and the best things to do in Paris at night!

So, let’s jump into the best day trips Paris has to offer in 2024…

Happy Travels!

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Popular Day Trips from Paris by Train

If you’re short on time or prefer not to spend the majority of your vacation traveling between destinations, then these 8 easy day trips from Paris by train are just for you.

They’re easily accessible and don’t require a ton of planning or travel time, so let’s get to it!

1. Palace of Versailles, France

Located just under an hour west of the city center, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular places to visit near Paris by train.

It is a stunning French royal residence that was once the official court capital. It’s also said to have over 40 kilometers (25 miles) worth of rococo stone carvings, bronze sculptures, and other artwork in its extravagant chambers alone.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most opulent palaces in all history. It’s beautifully decorated with gold and silver furnishings and massive, intricately designed tapestries.

The ceilings are intricately designed, as well; they are actually one of the most commonly photographed areas of this King Louis XIV building.

The Palace of Versailles is a must-see for any visitor to France. This amazing château was the stagey home of French Kings during Louis XIV’s reign, and it remains one of this country’s most famous landmarks today despite being over three hundred years old!

With centuries of French history, pristinely manicured gardens covered in blossoming flowers, and some of the most famous pieces of artwork in the world, the Palace of Versailles makes for an incredible day trip from Paris by train!

2. Lyon, France

Lyon, France is well-known for its art and culture. The architecture present in the city has been shaped by its long history as an international crossroads. In fact, many famous impressionist artists called Lyon home at one point in their lives!

Reachable in only two hours by train from Paris, Lyon is one of the best cities close to Paris by train that you can visit.

Lyon, the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of France, has much to offer. This city is home not only to some world-class art museums but also boasts many indoor activities such as shopping in one of its famous markets or riding on an old-fashioned tram through narrow streets lined with baroque architecture.

There is no shortage of activities in this exciting city including a visit to the La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, exploring the 14 th -century Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, or enjoying a picnic on the greens of the Parc de la Tête d’Or.

With so much to do from a hip night scene to a historical Old Town, a day trip to Lyon can easily be done from Paris by train and is highly recommended.

3. Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France

The serene beauty of Mont Saint-Michel is without question one of the most photographed sites in Europe.

The small islands’ great architectural features draw travelers from all over the world to experience for themselves this captivating place that lies halfway between Norway and Britain on France’s coastline.

Reachable by following a long walkway over the gorgeous surrounding marshes, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the best and most popular day trips from Paris by train.

This impressive fortress grows to over 260 feet at its peak and boasts exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean and sweeping views of France’s coastline nearly one kilometer from its borders.

With its history spanning over 1000 years and additional pilgrimages making it rank among UNESCO World Heritage Sites; this building has witnessed many events from wars to great natural disasters such as storms and fires.

Its construction dates back to the early 700s and is widely known as one of the best things to do in France. If you plan on visiting the fortress, be sure to check the tides as this island is only reachable after the tide has gone out!

If this interests you, check out these 11 Top-Rated Normandy Tours from Paris: D-Day Beaches & Mont Saint-Michel and learn about the Best Time to Visit Normandy before your trip!

4. Colmar, France – easily one of the most charming day trips from Paris by train!

Located a mere 2.5 hours from the city center, Colmar is one of the prettiest day trips from Paris by train. It’s not hard to see why this area has been visited by tourists and French residents for centuries – with its cobblestone streets and old-world charm you can’t help but feel like time stopped here long ago.

Known for its many churches filled with stained glass windows and narrow, winding streets lined with cafes on each corner, endless old-fashioned architecture, traditional French clothing, authentic cuisine, vibrant streets, and wonderful people, Colmar is often included on most France itineraries.

The town is also home to what is known as “Little Venice”, an area where you can enjoy canal boat rides that mimic those of Venice, Italy, as well as several churches, museums, and castles!

But, even if you aren’t looking to spend your day learning about the history of the town or jumping between cathedrals, Colmar is home to some of the most quaint cafes in all of France.

Situated along the Ill River, you can spend plenty of time people watching on the colorful sidewalks of town with a fresh croissant and coffee. Time slows down in Colmar, so feel free to take it slow and just wander through the town.

Plus, everyone knows that the Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe!

5. Strasbourg, France

If you plan on visiting Colmar, then we highly suggest setting aside two days on your trip and including Strasbourg in the itinerary, as well.

It’s located just a 30 minute train ride north of Colmar from Paris Gare de Lyon (the main train station in Paris – you could also depart from Gare Saint Lazare or Gare de l’Est train stations) and boasts similar, yet unique, architecture perched over the same Ill River.

Strasbourg, France has a population of over 200 thousand people. The city is well known for its French architecture and the Cite Les Fine Arts Museum which features more than two hundred Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet among other great artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas.

Museums aside, there’s also plenty to do if you’re looking into visiting Strasbourg: go shopping at Place de la Republique; take in some live music at one of the many local bars, or enjoy an amazing meal with friends or family at one of the dozens of authentic French restaurants in town!

No matter what you decide to do in Strasbourg, whether it be sightseeing, people-watching, or museum hopping, you’re bound to have a wonderful time on this exceptional day trip from Paris by train!

6. Antwerp, Belgium

Easily reachable in just a little over 2 hours, Antwerp is one of the most beautiful day trips from Paris by train. Antwerp is a bustling, multi-cultural metropolis with an Old World feel.

It’s one of Europe’s most important ports and it sits at the heart of Belgium, making it one of the most popular places to visit in the country!

The city of Antwerp contains one of the largest concentrations of museums in the country and boasts incredible architecture that makes you feel as if you’ve entered a world frozen in time in the medieval ages.

The most famous area of town, Grote Markt (shown above), makes up the center of the Old City and is simply full of cozy, outdoor cafes and restaurants.

Antwerp lies on the Scheldt River which creates incredible scenery any time of the year. In the summers, the sidewalks are decorated with beautiful lights on strings and live music fills the air. In the winter, Antwerp hosts a wonderful ice skating rink and holiday markets famous across Europe!

No matter when you decide to visit Antwerp, be sure to stop in and see the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp. It dates back to the 14 th -century and is an absolutely beautiful addition to your Antwerp itinerary.

7. Dijon, France

Just over 1.5 hours from the city center, Dijon is home to so much more than just its mustard and makes for a wonderful day trip from Paris by train. Dijon, France is a hidden gem!

Visitors will find themselves immersed in French culture and cuisine as they explore the city’s Old Town District or attend one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year such as Fête de la Gastronomie Française.

Visitors can enjoy a plethora of museums and historical churches, as well as a grand indoor market hall full of local crafts and goodies!

Don’t worry, if you are interested in learning all about the mustard of the area and how it got its name, there are dozens of skip-the-line guided tours you can take! And yes, they’re actually pretty cool and provide lots of free samples.

If you’re interested in Burgundy Tours with wine and food tastings, check out some of these Top-Rated Viator Tours ! They offer everything from private to group bookings, transportation to several different wineries including tastings, and the opportunity to learn about Dijon’s infamous mustard and even try some samples.

8. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium is a beautiful city and historic, thriving capital. Surprisingly enough, it’s situated only 1.5 hours from the city center and is one of the most popular places near Paris to visit by train!

Just don’t forget your passport if you are a French citizen and don’t normally carry it with you.

As we all know, Belgium is a country known for its rich culture and delicious food. One example of this is the many types of chocolate available in stores or on streets around Brussels, which has been called “the world capital for chocolates.”

You can enjoy endless chocolate shops as well as traditional Belgian waffles (just make sure you leave the city center to avoid being overcharged for poor-rate waffles!) pretty much everywhere you go.

Additionally, the city is covered in striking medieval architecture from the Grand Place to the Royal Palace of Brussels, as well as the old-time homes boasting gothic charm. From museums to churches and chocolate shops, Brussels will provide you with an entirely different world to that of Paris.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway that will not only allow you to see another country but also put you in an entirely different environment, be sure to make a day trip from Paris to Brussels!

✔️ Pro Tip : If you’re looking for great food and drink tours, walking tours, or even the opportunity to see multiple Belgian cities in one day, take a peek at some of these top-rated Brussels Tours !

Nature Day Trips from Paris by Train

If you’re seeking an escape from city life, then these day trips from Paris by train are sure to please you!

With everything from ski resorts, to jagged cliffs, and beautiful harbors, these are some of the best outdoor locations in France.

9. Chamonix, France – one of the most overlooked day trips from Paris by train!

Home to the highest mountains in the Alps and some of the most famous ski resorts in Europe, Chamonix is an adventure lover’s paradise! The town is nestled between two sets of mountain ranges providing a cozy atmosphere all year round.

If you love winter sports, the ski lifts are enough to captivate any visitor with their beauty owing to their stunning position high above Le Brevent or the Aiguille du Midi!

Chamonix is actually one of my absolute favorite places in the world and is easily one of my favorite day trips from Paris by train. The journey is a long one, however, with the ride lasting upwards of 12 hours, so you’ll want to be prepared to pay for a TGV train and possibly upgrade yourself to a comfortable room so you can sleep.

Just be sure to look into where to stay in Chamonix well before your trip since rooms book up far in advance!

Although, if you are able to shift your schedule slightly, I suggest at least 48 hours in Chamonix… though you could spend a week here and still not be ready to leave.

A beautiful destination no matter when you decide to visit, travelers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, paragliding, the Montenvers train, and more!

There truly is no end to the adventures you can have here, but even if you only have one extra day outside Paris, I suggest spending it in Chamonix.

If I already sold you on Chamonix or maybe you just need a little more convincing, take a peek at our Full Chamonix Guide: 23 of the Best Things To Do in Chamonix in the Summer and Winter !

10. Ghent, Belgium

Similar to Bruges, Ghent is a wonderful medieval port city that sits on the banks of the Scheldt River in East Flanders. Famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, gothic-style architecture, and bicycles, Ghent is one of the most popular day trips from Paris by train.

In Ghent, travelers can find everything from authentic eateries to impressive cathedrals and even a 10 th -century castle with a moat!

The Gravensteen Castle has been restored many times in previous centuries and has served numerous purposes like housing the Counts of Flanders and being used as a courthouse and prison.

Today, the Castle stands as a remarkable museum and is one of the most unique attractions in Belgium!

Visitors can also enjoy the hip nightlife and charming cafes and restaurants that line the two quays of Graslei and Korenlei. They were formerly part of the port but now serve as a fantastic cultural spot for tourists to enjoy.

The city is also full of museums including the Museum Dhondt Dhaenens, the Ghent City Museum, and the Museum Voor Schone Kunsten, and is home to stunning scenery around every corner.

If you plan on tacking on a trip to Bruges while you’re in Paris, remember that it can be easily combined with a trip to Brussels. Plus, with a train journey as short as 2.5 hours, there’s no reason to skip this beautiful town.

11. Étretat, France

The rolling green hills of Étretat, France is a picturesque landscape that has been attracting artists and writers since World War II.

The scenic town is best known for its dramatic cliffs that form the sweeping coastline as well as the beautiful, white sand beaches that fall beneath them.

Visitors to this small town can enjoy gardens and museums inspired by the famous Claude Monet, as well as stunning panoramic walks along this piece of France’s jagged coast.

The Porte d’Aval, shown above, is one of the most iconic landmarks in France and is absolutely stunning to witness.

If a peaceful retreat to a quiet village with beautiful scenery is your ultimate escape from city life, then Étretat should be high on your list.

While visiting the town is possible to do in a day trip from Paris by train with a trip lasting under 4 hours, it is most often combined with the beaches of Normandy due to their close proximity within the region.

12. La Rochelle, France

La Rochelle is a wonderful, small city in the southwest of France. It’s known for its beautiful medieval harbor and picturesque bay, which is lined with colorful houses from centuries past. When you’re looking to get out of the chaotic streets of the cities of France, head to La Rochelle!

Visitors can enjoy swimming, beautiful beaches, boat rides, fishing, outdoor markets, and even explore the 15 th -century fortress of The Chain Tower of La Rochelle.

History buffs can also enjoy exploring the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Natural History, a WWII bunker museum, the Musée du Nouveau Monde, the Museum of Automata, and more!

Traveling with kids? La Rochelle also has an aquarium perfect for family day trips. Want panoramic views overlooking the city? Be sure to head up the Saint Nicolas Tower of La Rochelle and take some pictures of the striking castle towers and beautiful harbor!

Day Trips from Paris by Train in Winter

If you’re looking for a beautiful winter escape in 2024 on your trip to Paris, these destinations surely won’t disappoint.

They’re not necessarily going to satisfy your craving for a day trip to the beach , but they will certainly get your festive vibe going!

13. Honfleur, France

The serene village of Honfleur in France is a perfect place for a relaxing escape. The cobblestone streets, elegant architecture, and scenic views will take you back centuries when this was nothing more than just another fishing village on the waterway between Rouen to Caen!

Situated about 5 hours from Paris and a mere 45 minutes south of Étretat, Honfleur is one of the most popular day trips from Paris by train. Now, you may not be able to lounge about for hours on the favored Plage du Butin owing to the brisk winter weather that the west coast of France often receives, but it is absolutely beautiful nevertheless

Dress warmly in layers for a stroll through the old town and be sure to pick up a mug of mulled wine at one of the many chalets lining the streets!

Honfleur is home to one of Normandy’s most beautiful Christmas markets in Vieux Bassin, so be sure to stop in for some unique festivities if you’re planning to visit.

14. Marseille, France – one of the best beach day trips from Paris by train

A picturesque Mediterranean city located on the southern coast of France, Marseille is a hub for leisure and business.

If it were up to us, we would avoid visiting in summer when there are hot temperatures and beaches swarmed with tourists, and save our timing for the winter months! The weather becomes mild and beautiful and many of the tourists have left the beaches.

The French Riviera’s largest metropolis, located on the south coast of France, is home to stunning architecture from centuries past as well as endless white-sand beaches.

While most travelers come to Marseille for the beaches, there is also plenty of other things to do in the area come winter. The town boasts its lovely For Saint-Jean which is perfect for getting great views of the city, and shopping is at an all-time high at the popular Les Docks.

You can also enjoy an espresso at one of the dozens of outdoor street cafes (just be sure to bring a light jacket), stroll through the Old Port, climb the steeple of the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and even make your way through the spectacular Massif des Calanques National Park.

No matter when you decide to visit Marseille, it is a haven for fun and beautiful Mediterranean sunshine (even in the winter months!)

15. Nice, France

Nice, France is a city by the Mediterranean Sea with miles of beaches and world-class dining options for every palate.

Bordering northern Italy, Nice is well known for its Promenade des Anglais where visitors flock to every year for its stunning beach, exquisite dining options, trendy shops and boutiques, as well as plenty of opportunities to grab a really good cocktail.

If you’re looking for fun and hip day trips from Paris by train, then Nice should be high on your list! In the winter, the beaches are far less busy and the town is primarily filled with locals, so you’ll get a fantastic opportunity to practice your French .

After you’ve had a chance to brush up on your language skills, be sure to check out the Cours Saleya; a hip outdoor market simply full of unique souvenirs , vibrant clothing, beautiful flowers, and delicious foods.

If adventure is something you always have in mind, try kayaking, boating, or even windsurfing if you’re feeling brave enough! Just be sure to rent a wet suit or dry suit since the ocean temperatures are usually much chillier at this time of the year.

The French Riviera is one of the most incredible destinations in France and by far one of the best day trips from Paris in winter on this list!

With influences from the luxuries of Paris, the sophistication of Milan, and the glamor of Cinque Terre, Monaco has everything you could want on a day trip from Paris by train in winter.

Monaco is a sovereign city-state situated on the southeastern coast of France boasting incredible beaches, vibrant architecture, turquoise-blue Mediterranean waters, and boats as far as the eye can see!

Hit the famous Larvotto Beach offering crystal clear waters with endless bars, restaurants, and boutiques as its backdrop. After a day strolling the beaches for sea glass, visitors can enjoy the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino or the 24-hour Casino Café de Paris.

There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from, mostly specializing in fresh seafood and local ingredients.

While Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg offer their fair share of spectacular day trip options, don’t forget to consider Monaco as a possible beach destination this winter if you’re in need of some sun!

Best Weekend Trips from Paris by Train

These destinations typically require longer travel times (unless you decide to fly), but don’t fret. They are well worth every minute of traveling!

From historical ruins to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, these destinations are some of the best weekend trips from Paris by train.

17. Bordeaux, France – one of the most famous day trips from Paris by train for wine!

Bordeaux, France is not just a city that produces some of the world’s finest wines. It also has an amazing history going back centuries with many different cultures and periods being absorbed into French life as it developed over time.

But, who are we kidding? Bordeaux is the capital of wine production in Gascony and nearly half of its population are full-time residents who work at vineyards! With so many vineyards and wineries to explore it’s no wonder that this city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

So, if you’re looking for the ultimate escape to wine-tasting heaven, then we highly suggest making this day trip from Paris by train!

If wine tours in Bordeaux are on your bucket list, then be sure to check out these 15 top-rated wine tours in France . From half to full-day tours including several wineries, tastings, transportation, and even lunch, you can sit back, relax, and just enjoy the wine on these top-rated wine tours in Bordeaux .

If wine isn’t really your taste, Bordeaux is also home to the famous Place de la Bourse and its beautiful reflecting pool, several museums and cathedrals, as well as the beautiful 19 th -century Place des Quinconces.

While a day trip to Bordeaux is possible from Paris, we highly suggest setting aside two days instead to account for the numerous wineries that you’ll likely want to explore in the area.

18. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – one of the most unique day trips from Paris by train!

The city of Luxembourg is a medieval wonderland! Tall city walls, ancient markets, and winding streets are only some examples that make up this picturesque destination for history enthusiasts.

Our favorite attraction, however, is the Casemates du Bock. In fact, they’re actually one of our favorite attractions in Europe!

The casemates were built during World War II to protect the city from foreign invaders. They’re made up of dozens of tunnels and levels where military personnel lived and fought for months on end.

Today, the building itself still has its strong protective wall and it offers an impressive view of the valley and river for those who visit.

Other wonderful attractions include witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Grand Ducal Palace, exploring the region’s castles, and spending a few hours admiring famous works at the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art.

If you have extra time to spare and are looking for a beautiful hike in magical forestry, head up to the Mullerthal Trail near Beaufort, Luxembourg. It boasts extremely scenic trails for all skill levels and is one of the most beautiful areas to go hiking in Europe!

With its narrow, winding streets, old European architecture, and neverending charm, Luxembourg City is a true hidden gem that is just a short train ride from Paris.

19. Annecy, France

Chamonix, Annecy, and Talloires create what I call “the trifecta!” It’s the ultimate French Alps circle that can easily be done on public transportation that offers everything from charming villages, lakeside beaches, and breathtaking mountains.

Also easily reachable from France’s capital, Annecy is one of the best day trips from Paris by train if you’re looking for a good beach to lounge on. Just be prepared for a long travel day as the train ride does take around 4 hours.

Lake Annecy is a beautiful, clean perialpine lake that offers warm swimming temperatures in the summer and stunning beaches on all sides.

Once you’ve relaxed on the shores for a bit, you can try your hand at paddleboarding, boating, fishing, or swimming before heading off into the old town to explore the dozens of tiny cobblestone streets and medieval buildings.

Annecy, like a few other destinations on this list, can be done in one day, but you’ll likely be wishing you had more time to explore if you only go for 24 hours. Instead, set aside a weekend if you plan on taking advantage of the town’s beautiful beaches with alpine views!

Annecy also makes for one of the best Paris day trips by train in October owing to its unique location in the French Alps. Come October, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful foliage making the cycling path around the lake even more gorgeous.

If a lakeside beach and quintessential European charm sounds like the perfect day trip from Paris, continue reading about this lovely town in Lake Annecy, France: The Best Activities, Accommodations, and Travel Tips !

20. Dinant, Belgium

If you’re looking to take some train rides from Paris to other countries, then Belgium, Luxembourg should be at the top of your list!

A beautiful city in the heart of Europe, Dinant has been a popular destination for centuries. The architecture and culture are truly unique to this small country with great food fit for royalty! Dinant, however, is particularly special with its placement amidst jagged rock faces along the Meuse River.

Visitors often combine day trips from Paris to both Brussels as well as Dinant, likewise for Dinant and Luxembourg City owing to their convenient locations on the train system.

In Dinant, visitors can enjoy lovely strolls along the vibrant boardwalk, traverse the Dinant Citadel, get lost in the halls of the 15th-century Vêves Castle, or even hike through caves to find ancient ruins!

After a full day of sightseeing, people can enjoy traditional Belgian music and authentic food at one of the many places situated along the river.

Typically, the locals and tourists alike sit back and relax with a glass of jenever; a Dutch gin that has been Belgium’s national spirit for hundreds of years.

In the surrounding region, there are plenty of opportunities to explore other castles, caves, hiking trails, and ancient ruins as well as a Dutch beer museum.

With so much to see and explore, be sure to spend a weekend in Dinant if you plan on visiting!

21. Bruges, Belgium – one of the best day trips from Paris to Belgium by train!

Recognized as the “The Venice of the North” for its striking settlement on the banks of two rivers and well known as the most beautiful place in Belgium, Bruges is representative of a medieval fairytale.

Walking these streets can make you feel as though you’ve been transported back to the Middle Ages due to the neverending gothic architecture and narrow alleyways.

When traveling around Bruges, there is so much to see and do! My favorite was the enchanting boat tours of the canals which offer a completely different perspective of the city and gives you a chance to capture some incredible photos of the city from the water.

You can also climb the stairs of the Belfry of Burges for unforgettable views of the city or go shopping in Burg or Market Square.

Bruges is one of my all-time favorite destinations in Europe and is a super easy day trip from Paris by train with the journey lasting under 3 hours. Though, I would plan for about 2 days in Bruges since you’re practically guaranteed to wish you had more time.

If you plan on visiting Bruges on your next trip to Paris, be sure to check out my ultimate One Day in Bruges Guide and Itinerary which will tell you everything you need to know before visiting!

22. Frankfurt, Germany – one of the cheapest day trips from Paris

Looking for a fun and exciting day trip from Paris to Germany? Well, Frankfurt is a bustling metropolis that never sleeps. The city offers everything from world-class arts and culture to architectural wonders, including some of the most iconic buildings in Germany such as the Goethe House and the Römer town hall.

Frankfurt, Germany is a great place to visit for all sorts of different reasons. Situated in the heart of Europe, Frankfurt has an exciting culture with its thriving arts scene and famous nightlife suitable for people of all ages.

Plus, owing to its larger city ambiance, you can often find an array of cheaper accommodation and restaurant options, especially when compared to the other cities surrounding Paris.

Tourists who come here in the summer can enjoy a concert at the famed Alte Oper, and those who visit in the winter can wander through some of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe!

Whether you plan on including Frankfurt as a day trip from Paris, including it as a stopover on your way across the continent, or spending the entire month of December in this festive European town, Frankfurt is one of the best places to visit in Europe.

With its rich architectural landmarks and innovative architecture, it also contains a bustling cultural scene with museums galore and some of the best fairs in all of Europe.

23. Cologne, Germany

There isn’t a straightforward way of getting to Cologne from Paris, so no matter how you decide to get there, be sure to give yourself at least two days in this famed city.

Easily recognized for its skyscraping cathedral and bustling business-focused metropolis, Cologne is one of the most modern cities on this list.

The Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. Construction on this church began in 1248 and it became an important religious site for Roman Catholics within a short period of time and now stands as one of the most remarkable cathedrals in Europe!

Outside of the cathedral, Cologne is home to a plethora of museums, a theme park called Phantasialand, the grand Great St. Martin Church, and dozens of eclectic bars and hip restaurants.

Cologne represents a contemporary Germany in comparison to other German cities such as Munich or Frankfurt but is no less interesting for its own reasons.

If you enjoy bustling cities and strikingly lit bridges at night, then Cologne should be somewhere you consider visiting on a day trip destination from Paris.

24. Trier, Germany

Situated in the southwestern reaches of Germany, Trier is a must-see for anyone that enjoys history! Trier makes for an amazing weekend trip from Paris by train for history buffs, owing to its scenic, 7.5-hour journey and limitless possibilities for things to do.

The city was founded in 16 BC (making it Germany’s oldest city) and is well known for its restoration after World War II which left it nearly destroyed. Today, you can walk through its streets and imagine what life was like during that time since many of the buildings are still there.

Some of the best attractions in Trier include the Roman gate of Porta Nigra, the Roman bathhouse of Kaiserthermen, the medieval Eltz Castle, and Emperor Constantine’s Aula Palatina.

Tourists can also include a visit to the Karl Marx House and Museum or simply weave their way in and out of the dozens of cobblestone streets around town.

Trier is a magical destination in Europe that is often overlooked by city-hopping tourists, so if you’re looking to get out of the box on your weekend trip from Paris by train, visit Trier!

25. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is a beautiful, bustling city in Switzerland. The history of this European metropolis dates back centuries and can be seen throughout its many parks which contain some amazing architecture from many periods of architectural styles.

It actually lies very close to the border of France and can easily be combined with day trips to Annecy and Chamonix! This is what we did and absolutely loved it. At about a 7.5-hour train ride from Paris, there’s no reason you can’t easily make this a weekend trip.

Geneva is a true place of luxury and glamour in Switzerland. Everywhere you look you will find glamorous dome-topped museums, dramatic water fountains, and intricately manicured gardens.

The city is known for its wealth and offers some of the easiest access to the highest mountains in the Alps, bringing in thousands of skiers and snowboarders every year!

We personally flew into Geneva Airport and took a shuttle down to Chamonix and we found this to be the most efficient method of getting to the Mont Blanc range since this was high on our bucket list.

If it’s on yours too, be sure to include at least a day in Geneva or set aside a couple of days if you’re coming from Paris!

26. Zurich, Switzerland

A trip to Zurich will require a bit more time allocation and planning owing to its 9+ hour train ride, it is still undoubtedly one of the best weekend trips from Paris by train owing to the stunning train journey that you’ll take!

Situated on the banks of Lake Zurich, this Swiss city offers easy access to world-class skiing, sophisticated shops, and elegant restaurants. The Swiss are known for their luxurious way of life so combining a trip to both Paris and Zurich is a well-paired vacation!

If you’re looking to explore the lake, there is plenty to do. You can swim, go boating, and even fish in this giant body of water! Otherwise, there is everything from high-end shopping, museums, and art galleries to take a peek at.

Zurich is one of the northernmost cities in Switzerland and is home to a glamorous opera house, traditional Swiss clothing, the highly photogenic Lindenhof Square, and even a public swim-up bar in the summer!

There truly is something here for everyone of all ages. Just be sure to budget accordingly when visiting Switzerland as it is one of the most expensive countries in the world!

✔️ Want to know how I visited Switzerland on a college student’s budget? Scroll to the bottom of this page and sign up for my newsletter where I will automatically send you my FREE guide with the 5 ways I made traveling to the most expensive countries in Europe possible!

27. Bern, Switzerland

The country of Switzerland has a rich history that begins with the Celts and Romans. Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is known as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities because it combines Swiss culture with old-world charm in its buildings made primarily from stone or wooden timbers.

The cobblestone streets of Bern’s Old Town are lined by centuries-old buildings and steep staircases leading up to churches in this beautiful mountain town.

The medieval center of Bern has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its unique location on a hill, surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is well-deserving of a day trip from Paris.

It’s about 4.5 hours by train, but the ride offers incredible sights of the French countryside and vineyards and the beautiful Alps.

Bern is also home to the interesting Zytglogge clock tower, the famous Nydeggkirche church, as well as multiple museums and cathedrals to explore. If you are looking for an excuse to visit Switzerland on your next trip to Paris, I suggest considering Bern as a wonderful opportunity!

Best Tours from Paris

If you don’t plan on renting a car for your trip to Paris (I recommend that you don’t ) and don’t have the time or want to plan one of these day trips, then I highly suggest booking a top-rated tour like the ones below!

These tours are very transparent on exactly what they include, where they go, and what you can expect on your trip.

It’s the perfect solution for those looking to take a day trip from Paris but who don’t have the time to plan the logistics!

FAQ: Day Trips from Paris by Train

In this next section, I’ll be answering essential questions that you may find helpful for your Paris day trips by train!

What are the Best Day Trips from Paris by Train?

The best day trips from Paris by train undoubtedly include visits to the historic cities of Rouen, Reims, and Versailles. Rouen, known for its stunning cathedral and links to Joan of Arc, is a must-see destination.

Reims, on the other hand, is a paradise for Champagne lovers, offering a plethora of tours to various Champagne cellars. Versailles, home to the Sun King’s magnificent palace and beautifully manicured gardens is a mere 20-minute train ride from Paris.

All of these would make spectacular options and are all under 1 hour 40 minutes from the city.

What is the Most Scenic Train Route from Paris?

The most scenic train route from Paris is the TGV Lyria (one of the high-speed train trips from Paris), which takes you from Paris to Geneva. The journey passes through lush green valleys and majestic alpine mountains, providing breathtaking views along the way.

From there, you can choose to continue on to other cities in Switzerland (Zermatt is especially beautiful) or simply stay and enjoy all that Geneva has to offer.

Of course, if you have more time available, a journey across the French countryside via one of France’s many regional rail networks will also provide some stunning natural scenery as well as plenty of amazing destinations!

Where Can You Ride a Train to from Paris?

You can ride the train from Paris to cities throughout France as well as to international destinations in Europe!

Some of these cities include Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Berlin, Rome, Geneva, and Vienna. There are also numerous smaller cities located within a few hours of Paris that may be convenient depending on your journey’s end destination.

Where Can You Go by High-Speed Train from Paris?

From Paris, high-speed trains will zip you off to a multitude of fabulous destinations across Europe in no time.

You can find yourself sipping sangria in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, or maybe enjoying a canal-side picnic in Amsterdam, Netherlands in just a couple of hours. If pizza and pasta are more your style, Rome, Italy just two high-speed trains away.

Plus, let’s not forget you can also get to London or Portugal on the Eurail. Other locations include Brussels, Belgium, Frankfurt, Germany, and Zurich, Switzerland. The options are truly endless!

What Cities Can You Go to from Paris by Train?

There are seemingly endless cities that you can visit from Paris! From the nearby cities of Tours in the Loire Valley and Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris in Coupvray to the faraway cities of Munich, Prague, and Vienna, you can reach all of them quite easily from Paris.

There really are no limits to the cities you can travel to from Paris… everywhere near and far is no more than a single or few train rides away.

Paris train tickets become available typically between 60-90 days in advance, so once you know your dates, you’ll be free to start researching your destinations, how many trains there are per day, and so forth.

For example, if you’re trying to book train tickets to Coupvray so you can visit Disney Studios Park, you’ll often find these tickets to sell quicker, particularly in the summer months, than trains going elsewhere.

This is why it’s good to do your research ahead of time and be ready to book when train journeys go on sale!

What is the Closest City to Paris by Train?

The closest city to Paris by train is Rouen , which is located just 76 miles from the city center and takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach by train.

Rouen is the capital of Normandy (known for its incredible D-Day tours!), a region famous for its picturesque cobblestone streets, attractive French architecture, and overwhelming historic significance.

What Countries Are a Train Ride Away from Paris?

Countries that are a train ride away from Paris include Spain, Portugal, Italy , Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Luxembourg.

Depending on how many rail switches you’re willing to take, you can actually access most countries in Europe via train from Paris!

You could even reach Poland or Greece if you wanted to, though flying would prove to be much more time and cost-efficient and these would make rather unusual day trips from Paris.

If you want to take day trips from Paris to other countries, nearby Belgium and Luxembourg make great choices!

What Countries Can You Visit in a Day from Paris?

You can visit Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and even England in a day by train ride from Paris .

However, if you were hoping to also return back to Paris in the same day , then you’ll probably want to consider sticking to nearby Belgium which offers some of the fastest roundtrip routes.

It is also good to know that London is just a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris via the underground railway system connecting the United Kingdom and France, which is quite remarkable, actually.

Owing to Paris’ advanced public transportation system and central location, you can get practically anywhere in Europe from any one of Paris’ busiest train stations with trains leaving almost every hour.

However, while it is possible to reach numerous countries from Paris in one day, you may find it overwhelming to try to leave and come back in such a short amount of time.

We recommend only visiting these countries if you have at least a couple of days or a long weekend available for the journey. Also, since you will be crossing international borders, passport verification and travel requirements may take longer than usual.

How Much Time to Spend in Paris Before Going on Day Trips

Since Paris has so much to offer its visitors including enchanting Seine River cruises , some of the most influential and sophisticated museums in the world, Michelin-Star restaurants, and limitless world-renowned wine, you really should spend at least a few days here before choosing to do a day trip.

In my opinion, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to see the majority of what Paris has to offer. In no way can you see all of Paris in that time, but you’ll be able to get into the major attractions, indulge in the cuisine, chat with the locals, and spend some time relaxing with an espresso at a sidewalk cafe.

To me, these are a few of the experiences you need to have in Paris before jetting off to a new place. Don’t sell Paris short by visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame and calling an end to your trip.

Instead, if you plan on using Paris as a home base for some fantastic day trips like the ones I’ve mentioned below, then be sure to plan for at least 5-7 days as a minimum in the region.

Some of the day trips from Paris below can be done in a day, while others have been marked as needing at least 48 hours or a long weekend due to the longer travel times.

By giving yourself at least 5-7 days, you’ll be able to see most of the major arrondissements in Paris as well as explore one or two other exciting cities in this region of France and Europe.

Where Should I Go 2 Hours from Paris?

There are so many amazing destinations within a 2-hour train ride from Paris that it can be difficult to choose just one!

Some of our top recommendations include Caen, the capital of France’s Normandy region; Brussels, Belgium, known for its delicious waffles and chocolate; and Lyon which is one of France’s largest and most beautiful cities.

Of course, there are dozens of destinations between Paris and these 3 destinations, but they provide a good estimate for about how far in each direction you’ll be able to travel in about 2 hours.

What are the 6 Train Stations in Paris?

The six main train stations in Paris are Gare de Lyon, Gare du Nord, Gare Saint Lazare, Gare Montparnasse, Gare d’Austerlitz, and Gare de l’Est.

These stations provide connecting services to major French cities as well as international destinations throughout Europe. There are also other minor suburban train stations located within Paris city limits that may be convenient depending on your destination.

The Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is one of the leading destinations on almost all European itineraries every year, and for good reason! It boasts romance, decadence, sophistication, fashion, wanderlust, and passion!

Whether you want to bask in the hot sun while strolling the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, cozy up to a fire with a glass of mulled wine, or ride your bike along the Seine’s blossoming trees, there is no bad time to visit Paris.

That being said, I do have a few suggestions. Since most people don’t have several weeks to go on vacation, it’s likely that you’ll have one week or so at the most to visit Paris. While this time frame is good, it is a little bit tight to see everything in a city as large as Paris.

So, instead of spending your precious vacation time waiting for hours in line at Le Louvre or going up the Eiffel Tower, it’s important to strategize a little. The best time to visit Paris for me is in the springtime.

This is when the weather has become more comfortable, the locals have begun opening up their shops for longer hours, and travel and accommodation prices are at their lowest for the year.

In the spring, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Paris the way the locals do! With fewer tourists, you’ll have a more authentic Parisian experience.

You’ll get to talk with the locals more (maybe even practice your French), have shorter wait times at the major attractions, pay less for those rooms with a view of the Eiffel Tower, and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the cherry blossoms trees bloom along the Seine.

In the peak season months of June through early September, Paris is a little bit chaotic. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world flood the city streets and make everything a little bit more stressful.

In the winter months surrounding the holidays, Paris is home to beautiful Christmas markets all offering mulled wine and handmade local artisan crafts.

While both of these seasons are extremely desirable due to their romantic ambiance, respective weather, and exciting vibe, they are going to make it difficult for you to do all of the things you want to do as well as possibly take some day trips from Paris.

So, if I were you, I would visit Paris in the springtime.

✈️ For a more in-depth look at when you should visit the City of Lights, check out The Best Time to Visit Paris for an Incredible Experience !

Other Helpful Paris Resources

Heading to Paris? Be sure to check out our other resources below!

✔️ Is Paris Safe? A Full Guide on Safety in Paris ✔️ One Day in Paris: How to See the Best of Paris in One Day ✔️ 4 Days Paris Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Amazing Days in Paris ✔️ 27+ Magical Things To Do in Paris at Night ✔️ Why Visit Paris? 25 Reasons to Visit Paris, France ✔️ Is France a Continent? The Facts for 2024 ✔️ Does France Celebrate Halloween? La Toussaint Explained ✔️ Paris Postal Code & Paris Zip Code 2024 (& Diagram!)

Want to learn some French for your next trip to Paris or France as a whole? Check out our awesome French language learning articles to get started!

✔️ 33+ Ways to Say Thank You in French (with Audio) ✔️ Saying No in French 31+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation) ✔️ 1-10 in French: Learn to Count from 1-10+ in French (with Pronunciations) ✔️ What Time Is It in French 11+ Ways: How to Ask and Tell Time in French ✔️ Good Morning in French: 17 Helpful French Greetings ✔️ Goodnight in French 17+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation) ✔️ Merry Christmas in French 17+ Ways

If you’re planning a visit to the beautiful city of Paris, we hope that this list of the top 27 day trip ideas will keep your days in France both exciting and relaxing.

Whether it’s visiting Versailles or exploring towns in nearby countries, we hope this list gives you some inspiration for what to do while on vacation.

I hope you get some good ideas from our roundup and be sure to keep an eye out for me enjoying a glass of wine at my favorite cafe in Paris… Le Consulat!

Whether you want to explore new cities, venture out into the countryside, hit the beach, go for a hike, or sample wine from the leading vineyards in Europe, there are day trips from Paris by train on this list for everyone.

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

Paris in Just One Day: A Quick Exploration Guide!

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If you’ve got just one day in Paris and you’re wondering how to make the most of it, you’re in the right place. Having lived in this magical city since 2006, I’ve got the insider scoop on how to experience the best of Paris in a day.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more, this itinerary is packed with must-see spots and local secrets. From the charming streets of Montmartre to the iconic Eiffel Tower , we’ll cover it all.

How to make the most out of your one day in Paris?

If you’ve ever searched for “perfect day in Paris” or “one day in Paris”, you’ve probably seen a bunch of guides and itineraries. I’ve looked through them too, and to be honest, they often leave me scratching my head.

Some are jam-packed to the brim, while others suggest you’ll barely have time to do anything. Let’s find a happy medium and plan a day in Paris that’s just right!

But let’s set the record straight: if you’re in Paris for just a day, you won’t tick off every highlight. But don’t think for a second that a one-day visit isn’t worth it. You can absolutely have a fantastic time and get a real taste of what Paris has to offer. Let’s make that day count!

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

A word of warning: This 1 day in Paris itinerary that I created for you is sportive, and you better pack your most comfortable walking shoes for Paris because you’ll be on your feet all day.

Also interesting:

• 2 days in Paris : read more here
• Paris first timer guide: read more here

In this guide I am aiming for that the sweet spot between sightseeing and joie de vivre. Because let’s be honest: you can visit the Louvre, but if you have only one or two spare hours, what’s the point?

And you can also just rush from one sight to another next on your Paris in one day tour. But if you don’t have a moment to just sit and enjoy a glass of wine on e terrace?

Visiting Paris is not a race . Paris is about pleasure and joy, about taking it all in, about being fully there.

Your Realistic iItinerary for One Day in Paris

I have been living in Paris for many years, and I put together a realistic itinerary of things to do in Paris in a day.

Everything you could and should do if you are in Paris for a day to make the most out of your stay and get a comprehensive impression of the city .

For a café on a patio and even a glass of wine at sunset. You will also see some of Paris’ most iconic sights , and I can assure you it won’t be the most stressful day of your life. And you most likely want to come back!)

What does this 1 day in Paris Itinerary cover? 

In a nutshell, these are the sights and activities you can be looking forward to if you are following more or less this one-day itinerary for Paris:

• Eiffel Tower
• Pyramid of the Louvre
• Seine River Cruise
• Sacré Coeur
• Shakespeare & Company
• Centre Pompidou
• The Bouquiniste
• a café in a Parisian street café
• of course: An authentic french croissant
• and: a glass of wine

If you are thinking now that I am out of my mind to be intending to squeeze all those activities to do in Paris in one day, that’s fair.

Though, I am good at coming up with efficient plans. Read on to see for yourself how you can maximize your day in Paris .

Paris in a Day Walking Distance: 9.5km ≡ Duration: 8h to 10h

Feel free to use the itinerary below as is, or think of it as a set of building blocks.

Depending on your schedule, energy, and personal preferences, you can easily skip parts like the Louvre Pyramid or Montmartre.

You might even want to start with Montmartre and skip the Marais. These modules are flexible and can be swapped around to suit your mood. This way, you can create a memorable day in Paris that’s tailored just for you.

Your 1 day in Paris Itinerary

Maybe you’re thinking of a quick stopover in Paris for a day while heading to Southern Europe. Or perhaps you’re in luck with a long layover in Paris, giving you enough time to venture into the city. And depending on where you’re based, a day trip to Paris could even be on the cards!

Either way, visiting Paris for one day is a fantastic way to get to know the city a bit.

If you need precise information regarding your arrival point, for example how to get into town from airports , where to park your car , etc., please read also the last section of this article

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Here’s your itinerary for one perfect day in Paris.

#1 Châtelet & Marais

Length: 4km | Duration: 1h30

Paris works really well when you’re short on time. It’s not a massive city, quite the opposite, actually, and most of its sights are centered around the same area.

That’s why I’ve picked Châtelet, a major metro and train station, as the starting point for this itinerary. Châtelet is a key public transport hub, making it easy to connect from wherever you’re arriving in Paris.

It’s directly linked to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, and to major train stations like Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare Saint Lazare, and Gare de Lyon. So, getting here should be a breeze.

Tour de Saint-Jaques

After enjoying the obligatory French Croissant and are at the Metro station, head east. If you are unsure where east is, look out for the Tour de Saint-Jaques . The 52m high tower is the only remains of a gothic 16th-century church that got destroyed following the French Revolution in 1797.

Hôtel de Ville

Heading down the Rue de Rivoli, you will soon see the Hôtel de Ville , the Parisian mayor house, on your right. I suggest paying a visit to the tourist office that is located on the left side of the building.

It’s a good occasion to stuck up on some Paris knick-knack as a memory of your one-day trip to Paris, but the real reason why it’s worth to step in are the free temporary exhibitions!

24 hours in Paris – Visit the Marais! 

Starting from Hôtel de Ville, make your way north, passing the Centre Pompidou , and enter the Marais. This area was the aristocratic district of Paris until the French Revolution, and many historic buildings here are remnants of that era.

Post-revolution, the Marais transformed into a bustling commercial area and became the heart of Paris’ Jewish community . Nowadays, it’s also known as the center of LGBT culture in Paris and a hub for galleries, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and bars.

So if it comes down to what to see in Paris in one day, the Marais is definitely high up on the list. If you have a bit more time in Paris, the Marais is a wonderful district to take a walking tour for foodies!

Your Exact Itinerary: Châtelet & Marais

If you follow the itinerary below, you will come across the most interesting and representative sights within the Marais area.

The actual walking time in the Marais, according to Google, is about 53 minutes. But you should really allocate at least 1h30, if not 2 hours. The Marais is filled with charming shops and small galleries, and I did promise you’d have time for a café, right? Taking it slow here is part of the experience.

To save time, I suggest you have (an early) lunch in the Marais.

The Marais, with its strong Jewish and Middle Eastern influences, is a great spot for kosher food and, of course, falafel!

A top choice is L’As du Falafel on Rue des Rosiers . This famous falafel shop is even a favorite of Lenny Kravitz. That’s quite the endorsement (and honestly, the falafel really is delicious). You’ll spot it easily thanks to the queue, but don’t worry, they serve fast.

Alternatively, I can recommend Le Sabich Sandwich from Babka Zana near Place de Vosges on 8 rue du Pas de la Mule .

For more food ideas, check out our Paris Food Guide to discover the best eats in the city!

#2 Île de Saint-Louis

Length 300m | Duration 15min (if you make an ice cream stop!)

After you’ve visited the Shoah Memorial in the Marais, cross over the Pont Marie to reach Île Saint-Louis. While the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral might tempt you to detour, hold off for a bit — it’s not on our agenda just yet. Stay patient, there’s more to explore first!

Just when you set foot on the Île Saint-Louis, you’ll pass by Berthillon . It’s the most famous (and best) glacier in Paris, and their ice creams and sorbets are knowingly among the 10 best ice creams in the world . And isn’t time for a desert anyway? Treat yourself!

By the way, does the café in the picture above look familiar? It’s a filming location for Emily in Paris!

If you’ve got a little extra time and you’re still up for a walk, I recommend adding about 15 minutes to your schedule for some detours around Île Saint-Louis. It’s a really pleasant island and worth the extra exploration.

#3 Quartier Latin

Complete Loop 4 km |  Duration 1h30—2h

Shortcut Tour 1.2 km  |  Duration 20 – 40 min

The Quartier Latin, known as the traditional university district of Paris , still houses most of the city’s educational establishments. The area gets its name from its history — Latin used to be the language of academia!

Today, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant student hub , bustling with pubs, bars, markets, shops, and picturesque cobbled streets. It’s a lively part of the city that’s full of energy and character.

Given that you’ve already done a fair amount of walking today, it might be wise to keep your Latin Quarter tour relatively brief. The full loop on the map below is more suited for those who are particularly keen on exploring Paris or for those opting to rent a Vélib bike for quicker travel.

If you’re leaning towards the shorter route, head directly to Odette, marked as point G on the map. This will streamline your tour while still allowing you to experience a key part of the Latin Quarter.

Latin Quarter Shortcut Tour (If you lack time)

The shortcut itinerary through the Latin Quarter includes some iconic Parisian spots, starting with Odette .

This charming tea house is famous for its choux à la crème – a type of filled puff pastry. It’s a great place to either sit down for some people-watching with a tasty pastry or to grab some choux to go.

Just a short walk from Odette, you’ll find the renowned bookstore Shakespeare and Company . Specializing in English and American literature, this bookstore is a true Parisian institution and one of the city’s most unique spots.

If you’re short on time, Shakespeare and Company is a must-visit in Paris, even for just a day. It’s no longer a hidden gem , but it’s absolutely worth stepping inside to explore.

When you visit Shakespeare and Company, make sure to take in the view of Notre Dame from the first floor. And while you’re there, give some love to the resident cat who lives in the bookstore (not in Notre Dame!).

For a unique souvenir, any book you buy can be stamped upon request – a nice little touch to remember your visit.

If you haven’t grabbed a bite yet, the Latin Quarter offers plenty of lunch options. But a heads-up: try to avoid the restaurants around Rue de la Harpe.

They might be cheap and look tempting, but trust me, you can find much better food elsewhere in the area for just a bit more.

#4 Île de la Cité

Length 1,8 km | Duration 40 min (if you visit the Hôtel Dieu)

From the the Latin Quarter, just cross the St. Michel Bridge and finally head over to Notre Dame . Since the tragic incident in 2019, Notre Dame cannot be visited currently.

Some blinds are put in place, so you cannot get even close to Notre Dame. However, you can still snap some pictures and the Île-de-la-Cité has a few nice places to discover, for example, the Hôtel Dieu just left from Notre Dame.

It’s not a very time-consuming activity, but a real secret tip and definitely worth it! See our post here and know more about visiting .

Editor’s advice : if you are around Notre Dame, be extra wary of pickpockets and do not stop if some girls ask for your signature for something.

#5 Seine River Cruise – Time to Relax

Book your Ticket here | Duration 1h30 

After wandering through the Marais, much of the Latin Quarter and the Seine islands, you’ve definitely earned a break!

On the Seine Island Île de la Cité, where you currently are, you find the pier for the Seine River Cruise . It’s the perfect chance to just hop on and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river!

Taking a cruise on the Seine will not only let you relax and stretch your legs a wee bit after quite a busy day, but you will also see most of Paris’ important sights (at a very fair price!)

• Tour Eiffel
• Musée d’Orsay
• Musée de Louvre
• Île de la Cité
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Pont Alexandre III

There are many companies in Paris that are offering Cruises on the Seine and one is usually as good as the other, but most of them are leaving at the Eiffel Tower. So not at all where you are.

If you are visiting Paris only for a very short time and following my itinerary, you need to book a Seine Cruise with Vedettes de Pont Neuf . It’s the only company that starts in the center of Paris.

I strongly recommend booking  your Seine cruise in advance , as some time slots are very popular and superfast sold out. Check here for availabilities, schedules, and rates .

Tip : The boats are leaving from the Seine island Île de la Cité and the entrance is next to the statue of Henry IV, in the middle of Pont Neuf.

#6 The Pyramid of the Louvre

Length 1,1 km | Duration 14 min 

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum and is located in the former king’s palace, the Palais du Louvre. It’s also the largest art museum of the world, with more than 30.000 exhibited objects on 72.735 square meters.

But bad news first : you won’t have time to visit the Louvre if you are on a one day trip to Paris.

That being said, if you skip one or two of the suggested itineraries, you could make it. Just think about purchasing your tickets in advance, as even a museum like the Louvre can be sold out. Click here to reserve your spot!

Need help deciding? Read this article: Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide

The great news is, you’ve got time to see the famous Pyramid of the Louvre . This glass pyramid, situated in the main courtyard of the Louvre, was inaugurated in 1988.

Initially, it wasn’t widely embraced, but today, it stands as one of Paris’ key landmarks. Interestingly, it’s not just one pyramid – there’s also an inverted glass pyramid inside, a fact you might recognize if you’ve seen the film or read Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” .

It’s a striking piece of architecture that blends modern and historical elements, making it a must-see on your Paris trip.

(Well, there are 4 Pyramids, but those 2 are the most significant)

#7 Montmartre & the Sacre Cœur

Length 700m | Duration 25min – if you linger

Montmartre is one of Paris’ loveliest areas, and if you’ve still got a bit of energy left, consider taking an Uber up north. (The Metro is also an option, about a 30-minute ride.)

When you arrive at Abbesses Metro station, take some time to grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. I personally recommend Comptoir Breizh .

It’s a traditional Crêperie serving both sweet and savory dishes, and their offerings are truly delicious. It’s a great way to wrap up your day with some authentic French cuisine.

Right next to the Abbesses Metro station, you’ll find your first Montmartre highlight: “ Le mur des je t’aime” or the Wall of Love. It’s a perfect spot for a quick photo. Then, get ready to head uphill.

Yes, there are a few stairs involved, but soon you’ll arrive at “Place du Tertre” , the famous square bustling with painters ready to sketch your portrait.

And just a bit further, you reach the grand finale of your one-day Paris adventure: the majestic Basilica of Sacre Coeur . What better way to end an amazing day than by watching the city lights come on at night from this stunning vantage point?

P.S.: Don’t forget to grab some beers or wine to enjoy as you take in the breathtaking view.

Editor’s advice: A s you descend the stairs at Sacre Coeur, keep an eye out for individuals who might approach you to tie a friendship bracelet around your wrist, often expecting money in return.

The best strategy is to simply ignore them and walk past quickly. They’re not dangerous, just quite persistent and can be annoying. Being aware and moving on swiftly is your best bet.

How to organize your day trip to Paris?

No matter how long or short you stay in Paris, there are always a few things to organize.

The most common question for travelers is understandably about how to get to Paris in the first place.

If you’re arriving by car, finding a convenient and reasonably priced parking spot is crucial. On the other hand, if you’re flying in, it’s important to know the best ways to get from the airport into the city.

The following articles will be interesting for you:

• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris: THE complete guide!
• How to use the Parisian Metro in 2022!
• Paris by bike: How to rent a bike in Paris in 2022!

1 Day in Paris: Transportation & Accomodation

Each mode of arrival requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth start to your Paris adventure.

Arriving in Paris by Plane

The paris layover tour.

If you are traveling internationally in or out of Europe with a connection in Paris, you might have some waiting time between flights. You can also plan an easy overnight layover to benefit from the occasion to explore Paris.

Paris isn’t very far from the airport, and it’s easily possible to use a layover by visiting Paris.

How to get to Paris from the Airport?

Paris has 2 airports: Roissy/Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in the north and Orly (ORY) in the south. Both airports are connected to Paris by RER B (Parisian express train) with several inner-city stops.

By Public Transport

The train from the airport , whether it’s Orly or Charles de Gaulle, takes around 45 minutes to Châtelet, the center of Paris.

By Private Transport

If you are short on time and don’t want to stress about figuring out public transportation, you can also easily book a private transfer from the airport to Paris.

I recommend you to check with Welcome Pickup because they are reliable, speak English and track your flight to be aware of delays.

Check here our very extensive guide on how to get from CDG airport to Paris!

Where to stay when traveling by Plane?

If your layover requires reserving a hotel, you can either check in to a hotel close by the airport or spend the night in Paris.

However, it depends on your flight departure time. If your plane is scheduled before noon, I suggest staying close to the airport. Traffic in Paris can be VERY busy, both on roads and public transportation.

Where to stay near Charles de Gaulle Airport (Roissy)?

A few Hotels are located directly on the Airport premise, so you don’t have to worry about transportation in the morning. The best Hotels are:

• Ibis Paris CDG (Budget)
• Innside by Melia Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (Midrange)
• Pullman Paris Roissy Cdg Airport (Upscale)

Where to stay near Orly Airport?

If you are leaving from Orly in the south, you have less of a choice because there are only two hotels in the airport area. Both are good and convenient:

• ibis Paris Coeur d’Orly Airport (Midrange)
• Novotel Paris Coeur d’Orly Airport (Upscale)

Arriving in Paris by Car

If you’re heading north or south or are on a road trip through Europe, you might find yourself arriving in Paris by car . However, having a car in Paris isn’t really ideal.

I strongly recommend against driving into the city center and also suggest avoiding street parking. The traffic in Paris can be intense, and finding a parking spot is often a challenge.

Moreover, leaving all your luggage in your car while you’re out exploring Paris is not a good idea.

It’s better to find a secure parking solution or consider alternative transportation options once you’re in the city to ensure your belongings stay safe and you avoid the stress of navigating Parisian traffic.

There are many paid and surveilled parking places all around town that are close to public transportation. You can find your convenient location and even book a parking place ahead of your arrival.

You can do that for example here , but there are many parking place providers in Paris.

Rent a Hotel with Parking Place

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Paris and have a car, booking a hotel with private parking can solve your parking dilemma. I recommend checking out these hotel options.

All of them are conveniently located near Metro stations, ensuring quick access to the city center. Plus, they’re situated just far enough from the heart of the city to avoid getting caught in Paris’ notorious traffic.

This way, you get the best of both worlds – ease of travel and a stress-free place to park your vehicle.

However, parking is not free and all hotels charge a minimum of €20 per day.

Mama Shelter East: ultra-modern hotel with iMacs in each room. The hotels also have an in-house restaurant, a Pizzeria, and a bar.

Le Mireille: The nice French hotel lies nearby to the Sacre Coeur. The location is perfect for everyone who is following our one-day in Paris itinerary, as the Sacre Coeur is the end of the tour!

Arriving in Paris by Train

If you’re traveling to Paris from London, Brussels, or Cologne, you’ll most likely arrive at Gare du Nord. On the other hand, if you’re coming from the south of France, your arrival point will probably be Gare de Lyon.

Conveniently, each of these train stations is connected to Châtelet by a direct Metro line , and the journey takes about 10 minutes.

A single ride Metro ticket costs €1,90 at the time of writing and can be loaded on a Navigo Easy Travel card that you either buy at the station for €2 or load on your phone for free.

Where to stay in Paris for one night?

If you are looking for a hotel in Paris for one night, it’s best to stay in the center of Paris. This way, you are saving time in public transportation, you get the full Paris flair, and you are quickly everywhere.

But it is hard to choose the right Hotel in Paris, I know. That’s why I have a few Paris hotel guides that will help you find your perfect accommodation.

• 5 most convenient Ibis Hotels in Paris  – Budget Hotel Guide
• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• The best Hotels in Montmartre; for every budget!

If you’re planning to follow this itinerary and need to catch a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport later, it’s actually a smart idea to look for a hotel in Montmartre .

This location offers you a convenient route back after a day of sightseeing, and it also means a shorter trip to the airport, as both Montmartre and Roissy Airport are in the northern part of the city.

Plus, Montmartre is an incredibly beautiful area, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee before you head to the airport. Staying there not only simplifies your logistics but also adds a charming start to your departure day.

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FAQ: One Day in Paris

One day in Paris may not be enough to explore the city to its core, but it is enough time to get a good glimpse of the city and to take in that exceptional Paris vibe.

Absolutely. Paris is surprisingly small, especially if you compare it to London, Berlin, or New York. Everything is close together, and crossing Paris on foot from North to South takes not even 3 hours. If you stroll around Paris for one day, you see a lot and surely can check off a few of your bucket list items.

Paris is a safe city to visit, especially if you roam around the center. However, avoid having your valuables at places, that are easily accessible because pickpockets are everywhere.

Paris is easily visited from London for a day. The Eurostar takes not even 2.5 hours from London to Paris, and the station is very close to attractions and sights.

The cheapest way to travel around Paris is the Metro, 1,90€ one way.

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Home > 11 Best Day Trips from Paris

11 Best Day Trips from Paris

Easy day trips from paris.

Paris is an incredible destination with many fun things to see and do . But if you have any more than three days in Paris, take the opportunity to get out of the city and see more of France as there are some great day trips from Paris.

The list of beautiful day trips outside Paris is very long. However, if you visit Paris for the first time, we suggest sticking to the top day trips from Paris: there must be a reason to be that popular!

We won’t deny that popularity means more people, but it also means better connections with public transportation for travelers. Also, the best day trips from Paris are proposed by all the tour operators, which means more competitive prices if you decide to book a day tour.

Here’s the definitive list of the best Paris day trips featuring historic cities, seaside towns, world heritage wonders, and adventures in the great French countryside.

Paris Day Trips – Best Way to Visit

A. Day Trips from Paris By Train

Most of the best day trips from Paris are easy to plan by train. The French rail network links all the major towns and cities while also linking up many small towns in rural France. If you know a few simple tips about using trains in France , then it’s an absolute breeze.

Generally, trains are on time, comfortable, relatively cheap, and definitely more eco-friendly than traveling by car.

TIP: Do you have more time available? Check out the best weekend getaways from Paris by train

B. With a Guided Tour

Paris day tours are not the cheapest option. Still, a guided tour is definitely the most effective and comfortable way to enjoy a one-day trip from Paris, especially if the distances are long or there are no direct train connections.

The day tours from Paris proposed below are small group tours that include skip-the-line tickets and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, making the place or attraction even more enjoyable.

Forget about planning, entrance tickets, or train schedules; Book one of these Paris day tours, hop on a coach or minibus and get the most out of your Paris day trip!

THESE ARE THE BEST DAY TOURS FROM PARIS

TIP: Check what’s in our backpack for exploring the surroundings of Paris

Map of Best Day Trips out of Paris

Click here to view this map of the best day trips from Paris on Google

Best Day Trips from Paris by Train or Car

Below is the list of the best Paris day trips by train or car, in no particular order, and all the information and top tips to plan a self-guided visit.

If you are looking for a bit of comfort, we also list the best guided tours covering these destinations and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

1. Day Trip from Paris to Versailles

Versailles is the most popular 1-day trip from Paris, and for a reason! The Château de Versailles is one of the world’s biggest and most beautiful palaces, with spectacular rooms and halls. It was home to King Louis XIV and his court and the witness to important events like the signing of the Treaty of Versailles (June 28, 1919), which marked the end of the First World War.

The Gardens of Versailles are as amazing as the Château itself. They are beautifully decorated with fountains, water games, and grooves. From April to October, you can enjoy the shows around the Fountains of Versailles and a fireworks show on the weekends. The impressive 5.57 km wide Grand Canal is also the ideal place for a stroll or a picnic lunch by the water.

Self-Guided Day Trip to Versailles

• Quick guide to Versailles
• Transportation to Versailles
• Château de Versailles skip-the-line tips
• Book your Versailles skip-the-line tickets in advance

Best Day Tours from Paris to Versailles

• Versailles full day, small group tour with an expert guide
• Versailles half-day, private tour with an expert guide

2. Paris Day Trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny

In the region of Normandy, Giverny is another of the most popular day trips outside Paris. Giverny is where Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked from 1883 until he died in 1926. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Giverny to visit Monet’s Garden and admire the water lily pond that inspired his paintings.

Giverny is the best day trip from Paris to enjoy the French countryside. Apart from Monet’s House, Giverny has a main street with cute shops, cafés, and an Impressionist Museum.

Self-Guided Day Trip to Giverny

• Quick Guide to Giverny and Monet’s Garden
• Buy your train tickets to Vernon-Giverny train station
• Shuttle bus from Vernon-Giverny train station to Monet’s Garden

Best Day Tours from Paris to Giverny 

• Giverny half-day, small-group tour with an expert guide
• Monet’s Garden bike tour from Paris

3. Day Trip from Paris to Mont St. Michel

With spectacular Gothic architecture, rich history, and an incredible setting, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the best day trips from Paris.

Mont Saint-Michel is located on a rocky island about one kilometer off the coast of Normandy. The area is known for its high tides, making the Abbey inaccessible for some hours.

The Abbey dedicated to Saint-Michel became a renowned center of pilgrimage and learning, attracting some of Europe’s greatest minds and manuscript illuminators. Today, this stunning site is listed as Unesco World Heritage, and it is one of the most visited places in France.

Self-Guided Trip to Mont Saint-Michel

• Quick Guide to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris
• Buy your train tickets to Mont Saint-Michel
• Buy your Mont Saint-Michel skip-the-line tickets in advance

Best Day Tours from Paris to Mont St. Michel

• Mont St Michel full-day, small group tour with an expert guide

4. Day Trip from Paris to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is one of the top family day trips out of Paris. Escape the hassle of the city and join Mickey Mouse & Co. for a wonderful day in the magical world of Disney.

In Disneyland Paris, there are two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park . Both parks have many child-friendly rides on offer, but adults without kids will also have lots of fun thanks to Disney’s full-on thrill rides for adults.

Self-Guided Day Trip to Disneyland Paris

• Quick Guide to Disneyland Paris
• Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar
• Transportation to Disneyland Paris
• Buy your Disneyland Paris tickets in advance
• Best Disneyland Paris rides

Best Day Tours from Paris to Disneyland Paris

There are no guided tours to Disneyland Paris from Paris. However, booking platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator offer interesting packs of tickets + transportation, which save you money and time.

• Disneyland tickets for 1 or 2 parks + transportation by shuttle bus

5. Paris Day Trip to Loire Valley Castles

The Loire Valley is dotted with magnificent Rennaissance castles, known as Châteaux de la Loire or Loire Castles. Home to French Kings and nobles, the best Loire Valley castles are great architectural achievements, usually surrounded by fabulous French-style gardens.

The most famous Loire Valley Castles, like Blois , Amboise , or Chambord, are relatively easy to reach by public transportation. Château de Chenonceau is also possible, but the transportation options are less convenient. If you decide to visit the Loire Castles by public transport on a one-day trip from Paris, you will only have time for one or two castles maximum.

PARIS TO LOIRE VALLEY BY TRAIN:

Amboise: There’s no direct train Paris-Amboise so you will have to change trains somewhere. Take a train from Paris Montparnasse to Amboise via Saint Pierre-des-Corps train station (Tours). Alternatively, take a train from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Amboise via Orleans (2 hrs ride). If you choose Amboise for your day trip from Paris, the Leonardo Da Vinci Loire Valley Pass explores three sites (Château de Chambord, Château d’Amboise, and Clos Lucé) and saves you money.

Blois: Take a train from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Blois (1hr 30min). Depending on the train you take, there’s a change in Orléans (2 hrs).

Chambord: Take a train to Blois train station. There, a shuttle bus that takes you to Chambord in 25 minutes.

Chenonceau: Take a train to Saint Pierre-des-Corps train station (Tours). From Tours, take a second train to Chenonceau (2hrs 10 min).

Self-Guided Day Trip to the Loire Castles

Renting a car to explore the Loire Valley on a day trip can be a good idea, especially if you want to visit other than the three top Loire Valley Castles.

• Quick Guide to the Loire Valley from Paris
• Buy your train tickets to Amboise – Loire Valley
• Buy your train tickets to Blois – Loire Valley
• Buy your train tickets to Tours – Loire Valley
• Rent a car to explore the Loire Valley

Below we list the Loire Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Blois
• Château d’Amboise
• Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Château de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Chaumont sur Loire

Best Day Tours from Paris to the Loire Castles

• Small-group Tour Loire Castles (Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord)

6. Paris Day Trip to Normandy’s D-DAY Landing Beaches

In the region of Normandy, the D-day landing beaches is one of the most memorable day trips from Paris. Indeed, this was the definitive battle that led to the victory of the Allies in WW2.

Visit Caen’s Memorial Museum to learn more about D-Day and the Second World War in general before heading to the main beaches where the Americans, Canadians, and British landed. These places are dotted with military cemeteries, memorials, and smaller museums, all well worth a stop.

Self-Guided Day Trip to the Normandy Landing Beaches

We recommend renting a car to optimize your transportation times and to stop wherever you want. Below we list the museums you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Rent your car to explore the D-Day Landing Beaches
• Caen’s Memorial Museum
• Arromanches 360 cinema
• Airborne Museum (Sainte-Mère-Église)

Best Day Tours from Paris to the D-Day Landing Beaches

• D-Day Battlefields & Landing Beaches, small group tour with an expert guide
• Small Group Canadian D-day Juno beach with an expert guide

7. Day Trip from Paris to Champagne Wine Region

If you are looking for wine day trips from Paris, the Champagne region is a lovely area to explore.

Visit Épernay , the capital of the champagne wine, and the cute small town of Hautvillers nearby. In Hautvilliers Abbey, the monk Dom Perignon developed  the method of champagnisation of wine, and you can visit his tomb.

Visit Reims , the region’s capital, for some city sightseeing and tastings.

TIP: If you plan to bring a few bottles home, make sure you  pack your wine properly , so it arrives safely home!

Self-Guided Day Trip to Champagne

• Quick Guide to Champagne from Paris
• Quick Guide to Reims
• Buy your train tickets to Reims
• Buy your train tickets to Epernay

Best Day Tours from Paris to Champagne Wine Region

• Full-day Champagne tour from Paris – Moët-Chandon, Dom Pérignon
• Epernay: Moët-Chandon and 2 big houses in a day
• Reims & champagne tasting full-day tour

8. Paris Day Trip to Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is considered the ‘true home of French Kings ‘, and it is one of the most beautiful castles in France .

However, Fontainebleau is a lovely town with much more than the château. There’s also a beautiful forest great for hiking or climbing and some pretty small towns around.

Trains to Fontainebleau Avon leave from Paris Gare de Lyon (39 min, hourly). There’s no need to book train tickets in advance for Fontainebleau.

Walkers will find some hiking trails not far from the train station, while sightseers will take the shuttle bus to reach the Château. The bus stop is just outside the train station.

In Fontainebleau, it is possible to fly over the Château and the forest on a hot air balloon. This is a wonderful experience that we always recommend to everyone. The hot air balloon tours depart from the entrance of the Château, and you can read about our experience here .

Self-Guided Day Trip to Fontainebleau

• Quick Guide to Fontainebleau
• Buy your train tickets directly at Gare de Lyon
• Buy your Fontainebleau skip-the-line tickets in advance

Best Day Tours from Paris to Fontainebleau

The most popular tours to Fontainebleau combine the Château de Fontainebleau and the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte on a full-day trip. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is another beautiful castle near Paris worth visiting.

• Full-day tour Château de Fontainebleau & Château Vaux-le-Vicomte

9. Day Drip from Paris to Provins

Provins is one of the easy day trips from Paris by train. Provins is a picturesque medieval town located 90 km southeast of Paris. In Medieval times, Provins was famous for its fairs that attracted merchants from all over Europe.

This Paris one-day trip is like a step back in time! Provins boasts beautiful and well-preserved medieval architecture, part of the ramparts that protected the city, and a network of underground tunnels built by the merchants to store the goods. Provins Tourisme organizes guided tours to visit these galleries, and this is something unique you won’t want to miss.

Self-Guided Day Trip to Provins

• Quick Guide to Provins
• Buy your train tickets directly at Gare de l’Est

10. Paris Day Trip to Chantilly

Chantilly is another of the best day trips from Paris by train. Chantilly is a pretty town 38 km north of Paris, well-known for its prestigious galop race, Prix de Diane Longines , and the Domaine de Chantilly.

The Domaine de Chantilly includes the Château de Chantilly, surrounded by magnificent gardens, and the Great Stables, with the Horse Museum inside. There are Chantilly combo tickets for the Château, the Great Stables, and the Equestrian show, but you can also go for a stroll around the gardens only.

The day trip from Paris to Chantilly by train is straightforward and an excellent alternative to more popular and crowded châteaux like Versailles or Fontainebleau.

Self-Guided Day Trip to Chantilly

• Quick Guide to Chantilly
• Buy your train tickets to Chantilly
• Buy your Chantilly skip-the-line tickets in advance

11. Day Trip from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise

Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the loveliest small towns near Paris . Auvers is mainly known for being Van Gogh’s last home. The Dutch painter spent the last two months of his life in Auvers, where he painted 70 works.

This Paris day trip is perfect for people willing to explore the French countryside. Travel to Auvers to visit the famous Church at Auvers , Van Gogh’s tomb, and the room where he died. There are also two trails that connect several views that appear in some paintings by Van Gogh and the Impressionists. On each exact spot, there’s a plaque with a canvas reproduction so you can compare the actual view to its artistic representation.

Self-Guided Day Trip to Auvers-sur-Oise

• Quick Guide to Auvers-sur-Oise
• Buy your train tickets directly at Gare du Nord (Transilien H)

Best Day Tours to Auvers-sur-Oise

• Hiking adventure following Van Gogh’s steps guided tour
• Auvers-sur-Oise & Monet’s Garden full-day guided tour

So there you have it, our selection of the best day trips from Paris by train and by car. Which Paris day trips would you like to take during your next holiday to Paris?

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

Paris In A Day: How to Spend One Day In Paris (+ Maps & Tips)

Traveling to France but you only have one day in Paris ? This post will give you a detailed itinerary on how to see Paris in a day and get the most out of your short visit.

Paris is a fantastic city! It’s so beautiful that it would be a shame not to spend several days there!

But if you are just in Paris for 1 day, on a budget, have a stopover or for some other reason you can’t spend more time in the French capital, then this post will help you prepare the perfect visit to make the most out of your Parisian trip!

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

In this Paris 1 day itinerary, there is something for everyone! From museums , historical monuments , shopping, nice strolls, French coffee, to French food ! You will inevitably find satisfaction and see so much even if you’re just spending 24 hours in Paris.

To get the most out of your one day in Paris, you’ll need to wake up early, be able to fit as much as possible in the 24 hours, and be ready to walk since most of the Paris attractions are not far from each other.

But before we look at the things to see in Paris in a day, you’ll need where to stay, and here are my expert suggestions.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Where To Stay When Visiting Paris for a Day

Budget Accommodation

Generator Hostel: If you’re traveling to Paris on budget, then the Generator hostel   in the 10th. Arrondissement is the best choice for you. It offers many amenities and offers stunning views. Book your stay at Generator from here .

City Inn Paris: It is cheap and perfectly located. Book your stay at City Inn Paris from here .

Mid-range Accommodation

Hôtel Paris La Fayette: It has nice rooms and friendly staff. Book a room at this hotel from here .

Hôtel Eiffel Turenne: This is the best hotel if you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower on a mid-range budget. You can book a room at this hotel from here .

Luxury Accommodation

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris: This hotel commands luxury in every aspect and it also offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. You can book your stay at this hotel from here .

Hôtel Raphael: This is the perfect hotel if you want to stay near the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe without compromising on luxury. You can book a room at this hotel from here .

You can also check out other  hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views  or these  Paris hotels near the Louvre  if you want to stay near the famous museum. But if you prefer an apartment rental, check out my list of the best Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower views .

How to spend one day in Paris: The perfect Paris one day itinerary

Heads up: This is quite a long and detailed itinerary! If you want a summary, I have one at the end of this guide but if you don’t want to plan any of this on your own, I have also included a summary itinerary with specific tours that will take you through all the highlights of Paris in a day. Now let’s dive in!

Step 1: Enjoy A sunrise at the Trocadero

To make the most of your one day trip to Paris, leave your hotel before dawn! Put on your best walking shoes and head to the Trocadero for a memorable sunrise in front of Paris’ most emblematic monument!

To be more accurate, go to the esplanade of the Trocadero (Trocadero square). This gigantic balcony offers unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower and it is one of the best places to watch a sunrise in Paris . It is indeed the ideal place to enjoy the first lights of the day embracing the Iron Lady.

The terraces and gardens shape a gentle slope bordered by walnut trees and the century-old hazel trees offer a breathtaking view of the large basin of the Trocadero gardens.

From here, you will get panoramic views of the Pont d’Iéna in the foreground, the Fountain of Warsaw , the Eiffel Tower , and the grand Champ-de-Mars , with a vast open-air garden at the foot of the tower in the background!

The place offers a lot of sitting areas, so I recommend preparing a picnic breakfast to make the most of the moment!

From the Palais de Chaillot square , the sun will rise on the left side of the tower, so if you move slightly to the right of the square you will be able to get the sun in the very middle of the tower’s heart!

The best part about visiting the Trocadero Square at sunrise is that there will be few people, so you can take as many photos of the Iron Lady as you wish as this is one of the best spots to take photos of the Eiffel Tower .

Step 2: Get an Upclose look at the Eiffel Tower From Champs de Mars

Once you have admired the sunrise, go down the stairs, and cross Pont Iéna. This bridge, listed as a historical monument and decorated with four large statues of knights, is the first bridge built in tribute to Napoleon’s victory in Iéna in 1806.

A few more steps and you’ll finally be at the Eiffel Tower , the symbol of Paris. The Eiffel Tower was named after its brilliant architect Gustave Eiffel and it has dominated the Parisian landscape since 1889.

Its construction which took over a period of 2 years was a real challenge from an architectural point of view. While it was initially destined to remain for only about twenty years, its immense popular success saved it from destruction!

Unfortunately, recent public security measures against terrorist attacks now prevent people from walking freely under the tower without buying a ticket and going through security checks.

Since you only have one day in Paris, I advise you not to climb the tower because it is rather long, moreover if you left at dawn to watch the sunrise, you will probably have to wait for the opening time at 9:30 am.

However, if you feel compelled to wait and climb the tower, make sure that you  buy this skip-the-line entry ticket  to avoid the long queues.

But don’t worry! If you want to have a view of the rooftops of Paris, continue reading this 1 day in Paris itinerary and you will not be disappointed!

You can continue your walk, and take the small paths that cross the gardens of Champs de Mars , one of the largest parks in Paris .

Each corner of this large park offers a unique view of the Eiffel Tower. Walk up to the end of the garden to the “Wall for Peace” erected in March 2000, in front of the Military Academy.

Once you reach the end of the park, turn right and go to the “ La Motte-Picquet Grenelle” metro station, and head to Arc de Triomphe; the next stop of the day!

Time spent on this visit: 2 hours Distance covered by foot: 2 kilometers Price: Free of charge.

If you didn’t have breakfast during sunrise or if you want to take a little gourmet break before the next stage, I recommend the Kozy Paris (79 Avenue Bosquet) or Le Royale restaurant (212 Rue de Grenelle) which are both very close to the gardens of the Champs de Mars and ideal for breakfast.

Related post: Things to know before visiting the Eiffel Tower

Step 3: Climb The Arc de Triomphe

Once in the “La Motte Picquet Grenelle” station, jump into the subway to reach the “Charles De Gaulle-Etoile” station via line 6.

If you don’t know how to take the metro in Paris, don’t worry everything is explained in my previous post about visiting Paris for the first time .

Allow 15 minutes by metro to reach your destinations. The special feature of this route is that it is mostly aerial!

Keep your camera in hand because the crossing of the Seine on the viaduct above the Bir-Hakeim bridge is particularly aesthetic and offers another point of view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine before going underground again.

Once you arrive, leave the station and be prepared to be astonished! You’ll be right in front of the majestic Arc de Triomphe “!

This vast French landmark , erected in honor of the soldiers who died in action during Napoleon’s wars commands respect and admiration.

Under the arch, a flame burns continuously honoring the tomb of an unidentified soldier. Many sculptures, bas-reliefs, and inscriptions can be admired from its square on the pedestals of the monuments.

This landmark witnesses popular events such as the arrival of the Tour de France cycling race every year or more dramatic historical events such as the remembrance of Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

This place of paramount importance for Parisians at both the historical and political levels is undoubtedly worth a visit.

Take the underpass to reach the colossus (do not cross the road that surrounds it as pedestrians are forbidden here and it is very risky. But rather take the underground!).

Access to the square is free, so let yourself be enchanted by the imposing stature of the building, read the markings, and admire the carvings on the walls.

You can purchase tickets on-site for access, although you may have to queue. But to avoid the queue, I advise you to purchase this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Once you have your ticket in hand, start the climb! At the end of the 280 steps, you’ll finally reach the balcony. This view is simply exceptional and, in my opinion, the most beautiful view of Paris .

The name of this square, the Place de l’étoile (literally star square) takes on its full meaning as you admire the convergence of the 12 avenues that run through the capital.

From here, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Paris from the business district of La Défense , the Eiffel Tower , and the Montmartre hilltop to the Sacré Coeur !

The view of the avenues also offers a good overview of what can be the traffic in Paris. For the record, Place de l’Etoile is one of the most chaotic squares in Paris and many Parisians think that you are not a real driver until you have crossed it from end to end!

Of course, it is also the ideal place to admire “the most beautiful avenue in the world”, the Avenue des Champs Elysées ! But to make sure you don’t miss anything, I suggest you go and have a look! It’s our next step.

Time spent on this visit: 1h 30 Distance covered on foot: Just the climb! Price: Arc-de-Triomphe entrance ticket : 13€.

Step 4: Stroll The Champs Elysées

The mythical avenue of the capital, the Champs Elysées is one of the most beautiful streets in Paris .

Located between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde , a stroll along its immense street will allow you to discover luxury brands, the most prominent restaurants, palaces, prestigious places to go out (Lido, Queen, Theatres…) cafés, and other chic bistros.

It is logically one of the most crowded places in the city and ideally one of the places to visit in Paris in one day.

The avenue is 2.5 km long, so it will take you between 30 to 50 minutes to walk the avenue down according to your walking pace and of course not forgetting the many stop-overs in the different stores!

This avenue is so important in the history of Paris that Bastille Day , the French national holiday, is officially celebrated here.

Going down the Champs Elysées to the Place de la Concorde is a guilty pleasure as tourists often forget its historical importance and devote themselves solely to shopping.

This is understandable because it is the temple of consumerism! All the biggest brands have their own shops and everything pushes you to go on a shopping spree!

If you are not too much of a window-shopper, or just simply on a budget, I still advise you to walk a few minutes down the avenue to have a glimpse of it and then get into the “ George V ” metro station on line 1, direction “ Château De Vincennes ” until the station “ Champs Élysées Clemenceau “, our next stop.

For those who wish to walk, simply start from the Arc de Triomphe and head towards Place de la Concorde .

Walk along the avenue until you see the “ Jardins des Champs-Élysées ” on your left and the “ Grand Palais ” on your right, then turn right to Avenue Winston Churchill to get to the next step!

Time spent on this visit: 1 hour on foot, 20 minutes by subway. Distance covered on foot: 2 Km if you decide to walk the whole avenue, 500 meters if you take the metro. Price: Free unless you succumb to the sirens of shopping!

Related post:  Easy day trips from Paris by train

Step 5: Visit The Grand Palais, Alexander III Bridge, and the Hotel des Invalides.

Going down Churchill Avenue towards Pont Alexandre III , you will find yourself in one of the most grandiose and impressive places in Paris.

On your right is the Grand Palais , on your left is his little sister Le Petit Palais , and on the banks of the Seine, the statue of Churchill faces the magnificent Pont Alexandre III with the massive Hotel des Invalides as a focal point.

The Grand Palais is an iconic monument in Paris that was built in 1900 for the World Fair. It is characterized by its large glass dome flanked by the French flag.

Dedicated to the glory of art, science, and refinement, the building itself is an architectural feat.

Recognizable by its immense nave 240 m wide (the largest in Europe) made of glass, steel, and iron, this unique building now houses a multitude of very diverse events from the most prestigious to the most unusual, art exhibitions, museums, and even a movie theater!

Take a walk around to appreciate its architectural grandeur, every nook and cranny is a treat for pictures! If you love art, a tour of one of the temporary exhibitions will delight you.

The exhibition themes are diverse and varied, so there is definitely something for everyone. Check the official website, and book your tickets online to avoid queues because they can be very long!

Once your visit is finished, head towards the River Seine to cross over the Pont Alexandre III . Paris has many bridges which are all beautiful but this one is by far my favorite because of its architecture and location.

At its end lie four huge 17-meter-high sculptures with winged horses representing art, science, commerce, and industry respectively.

This grandiloquent bridge named in honor of the renowned Russian Tsar Alexander III connects the 7th and 8th arrondissements. It is a message of peace and a symbol of harmony between Russia and France.

In addition to being stunning thanks to its antique sculptures and candelabra, the bridge offers a unique view over the Seine and the Eiffel Tower!

At the very end of the bridge stands the huge Hotel des Invalides . Don’t trust its name because this place is not a hotel at all!

This huge complex of historic buildings is, in fact, a place dedicated to the military memory of France, housing a museum, a mausoleum, various monuments, and even a retirement home for former soldiers.

The name “ Hotel des Invalides ” was chosen because the building was initially built for all officers and soldiers maimed by the wars during the reign of Louis XIV in 1670.

If you are a military art enthusiast and the history of the various French wars, then this museum is for you. To have priority access to the museum, make sure you buy this online ticket from here beforehand.

For the others, I suggest you explore the surroundings. Then go back and cross the Seine again and move on to the next step of your visit!

Time spent on this visit: 30 Minutes. Allow at least 2 more hours if you visit the Grand Palais. Distance covered by foot: 1.5 km Price: between 15€ and 20€ depending on the Grand Palais exhibitions

Step 6: Explore The Seine river banks, Place de la Concorde, and the Tuileries Garden

Once you have crossed the bridge, turn right to follow the quays of the river Seine. This short walk along the banks will allow you to enjoy the quiet life of the French River in a calm environment and protected from road traffic.

This little walk under beautiful chestnut trees is called “ Promenade du Cours de la Reine “.

Created under the command of Queen Mary de Medici during the 17th century, you can admire a number of equestrian statues including the one that honors Simon Bolivar, the liberator of South America.

Continue your walk until the end of the alley to reach the Place de la Concorde which is the largest square in Paris with more than 8 hectares! Each side of the square is decorated with a statue representing the eight most important cities of France .

It is surrounded by two huge fountains and has in its center the famous Obelisk of Luxor imported from Egypt and over 3,300 years old! Can you imagine that! More than 20 meters high, it was offered to France by Egypt in 1831.

Go for a walk around the Obelisk and look at your feet! On the ground, you’ll see engraved Roman numerals arranged in a very precise way.

The shadow created by the obelisk can be used to give the time of the day making this place the largest sundial in the world!

The square is full of historical significance, formerly known as the revolution square . It is at this place that many people were beheaded during the French revolution, including King Louis XVI himself.

The square is surrounded by architectural splendor. To the north, you will find the very unique Madeleine Chruch .

On the opposite side to the south of the square, you can admire (right after the bridge) the Palais Bourbon , an 18th-century building that has a major role in French politics as this is where members of parliament gather.

From here, continue your journey East to the fabulous Jardin des Tuileries . The Tuileries Garden is one of the most beautiful Parisian gardens and also the oldest of all.

What was originally an Italian garden commissioned by Catherine de Médicis is today a place of relaxation and exoticism, but also a place of culture.

You will find several museums such as Le musée de l’Orangerie dedicated to modern art, le Jeu de Paume for contemporary art, and, a little further on, the Louvre Museum .

Arranged in a French-style garden and classified as a UNESCO Site, it is a real pleasure to stroll along its wide alleys under the shade of tall trees.

Like all good French gardens, the symmetry, the vanishing lines, and the long perspectives make this place very aesthetic.

For those who are hungry, read the following section for some restaurant suggestions. For others, continue to walk through the garden from west to east until you reach the small but adorable Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel .

The triumphal arch, much smaller than the one in the Champs Elysée might seem to have fallen from the sky as it sits in the middle of nowhere.

Beyond its delicate character due to the pink marble and precious materials that compose its decoration, this unique location contributes to its charm. The last vestiges of the Palais des Tuileries now disappeared, it offers a gateway to our next stop, the Louvre Museum!

Related post: Romantic things to do in Paris

Step 7: Enjoy a meal on a Lunch Break

If you have followed this Paris in a day itinerary since the beginning, it should be past noon now and you’re probably starting to feel hungry.

There are so many good restaurants and bars in Paris that it can be difficult to make a choice! I have selected two of them for you in the vicinity of the Jardin des Tuileries .

The Happy Cafe (214 Rue de Rivoli)

This small creperie offers delicious homemade products and organic crepes to die for! It does not provide seating but rather take-away meals only.

It’s not a big problem since it is only a stone’s throw away from the Tuileries garden. So I recommend you order a good crepe and have a seat in the garden!

The place is appreciated by the locals since it’s cheap, very practical, the staff is very friendly and the prices are attractive for such a touristy place.

Le restaurant de la Cordonnerie (20 rue Saint Roch)

If you wish to have lunch in a more traditional restaurant, this is the place for you. La Cordonnerie is one of the capital’s most popular restaurants thanks to its French charm.

The typical French and traditional dishes served there are hearty and delicious. The prices are favorable too and the owners, Yvette and Claude, are adorable!

Time spent on this visit: 30/40 Minutes. Distance covered by foot: 2km Price: Free, between 20 € and 40€ for lunch.

Step 8: Visit The Louvre Museum

If you’re looking for what to do in Paris for one day, then visiting the Louvre Museum is one of them. It is not only the largest museum in France but also one of the most famous landmarks in Europe .

After passing through the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, standing proudly in front of you are the famous glass Pyramids, inaugurated in 1989 which also serve as the main entrance to the Museum.

Originally built to be used as a fortress in the 12th century before becoming a Royal residence for the King and eventually abandoned, the Louvre Museum is today the largest art museum in Europe and on the planet, the most visited in the world, and probably one of the most beautiful!

It houses more than 35,000 works of art, paintings, and sculptures, including the world-famous Mona Lisa by Da Vinci and the Venus de Milo .

As you can guess, the museum is big, very big! Because of its vastness and richness, it is very easy to get lost and forget about time.

As you only have a day in Paris, I advise you not to take a ticket to visit it. It will be absolutely impossible for you to see everything and even if you make yourself a tailor-made route, it will be more like a race against the clock than a pleasant visit.

But don’t worry, because you’re still going to get a kick out of it. You are standing in the Napoleon courtyard where the immense glass pyramid stands.

It is made of 800 pieces of diamond-shaped glass weighing more than 95 tons, its modernity and audacity contrast with the classicism of the surroundings.

Framed by four reflecting pools, it is perfectly aligned with the arches of the buildings facing it.

Walk around, and have fun spotting perspective games from the “passages”, these corridors and arch threads that provide a perfect frame for your photos.

Walk along the pyramid and the Napoleon courtyard to enjoy the beauty of the area and then continue eastwards towards the smaller but equally interesting “Cour carré”. The enclosed courtyard is filled with amazing detail and great historical details.

From here you can admire the Lescot wing, the oldest remaining facade of the Louvre.

Continue to progress eastward to leave the museum premises through Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny , then take a right towards the quayside to reach the next stop!

Psst… If visiting the Louvre museum has been on your Paris bucket list forever and you can’t miss it even if you just have one day in Paris, then you can still visit it but since it is very big, the shortest time you can spend there is 2 hours and you’d have seen just the bare minimum.

You can choose to spend the entire afternoon there and end your 1 day in Paris itinerary there. The best way to make the most of your visit is to purchase this skip-the-line ticket that comes with an audio guide to avoid wasting time in queues.

Alternatively, you can book this 2-3 hours Louvre guided tour that will show you the highlights of the museum so that you don’t miss out on the famous objects.

Time spent on this visit: 20/30 minutes if you don’t enter the museum Distance covered by foot: 1km Price: Free of charge if you don’t visit the museum

If you choose not to visit the Louvre Museum, then continue with this Paris in a day itinerary.

But if you visit the Louvre, by the time you leave, it’s likely to be the end of the day, so you can skip to the last section of this Paris 1 day itinerary and end your day with a Seine cruise.

Step 9: Explore The Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral

Once you leave the Louvre Palace, walk along the quays for a few hundred meters and take right to the Pont Neuf .

Literally translated as “New Bridge” in English! One could not find a more misleading name because it is, in fact, the oldest bridge in Paris!

Far from just being a farce, it was named so because it was indeed the very first stone bridge in the city to ever have been built.

The structure consists of two bridges on piers separated by the equestrian statue of Henry IV and the molded cornices rest on consoles decorated with mascarons.

Once you have crossed the bridge, you’ll now be on the Ile de la Cité . Formerly called Lutèce, the Île de la Cité is the oldest district in Paris and one of only two islands in the French capital.

For centuries, this island was the neuralgic center of Paris due to its essential geographical position. Many monuments, squares, and streets have preserved traces of this glorious past.

Head to the courthouse. Formerly known as the Palais de la Cité , the courthouse was a residence of the Kings of France just like many other monuments in Paris.

Walk along the Conciergerie which was a major detention center during the French Revolution and home of the revolutionary court, then follow the Quai de l’Horloge.

Here, you will encounter many towers; th e Bonbec Tower , Caesar’s Tower , the Silver Tower , and Clock Tower .

The last one is by far the most interesting since it is the oldest public clock in Paris! Entirely restored in 2012, it was commissioned by King Charles V in 1370.

Continue along the quayside with the Seine on your left then turn onto Rue d’Arcole, walk down it from end to end, and finally reach the highlight of the visit, the courtyard of the fabulous Notre Dame Cathedral !

Europe’s most visited monument with 20 million visitors, the construction of this immense Gothic cathedral lasted more than two centuries.

Its towers, 69 meters high, and its arrow pointing at 96, made the cathedral the highest monument in Paris until the appearance of the Eiffel Tower.

But before looking up to the sky, look down at the ground, on the square in front of the cathedral lies the “ Point zéro des routes de France “.

This ground-inlaid rosette represents kilometer point 0 of all roads leaving the capital, which is used as a reference for calculating distances to other cities in France .

Sadly, there is some bad news! Since the terrible fire of April 2019 that devastated the historic roof, the cathedral and its surroundings have been completely closed off to visitors!

It is only from a distance that you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the building as it recovers. However, it remains an essential visit to the city’s island even if even you’re just in Paris for a day.

Jump over the Seine ( well, use one of the 4 bridges that connect the island to the left bank) to reach our next stop.

Time spent on this visit: 1 hour. Distance covered by foot: 1.5 km Price: Free of charge

  Related post:  Mistakes to avoid while traveling in Paris

Step 10: Explore The Latin Quarter

You are currently back on the left bank you left after visiting the Eiffel Tower. You are now in the Latin Quarter straddling the 5th and 6th arrondissements.

Very appreciated by its inhabitants and the intellectual heart of the city, Parisians, students, and tourists cross paths all year round in the many cute Parisian cafés and restaurants of the district, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The district is teeming with schools and universities of all kinds, which is why it finds its name as a Latin district, referring to the language used by teachers in the past.

Before entering the heart of the district, walk along the quays of Seine (Quai de la Tournelle) because, in my opinion, this is where you will get the most beautiful view of the cathedral, with the Seine and the historic bridges in the forefront.

As everywhere in Paris, many monuments dot this district, including the Cluny Museum with its ancient thermal baths and the stunning Pantheon .

The Cluny Museum, located in the hotel of the same name, is dedicated to the Middle Ages.

Rare witness to the medieval period in Paris, it now houses a rich collection of stained glass windows, casts, and tapestries as well as the famous “Lady with the Unicorn”.

In the basement of the museum are the thermal baths of Lutetia, vestiges of the Roman Empire dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries!

I recommend the visit because it is done quite quickly and waiting times are usually pretty short. To avoid any queues, remember to book your tickets online on the museum’s official website .

Once you have completed your visit to the museum, continue your ascent of the Mont Sainte-Geneviève (it is a bit exaggerated since it is actually just a small hill that rises 23m above sea level and not a mountain) to the magnificent Pantheon .

The ancient church has been transformed into a monumental mausoleum protecting the remains of the greatest figures in the history of France.

Under its dome are some of the great names in literature, art, politics, and science that have made the country’s history such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Pierre, Marie Curie, and more.

The pantheon also houses the “ Foucault pendulum “, a scientific experiment conducted in 1851 by its inventor of the same name which demonstrated the rotation of the earth in space.

Step 11: Grab something to eat (Optional)

Snack time shouldn’t be far now, and that’s good because the Latin Quarter is full of places to eat a bite, I’ve selected two of them for you.

The Tea caddy (14 rue Saint Julien le Pauvre)

With its distinguished and British atmosphere in a wooded and chic setting, it is the oldest tea room in Paris!

You can enjoy many teas from all over the world as well as many delicious English pastries. The prices are correct there without being cheap either.

A. Lacroix Patissier (11 Quai de Montebello)

Don’t miss this cozy tea room that serves hot drinks and pastries with a neat presentation.

Have a look at the famous French macarons ; they are delicious! Accompany your pastry with a wonderful roasted coffee. The address is very popular and the prices are slightly high.

There is so much to see in the Latin Quarter since it’s probably one of the most authentic Parisian districts! To reach the next stop, find any metro station on line 10, I recommend the station Cluny – La Sorbonne because it is beautifully decorated.

Take the direction towards Boulogne Pont de Saint-Cloud then switch to the station Sèvres-Babylone to Front Populaire on line 12 and get off at Pigalle !

Time spent on this visit:: 2 hours. Distance covered by foot: 2km Price: between 5 and 9€ for the museum

Step 12: Enjoy the Charms of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know I’ve talked about Montmartre a lot in my previous articles like in the hidden gems in Paris post or in the best places to visit in Paris post.

The Montmartre district holds a special place in my heart but also in the hearts of many tourists and locals alike!

There are so many hidden treasures in this neighborhood that it deserves an article of its own and a whole day just to discover them! But by following this one day in Paris itinerary, I think you will get a good glimpse of it.

Your visit to the district should begin at the Pigalle metro station, follow the sulfurous boulevard de Clichy to the west until you reach the famous Moulin Rouge , this cabaret alone sums up the spirit of the district.

Café-concert and dancing, it now presents a magazine where the French-cancan performs in all its glory. The Moulin Rouge is particularly fascinating to Parisians and tourists alike. Bold and unique, it is ideal to start a visit to the neighborhood.

Take rue Lepic to the north, go past the “ wall of I love you ” until you reach Place Emile Goudeau , from where you can visit the old art studio used by famous painters such as Braque or Picasso.

Continue north by the pretty stairs of Rue de la Mire to reach Rue Lepic again and the “Moulin d’la Galette” made famous by Renoir, which is today the last vestige of the 30 mills that once overlooked Montmartre.

Go around via Avenue Junot where old Roman ruins are still visible to reach the vineyards of Montmartre ; the only vineyard in Paris where the famous Vin de Montmartre is made! Be sure to continue until you see the famous Pink house, La Maison Rose . The whole area is perfectly picturesque and ideal for a stroll.

Continue your journey to Place du Tertre , the most famous square in Montmartre where street artists perform and small bistros and cafés are many and varied, as well as superb art galleries.

Explore the surroundings and especially the beautiful street of Le Calvaire which looks like it comes straight out of a classic painting!

The visit obviously ends with the unmissable Basilica of the Sacred Heart . This magnificent basilica, built to honor the divine protection of the capital, is erected on Montmartre hill and overlooks the city.

Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1912. It quickly became one of the most important places of worship in Paris and an unmissable place of pilgrimage.

Built in white stone (from the same quarry as the stones of the Alexandre III bridge), they have the characteristic of being self-cleaning in rainy weather! This explains why the sacred heart always radiates in white.

Facing the parvis, you’ll have this impregnable feeling of having Paris at your feet! Once in the basilica, you’ll be welcomed by the largest mosaic in France.

If you still have some energy, feel free to climb the 300 steps that separate you from the dome to experience an even more impressive view of the capital!

Time to get some rest! You can enjoy the relaxing and soothing atmosphere of the place and appreciate the beautiful sunset.

Due to its elevated position, the Sacred Heart is perhaps the most ideal place to contemplate the sunset over the city. Sit on the steps of the stairs in front of the basilica and feast your eyes.

It’s a very popular place for sundowners, so you surely won’t be alone since the atmosphere is friendly and with a little luck, some musicians might join the party!

Time spent on this visit: 2 hours on foot + 25 min by metro. Distance covered by foot: 3km Price: 6€ to climb the Sacré-Coeur

Step 13: Enjoy Dinner in Paris (Optional)

After such a busy day in Paris, there is nothing better than celebrating with a great meal! There is no need to travel too far because the district of Montmartre is full of good restaurants. Here are some of them.

Where To Have Dinner And Go Out?

Restaurant miroir (94 rue des martyrs) (update: it is now permanently closed).

Typical Parisian bistro, the setting is very friendly and the products are fresh. The menu is regularly updated, which is always a good sign! Cozy restaurant, with friendly service, and budget-friendly meals for high quality on the plate.

Restaurant Le Poulbot (3 rue Poulbot)

At this restaurant, you can taste a succulent and authentic cuisine in a very Parisian atmosphere. It offers a wide selection of traditional beers and a carefully selected wine list.

And if you’re not completely exhausted yet (I don’t know how you do it after such a long day!), here are some nice places to party:

Le Bar à Bulles (90 Boulevard de Clichy)

This bar/garden is perched on the roof of the Moulin Rouge! Located on the first floor of the club “La Machine du Moulin Rouge”, this bar is a little gem. The atmosphere is relaxed and its bohemian and cozy decoration is very agreeable.

Marlusse and Lapin (14 rue Germain Pilon)

This bar has an improbable name and is a true UFO. The atmosphere created by its owners is totally out of control! Everything is very festive, especially at nightfall.

The cocktails are delicious and, rare things for the area, the prices are reasonable! This bar will not suit everyone but at least has the strength to be authentic and unique!

Step 14: Cruise on the Seine

Instead of just sitting in one of the Parisian restaurants for dinner, you can hit 2 birds with one stone. Enjoy dinner while cruising on the Seine.

There is no better way to wind up your one day in Paris than cruising on the Seine. You’ll get to see Paris at night while taking in the views of the landmarks while they’re all lit up in the thick of the night.

However, there are so many seine cruises that it can be hard to choose which one to go for but as someone who has taken a number of them, I can confidently  recommend this Seine river night cruise .

It comes with a 3- 3-course dinner, so you don’t have to worry about looking for dinner after the cruise.

Pro tip*  It gets really cold, so don’t forget to pack a jacket or a fleece to keep you warm.

If You’d Rather Not Plan Anything

If you want to see Paris in a day but don’t want to go through all the hustles of planning your day well to be able to see as much as possible, you can opt for guided tours.

The best part about guided tours is that everything is already planned for you from the beginning to the end. All you have to do is to show up. If that’s you, then these are tours I recommend plus a summary of how your day should be.

Step 1. Watch a Sunrise at the Trocadero

Step 2. Get an up-close look at the Eiffel Tower from Champs De Mars

Step 3. Climb the Arc De Triomphe. Buy this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Step 4. Go on a guided walking tour of the Latin Quarter . This semi-private guided walking tour will take you through the Latin Quarter, Ile de la Cite the Notre Dame area, Pantheon, and the Luxembourg Gardens. Lasting 2.5 hours, you’ll see a great deal of Paris from this tour.

Step 5: Take a lunch break.

Step 6. Go on another walking tour of the major Parisian landmarks . Unlike the previous one, this guided walking tour takes you through all the major landmarks of Paris. From the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and the Louvre Museum to Pont Alexandre III, you’ll get to see all the monuments that make Paris what it is.

Step 7. Take a walking tour of Montmartre . Even if you’re in Paris for a day, you can’t afford to miss the beautiful neighborhood of Montmartre. I recommend taking this Montmartre guided tour to take you through all the major attractions in Montmartre including the Sacre Couer.

Step 7: Go on a Seine Cruise . By the time the previous tour ends, it will probably be night and there is no better way to wind down than on a seine cruise. I recommend going on this Seine cruise as it comes with a 3-course dinner so you won’t have to worry about booking a restaurant for dinner later.

Step 8: (Optional): Go on a guided night bike tour: If you’re still not worn out by all the walking, then you can sign up for this night bike riding tour to get a glimpse of Paris during the night when all the major landmarks are lit up.

Paris in 1 day itinerary Summary

We have to agree, that was quite a lot to take in! If all that was overwhelming, here is a summary of things to do in Paris in a day.

• Enjoy a Sunrise at the Trocadero
• Get an up-close look at the Eiffel Tower from Champs De Mars
• Climb the Arc De Triomphe
• Stroll the Champs Elysées
• Visit the Grand Palais, Alexander III Bridge, and the Hotel Des Invalides
• Explore the Seine River banks, Place De La Concorde, and the Tuileries Garden
• Enjoy a meal on a Lunch Break
• Visit the Louvre Museum
• Explore the Île De La Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral
• Explore the Latin Quarter
• Grab something to Eat
• Enjoy the charms of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur
• Enjoy dinner in Paris
• Cruise on the Seine

FAQs About Seeing Paris in 24 Hours

Is 1 day enough for Paris?

The simple answer is that 1 day is not enough for Paris but if that’s the only time you have, there is nothing wrong with trying to use it to see as much as possible.

What to do if you have a day in Paris?

Since there is so much to see and do in Paris, some of the places not to miss when you have just a day in Paris include; the Eiffel Tower , the Louvre Museum , the Arc de Triomphe , Notre Dame , Sacre Coeur , and ofcourse the Seine river . If you follow my one day in Paris itinerary and are ready to walk, you’ll see a great deal of Paris.

Can you walk across Paris in a day?

Yes! Paris is a very walkable city and most of the attractions listed in my Paris in a day itinerary are not far from each other so you can easily walk. Just wear comfortable walking shoes and you’ll be set.

Final Thoughts On One day in Paris Itinerary

There you go! With this Paris one day itinerary, your 1 day in Paris will be filled up and you’ll get a glimpse of Paris without missing any important landmarks!

However, if you don’t want to organize and prepare everything yourself, you can also join a private sightseeing walking Tour and let yourself be guided by the wise advice of a tour guide!

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
• Things to Pack for Paris
• Best Eiffel tower photo spots in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris
• Best hotels in Paris with an Eiffel Tower view

Was this post on the best way to see Paris in a day helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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I Go To Paris All The Time & These Are The Best Ways To Spend A Weekend

Between the Eras Tour and the Olympics, all eyes are on the City of Lights.

Paris is always a good idea — but particularly if you have plans to visit sometime in 2024. With a Taylor Swift tour stop and a Summer Olympics on deck for the City of Lights in the coming months, travelers from all around the world are flocking to this cultural mecca for a taste of the history, sports, arts, fashion, and more it has to offer ( Emily in Paris hot spots included ).

As a frequent visitor, I can’t blame fellow travelers for their Parisian wanderlust. Each of my visits to the French capital has carried its own distinct flair, a credit to the vast selection of sights and cultural experiences available in its 20 arrondissements (or neighborhoods).

It offers a rare sense of unhurried relaxation in a place where there is so much to do.

But the common thread that binds my time in Paris together is the feeling of true vacation, as it offers a rare sense of unhurried relaxation in a place where there is so much to do.

My most recent trip to Paris was thanks to a two-day layover before heading to the southern coast of France, so I donned my walking shoes for this 48-hour stint to make up for the days I would spend idly on the sand afterwards. Plus, with the Seine river walk at my fingertips, I’ve found the most effective way to see the city is on foot.

For the weekend warriors with a brief jaunt in fair Paris coming soon, here’s what I had on my itinerary, all for under $500. And don’t worry, I pencilled in time for you to end up “ in an alleyway, drinking champagne ” before Miss Swift sweeps you away to La Defense.

12:30 p.m.: Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

For U.S. travelers, the easiest trek across the pond is a red-eye flight that lands the following afternoon. For me, this meant an 11 p.m. flight out of New York that landed around 12:30 p.m. in Paris.

I flew into Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) , one of two international airports serving Paris. While CDG is bigger and has more amenities, the smaller airport, Orly , is less crowded and closer to the city center by car. For either option, there is train service, known as RER B , that can get you from your terminal to the heart of Paris.

CDG travelers like me will need to purchase a ticket just outside the terminal for around $13. Orly fliers will have a quick transfer in between the terminal and the RER B via the Orlyval shuttle , which has a combined ticket price of around $16.

Train into Paris: ~$15

3 p.m.: Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

At first glance, it might feel slightly aggressive to hop off the plane and go straight to the most touristy attraction possible in Paris. But trust me, a picnic at the foot of the city’s most iconic sight is the least aggressive way to begin a whirlwind weekend chock-full of sightseeing.

While many Paris picnickers will go on a fromagerie (cheese shop), boulangerie (bakery), or farmers market adventure to curate the perfect spread, I opted to keep things simple after dropping off my bags by stopping by a nearby supermarket.

I grabbed the basics — a baguette, a wedge of brie, some strawberries, and a bottle of wine — before taking public transit (called the RER) away from my Airbnb in the 9eme arrondissement. Try to do the same near your hotel, as supermarkets near the Eiffel Tower prey on picnicking tourists with outrageous price markups.

If you decide to go the wine route like I did, find a screw-top bottle or remember a bottle opener, otherwise you’ll have to tip one of the wine sellers wandering around the Champ-de-Mars to open it for you). Besides that, snag a blanket and a glass from your hotel room, park on the grass for a few hours, and let that “Oh mon dieu, I’m in Paris” moment sink in as you take that first bite of your impromptu spread at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

For those itching to get those views from the tower itself , tickets will set you back $13-$20 for second-floor access, and $23-$30 for the summit. The views from up top, however, are worth the price point for a vantage point (aka IG-worthy view) over the city.

Picnic spread budget: $20

Transit to the Eiffel Tower: $3

Eiffel Tower access: $13-$30

6 p.m.: Walk along the Seine

The best way to get a lay of the land in Paris is by strolling along the Seine riverside walk . The waterway that slices the city in two gives idyllic views of the Louvre, Grand Palais, and more — if you’re willing to put in the steps along the way.

Luckily, a walk along the Seine can be as leisurely as you like, with dozens of restaurants and bars on the riverbanks to pop into if you get hungry. I was feeling particularly ambitious on my walk from the Eiffel Tower and took the almost 3-mile trek to the Île de la Cité , home of the famed Notre-Dame de Paris and Sainte-Chapelle churches.

After a brief glance at both facades, I ventured over to the Rive Droite (The Right Bank, or north side of the Seine) for dinner at Maison Maison . A glass of wine, a divine endive, apple, and walnut salad, and some beef empanadas set me back about $38, and the views at sunset over the river made the journey well worth it.

Depending on how far you wander (and where you’re staying), you can use the RER to get home, as there are ample stops peppered along the river. For the truly beat (like me), an Uber is easy to book in Paris, as well as cabs from G7 Taxis , which you can book through their app.

Taxis beyond G7 ones are fairly easy to hail near tourist destinations as well, though you will need euro notes on hand to pay, as they don’t accept credit cards.

Dinner: $38

Transit home: $3-$15

DAY 1 TOTAL: $121

8:30 a.m.: grab a coffee and a pastry from a nearby café.

No matter where you are in Paris, a coffee and classic French pastry are available on nearly every block you walk. I grabbed a café au lait (coffee with steamed milk) and pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) from the nearest boulangerie to start my long day of sightseeing.

Breakfast: $8

9 a.m.: Get cultured at Paris’ myriad of art museums

One of the pinnacles of Paris’ cultural influence is its art , so you would be remiss to pass up a morning in one of its many famed galleries.

For first-timers with a mission of seeing the Mona Lisa , the Louvre is your obvious destination. This expansive museum has one of the most impressive collections of Renaissance art in the world, and one day here will only scratch the surface of all there is to explore within its walls.

Admission is currently 22 euros (~$24). Pro tip: Buy them in advance online .

For those with more of an Impressionist disposition, I’d recommend fitting two museums into your itinerary for the day in place of the Louvre. Your first stop, the petit but mighty Musée de l’Orangerie , boasts eight of the Crown Jewels of Claude Monet’s work: his large-format Water Lilies compositions . The enormous canvases cover over 2,000 square feet of the sun-soaked circular room where they live and are a must-see for admirers of the famed Impressionist’s collection.

Entry costs 12.50 euros (~$14), and I would recommend booking tickets ahead of time since they have limited daily entry.

Once you’ve had your fill of this collection, step outside for a quick stroll through the nearby Jardin de Tuileries ( a mainstay of Emily in Paris , for eagle-eyed fans). And if you feel like dramatically throwing your cellphone in a fountain à la Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada , the fateful Place de la Concorde is just steps away from the museum’s entrance.

Otherwise, venture over the Seine to your next stop: the Musée d’Orsay . Once Paris’ central train station, the Beaux-Arts-style building with its enormous arched ceilings is as beautiful as the art it contains. Its top floor houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world, ranging from Edgar Degas’s ballerina sculpture , petite danseuse de quatorze ans , to Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhone , a more tranquil precursor to his most famous work.

Entry is 16 euros when booked ahead or 14 euros at the door, setting you back around $16-$18 for your visit.

Museum entry: $24-$30

1 p.m.: Grab lunch at La Palette

If you’ve spent your morning in the galleries, you’ll probably be hungry around this time. Try to resist the urge to eat at one of the museum restaurants (they’re bland and very overpriced), and head to a nearby café like La Palette instead.

This brasserie is nestled on a quiet street in the 6eme arrondissement just past the Musée d’Orsay, and it features all the classics of French dining (moody servers included). But hey, it’s part of the ambiance, along with its ornate, mirrored dining room and wicker streetside seating.

The hero of my lunch was feeling plopped right into a storybook Paris, complete with chic locals sat to my right and a classic car parked on the street to my left.

An entree and a drink here will set you back around $30 — I went with the ham omelette and a glass of chablis — but the hero of my lunch was feeling plopped right into a storybook Paris, complete with chic locals sat to my right and a classic car parked on the street to my left.

2:30 p.m.: Go vintage shopping on rue Tiquetonne

Since this quick stint in Paris is about hitting the city’s greatest spots, my Saturday needed to involve a shopping stint. As much as I would love to stop by the Louis Vuitton flagship on the Champs-Elysées , the vintage scene in Paris was decidedly the more interesting (and cost-effective) choice.

Enter: rue Tiquetonne in the 2eme arrondissement , a short walk over the Seine from our lunchtime locale. The streets here are lined with fun vintage shops at an array of price points, from the massive (and wallet-friendly!) Episode to the remarkably curated Kiliwatch .

Those looking for a memorable souvenir, you’ll undoubtedly find your next favorite piece for your closet on this block — even if you’re aiming for a budget under $100 like I was.

Vintage shopping budget: $100

Transit back to the hotel: $3

7 p.m.: Grab dinner at FrenchParadox: Canard & Champagne

After an optional stop at your hotel to freshen up (and drop off your vintage finds), make your way back to the 2eme arrondissement for dinner within the Passage des Panoramas . This *ahem* alleyway is one of the oldest covered passages in Paris, named for the elaborate panoramic paintings lining the walls.

If you arrive before your reservation, feel free to pop into one of the many artisan shops housed within the historic market. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Canard & Champagne , which, as the name in English suggests, hosts a menu anchored in the classic French pairing of duck and wine.

While the à la carte menu offers a slightly wider selection with vegetarian options, the three-course prix fixe boasts a luxurious, duck-forward Parisian dinner with three champagne pairings for only 69 euros. With the prix fixe, I chose the duck fois gras, the duck breast, and the (I was told, unlimited) chocolate mousse, all of which were fantastic with their champagne accompaniments.

While on the pricier side of dining for this trip, it’s hard to argue with three courses — champagne included — for around $75 in the heart of the city. The service was also some of the best I had in Paris, with attentive waitstaff who gracefully tolerated my rusty French.

Dinner: $75

9 p.m.: Catch sunset on Montmartre

As you walk around Paris, you’ll often spot in the distance the white domed spires of Sacré-Cœur atop the summit of Montmartre. So, naturally, this is one of the best places in the city to watch a sunset.

Depending on when you roll out of dinner, your next stop will be either a 30-minute walk, a 25-minute RER ride, or a 10-minute cab north to the base of Montmartre. From there, you can either ride the funicular up to the top for 1.90 euros or save the two-euro coin by climbing its iconic steps.

From the top, you have an unbelievable view of Paris to share with with dozens of tourists and locals alike parked on the Sacré-Cœur steps. Often at sunset, live musicians will play for the crowd, while sellers will walk around selling bottles of beer for those interested. The camaraderie on the steps is quite charming and unique, making for a truly colorful close to the day.

Walking to Montmartre: FREE

10 p.m.: Grab a nightcap at Le Très Particulier

If you want to meander a little longer along the cobblestone streets of Montmartre before heading back to your hotel, this neighborhood is ripe for a nightcap. While my personal favorite spot, Lulu White, is sadly no more (RIP), you’ll find an equally delicious cocktail at Hotel Particulier’s ornate cocktail lounge, Le Très Particulier .

Soaked in gold trimmings with plush red velvet chairs, the space is decadent and fun with a cocktail menu to match. Cocktails range from 15 to 30 euros apiece (with a few mocktail selections as well), but after all, this is a nightcap, so it won’t hurt to treat yourself to just one.

Cocktail: $20

DAY 2 TOTAL: $266

9:30 a.m.: breakfast at a café.

For a final taste of the 9eme arrondissement, I left my Airbnb around 9 a.m. for breakfast around the corner. Most cafés will serve breakfast until about 11 a.m., with a streamlined selection of pastries, eggs, coffee, and other drinks. I treated myself to all the above, then took a stroll through the neighborhood, grabbing a last glance at the famed Palais Garnier opera house en route to my final stop.

Breakfast: $30

10:30 a.m.: Pop into a CityPharma for some French beauty essentials

The French beauty industry stands as a titan of the clean girl aesthetic , where extensive skin care and natural makeup reign supreme. So, I decided to wrap up my stay with a visit at one of Paris’s famed pharmacies to capture this “je ne sais quoi” in a bottle — literally.

Walk into any green-crossed “pharmacie,” and you can buy staples from La Roche Posay, Caudelie, and more French brands at a fraction of American prices. The viral Embroylisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer , for example, costs a mere 14 euro, about half the price you’ll snag it for at your local Sephora. La Roche-Posay’s cult favorite Cicaplast Baume B5 will similarly run you only $7 for a full size.

But the true holy grail of French pharmacies is the humble A313 Vitamin A cream , a retinoid that packs a powerful punch on wrinkles, fine lines, and general skin texture. With a $7 price tag, it’s no wonder that beauty experts stock up on this catch-all cream whenever they’re in Paris.

Pharmacy essentials: $50

12:30 p.m.: Head off on your next adventure

With a final adieu to your beloved home base to collect your bags, your weekend in Paris has drawn to a close. Whether you’re heading to your next destination by train or plane, the RER will be your best bet to the Gare du Nord or either airport.

Train to the airport: $13

DAY 3 TOTAL: $93

Total cost: $480.

Even in a bite-sized portion, Paris always seems to leave me satisfied with my time there. With so much to explore, the reality of not seeing it all makes me more hopeful for my next visit rather than sad to depart.

With so much to explore outside the city limits with Versailles and Monet’s Giverny home nearby — let alone the rest of France within reach — Paris seems to be the kind of destination you can’t just visit once.

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Where Napoleon Went to Relax: 3 History-Rich Day Trips From Paris

Museums at these châteaus hold artifacts and stories of the french emperor.

Melissa Rossi,

Paris , one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is more bustling than ever as it gears up to host the Olympics this summer . Those wanting a short break from the urban frenzy can follow in the steps of Napoleon Bonaparte — the subject of the recent Ridley Scott movie Napoleon — who sought relaxation in a trio of nearby forested castles, now national museums.

Rising from general to become first consul in 1799, then proclaiming himself emperor of the French in 1804, Napoleon unwound at the châteaus in Malmaison, Compiègne and Fontainebleau, where historical moments unfolded for him. Still brimming with his furniture, portraits and possessions, these destinations offer 21st-century visitors a glimpse into Napoleon’s bygone 19th-century world.

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To set the mood, we highlight the châteaus’ significance to Napoleon.

Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison, France

During his first years in power, Napoleon spent most weekends at this fetching country estate 10 miles from the center of Paris strolling amid nature of a most curious sort. Gazelles, kangaroos, ostriches, wildebeests, monkeys and llamas — all part of his wife Joséphine’s vast menagerie — roamed the wooded grounds that held greenhouses of tropical flowers and hothouses where oranges and pineapples grew, says Aurélie Caron, the château’s librarian.

“Nowhere, except on the field of battle, did I ever see Bonaparte more happy than in the gardens of Malmaison,” wrote his private secretary, Louis-Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne, in his memoirs. However, Napoleon didn’t visit as often after December 1809, when he annulled his childless marriage with Joséphine, giving her the estate.

Shortly after Napoleon abdicated in 1814, his nemesis Tsar Alexander I strolled with Joséphine in the gardens where she fell ill, dying days later. 

Escaping from exile on Elba in February 1815, Napoleon returned to rule France for nearly an additional 100 days, abdicating on June 22 after his defeat at Waterloo. He then rode to Malmaison, bidding adieu to his mother and lingering in the home that had brought such joy. “It took him a while to leave because he kept hoping that things would turn out differently,” Caron says. 

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Ultimately surrendering to the British, who exiled him, he died in 1821 on the Atlantic island of St. Helena.

The château’s highlights include the library decorated with literary figures, Joséphine’s 16-sided bedchamber and the tent-like Council Room, where the 1800 Treaty of San Ildefonso with Spain was signed, giving France the Louisiana Territory. Three years later, Napoleon sold it to the U.S. 

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Need to know: Entry: 6.50 euros (about $7, depending on exchange rates). It is wheelchair-accessible only on the ground floor. Easiest route: a taxi ride from west Paris. Alternately, take the RER “A” train to Rueil-Malmaison station, then bus 27. 

Château de Compiègne, Compiègne, France

About 55 miles to the north of Paris and wrapped by an approximately 35,000-acre forest, Château de Compiègne, which houses several museums, was something of a love nest for Napoleon, says Etienne Guibert, heritage curator at the château. He says Napoleon spent his first night here with his second wife, Austrian Archduchess Marie-Louise, in her canopied bed. Married by proxy, they didn’t set eyes on each other until March 27, 1810, when Napoleon met her carriage en route to the château; they returned there in April to kick off their official honeymoon.

“All the memoirists say that, during this period, Napoleon is very in love with his wife and it’s a little bit difficult to have a moment to discuss state affairs,” Guibert says. 

Brimming with original furnishings from the suites of Napoleon, Marie-Louise and their son, the château’s must-see historic apartments offer the most complete example of First Empire decor in France. 

Napoleon’s nephew, Emperor Napoleon III, made this château world-famous during the Second French Empire (1852-1870). Every autumn, he hosted some 100 guests over four to six weeks, the roster changing weekly in an A-list event called “the Series,” when monarchs and ambassadors mingled with VIPs such as author Gustave Flaubert, scientist Louis Pasteur and painter Eugène Delacroix. Hunting was favored, charades were frequent and plays were staged, says general curator Marc Desti — and often the guests “were writing the texts, doing the costumes and playing [the pieces] themselves.” 

The fashions and art of Napoleon III’s era are displayed in the Second Empire Museum, which holds the Franz Xaver Winterhalter painting Empress Eugénie Surrounded by Her Ladies in Waiting . The château’s car museum showcases imperial carriages and royal automobiles.

Need to know: Entry: 7.50 euros; during exhibitions, 9.50 euros ($8 to $10). Easiest route: the TER train from Paris Gare du Nord to Compiègne (ride times vary from 40 minutes to about 1¼ hour). Take free bus 1 or 2 to the wheelchair-accessible château. 

Château de Fontainebleau, Fontainebleau, France

With 1,632 rooms, Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most stunning and vast of the Napoleonic getaways. It served as a continuous refuge for rulers going back to the 12th century. Napoleon called this forested château lying about 45 miles southeast of Paris the “true home of kings,” and he extensively renovated it, including building his imperial apartments and throne room, the only one that still exists. 

Napoleon hastily redecorated what became known as the Pope’s Apartment, in honor of the 1804 visit of Pope Pius VII, who arrived in France to crown Napoleon emperor. Those same suites served as a plush prison for the pope from 1812 to 1814, after Napoleon had him arrested in Italy and transported there. 

This château marked Napoleon’s nadir. On March 31, 1814, while there, Napoleon learned a coalition of nations allied against him had taken Paris. Forced to step down without a successor from April 4 to 6 in the “Abdication Salon” — part of the “Emperor’s Small Apartment” suite — Napoleon emptied a vial of poison he’d long worn around his neck, attempting to die by suicide six days later. “But this poison was too old to be effective,” says Christophe Beyeler, chief heritage curator at the château’s Napoleon I Museum. “And he escaped death.” On April 20, Napoleon bade his troops farewell and was exiled to Elba. 

Filled with some 30,000 works of art, including many iconic paintings of Napoleon, the sprawling château houses some exhibitions in far wings. Don’t miss the breathtaking 11-room suite of the Pope’s Apartment. Holding everything from the emperor’s sabers to jackets, the Napoleon I Museum showcases portraits of Napoleon’s oft-overlooked siblings as rulers of the kingdoms he gave them — Holland to Spain. With its many treasures, 321 acres of gardens and parks and a restaurant on site — perfect for a break from all the dazzle — this château can fill most of your day.

Need to know: Entry: 14 euros (about $15). Easiest route: the 40-minute train from Paris Gare de Lyon. A 10-minute ride on bus 1 brings you in front of the château. There is limited wheelchair access.

Melissa Rossi, the author of six books about geopolitics, has written for Yahoo News, Outrider,  Rolling Stone ,  Newsweek  and  National Geographic Traveler . Typically residing in Europe, she often delves into history and travel for her Substack —  Rossi Reports .

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A New England Traveler’s Guide to Paris, France

What’s left to say about a city that has it all? Turns out, quite a lot in 2024.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

Setting out at sunset on the Seine. / Photo by Prasit Rodphan/Alamy Stock Photo

Few cities in the world instantly entice the senses and inspire the soul like Paris. Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, the Marais—this roll call of enchanting neighborhoods conjures images of quaint sidewalk cafés, verdant gardens, exquisite museums, intimate restaurants, and sun-splashed rooftops. With the Olympics beginning later this summer, the cosmopolitan capital has never looked more vibrant and prepared to welcome visitors. Wait, the French…welcoming? Indeed, even the Seine has undergone a massive cleaning and is set to host aquatic events, mon dieu! Whether you want to witness the Games or visit before the crowds start flowing in, there are a wealth of new attractions, restaurants, and hotels at the ready to experience the “City of Light” like never before.

The Louvre on a sunny day. / Photo by Bruce Beck/Alamy Stock Photo

One of the city’s newest—and most offbeat—attractions is Maison Gainsbourg , a Left Bank museum showcasing the provocative work of famed French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg (add on a visit to his historic house across the street for the full experience). To admire another lesser-known gem, head for Île Saint-Louis , the smaller of the two islands on the Seine. Here you’ll find narrow streets lined with 17th-century buildings featuring elaborate façades and quiet courtyards that offer a glimpse into the Paris of yesteryear. Stopping at Berthillon , which has been serving delicious ice cream since 1954, is a must. Prefer to actually get on the water? Try water skiing or wakeboarding on the river—yes, that’s really a thing—just outside of the city with the Ski Nautique Club .

If you still need to scratch some of the city’s most iconic sights off your bucket list, fear not. Several legendary spots are reopening their doors this year, including the Grand Palais : An architectural masterpiece originally built for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition will once again host the arts, as well as some Olympic competitions. Speaking of comebacks, Notre Dame Cathedral , which tragically burned in 2019, is set to reopen later this year after a painstaking $900 million-plus renovation.

No French sojourn would be complete without a stroll through the legendary Louvre , of course, but we recommend at least a few hours at the Musée d’ Orsay as it celebrates the 150th birthday of impressionism with an immersive new exhibit, “Tonight with the Impressionists.” Don a virtual reality headset to step back in time to 1874 and witness one of the first exhibitions of the movement featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne.

Strolling the Rue des Francs Bourgeois. / Photo by Lana Rastro/Alamy Stock Photo

On the Right Bank, the Marais is where you can find trendy boutiques lining the Rue des Francs Bourgeois . To seek out the best bargains, peruse the network of stalls, alleys, and showrooms at the Marché aux Puces , open on weekends and Mondays. It covers close to 20 acres and is one of the oldest flea markets in the world.

A Thai crèpe from Restaurant Thiou in Hôtel Norman. / Photo by Yann Deret

Tempting bistros are seemingly around every corner, but why not sample a bit of everything at the new gastronomic hall Communale Saint-Ouen ? This is no ordinary food court—Parisians gather here to listen to live music; sample street food, pastries, and cheeses; and sip fine wine and craft beers. For a more romantic atmosphere, slide into a booth at Le Christine , where chef Mehdi Bencheikh’s inspiring menu features creative French cuisine. Or take it to the next level at Dans Le Noir , which offers a truly unique experience: dining in almost complete darkness. When it’s time for a nightcap, the elegant Bar Hemingway remains a popular haunt, just as it was for F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A plush room at Hôtel Norman. / Photo © MrTripper

Just a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe, the new Hôtel Norman is a boutique property conceived by architect Thomas Vidalenc. Ideal for couples or families, amenities at the intimate 37-room hotel include the Spa by Omnisens and Restaurant Thiou, which serves up sumptuous Thai dishes from the legendary Parisian chef Apiradee Thirakomen. La Fantaisie is another new boutique property, this one with a rooftop bar, café, and 63 tastefully appointed rooms and 10 suites—many offering breathtaking views of the bustling Montmartre and the city beyond.

GETTING THERE

Nonstop flights from Boston to Paris are available on several carriers, including Air France, Delta, and JetBlue.

First published in the print edition of the May 2024 issue with the headline, “Paris, France.”

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Strasbourg & Paris in 4 Days: A Tale of Two Cities

April 17, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through the heart of France with our meticulously crafted itinerary. Day 1 immerses you in the grandeur of Paris, beginning with the iconic Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, a symbol of French pride. Stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a bustling hub of Parisian life. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower's panoramic views and conclude your day with a serene Seine River Cruise. Day 2 delves into the artistic soul of Paris, featuring a visit to the Musee d'Orsay, home to masterpieces of impressionist art, followed by the intimate Musee de l'Orangerie. Wander through the historic Place de la Concorde, absorbing its majestic atmosphere. Day 3 is dedicated to the world-renowned Louvre Museum, where art and history converge, and The Centre Pompidou, a modern cultural marvel. On Day 4, the itinerary shifts to the storybook district of Petite-France in Strasbourg, with its half-timbered houses and quaint canals. The day is crowned with the awe-inspiring Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This 4-day itinerary promises a blend of culture, history, and breathtaking sights, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

• Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and a Seine Soirée

Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile

Begin your Parisian adventure at the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, a monumental tribute to French military triumphs. Standing proudly at the Place Charles de Gaulle, this neoclassical marvel offers a deep dive into history and an unparalleled view of the city's radial boulevards. Spend an hour marveling at its intricate sculptures and the eternal flame that burns in memory of the unknown soldier.

Attraction Info

• Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 04/01-09/30,10:00am-11:00pm;Open from 10/01-03/31,10:00am-10:30pm，Opening hours may vary, please refer to the actual business status on the day

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, known as 'La plus belle avenue du monde' (The world's most beautiful avenue). This prestigious stretch is a cultural hotspot, lined with theaters, cafés, and luxury shops. The avenue's cinematic charm is perfect for a leisurely hour-long promenade, absorbing the essence of Parisian chic.

• 75008 Paris, France
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
• Open 24 hours

Eiffel Tower

Next, ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower, the iron lattice that symbolizes the city's skyline. From its observation decks, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Paris. Spend an hour indulging in the panoramic vistas and perhaps capture the perfect souvenir photo from the top of this world-renowned monument.

• Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, Paris 75007
• Open from 01/08-03/29,9:15am-11:45pm;Open from 03/30-04/01,9:15am-0:45am;Open from 04/02-04/05,9:15am-11:45pm;Open from 04/06-05/11,9:15am-0:45am;Open from 05/12-05/16,9:15am-11:45pm;Open from 05/17-05/19,9:15am-0:45am;Open from 05/20-05/31,9:15am-11:45pm

Seine River Cruise

Conclude your day with a serene Seine River Cruise. Glide past Paris' illuminated monuments as the city transitions from day to night. Each pier offers its own unique experience, so your hour on the water will be filled with enchanting sights, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, all from the comfort of your boat.

• The piers on the Seine vary depending on the cruise service provider.
• Suggested tour duration: 1-1.5 hour
• Open from 12:00pm-9:00pm，It is recommended that the operating hours disclosed on the official website of the scenic spot shall prevail; the specific business status shall be subject to the opening conditions on that day. Please note that due to the impact of the Olympic Games, the departure time of the BP Cruise will be adjusted as follows: The departure time of all BP Seine River Cruise products will be on April 8th, June 17th, July 18th to July 27th, August 28th to September 8th will be adjusted to 13:30, and sailing will be suspended from July 18th to July 26th. All restaurants on BP Cruise will also be closed during this period

Where to Stay Tonight

Hotel off paris seine, short stay group museum view serviced apartments.

• Day 2: Artistic Revelations and Historic Squares of Paris

Musee d'Orsay

Begin your second day in Paris with an inspiring visit to the Musee d'Orsay, a temple of art housed in a grand former railway station. As you step into the museum, the masterful architecture sets the stage for the masterpieces you're about to witness. Allocate around three hours to immerse yourself in the world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, where the works of Van Gogh, Monet, and many others await to captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.

• Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing 75007 Paris
• Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
• Closed all day on 05/01;Closed all day on 12/25;Closed from 01/01-04/30,Mon;Open from 01/01-04/30,Thu,9:30am-9:45pm;Open from 01/01-04/30,Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun,9:30am-6:00pm;Closed from 05/02-12/24,Mon;Open from 05/02-12/24,Thu,9:30am-9:45pm;Open from 05/02-12/24,Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun,9:30am-6:00pm;Closed from 12/26-12/31,Mon;Open from 12/26-12/31,Thu,9:30am-9:45pm;Open from 12/26-12/31,Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun,9:30am-6:00pm，Closed on May 1 and December 25

Musee de l'Orangerie

After the visual feast at the Musee d'Orsay, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Musee de l'Orangerie, an art gallery renowned for its intimate and well-curated space. Spend about an hour and a half here, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Monet's Water Lilies, set in two oval rooms designed by the artist himself. The gallery also boasts an impressive array of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, and other luminaries, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

• Jardin des Tuileries，Place de la Concorde，75001 Paris
• Suggested tour duration: 1.5-2 hour
• Open on Mon, Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Open on Fri,9:00am-9:00pm;Closed on Tue，The specific business status is subject to the opening conditions on that day. The attraction will be temporarily closed on July 26, 24, and the evening activities on August 15 will be cancelled (you can visit normally during the day)

Place de la Concorde

Conclude your day's exploration at the Place de la Concorde, Paris's largest square, steeped in history and grandeur. With just an hour here, you can marvel at the majestic fountains, the towering Luxor Obelisk, and the statues representing French cities. It's a place where the city's past and present converge, offering a moment of reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of Parisian life.

Hotel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel

Hotel cambon.

• Day 3: Masterpieces and Modernism in the Heart of Paris

Louvre Museum

Begin your third day in Paris with an immersive journey through art history at the iconic Louvre Museum. As the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, the Louvre is a testament to human creativity, housing thousands of works from various civilizations and periods. Allocate a full day to explore the grandeur of its master architecture and the countless masterpieces within its walls, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the majestic Venus de Milo. The museum's diverse collections span across ancient civilizations, the Middle Ages, and into modern times, ensuring that every visitor finds something to marvel at.

• 75001 Paris, France
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Closed all day on 01/01;Open from 01/02-04/30,Mon, Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 01/02-04/30,Tue;Open from 01/02-04/30,Fri,9:00am-9:45pm;Closed all day on 05/01;Open from 05/02-12/24,Mon, Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 05/02-12/24,Tue;Open from 05/02-12/24,Fri,9:00am-9:45pm;Closed all day on 12/25;Open from 12/26-12/31,Mon, Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 12/26-12/31,Tue;Open from 12/26-12/31,Fri,9:00am-9:45pm，Admission will be stopped 1 hour before closing time, and clearance will begin 30 minutes before closing time. The museum is closed on January 1, May 1 (Labor Day), and December 25 (Christmas Day).

The Centre Pompidou

After delving into the past at the Louvre, transition to the contemporary at The Centre Pompidou. A striking example of high-tech architecture in the Beaubourg area of Paris, this cultural hub is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Spend a couple of hours in the afternoon marveling at the innovative design and the extensive collection of modern art. The Centre Pompidou is not just a museum but a vibrant cultural center that also hosts a public library and a center for music and acoustic research, making it a beacon for culture enthusiasts.

• Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 01/01-04/30,Mon, Wed-Sun,11:00am-9:00pm;Closed from 01/01-12/23,Tue;Open 11:00am-7:00pm on 12/24;Open from 12/25-12/30,Mon, Wed-Sun,11:00am-9:00pm;Closed from 12/25-12/30,Tue;Open 11:00am-7:00pm on 12/31;Open from 05/02-12/23,Mon, Wed-Sun,11:00am-7:00pm

Hotel Beaubourg

B 1632 - louvre - studio parisien.

• Day 4: Enchanting Strasbourg - A Day of Historical Splendor

Petite-France

Begin your final day in Strasbourg with a visit to the storybook district of Petite-France, a charming area that seems lifted straight from a fairy tale. As the first stop of the day, wander through its cobbled streets early in the morning to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before the crowds arrive. This picturesque quarter is famed for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and canals that reflect the colorful buildings. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city's medieval history and to capture some stunning photographs.

• La Petite France, 67000 Strasbourg

Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg

After strolling through the enchanting Petite-France, make your way to the awe-inspiring Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. Dedicate an hour to explore this architectural masterpiece, which stands as a testament to the city's rich history and religious heritage. As a prominent church and historic site, the cathedral boasts an impressive Gothic façade and an intricate astronomical clock that's a marvel of Renaissance engineering. Climb up to the viewing platform for a breathtaking panorama of Strasbourg, and let the grandeur of this centuries-old monument be the crowning experience of your trip.

• Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg
• Open on Mon-Sat,8:30am-11:15am,12:45pm-5:45pm;Open on Sun,2:00pm-5:15pm

Le Nid de la Cathedrale

Hotel cathedrale.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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French air traffic controller strike threaten travel chaos at Paris airports

French air traffic controllers are to stage a one-day strike Thursday that risks seeing most flights cancelled at the two main Paris airports, France's leading aviation association warned Tuesday.

Issued on: 23/04/2024 - 19:03

Unions called the strike after a breakdown of negotiations on salary increases and other measures in a planned overhaul of France 's air traffic control system.

The action has raised new concerns over the risk of strikes during the Olympic Games that Paris is due to host from late July, when hundreds of thousands of extra visitors are expected.

The main air traffic union has also warned it could order several days of strike action over a busy May holiday weekend if its demands are not met. 

The strike is going to be "very strongly followed", said Pascal de Izaguirre, the head of FNAM, an umbrella group of French aviation industry unions .

He said 75 percent of flights could be cancelled at Paris Orly airport and 65 percent at Charles de Gaulle, the capital's main airport. Regional airports are also set to be badly affected. 

"It will have a huge impact," he said.

On top of the cancellations, "major delays" are to be expected, said an official from the air traffic controllers' union, asking not to be named.

The air traffic control reforms aim to improve productivity but unions think the changes should be accompanied by higher salaries.

The main air traffic union, the SNCTA, has also issued notice it could also strike on three days, from Thursday May 9 to Saturday May 11.

This could potentially wreck many people's holiday plans, with May 9 a public holiday and May 10 traditionally used as a "pont" (bridge) to make a long weekend. 

In statement, the union condemned the failure of the discussions "in particular on the question of social support" and gave authorities 15 days to "engage in a search for solutions" before it carries out the strike threat.

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Cypriot gymnast Marios Georgiou on his most perfect day at the European Championships in Rimini

The new European artistic gymnastics all-around men's champion, Marios Georgiou , waited patiently for the TV producer to set up the lights ready for his interview, wide-eyed, thoughts racing.

The Cypriot had headed into the European Championships in Rimini, Italy with one goal, and one goal only – to earn a quota for his third Olympic Games.

He had his work cut out.

With just months to go until the Olympic Games, the continental championships was the last chance for a single European men's gymnast to claim a coveted spot at Paris 2024 , starting 26 July. The women have the same opportunity when their competition gets underway on 2 May.

Just one athlete, the highest scoring eligible gymnast from the qualification competition, which also doubled as the all-around final, would gain that quota berth for their nation.

And Georgiou wasn't the only athlete desperate for the chance to compete at the artistic gymnastics event starting at the Bercy Arena on Saturday 27 July.

France were keen to add to their solitary tally of one male gymnast for their home Games, but were thwarted by the injury to Benjamin Osberger just days before the competition began, and despite Leo Saladino and Jim Zona 's best efforts.

Elsewhere a trio of cousins were in the running, with David Rumbutis of Sweden and Robert and Oskar Kirmes of Finland making their bid for inclusion in the iconic pyramid-shaped arena that has hosted the likes of the Chicago Bulls NBA team, and seen Daft Punk and My Chemical Romance perform.

But the gymnast that pushed Georgiou hardest for the coveted spot was his compatriot, Ilias Georgiou – no relation.

Despite vying for the grandest prize of all, the pair supported each other throughout the competition, cheering and high-fiving all the way through. It was only on the penultimate apparatus, the pommel horse, from which Ilias fell, that Marios pulled away, just needing a clear run on the final apparatus, still rings, to lead the all-around rankings with just one subdivision to go.

"Gymnastics is individual but at the end of the day, Ilias and me, we push each other to the maximum," Marios told Olympics.com. "When we get to competition, we try to get the better result for both of us. So it is really good that I have Ilias, and Ilias has me, because we push each other every day, in every competition and in training, so it is a good thing for us."

That competitive nature also ensured the Cyprus team, that also included Michalis Chari , Georgios Angonas and Sokratis Pilakouris, would qualify for the European team final (taking place on Sunday 28 April) for the first time in their history.

So, the focus for Marios had been to go clean, and claim that last quota berth for Paris 2024.

He achieved that, and more.

Marios only went and won the all-around title, the first Cypriot to ever claim that honour.

• Marios Georgiou of Cyprus crowned 2024 European all-around gymnastics champion

Marios Georgiou's waiting game

Having competed in the second subdivision, the third and final session was to be watched from the stands.

It was in this session that Georgiou perhaps expected to be usurped by defending champion Adem Asil of Türkiye, or Britain's Jake Jarman , silver medallist in 2023, or Illia Kovtun of Ukraine who claimed silver in the discipline at the 2023 world championships.

But errors cost them, leaving Marios and his team-mates increasingly exuberant watching on from the spectator seats, before finally – making sure to wait until the very last score came up – jumping up and down in celebration of their talisman.

"It was so stressful but also I could enjoy this kind of stress. It's nice, not bad stress," he laughed.

When I got to the podium I was thinking, my country is a little island! It's unbelievable the feeling, unbelievable.

As with many sport stars, the journey has not been an easy one for Georgiou.

• Olympic Games Paris 2024 artistic gymnastics schedule

Marios Georgiou faced adversity from a young age

"We were a poor family and we faced a lot of hardships," Georgiou told Sport FM in 2019. "My mother was in debt, and she decided a few years ago to leave the country. She asked me if I wanted to go with her, but I had the Rio Games to look forward to. I chose to stay in Cyprus."

With rent owed on the house, 17-year-old Georgiou had to quickly find somewhere else to live. His father came to live with him, but sadly died in 2018.

It was his coach, Panagiotis Petridis, who persuaded him to continue gymnastics when the teenager was weighing up leaving the sport altogether to get a job to make ends meet.

"My coach was the one who convinced me to resume my training. That’s how I managed to overcome the loss. Today my coach is like a second father to me. He’s stood by me through thick and thin."

Georgiou was bullied at school for his Filipino heritage, and for being a gymnast. But he tackled this head on, later fronting an anti-bullying campaign, 'Be the hero'.

More recently, shoulder surgery in late 2023 left minimal time for rehab with less than a year to go until Paris.

But he here was, European all-around champion, earning a quota for his third Olympic Games, and leading his team to a first ever team final. No wonder his eyes were glazed eyes, thoughts racing, while waiting to be interviewed after receiving his medal.

For a brief moment, he dropped his head, a small smile to himself in private recognition of his achievements, no doubt thinking of the day's result achieved by following the mantra that features prominently on his social media biographies: "Always keep pushing, no matter how hard it is."

• Artistic Gymnastics European Championships 2024 men's preview: Full schedule and how to watch Paris 2024 qualifier live

As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024. Click here to see the official qualification system for each sport.

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