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35+ Best Day Trips from Paris (France) – Tips by local + Map + Photos

Last updated on June 10, 2021 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Planning your next vacations in Paris? Want to discover more of France? That's a great idea and really easy. Paris is central so you can see a lot. But where to go? Belo you will find my selection of  the best day trips from Paris, France ,  including:

• Charming villages
• War History
• Kids activities
• Historical Cities

This guide is organized by themes, with photos, map and lots of practical information.

This article contains affiliate links ( Disclosure page ). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

My top selection - 5 Best Day Trips from Paris France

Paris is very central and there are lots and lots of day tours you can do. It can be overwhelming This is why, as a French Person and a travel planning addict, I have:

• curated for you the best 1 day excursions from Paris by themes,
• organized them by themes (Castles - Gastronomy - Villages - War History - Kids activities - Cities...)
• added criteria to help you choose 

Best day trips from Paris - Inspiration

My 5 favorite tours

As French person and an avid seeker of grandiose scenery, I think the best day trips from Paris are to:

• Mont Saint Michel , a small but fascinating fortified island between Normandy and Brittany (By organized tour: Check out program )
• Etretat , a charming villages with impressive cliffs and sea stacks (By organized tour:  Check out program )
• Strasbourg , a city in the Eastern part of France with a typical old center ( Book your train ride )
• Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle , not far from Paris, not as crowded as Versailles, but with a long & fascinating history (Organized tour: Check out program )
• The Champagne region , for the cathedral and gastronomy (Organized tour: Check out program )

Mont Saint Michel

Vaux le Vicomte

Detailed descriptions and planning tips for all of them after the map.

MAP of Potential Day Trips

Stop being overwhelmed! I have reduced the list for you. Below is a map overview to give you an idea of where you could go. After the Map you can navigate by theme to find detailed info about those excursions from Paris (with photo, reasons to visit, things to, how to get there...).

I hope you will have fun selecting you itinerary to discover more of France!

MY FAVORITES - Best Day Trips to France from Paris

If you want to save time and not choose by yourself, here are my recommendations as a French person. It is not easy to reduce it down, there are so many beautiful places in France.

1 - MONT SAINT MICHEL (Map #7)

Architecture / History / Scenery

LONG - 4h drive each way (8h return)

Unesco Site - Yes

Why visit Mount Saint Michel?

I know it is a crazy long drive for a day trip. The other ones won't be like that. But it is such a unique place! It is one of the most iconic French locations outside of Paris.

Located at the limit between Brittany and Normandy, the island is 1km off the coast (0.6 miles).

The small rock promontory is covered with fortifications and a magnificent monastery. It is a perfect example of feudal society.

• Very touristy, you won't be alone!
• Access to the island is a flat walk however once one the Mount, you will have to navigate steep, busy and narrow streets.
• Avoid bringing big bags - not adapted to wheelchair or stroller
• At low tide, do not cross the sand by yourself - there are moving sands - hire a guide
• Fabulous place to admire the equinox tides
• Paris to Mont St Michel - 360km - 4h to 4h30
• GPS Parking - 48°36'36.8"N 1°30'28.8"W
• Take Motorway A13 towards Rouen and then National Roads - Tolls 24€ one way
• Parking lots inland - 2.5km from the Mount - Shuttles are set up to pick your up directly from the Parking
• Compare prices and rent your car on  Discovercars.com

Train Option

• Nothing direct, you need train + bus
• Special daily public transportation offer - 4h each way
• Train from Paris Montparnasse to Villedieu les Poêles and then bus to Mont Saint Michel - One Daily Return trip organised (54€ return)
• More info on the SNCF website with departure and return times: Mont Saint Michel Train or Book Directly on Rail Europe - Enter Paris as departure and Mont St Michel as arrival - Book your return trip

Organized Tour

If you don't want to have to find your way though the transportation or drive, consider booking an organized tour with a guide that will give you plenty of historical information. I don't recommend booking a tour that is in combination with another famous location. You need to have enough time to explore this incredible place! Check out this tour in luxury coach  Or check out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

2 - ETRETAT (Map #10)

MEDIUM - 2h45 drive each way (5h30 return)

Unesco - Maybe one day

Why visit Etretat?

Etretat is a beloved location for French people, made famous by Maurice Leblanc's fictional character of Arsene Lupin and by the Impressionist painters.

If offers a very scenic coastline with impressive chalk cliffs, arches and pinnacles. The small village of Etretat, niched between the cliffs, is very charming with old houses and great restaurants.

If you want to get away from the crowds of Paris and go for a walk along the sea, this is one of the best places to go!

It is only 30min from where I grew up, I love going there!

See more photos in my Etretat Article.

• The village is really niched in a small area between cliffs. There is not much parking places inside, so during weekends, better to park at the entrance of the village.
• Enjoy some great sea food by the water
• Spend time visiting the villag e center, especially the market hall
• 2 walks possible on each side of the village. Lots of steps. Both offer amazing views. To see the arch, climb on the South side (the one without the church)
• Paris to Etretat - 2h45 - 210km one way
• GPS Parking by the sea - 49°42'27.5"N 0°12'05.7"E
• Take Motorway A13 towards Rouen. national Roads at the end
• Tolls - 20€ each way
• Alternative - if you have time, you can also drive to Honfleur (#9) and cross at the Normandy Bridge rather than the Tancarville bridge, if you love bridge engineering 🙂
• Compare prices and rent your car on  Discovercars.com
• No direct options - I don't recommend trying to get there by public transportation
• But if you insist - you have to take the train from Paris to Breauté-Beuzeville (from Saint Lazare Train station  - Stop on the train that goes to Le Havre) and take bus Line 17 to Etretat - but it needs to be planned for connections

If you don't want to drive, better to join an organized tour on an Impressionist journey. This tour takes you to walk around Etretat, followed by a French cooking class in a Manor and to the Unesco Site of Le Havre with it art museum. Check out this quite unique program! Or check out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

Or check out My gastronomy tour suggestion in Normandy that also stops at Etretat (#22)

3 - STRASBOURG (Map #23)

Architecture / History

MEDIUM - 2h by train

Why visit Strasbourg ?

Strasbourg is one of my favorite cities in France. This is where I studied (not that it is factor in your choice of Day trip from Paris, I know).

Thanks to the TGV (High speed train), it is now easily visited on a day tour from Paris.

Located in the Alsace region (East of France), it offers a magnificent Gothic Cathedral and a center that looks like a small village.

One of the best activities is to take a boat ride on the canals to really appreciate this old typical center!

• Train station is only 10/15min walk from the old center and the cathedral or you can take the Tram
• Take the time to admire the Gothic Cathedral, its façade and inside
• Take a boat tour
• Enjoy some Flammekuche or other famous local specialities in the many delicious restaurants - and taste the local white wines! (Riesling, Gewurzstraminer...)
• A great time to visit Strasbourg is in December, during the Christmas Market
• I don't recommend driving there. It is a 4h drive - boring motorway all the way
• TGV train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg - 2h10 - Reserve your TGV seat now   (TGVs have limited number of seats)

I could not find a tour organized from Paris, since it is far away if you don't take the train. But you can book a 2 hour visit by bicycle to learn more about the city and get oriented! Check out the program

4 - VAUX-LE-VICOMTE CASTLE (Map #3)

SHORT - 1h15 drive Each way (2h30 return)

Unesco Site - No, In discussion

Why visit Vaux le Vicomte?

This is my favorite castle around Paris. It is not as grandiose as Versailles because it was not enlarged, but you don't get the same crowds.

I love the ambiance it offers. Built in the 17th century, it is the French elegance you imagine. With Versailles, Louis XIV tried to be as grandiose as possible. But Vaux-le-Vicomte remained untouched with great details and art.

The gardens are also worth a stroll

• Plenty of parking space
• Opening hours during touristic season: 25th March to 5th November - 10 am to 7pm
• Opening hours off touristic season: weekends only 10 am to 7pm from 25th November to 7th January - closed the other periods
• Check here for latest info on opening hours
• 15,5 € entrance for 1 adult - more on prices here
• You can even rent historical costumes to have fun around the castle!
• Paris to Vaux le Vicomte - 1h15 drive
• Located South East of Paris, close to the town of Melun - no tolls
• GPS Parking - 48°34'05.6"N 2°42'41.4"E
• No direct public transportation, you need a combination - Suburban train + ShuttleBus
• From Paris take the Line P (in the direction of Provins) - Stop at Verneuil L'Etang (35min on train) then take the shuttle called "Châteaubus" (during touristic period only). Shuttle paiement by cash only.

Once again, if you don't want to find your way and just seat back, relax, and listen to the guide, you can join an organized tour from Paris. The tour allows you to visit 2 castles. This one Vaux-le-Vicomte and the nearby Fontainebleau castle, which is Unesco Site (#2). Check out the program and Book Or c heck out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

Looking for something special?

If you want to do something different, I have 2 options around this castle for you:

• Enjoy a beautiful dinner at Vaux-le-Vicomte and visit the castle in a unique atmosphere surrounded by thousands of candles - Check out program and book
• Get there by Helicopter - Enjoy an unforgettable Helicopter ride over Paris and arriving over the castle. This is what I call a great entrance 🙂  

5 - CHAMPAGNE REGION (Map #19)

Tasting / Scenery

MEDIUM - 2h drive Each way (4h return)

Why visit the Champagne Region?

Well, when you think of France, you might think Wine, Cheese and Baguette. But you can find wines everywhere. Champagne is not the same. It is the essence of French Luxury.

Champagne can only come from France, and only from the Champagne region (any other version of it would be called sparkling wine, not champagne).

The region is full a charming little villages as well as old and scenic vineyards.

Plan your visit

• This region has 2 Unesco listing - one for the Reims center including the Cathedral and one for the Champagne vineyards.
• You can start your day in Reims and its impressive Cathedral (#28)
• Most of the champagne houses have their headquarters either in Reims or in Epernay
• Visit some of the most famous vineyards such as Möet et Chandon, Veuve Cliquot or the historic ones such as Hautvillers and Aÿ.
• And drive around the beautiful fields on rolling hills...
• Paris to the heart of the Champagne region - 2h drive
• Paris to Reims : 1h40 via Mortoway A4 (Autoroute de l'Est) - 11€ of tolls each way
• Reims Cathedral GPS - 49°15'12.1"N 4°01'57.4"E
• Reims to Epernay - 40min, nice drive
• Then find your favorite champagne, go on their website and see what cna be visited

Not really an option if you want to visit the vineyards. Unless you take the train to Reims and take one cellar tour from there with a specific Champagne House.

Driving or tasting, you have to choose. So, it might be better to book a Day tour from Paris 🙂 Different tours are proposed. Most go to the famous Moët and Chandon, some take you more around in the region.

I found 2 tours where I think the program is great:  - One focusses more on combining with Food tasting - Check out program and Book - The other one focusses more on history - Check out Program and Book - Or check out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

And don't forget to purchase Travel insurance! I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared. I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here .

CASTLES - Best Day Tours from Paris

A very good reason to visit France is for the many castles. I have selected the most impressive or the most significant ones in terms of History, and of course, only the ones accessible from Paris within a day. Here are the best castles to visit around Paris:

#1 - VERSAILLES CASTLE

SHORT -  45 drive Each way (1h30 return)

Why visit Versailles?

Well because it is VERSAILLES! The most famous of all the French Castles. It is very close to Paris and can keep you very busy for the whole day (and several days actually).

The palace is huge, its gardens magnificent with statues and fountains.

If you visit the interior, you will discover the opulence and over the top decor, including the famous 'Galleries des glaces' with mirrors, gold and crystal chandeliers.

It was the home of several kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI.

• Opening hours - from April to October: the park is open everyday from 7am to 8:30pm - the palace is open everyday except Mondays from 9am to 6:30pm
• Opening hours - from November to March:  park is opened until 6pm and palace until 5:30pm
• Plan a full day to really explore it, and wear comfortable shoes!
• I really don't recommend driving in the Paris suburbs but if you want your freedom in terms of time that is possible
• Located South West of Paris
• It takes 45 during to drive there or more if you are stuck in traffic jams
• Parking lot GPS - 48°48'11.2"N 2°07'30.3"E
• To avoid queueing at the ticket booth once there, you can pre-purchase a ticket online in your own currency
• You can take the suburban train from Paris: Take RER C (yellow line) Towards Versailles Rive Gauche and walk for 10 minutes to the castle. 
• Pay attention because there are different types of RER C and one that goes to another Versailles stop. You want to make sure on the display board that your train has 'Versailles Rives Gauche' in the list of stops (But if you make a mistake, don't panic! get out at one of the Versailles stop and take a short taxi ride or walk for 20 minutes instead of 10...)
• Once you are onboard the RER, it is a 30 to 35min journey
• One way ticket is 3.65€ as of September 2017
• To avoid queueing at the ticket booth once there, you can pre-purchase a ticket online

If you don't want to bother finding out how French suburban trains work, companies organize shuttles combined with skip-the line tickets. I recommend choosing a tour that leaves from specific points in Paris and does not tour all the hotels to pick people up. This is such a drag! Reserve your seats .

I don't recommend tours that take you to another location on top of Versailles. This castle and its garden are huge. It could occupy you for several days!

#2 - FONTAINEBLEAU CASTLE

SHORT - 1h drive Each way

Why visit Fontainebleau?

Quite close to Paris, this castle is also a Unesco Site. It has had a long history since the 12th century. It started as a hunting lodge surrounded by a lush forest and royals have enjoyed it for 8th century! So, many historical events have played out here 🙂 The current palace is from the 16th century. It is quite famous for its photogenic staircase to the front entrance.

The gardens are not as beautiful as those of Versailles, but the interior is heavily furnished and decorated and you won't have the crowds of Versailles!

• Opening hours: Apr to Sep: 9:30am to 6pm and Octo to Mar: 9:30am to 5pm
• Touring the interior will probably take you 2 hours
• Full price 11€ + 3€ for video guide
• Located South of Paris, in the town of Fontainebleau
• 1h drive without traffic on motorway A6 - no tolls
• Parking-lot GPS - 48°24'10.7"N 2°41'46.5"E
• This is not the easiest one to visit by public transportation
• From Gare de Lyon, take one of the 3 following trains: Train towards Montargis-Sens or Train to Montereau or Train to Laroche-Migennes
• Purchase ticket before getting onboard
• Descend at the Fontainebleau-Avon station and take local bus Line 1 towards destination 'Les Lilas' and stop at Château

Once again, if you don't want to find your way and just seat back, relax, and listen to the guide, you can join an organized tour from Paris. The tour allows you to visit 2 castles. This one Fontainebleau and and the nearby Vaux-le-Vicomte castle (#3). Check out the program and Book Or check out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

#3 - VAUX LE VICOMTE CASTLE 

Unesco Site - In discussion

The gardens are also worth a stroll 🙂

Go back up to the Favorite Section for the planning info.

#4 - CHANTILLY CASTLE

SHORT -  1h drive Each way

Unesco Site - No

Why visit the Chantilly Castle?

This Domaine of Chantilly is lesser known that the other castles around Paris and yet it offers a lot to the visitor!

Built around water and surrounded by forest, the Grand Palace is very scenic. It was rebuilt in the 19th century after it was destroyed during the French Revolution. There is also a Small Palace from the 16th, a famous Art museum (Musée Condé), the Great stables (with equestrian shows) and gardens designed by André Le Nôtre.

You sure won't get bored when visiting Chantilly!

The collection of art and the Reading room are really exceptional. 

I must admit that I hesitated to include it in my favorites.

• Opening hours High season - 25th Mar to 1st Nov: 10 am to 6PM
• Opening hours Low season - 28th Jan to 24 Mar: 10:30 am to 5PM - closed on Tuesdays
• Closed November to end Jan
• Plan enough time to cover the stables and the grand palace with its painting collection and amazing Reading room.
• Located North for Paris
• 1h drive via motorway A3 from Paris center
• Parking lot GPS - 49°11'29.1"N 2°29'09.0"E (you must pay for parking)
• 2 options - always get ticket before getting on board
• Suburban train RER D (51 minutes) Direction Creil and get off at Chantilly-Gouvieux - then walk for 15minutes to the station - You have to get the only RER D that goes all the way to that stop. But they are not frequent. 
• TER train from Gare du Nord Direction Creil or Compiègne  - Make sure Chantilly-Gouvieux is on the list of stops (25minutes).
• In both case check out the time on Transilien.com to make sure you don't miss them

Organized Tour 

If you want to just sit back, relax and learn more about the history of the place, join an organized excursion from Paris including the great stables and a delicious meal. Check out program and Book Or check out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

#5 - PIERREFONDS CASTLE

SHORT -  1H20 drive Each way (2h40 return)

Why visit Pierrefonds?

Pierrefonds has quite a unique history and architecture. Erected in the 14th century, it was destroyed in the 17th century and remained in ruins.

But Napoleon III asked the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc to rebuilt it. And the design is made to be 'the ideal castle as it would have existed during the Middle Ages'.

So its appearance is very different from all the other castles we have around Paris.

And I love Medieval style, don't you?

• Opening hours 2nd May to 4th September - 9:30 am to 6pm
• Opening hours 5th September to April - 10am to 5:30pm
• Closed on some public holidays
• Entry price: 8€
• North East of Paris near Compiègne
• 1H20 drive from Paris via National 2
• Parking-lot GPS - 49°20'49.2"N 2°58'39.7"E

Other Options

• No easy public transport option
• I could not find an organized group tour for you

#6 - LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES

MEDIUM -  2h drive Each way (4h return)

Why visit the Loire Valley Castles?

South of Paris, the Loire Valley is one of the most magnificent regions of France. This very scenic area is home to some of the most magnificent castles and palaces as well as famous vineyards.

My favorite castle in that area is Amboise because of its location with the bridge and the village. SO charming! The most famous is probably Chambord because of its outrageous scale (the one on the photo)

But there are many more to discover in the region. Usse for its faily-tale towers and Azay-le-Rideau, that seems to be floating on water, are both also very popular.

• On a day tour from Paris, you have to decide beforehand which ones you want to visit.
• I recommend not to plan more than 2 castles to visit, but you can drive around to see others from the outside.
• On the site Experience Loire, you can find a complete list of the Loire Valley castles with photos
• South of Paris
• Chambord is 2h drive South of Paris, others are further South (30min to 1hour extra drive)
• Chambord Parking lot GPS - 47°36'56.3"N 1°30'39.4"E
• Chenonceau Parking lot GPS - 47°19'48.7"N 1°03'59.8"E
• Amboise Parking lot GPS - 47°24'51.8"N 0°59'09.0"E
• Cannot be easily reached by train

If you don't want to drive, you can join an organized tour that will take you to see several castles. My favorite program covers Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise! Check out program and Book

Here I am proposing a tour that focusses on the castle. But later in the Gastronomy section, I have found a tour that combines castle and Loire Valley wine (#20)

Or check out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

#7 MONT ST MICHEL

The small rock promontory is covered with fortifications and a a magnificent monastery. It is a perfect example of feudal society.

Go back up to the Favorite Section for the planning info

Other castles accessible on a day trip from Paris (smaller or less scenic in my opinion)

• Grosbois Castle
• Malmaison Castle
• Breteuil Castle
• Rambouillet Castle
• Thoiry Castle
• Monte Cristo Castle
• Dampierre en Yvelines Castle
• Maisons-Lafitte Castle
• La Roch-Guyon Castle

Want to stay connected while in France?

If you don't have a European phone plan, be careful with your usage! But changing SIM card can be a pain.

So companies are renting pocket wifi hotspots on which you can connect several devices to keep chatting with friends or use Google maps.

Check out this system

VILLAGES & SMALL OLD TOWNS - Best Day Trips around Paris

France is filled with adorable villages in every region : Small churches, old houses, historical monuments... So for this selection, I only present the villages which have something extra for you than just being charming. Here are the best French villages to visit from Paris

#8 - PROVINS

SHORT -  1h15 drive Each way (2h30 return)

Why visit Provins?

Provins is one of the most famous villages in France. It is not far from Paris and is evidence of the development of fairs in medieval time.

Provins is often referred to as 'the medieval village' and it sure takes full advantage of its characteristics.

The medieval features are well preserved and you will feel like traveling back in time.

Don't miss the facolnry and equestrian show!

• You should plan a full day
• Sites include: The ramparts, the Caesar Tower (a keep with complex architecture), the barn, the underground galleries and museum.
• You could be enjoying 4 different shows - discover them here
• During the 2nd week of June, the Medieval Festival of Provins takes place in the city
• South East of Paris
• 1h15 drive from Paris
• Parking lot GPS - 48°33'38.5"N 3°16'44.7"E
• You can take the suburban Train from Paris Est To Provins (Train Line P - 1h30) - 11euros and then take the Provin's tourist line bus or walk - Get your ticket before getting on board the train. 

Consider this organized tour, that takes you to Provins on a coach and providing you tickets to the village and the falconry show while still having the flexibility to explore on your own  - check out program and book

#9 - HONFLEUR

Scenery / Seaside

Why visit Honfleur?

Honfleur is a charming little old town in Normandy. Located by the sea, this fishing village has been painted by many artists. The main bassin is surrounded by narrow colorful houses making it quite a unique sight. As you walk around you will be able to taste many of the french delicacies, especially the delicious regional cider.

Exploring Honfleur is like walking in a painting.

See my article about it

• Take your time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this fishing village
• Stroll around the vieux-bassin
• Admire the old houses and the Saint-Catherine's church built of wood and much more
• Visit the many small boutiques selling tasty local produces
• Located in Normandy, North West of Paris
• 2 drive from Paris Via A13
• If you are driving, take a small detour to see the magnificent Normandy bridge on the Seine River - And you can combine with Le Havre (#30) a Unesco site and the cliffs at Etretat (#10)

Not really an option

If you don't want to drive, you can book a small group tour to Honfleur and the nearby famous beaches of Deauville and Trouville - You will discover some of the Monet's favorite views -   Check out Program and Book

You can also visit Honfleur on a gastronomy tour of Normandy, Check out number #22

#10 - ETRETAT

Go back up to the Favorite Section for planning info

#11 - GIVERNY

SHORT -  1H10 drive Each way

Why visit Giverny ?

Are you a big fan of Monet's painting or do you enjoy beautiful gardens? Then Giverny is a destination for you.

The small village houses the home of Monet and the famous gardens he painted so many times.

This is where he created some of his most iconic paintings.

You can also enjoy a small museum on impressionism.

• Take your time to enjoy the gardens (the Clos Normand and the water garden), let the artist in you appreciate the place 🙂
• Visit the Monet house and museum
• North West of Paris, near Vernon
• 1h10 drive from Paris via A13 (with tolls) or 1h20 via national roads (without tolls)
• Parking lot GPS - 49°04'30.8"N 1°31'48.5"E
• Take the train from Paris St Lazare and stop at Vernon-Giverny, then take the shuttle to Giverny (for 6km) .

If you don't want to worry about finding your way through public transportation, you can book an organized tour by minibus taking you directly to the house and the museum. Check out program and book

#12 - BARBIZON

Atmosphere / Art

SHORT -  1h drive Each way (2h return)

Why visit Barbizon?

Barbizon is a charming little village with small rock houses and a love for art. It is often called 'the artist's village'.

Many artists have made their home in this village and it houses the Barbizon school of painters.

Theodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet both lived in the village.

Today, the main street is lined up with old art studios converted into museums, art galleries and restaurant.

• Just stroll along the main street to soak in the artsy atmosphere - visit the galleries
• If you need a bit of nature after exploring Paris, you can also explore the nearby enchanting forest of Fontainebleau
• 1h drive from Paris (no tolls)
• Main raod GPS - 48°26'40.3"N 2°36'28.1"E
• Can be combined with a visit to Fontainebleau or Vaux-le-Vicomte Castles

Not the easiest...

Private tours are available to take you to both the castle of Fontainebleau (a Unesco site #2) and the village of Barbizon - Check out program and book

Other  villages close to Paris are also worth considering for a visit:

• Auvers sur Oise - sur les traces de Van Gogh
• Milly-a-Forêt
• Coulommiers
• And so many, especially in my region Normandy 🙂 along the Seine River: Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, La Bouille...

Note I have written other guides that could make your trip to Paris easier:

• Best places to say in Paris
• 10 detailed itineraries by themes to spend 3 days in Paris

WITH KIDS - Best One Day Trips from Paris

Traveling to Paris with Kids? #3 Vaux le Vicomte Castle and #8 Provins can be really fun for kids with activities and costumes. You can mix history with happy kids 🙂 However you may want to take one day to do an activity out of Paris that is geared towards only them. Below are 3 options:

#13 - DISNEYLAND

Kids / Thrill Rides

SHORT -  45min drive Each way (1h30 return)

Why visit Disneyland Paris?

Well, it's Disneyland! 

Princesses, crazy rides, Disney characters, parades...

All you are used to finding in a Disney amusement park (including, sadly, the long queues...)

• Opening hours: 10am to 8:30pm
• Wear good shoes to walk around
• Take a lot of water and an umbrella for the waiting time to get on rides
• Get more planning tips on this article about spending one day in Disneyland Paris
• East of Paris
• 45 drive from Paris via A4 (without traffic) - no tolls
• Parking Access GPS - 48°52'34.0"N 2°47'48.0"E
• If you visit by yourself, you can pre-purchase your tickets to skip the lin e
• Take RER A (red line) in the direction of Marne-la-valley. You can take it from different stations in Paris. Get off at Marne-la-Valley-Chessy (40 to 45min ride) and you are close to the entrance - 7.60€ for adults, 3€80 fro kids (subject to changes)
• If you visit by yourself, you can pre-purchase your tickets to skip the line

Purchase entrance ticket

If you don't want to bother driving and figuring out the RER, join an Express shuttle tour that includes entrance tickets  - Learn more and book here Or c heck out tour options here if you prefer the Viator platform

#14 - FRANCE MINIATURE

Architecture / History / Kids

Why visit France Miniature ?

I have such fond memories of this park. I visited when I was a pre-teen, on a tour organized by the company where my father worked. It was so much fun!

It is a very original activity that can please both the children and the adults.

In this park you can see a model of the most famous sites in France: Eiffel Tower, Cathedrals, Viaduct, Bridges, Castles; Villages... tout the entre France patrimoine 🙂

It also has slides, playgrounds and other fun things to do for the kids.

• Opening hours - check out here when the park is opened
• This is way more relax that the other parks. Take you camera because it is quite impressive what they have done!
• Note that it is quite an old park and no thrill ride, just small carousels, slides and playgrounds for kids - but still fun! there are more than 100 models
• West of Paris
• 45 min drive via A13 and A12  (when no traffic jams) - no tolls
• Parking lot GPS - 48°46'35.5"N 1°57'50.8"E
• 20min east you can combine with La Serre aux Papillons to watch many butterflies with bright colors flying around you - GPS 48°48'17.2"N 1°46'43.8"E
• You could take RER C to St Quentin en Yvelines and then a taxi ride to France Miniature

I could not find an organized tour to get you there, but I recommend purchasing the ticket before to skip the line at the ticket booth. Enter straight away and enjoy visiting France 🙂 - Get ticket

#15 - PARC ASTERIX

SHORT -  45min drive each way (1h30 return)

Why visit Asterix ?

Asterix is a fantastic alternative to the classic Disneyland. I have always preferred the atmosphere of this park.

You will probably cross path with Asterix, Obelix and Panoramix - will you drink the magic potion?

Not the same level of Thrill rides as Disneyland but I love the atmosphere way better.

• Opening hours - Outside of Summer, the park is not always opened during the week - check out the opening days on their calendar
• Check out the program of shows - here
• Pre-purchase ticket to avoid the ticket booth line
• North of Paris, just under the town of Creil
• 45 min drive from Paris via A3 (when no traffic jams) - no tolls
• Parking lots GPS - 49°08'13.8"N 2°34'27.5"E
• To avoid the ticket booth lines you can pre-purchase your entry tickets - Get them here
• No direct train - you can take the RER Line B to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 and then ahead to the "Parc de Loisirs" desk to get a shuttle to Parc Asterix (shuttle every 30min)

Get a ride directly to Asterix, with entry tickets included:   Book Bus + entry

WWI & WWII History - Best Day Trips To Normandy from Paris (& other regions)

If you want to learn more about war history and see where it happened, several significant sites of World War I and World War II can be visited within a day trip from Paris to Normandy or other regions. War tourism from Paris: 

#16 - NORMANDY - CAEN & BEACHES - WWII

History / Scenery

LONG -  3h drive each way (6h return)

To Remember.

To Never Forget. 

And not to do it again.

The Normandy beaches were where the Allied troops landed towards the end of World War II on D-Day.

• The Caen memorial Museum is acclaimed and should be part of your journey
• Head to the beaches that interest you most
• The memorial in the photo above is at Omaha Beach
• Ouest of Paris 
• 2 to 3 hours from Paris depending on the selected beaches - Via A13 - 24€ of tolls one way
• Omaha Beach GPS - 49°22'11.7"N 0°52'48.7"W (memorial sculptures above)
• Caen Memorial Museum GPS - 49°11'49.3"N 0°22'56.7"W
• Difficult to cover several sites by train
• And even individual sites are not easily accessed by trains - You can go to Caen by train but then you would have to take a local bus or a taxi to go to the memorial museum

I found a small group tour (for better interactions with the guide) that includes Caen and a couple of landing beaches - Check out program and book

But if you want to be able to select your self the beaches to visit, I recommend booking a private tour.

Check out all tours here.

#17 - ARRAS & SOMME REGION - WWI

MEDIUM -  2h15 drive each way (4h30 return)

Unesco Site

Why visit the Arras Region?

The region is home to many cemeteries, memorials and traces of battles from the First World War's Western Front. Some sites are of major significance to Canadians such as the Canadian National Commemorative Park at Vimy. You will be able to see trenches, mine craters, and the strategic ridge tunnel network. Around Arras you can also visit the Historial of Péronne to learn more about WWI, its origins and consequences.

• So many sites to visit - check out for example the remembrance trail - Click here   (website is quite slow)
• Above on the picture is the Canadian National Vimy memorial
• North of Paris
• 2h15 drive from paris via A1 - 13€10 toll one way
• Canadian National  Vimy Memorial Parking lot GPS - 50°22'46.2"N 2°46'11.9"E
• Cabaret Rouge Cemetery in Souchez GPS - 50°22'50.5"N 2°44'29.8"E 
• or South of Arras - Memorial of Thiepval Parking lot GPS - 50°03'09.6"N 2°41'17.5"E
• Historial in Péronne - 49°55'45.3"N 2°55'56.8"E

There are so many sites that not all can be seen in one day. I found 2 interesting programs for you:

North of Arras, this tour focuses on the Vimy ridge and the Souchez cimetery   - Read Programme and Book

South of Arris, this will take you to other visible craters and systems from WWI ans well as the Museum in Péronne  - Check out program and book

#18 - VERDUN - WWI

LONG -  2h45 drive each way (5h30 return)

Why visit Verdun?

Verdun was one of the most tragic battles of WWI. In the area you can visit memorials, cimeteries, battelfileds, fort, trenches and war museum.

This region is home to the largest US cemetery in Europe at Meuse-Argonne

• Learn more about the different sites to visit on the Meuse Tourism website
• East of Paris, not far from Luxembourg
• 2H45 min drive from Paris via A4 - 20€ tolls one way
• Verdun Memorial GPS - 49°12'29.2"N 5°25'21.0"E

Your guide will tell you more about the war and its significant battles. He will help you understand all the remains of war you are seeing in the fields and how they were used -   Checkout Program and Book

Another significant site to visit is Oradour-sur-Glane in the South of France. It is one of the most emotionally-charged war sites you can visit in France. I saw it when I was a 15 or 16 and I can still feel the atmosphere. However it is a very long drive from paris (4 hours one-way)

GASTRONOMY - Best day tours out of Paris

Love French wines and French cuisine? Well, you can taste a lot of it in Paris, but if you want to see where it is made, let's head for a day to some regions close to Paris in order to learn more about what happens behind the taste.

I think gastronomy tours are better done with an organizing company, especially with all the wine we make in France 🙂 So no self drive options in this selection. And train would limit your movements too much.

#19 - CHAMPAGNE REGION

Gastronomy / Scenery

MEDIUM - 2h drive each way (4h return)

Champagne can only come from France, and only from the Champagne region (any other would be called sparkling wine, not champagne).

Driving or tasting, you have to choose. So, it might be better to book an Day tour from Paris 🙂 Different tours are proposed. Most go to the famous Moët and Chandon, Some take you more around in the region.

I found 2 tours that look quite good. - One focusses more on combining with Food tasting - Check out program and Book - The other focusses more on history - Check out Program and Book

#20 - LOIRE VALLEY

Gastronomy / Scenery / Architecture

MEDIUM -   2h drive Each way

Why visit Loire Valley ?

In the Castle section of this guide we focused on the Loire Valley only for its castles (#6). But it is also home to some excellent wines.

So you can combine gastronomy with architecture 🙂

I found a tour where you get to visit Chambord, drive by beautiful scenery and visit 2 family-run wineries for tasting. And you will enjoy lunch at a winegrower. Check out program and book

#21 - BURGUNDY

MEDIUM -  2h drive each way (4h return)

Why visit the Burgundy Region?

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chablis, Crémant de Bourgogne (sparkling wine)... Some of the best wines in the Burgundy region!

Go on a tasting tour including the chablis village and its cellars built by monks.

You will taste many wines during the day and go through the Unesco site, protected because of its unique geological and climate conditions.

This program with a small group looks really tasty!  - Check out program and Book

#22 - NORMANDY CALVADOS

Gastronomy / Scenery : Architecture 

MEDIUM -   2h drive Each way (4h return)

Why visit The Calvados Region?

Want something different?

Go away from the wine regions and inside rural Normandy (my region).

Normandy is the region of Apple cider, Calvados Liqueur and many cheeses including Camembert.

All those can be tasted in beautiful scenery by the sea with Etretat, Honfleur and Fécamp.

The tour will allow you to learn more and taste Calvados as well as cider, visit the beautiful villages of Honfleur and Etretat. And you will finish in Fécamp for the Dom Benedictine Liqueur. Not your usual wine tour! Very unique - Check out program and Book

CITIES - Best Day Trips from Paris by Train

If you love discovering new cities, many are easily accesses from Paris on a day trip. You can even take the train to facilitate your journey. There are many many options, so below are my favorite and those who have a Unesco classified monument or area.

#23 - STRASBOURG

Things to see

• Gothic Cathedral
• Old Town section around the canals with old houses
• Street names with Alsacian Languages
• Cruise on the canal
• Christmas Market
• Modern architecture at the European Parliament
• Check out the possible activities in Strasbourg

Get there by train

2h15 TGV from Paris Est station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Strasbourg in Arrival

#24 - BORDEAUX

Architecture / History 

Not my favorite town in France, but it has been listed as the top city to visit in the World in 2017 by Lonely Planet  and it is a Unesco site for its historical center.

• Garonne River and bridges
• Basilica of St Michael
• Cité du Vin (Wine museum)
• Place the la Bourse (famous landmark with reflecting pool)
• Check out the possible activities in Bordeaux

2h TGV train from Paris Montparnasse station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Bordeaux St Jean in Arrival

Interesting varied city with fantastic gastronomy.  It is classified by the Unesco for its historical buildings that prove the importance of the city since the Roman times.

• Basilica Notre dame de Fourvière
• Place Bellecour
• Old Lyon with small street on hill
• Many Museums
• Parc de la Tête d'or (nature Park + zoo)
• Many fantastic restaurant to try - great gastronomy
• Check out the possible activities in Lyon

2h TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon Station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Lyon in Arrival

#26 - CHARTRES

LONG -  2h by train + switch

Visit mostly for the Cathedral Notre Dame

The Chartres Cathedral is the monument protected by Unesco. It was partly built during the 12th century with a vast nave and beautiful stained-glass windows.

The façade is ornamented with more than 4000 sculptures!

1h TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Le Mans and then 1h TER train from Le Mans to Chartres BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Chartres in Arrival

Might be easier to drive - 1h30 from Paris (with tolls)

#27 - AVIGNON

LONG -  2h45 by train + switch

Splendid Episcopal ensemble and great architecture. This is one of the historical and architectural jewels of France. In the 14th century, Avignon (in the South of France) was the seat of the papacy.

• Papal Palace
• Saint Bénézet bridge 
• Check out the possible activities in Avignon

2h40 TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon + 5 min Regional train to Avignon Centre BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Avignon centre in Arrival

#28 - REIMS

SHORT -  45min by train

Like in Chartres, the Cathedral in Reims is the masterpiece protected by Unesco.

A long history at that location, especially as this is where the Kings of France were crowned.

• Abbey of Saint-Rémi
• Palace of Tau
• Check out the possible activities in Reims

46 min TGV from Paris Est - attention take only the direct trains, no need to have a small switch to do BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Reims in Arrival

You can also easily drive there and combine with exploration of the Champagne region (#19)

#29 - NANCY

MEDIUM -  1h40 min by train

Its architecture and central structure were established during the 18th century when Stanislas Leszczynski tried making it a capital. This main square is listed on the Unesco Heritage.

• Place Stanislas - the Royal square
• Botanical Garden

1h40 TGV from Paris Est Station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Nancy Ville in Arrival

#30 - LE HAVRE

MEDIUM -  2h by train

We've seen many cities on the Unesco list because of their old architecture, so sometimes people are disappointed when discovering Le Havre - The city was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt by Auguste Perret with specific techniques and architecture, which is why it is now protected. The buildings are square and grey (but pinkish when the sun shines).

• Me -  it is my hometown 🙂
• The Perret Buildings including the apartments, Rue de Paris, the Town Hall and the unique St Joseph church
• Visit the apartment where they reinstalled as it was right after the war
• Enjoy the pebble beach which also saw its fair share of action during the war but was also immortalized by many impressionists
• Get up to the panoramic viewpoint
• Visit the Art Museum André Malraux

2h TER train from Paris St Lazare station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Le Havre in Arrival

Le Havre is also 2 hours from Paris driving. You can easily combine with Etretat (#10) or Honfleur (#9) via the Normandy Bridge

#31 - ROUEN

SHORT -  1h10 by train

Unesco Site - not yet

Rouen was one of the largest cities in medieval Europe

• Cathedral with its 16th century façade and "Butter Tower"
• Old streets with famous golden astronomical clock from the 14th century called "Gros Horloge"
• Jeanne d'arc Tower were Joan of Arc was brought in 1431 to be tortured

1h15 TER Train from Paris St Lazare station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Rouen in Arrival

MEDIUM -  1h35 by train

In Northern France, Laon has one of the most beautiful historical center in France.

• Exploring the center
• Abbey St Martin

1h35 TER Train from Paris Nord Station - only take direct trains BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Laon in Arrival

#33 - AMIENS

MEDIUM -  1h30 by train

Like Chartres, Reims and Bourges, Amiens is famous for its cathedral, listed by the Unesco. It is one of the largest Gothic churches of the 13th century

• Jules Verne House (museum about the author)
•  Museums

1h10 to 1h50 by regional Train from Paris Nord station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Amiens in Arrival

#34 - BOURGES

Like Chartres, Reims and Amiens, Bourges is famous for its cathedral, listed by the Unesco. It is a Gothic cathedral from the 12 and 13th century admired for its proportions and design.

• Hold Houses in the center
• Jacques Coeur palace (15th century)

2h regional train from Paris Austerlitz station - book direct trains for an easier trip BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Bourges in Arrival

Other French cities worth visiting

ABROAD - Best Side trips from Paris

Yes, it is possible to visit another country on a day tour from Paris. Below are 4 options for you to choose from.

#35 - LONDON, UK

So many things to see! With just one day, I recommend the Hop on Hop off bus to get an overview of the city and to pick 2 places to visit.

• Big Ben clock tower
• Cruise the Thames River
• Enjoy views from the London Eye
• Visit the Tower of London and admire the Crown Jewels ( Unesco site )
• Buckingham Palace
• Westminster church
• and the many amazing free museums
• Check out the possible activities in London

2h20 Eurostar train from Paris Nord station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and London in Arrival

++++ If you want help at the train station, you can book an organized trip that includes help at Paris Nord station, Return Train ticket on Eurostar, hop on hop off bus and cruise in London - Check out content and Book

#36 - BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

In Brussels, you can easily explore the center on foot.

• Market square with the grand palace  (a Unesco site )
• Iconic statue of Manneken pis
• Royal Palace
• Comic strip
• Eat chocolate, waffles and many other typical Belgian food
• Many museums
• Check out the possible activities in Brussels

#37 - LUXEMBOURG

Yes the small country of Luxembourg is easily accessed from Paris. It is stuck between France, Belgium and Germany.

• Grand Ducal Palace
• Old Quaters and fortification ( Unesco site )
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Museum of history
• Strolling around imagining the city is almost equal to the country
• Check out the possible activities in Luxembourg

2h20 TGV train from Paris Est station BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Luxembourg in Arrival

#38 - BRUGES, BELGIUM

Not a capital city, Bruges is not too far from France and its old historic center has been listed on the Unesco World Heritage . There is much to see in the charming city. I have very fond memories of it.

• Visit the chocolate museum and taste chocolate! Loved it
• Cathedral St Salvator
• Old Historic center
• Museums including the Diamond Museum
• Check out the possible activities in Bruges

Get there by Train

1h20 Thalys train from Paris Nord station to Bruxelles and 1h Regional train the Bruges BOOK your train ticket - Enter Paris in departure and Bruges in Arrival

++++ Get there by organized Tour

It would be easier to visit the wonders of Bruges on an organized tour from paris - Check out the program and book

Staying in Paris

Want to see more of Paris?

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3 DAYS IN PARIS ITINERARY

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WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS

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Reader Interactions

December 8, 2017 at 7:09 PM

hi plz im going to visit Paris for a week within a week and i was wondering if you can help me and guide me for a travel agency that can plan full-day trip or excursion from Paris to Strasbourg …. and how much does it cost ?

December 8, 2017 at 9:27 PM

Hi Shimma I am sorry but I don’t know any travel agency. I always book things myself. If it is just a day trip to Strasbourg, it is really easy to book the train ticket on Rail Europe ( http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8309554-10766644 ). It will give you the price before you book so you will get an idea. Once at the Strasbourg station, you can go to the information desk and ask for a map. It is only a 10min walk to the very center of Strasbourg. The city is easy to visit on foot. I was there 10 days ago, the Christmas market is really nice this year and the boat tour company made a special map with all the areas of the market indicated. Have a great trip!

September 27, 2019 at 4:38 PM

Hi nice article

October 8, 2019 at 5:39 AM

Hello, I will visit Paris in this coming December. I have 3 days time in Paris. Would you recommend me to take one of these day to visit Brussel or spend 3 days in Paris will do?

** This is my first time to visit Paris.

Regards Kiki

October 8, 2019 at 9:03 AM

Hello! Being your first time, I would stay in Paris, there is much to see! Have a great time! Claire

October 27, 2019 at 4:34 PM

Thank you these are some great ideas for my next trip to Paris. I loved that you provided so much information so getting started will be easier.

October 27, 2019 at 8:12 PM

Thanks Veronica. I am glad you enjoyed it. I wish you a wonderful trip! Claire

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

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The Top Day Trips from Paris The Top Day Trips from Paris

If you're in Paris, it's easy to spend of all your time there exploring the City of Light, but there is so much adventure to experience just outside the capital. Get the best of both worlds with the best day trips to take from Paris.

The gardens of Versailles span an impressive 1,976-acres (800-hectares). And while most explore the sprawling grounds on foot, did you know you can pedal your way to this historic site via a full-day bike tour from Paris? You'll discover garden trails and tree-lined paths behind the palace, and reach parts of the grounds that visitors on foot rarely see, including Marie Antoinette's country-style hamlet, the Petit Trianon, and the Grand Trianon.

• Viator: Tours & Attractions Viator View on App Store

Enjoy an intimate historical look at the D-Day landings on a full-day trip to the beaches of Normandy from Paris. Visit Omaha Beach, the Operation Overlord Museum, Pointe du Hoc, as well as the American Cemetery home to 10,000 white crosses. See period-era military maps, plans, and photos, while listening to inspiring stories about June 6, 1944. Also, don't forget to sample some of Normandy’s famous cider before returning to Paris.

Here, you can marvel at the Loire Valley's opulent châteaux and taste its famous locally-made wine and be back in Paris all before bedtime. First head to Château de Chambord—the inspiration for Disney's Beauty and the Beast . Then explore the town of Blois, where you can easily spend two hours wandering around. Finish the day with a visit to the elegant Château de Chenonceau and take a tour through its intricately carved stone walls, rich hanging tapestries, and intimate chapel.

Head to the coast of Normandy to visit Mont-Saint-Michel on a day tour from Paris. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site independently, with an audio guide, or dig deeper with an informative experienced guide. Make sure to build in some extra time to wander the hilly streets.

Check off two of France's most stunning chateaus in one day. See the splendor and gardens that inspired Louis XIV to build Versailles at 17th-century Vaux-le-Vicomte and then follow in the footsteps of seven centuries of French royalty at sprawling Fontainebleau.

Plan a day trip to the magical Disneyland Paris—just 35 minutes away from the center of Paris. Different ticket options allow you to make the most of your day and provide unlimited access to one or both parks. Disneyland Park has the fairy-tale magic and immersive lands of wonder, while the Walt Disney Studios park is where the worlds of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel bring the enchantment of movies to life.

Discover grand spires and medieval houses along the Eure River with a trip to Chartres from Paris that can be completed in about a half day. The Chartres Cathedral has been a pilgrimage since the 12th century, and the surrounding old city, is worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

10 Best Day Trips From Paris (Most Accessible by Train)

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

Looking for a good day trip from Paris? Some might ask why it would be necessary to plot a short excursion from a city as diverse and interesting as the French capital. After all, doesn’t it offer enough beauty, history and unexpected wonder? Possibly even two lifetimes’ worth? 

It’s true that spring and summer are often (though not always) times when Paris is at its most charming– as we note in our season-by-season guide to the capital. So you won’t necessarily feel an itch to get outside its walls too often.

But in case you do have a hankering to see what lies just beyond, you have plenty of interesting and easy options. These are 10 of the best day trips from Paris, and most of these destinations can be easily and quickly reached by train. Some are suitable during the colder months of fall and winter, especially those that offer indoor spaces.

{The 10 Best Things to See & Do in Paris for First-Time Visitors}

All of our suggestions are budget-friendly, requiring only reasonably priced tickets on local train lines– or in one instance, a boat. They offer a great opportunity to see what the greater Parisian region (Ile de France) has to offer. They don’t take you away from the city and all its lures for too long. And perhaps the best part of all? No driving is required.

Explore This Article

Day Trip #1: Giverny (Monet’s House and Gardens)

The home (and constant artistic inspiration) of impressionist painter Claude Monet from 1883 until the artist’s death in 1926, the iconic house and Japanese-style gardens nestled in the small town of Giverny are a true haven, and only a short train and shuttle ride outside of the city.

Spring and fall are my favorite times to visit; winter is probably best avoided since it’s imperative to see the landscapes in their colorful, sumptuous full bloom, or during the fall when reds and oranges from deciduous trees play on the water.

Read related: How to Make Your Spring Trip to Paris Magical 

A Personal Connection to Giverny

Exploring the vast gardens, framed by towering, poetic willows and punctuated by immense ponds filled with nympheas , or water lilies– ones Monet would paint repeatedly in large-format tableau series — is something I associate with joyful moments.

Most notably: I brought my late, beloved grandparents here when they were both in their late ’70s, and that trip is indelibly etched in my mind.

I watched my grandfather, a talented and ambitious but commercially unsuccessful painter, smile with tears welling up in his eyes at the fact of finally seeing firsthand a place he had admired for so many years in paintings.

For him, visiting the gardens at Giverny and exploring Monet’s house filled with memorabilia and objects of artistic inspiration was unthinkably wonderful, because he had believed he’d never live to make the trip.

He went on to paint several (impressionistic) scenes of the gardens, but unfortunately, the only image I have on file is this small and badly pixellated one at left, of dahlias and cheerful yellow blossoms outside Monet’s green-shuttered house.

Dahlias outside Monet’s house at Giverny. Image: Norman Kingsford Vance, 2008. 

It doesn’t do justice to the rich quality of the original, of course, but it gives an idea of what he was going for.

I still think of him, his eyes glistening with tears, as he stood with the support of his cane on the green Japanese-style bridge overlooking the water lilies. It’s an image that never fails to make my own eyes well up.

What to See & do in Giverny?

Pivoting back to more practical matters: While I personally find the gardens to be the most important draw card at Giverny, the house is worth a visit, especially for Monet’s collection of Japanese prints and quirky furnishings; the adjoining museum dedicated to American painting has an interesting collection, too, if time allows.

I also recommend getting outside of the gardens and having lunch in the cute little town itself, which is located at the very edge of the Normandy region .

If you’re interested in spending a few days in Normandy to visit the D-Day beaches, Mont St-Michel or the famed cliffs at Etretat (also painted by Monet, a stopover in Giverny is recommended, too. 

{ Related: Best Monet Museums in Paris: Where to F ind the Impressionist Master }

Getting There & Practical Info

The easiest way to get to Giverny and Monet’s gardens is by train. From the Saint-Lazare train station (follow the signs from the metro to the “SNCF-Grandes Lignes” exit), take the regional train line Paris/Rouen/Le Havre to the Vernon-Giverny stop.

Book Half-Day Trips From Paris to Monet’s Gardens and Giverny (via GetYourGuide)

From there, shuttles leave regularly for the gardens. The entire trip takes around an hour and a half, and isn’t terribly expensive. For more practical information, including current admission prices, visit the official website. 

Day Trip #2: Versailles and its over-the-top opulence

While a trip to the Palace of Versailles is hardly an original choice, I certainly recommend it– especially in the spring, when its elaborate gardens burst alive with dazzlingly symmetrical blooms, elaborate mazes and even a quiet, bucolic hamlet complete with animal farm and ponds. 

If I had to describe the palace’s significance, I would say it represents the height of French royal power and decadence– followed by the spectacular downfall of the institutions that forged its grandeur. 

Commissioned by King Louis XIV during the late 17th century, the sprawling, sumptuous palace was to embody the power and wealth of France’s absolute monarchy– transplanting that royal might from its traditional home in Paris to a prosperous town to its west.

Here, the “Sun King” and his successors flourished for over a century– until the French Revolution of 1789. That dramatic revolt saw the bloody abolition of the monarchy and the ousting, then execution by guillotine, of King Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Queen Marie Antoinette.

Since then, Versailles has belonged to the state, and to the public. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace’s 2,300 rooms invite seemingly endless possibilities for exploration. The recently-renovated Hall of Mirrors is especially dizzying for its opulent details and reflective perspectives. 

André Le Notre’s painstakingly designed royal gardens , meanwhile, are almost obscenely endowed with elaborate beds and parterres, lush flowers and shrubbery, mazes, fountains, canals and heroic statuary. 

Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon & Queen’s Hamlet

Of course, my favorite places on the premises aren’t the main palace, but the smaller, more personal palaces and retreats built by monarchs over the years. Places that afforded a measure of privacy and quiet, and that reveal startling and interesting details about their personalities. 

For me, the most interesting among these is the Hameau de la Reine (Queen’s Hamlet) , a bucolic little corner of Versailles commissioned by Marie Antoinette. With its thatched-roof cottage, footbridges, ponds filled with wild fowl, animal petting farm and more romantic layout, the Hamlet offers an amusing glimpse into the Queen’s (distorted) picture of peasant life.

It does strike one as comical and slightly hypocritical that she would want to create a place so removed from the opulence of the main palace, or even “play” at being a commoner. 

But contrary to popular myths, historians say she never dressed up as a shepherdess or otherwise “pretended” to be a peasant while visiting the Hamlet. True, she insisted that it house a working farm complete with animals. But she reportedly saw this as essential to her children’s education. 

Whatever your perspectives on the Hamlet, it’s a peaceful and charming place to wander for a stretch. 

Meanwhile, the Trianon Estate comprises the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon , smaller palaces commissioned by Louis XIV and Louis XV, respectively. These more intimate palaces have lush, harmonious gardens and sumptuously decorated terraces.

They’re also generally a lot less crowded than the main palace– a real boon during peak tourist season, especially. Visit the Royal Stables and romantic English-style gardens to complete your afternoon. 

Getting There, Tours & Practical Info

Versailles can be easily reached via the RER train Line C that departs from Central Paris at St-Michel/Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay and other stops. You can also take the TER local train line to Versailles-Rive Gauche, then follow the signs to the palace entrance.  Visit the website for more practical info and directions. 

Looking to schedule a tour? Book skip-the-line tickets for full access to Versailles plus audiotour (via GetYourGuide) , or book a full guided tour with skip-the-line access from Paris (via Viator).

Prefer a private ride to and from the Palace? Book a two-way transfer by car to Versailles (via Welcome Transfers).

Day Trip #3: Provins and its awe-inspiring medieval fortifications

The next short trip I wholly recommend is to Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval fortifications in Europe.

This is a town that hardly gets any attention in your average guidebook, but in my sense it’s one of the most interesting, and prettiest, places in the Paris (Ile-de-France) region. As with all the other places listed here, spring and fall are the best time to go, but a winter trip won’t hurt, as long as it’s not too rainy out.

What to See in Provins?

Exploring the city takes only about three hours– five if you stop for a long, French-style lunch. Make sure to see the dramatic Caesar Tower, dating to the 9th century and a powerful symbol of the old noble families of Champagne.

Exploring the realistically furnished rooms with fireplaces, as well as the creepy dungeon, is fascinating.

In the spring (generally from late March), Provins comes fully alive with medievalist festivals complete with jousting matches and elaborate costumes, craft fairs, and traditional town processions featuring banners inscribed with regional codes of arms, offering a glimpse into local traditions that have scarcely changed over hundreds of years.

Rose products are also proffered everywhere during the spring and early summer– a perfect time to stock up on perfumes, jams, honey or potpourri full of the stuff, for those who enjoy the scent or flavor.

Oh, and my spouse, who happens to be a scholar of medieval literature, wishes for me to add that you might also hope to procure a decent bottle of Hippocras– a traditional wine flavored with spices and sugar– in town.

Read traveler reviews of Provins at TripAdvisor

From the Paris Gare de l’Est regional train station, take the train to Provins (there are several daily); consult schedules at sncf.fr.

ParisCityVision also offers a day trip to Provins that includes shuttle transport to and from central Paris, priority entrance to main attractions, and a ticket to the “Eagle on the Ramparts” theme show.

For more practical info, transport options and details on current and upcoming events you can  visit the town’s official website. 

Day Trip #4: Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte

It gets only a sliver of the attention that Versailles does. But Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, which in fact inspired the more famous, significantly larger château and gardens, is a true masterpiece of 17th-century French architecture.

While much smaller than Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte and its gardens arguably represent a more harmonious, less garish and more romantic version of the Louis XIV style.

This is true of the lovely formal gardens, which include the perfectly proportioned assembly of fountains, parterres, water basins and gravelled paths designed by Le Notre.

 A juicy, scandalous history…

He reportedly razed three local villages and hired some 18,000 workers to have it built, commissioning Andre Le Notre and Louis le Vau to come up with the layout and design– who would later go on to design much of Versailles and its vast gardens.

It’s also got a juicy history behind it. Commissioned by the Marquis Nicolas Fouquet, a friend to the French playwright Molière and fervently loyal to King Louis XIV (the “Sun King”), Fouquet’s intention, in ordering the construction of the Chateau Vaux–le-Vicomte, was to flatter and win the favor of the king by achieving new heights of luxury and grandeur.

On the night of the earlier Chateau’s inauguration, pomp and circumstance was at full throttle. One of Moliere’s plays was performed to celebrate the occasion, and lavish, expensive fireworks filled the skies.

Sadly, one of Fouquet’s arch nemeses, a certain Jean-Baptiste Colbert, fed Louis XIV information falsely suggesting that Fouquet had misused public funds to build the new château.

Fouquet was promptly arrested, his rival taking his place as superintendent of finances. His plans to impress the Sun King had entirely backfired– an episode that the French satirist Voltaire would later document in one of his essays.

Vaux-le-Vicomte is only 35 minutes away from central Paris– far closer than Versailles. There is an easy direct train from Paris Gare de L’Est station (the same one, line P, that heads to Provins). The stop is the Verneuil l’Etang station.

Once at Verneuil, look for the signs to the “Châteaubus” shuttle service. Only cash is accepted by drivers for the shuttle– I advise making sure you have some before boarding the train in Paris.

Annual closures: Note that the château is habitually closed through most of November, January and February. Check the official website for opening times, ticket prices and other detailed practical information.

Book tickets for the Chateau Vaux-le-Vicompte at GetYourGuide 

Day Trip #5: Cruise & Picnic on the Marne River- “On the Impressionists’ Trail”

Most tourists are aware that boarding a “Bateau-Mouche” on the Seine can be a relaxing way to get some reprieve from walking around everywhere.

The cruise that I recommend the most, however, isn’t on the Seine, but on the Marne river– whose graceful green banks and “guinguettes” (musical riverside cafes) were documented by impressionist painters including Camille Pissarro (his painting is pictured above), Sisley, Caillebotte and Monet.

Read related: How to Choose the Perfect Boat Tour, Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Paris

One trip a few years ago with a bunch of friends on a weekend cruise organized by the company Canauxrama was all I needed to be sold on the Marne’s myriad charms.

The cruise started in Paris, near the Bastille Opera. The boat wended through eastern Paris, through the old lock systems of the Canal St-Martin, until we left the metropolitan zone and were suddenly surrounded by lush, green banks and countryside air. We had a glass of champagne on board, then a picnic on a grassy riverbank before resuming the cruise.

There was something timeless about the trip that made the worldview of some of my favorite impressionists seem, suddenly, much more vivid.

Booking a Cruise 

To book a cruise with Canauxrama and view details on prices as well as a sightseeing map, see this page .   Lunch at a riverside restaurant called Chez Gégène is optional– I’d suggest packing a picnic instead, weather permitting. The photo ops on this cruise are very good, too, so make sure to bring a camera.

Spring or summer is definitely ideal for this particular day trip.

Day Trip #6: Fontainebleau Forest and Chateau

Next up, let’s consider the forest and château at Fontainebleau. This is another under-visited green space in the Ile-de-France region that tourists would do well to discover.

The rocky landscapes of the enormous (but admittedly rather tame) forest, which once served as royal hunting grounds, attract both hikers and troupes of devoted rock climbers. It offers welcome expanses of greenery and fresh air to walkers eager to escape the city pollution for a day.

Meanwhile, the Chateau has 1,500 rooms, and has been a country residence to French kings and Emperors from the 11th century to the 19th.  

(Book a private half-day tour to Fontainebleau by car)

Emperor Napoleon I was a great admirer, basking in the grandeur and pomp of it all, though he never lived there. Napoleon III was the last ruler to occupy the Chateau during the Second Empire, before France finally threw off royal and imperial rule.

Book priority-entrance tickets to the château (via Tiqets.com)

To get to Fontainebleau, the easiest option is to take the regional SNCF train from Gare de Lyon. You can take either the  Montargis Sens, Montereau or Laroche-Migennes lines. Get off  at the Fontainebleau-Avon station, then take the ‘Ligne 1’ bus with “Lilas” as its final destination. Your stop is simply called ‘Château’.

For detailed information on how to get to the forest and learn more about the walking trails there, see this page .

Day Trip #7: Chartres Cathedral 

Located only 80 km from Paris is one of the country’s great masterpieces of French Gothic architecture. Alongside Notre-Dame in Paris and Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace, Chartres arguably represents France’s most arresting and elaborately designed examples of medieval Gothic architecture. 

Related: Where to Find Medieval Paris?

Primarily built between around 1194 and 1220, the Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral you see today was constructed on a site that had housed numerous earlier cathedrals from the 4th century onward. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s widely recognized as a masterpiece of medieval architecture. 

It’s also a remarkably well-preserved site: the original glass windows remain intact, and the Cathedral’s structure has only been slightly modified since the 13th century. Compare this to Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has undergone numerous renovations and repairs over the centuries, having suffered everything from fires to Revolutions. 

Admire Chartres’ exterior, featuring imposing flying buttresses and two eye-catching, elegant spires. The three facades are lavishly decorated with sculptures, mostly designed to illustrate Christian themes and Biblical episodes.

Inside, the beautiful stained glass and rose window are simply captivating to behold– and if the light’s right when you visit, can present superb photos opportunities. 

Chartres is easily reached by boarding a train from Paris’ Montparnasse station. Trains run daily and take between 60 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes, depending on whether you catch a fast one or not. 

Read to schedule this excursion? You can b ook a six-hour tour to Chartres with visit to the Cathedral & town (via GetYourGuide) .

Alternatively, book a five-hour tour from Paris with private transport (through Viator).

If you head out in the early morning, you can easily enjoy a full day in Chartres, visiting the town itself in addition to its sublime main attraction. 

Day Trip #8: Reims & the Champagne Region

Feel like getting out of Paris for a little champagne cellar tour and tasting? It may seem worlds away, but in reality you can hop on a train and be in the capital of Champagne in as little as 45 minutes. 

Reims is a lovely city whose 250km of underground limestone tunnels, or crayères , house some of the region’s most-lauded champagne cellars. They’re so remarkable and well-preserved that they’re yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Come enjoy a tour of the cellars at houses such as Ruinart, Mumm and Taittinger. This is something I particularly recommend as part of a winter or late fall trip to Paris , since rainy and gloomy conditions can make a cellar tour an especially appealing way to get indoors. 

Read related: How Champagne’s Wines Got Their Bubbly

Meanwhile, Reims has its own fantastic Gothic cathedral that’s worth seeing , and a vibrant city center with notable restaurants, alluring shops and a long, fascinating history that stretches back hundreds of years. 

Getting There, Tours & Other Practical Info

You can get to Reims for a day away by boarding a high-speed TGV train from the Gare de l’Est station. There are also slower trains, but if you’re only going for a day I firmly recommend taking the TGV. 

(Book a champagne-tasting tour in Reims with transport from Paris & 8 tastings (via GetYourGuide) . 

Prefer to ditch the crowds? You can book a private day trip to Champagne and Reims by car (via Welcome Pickups).

Day Trip #9: Beaune and the Burgundy Region

Here’s another one for those of you interested in tasting some exceptional French wines. At a little over two hours by train from the capital (provided you take the fastest line), the quaint Burgundian city of Beaune offers yet another quick jaunt to an adjoining region.

Surrounded by vineyards belonging to the prestigious Cote d’Or appellation (winemaking area), Beaune is a splendid medieval city that was once held by the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled over an independent Duchy between the 9th and late 15th century. 

( Side note: You should also consider visiting Dijon , famous for its eponymous French mustard and culinary culture and a main seat of the Duchy of Burgundy in what during the Middle Ages.) 

Wine-tasting in Beaune

Of course, a trip to Beaune should involve tasting wine , whether in bars and cellars located right in the historic little town, or by embarking on a tour to local vineyards and wineries. Luckily, you don’t need a car: the tourist office offers plenty of guided tours that include transportation. 

You can also book a day-long vineyard tour of Beaune that includes tastings of 10 superb local vintages (via GetYourGuide). 

If visiting during the spring and summer, it can be particularly pleasant to rent a bike in central Beaune and take a  bucolic whirl through the vineyards, enjoying the fresh air and quieter perspectives.

Just make sure you use the spitoons when stopping off to taste the wine: you’ll need to stay alert, sober and fit for the ride back to town! 

Hospices de Beaune

Beaune’s historical and architectural qualities are also readily apparent, and merit some exploration if you have the time. Beeline to the Hospices de Beaune , whose polychromatic, tiled rooftop exemplifies some of the region’s distinctive Burgundian architecture of the Middle Ages. 

Once a hospital for the infirm and the poor, the Hospices was built in around 1443. It’s fascinating for what it reveals about Burgundian social history and practices during the time of the Duchy.

It boasts its own vineyard and wine cellars (where you can of course enjoy a tasting), large medieval kitchen where dummies re-enact what daily life would have looked like in centuries past, and an apothecary filled with delicate old bottles and mysterious tinctures. No wonder the 15th-century complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The Edmond Fallot Moutarderie (Mustard Mill)

If you’d like to learn more about the way local, artisanal mustards are made in Burgundy, pay a visit to the Edmond Fallot Moutarderie (mustard mill).

Here, you can browse (and taste) dozens of traditional mustards, take guided tours through the mill and learn more about the history and process of fabricating the “yellow gold”.

Beaune can be reached directly by train from Paris via the Gare de Lyon station. The trip takes around 3 hours, and there are numerous services operating daily. 

You can also take a high-speed (TGV) train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Dijon, then change trains to Beaune. The total journey time is less than 2 hours and 30 minutes.

See the Beaune tourist office website for tons of ideas on what to see and do during a stay there, whether for a day or a long weekend. 

Day Trip #10: Disneyland Paris

I generally encourage travelers with children to explore more locally anchored kid-friendly attractions like the Science Museum at the Parc de la Villette and the Jardin d’Acclimatation , an old-fashioned amusement park in west Paris that’s complete with rides such as a log flue and mini roller-coaster. 

{5 Parisian Museums Young Kids Will Love}

But I get it. Sometimes the family will want to make a special trip to Disneyland Paris , located just an hour east of the city via an easy commuter train. And it can be tons of fun, of course.

It has all of the “lands” you’ll find in California and Florida– from Fantasyland to Adventureland– with some unique features of its own, including a version of “Space Mountain” that’s much more adrenaline-inducing and fast-moving than its Anaheim predecessor. 

The park schedules special events throughout the year, including at Halloween, St Patrick’s Day and Christmas. So irrespective of when you visit, the family should enjoy it. 

The park is easily accessed from central Paris by boarding the RER (commuter-line train) Line A from Chatelet-les-Halles and taking it all the way to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy/Disneyland. The train stops just steps from the entrance gates and ticketing areas. 

Prefer to Drive?

While these day trips are all pretty accessible by train, some travelers will prefer to rent a car for planned day trips out of the city. You may have a lot of gear– especially if you’re visiting Paris with a baby or young children- – or may just prefer the freedom and flexibility of getting around with a rental car.

Ready to find your vehicle? Get a free quote on rental cars from Paris here (via Discover Cars) or click on the banner above.

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Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the freedom of exploring dream destinations around the world, while developing your career? Does the idea of working remotely while visiting wonderful places appeal to you? If so, explore  remote job opportunities for French-speaking  professionals on platforms like Jooble. (Editor’s Note: This article contains a few affiliate links. While booking experiences or tours through our partners comes at no additional cost to you, they help to fund more free, in-depth content at Paris Unlocked. Thank you.)

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

7 thoughts on “ 10 Best Day Trips From Paris (Most Accessible by Train) ”

These are all absolutely dreamy! I would love to visit Monet’s house and garden, and it makes me really happy that your grandparents managed to see it too. The painting your grandad created is so beautiful! I truly hope he’s in a better place right now with your grandma, maybe in a garden just like this <3

<3 Thank you.

I loooove these! I’ve always wanted to visit Giverny in Spring time and fingers crossed this year will be it! All those other trips look incredible as well. I love Paris, but I’ve been there almost a dozen times so I think it’s time to branch out a little. great post!

Very tempting ideas. I want to take that trip on the Marne. Nice piece.

Thank you! Yes, the trip on the Marne can be really lovely, especially in the spring. I was astounded at how green and countrified the banks of the Marne are– and of course, when you’re a fan of the Impressionists, seeing the landscapes and “guinguettes” (musical riverside cafes) that inspired so many of their paintings is moving.

I pinned this one! How far is the Loire Valley or Aix de Provence from Paris? More than a day trip?

very interesting proposals! But what about late of November visit to Paris? what would you recommend from the above or others. planning to stay for 5 days and I have been again to Paris, have done most of the sightseeing inside town.Thank you in advance

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6 Hours Viator Paris Day Trip with Seine River Dinner Cruise Review

• Post author: WorldTraveller
• Post published: 7 December 2023
• Post category: Viator Experiences reviews

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Table of Contents

Why Consider Viator Paris Day Trip?

Features and benefits of viator paris day trip, unforgettable parisian landmarks, luxurious seine river dinner cruise, personalized and intimate experience, multilingual experience, viator paris day trip quality, what it’s used for, explore the delights of paris, celebrate special occasions, learn about parisian culture and history, experience paris at night.

Viator Paris Day Trip Specifications

Who needs this, pros and cons.

• Efficient way to see the highlights of Paris in just six hours
• Personalized and intimate experience with a private tour
• Skip-the-line access to Nôtre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower
• Multilingual experience with commentary available in various languages
• Luxurious dinner cruise along the Seine River with breathtaking views of illuminated landmarks
• Limited time at each attraction due to the packed itinerary
• Can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues due to extensive walking and steps at some landmarks
• Can I choose the attractions I want to visit during the city tour? Unfortunately, the itinerary is fixed for the 3.5-hour city tour, including iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Louvre Museum. However, your experienced driver will provide ample information and the opportunity to appreciate each location.
• Are vegetarian or special dietary options available during the dinner cruise? Yes, the dinner cruise offers vegetarian and special dietary options upon request. Please inform our staff in advance about your dietary preferences, and they will accommodate your needs.
• Is there a dress code for the dinner cruise? While there is no strict dress code, smart casual attire is recommended for the dinner cruise. Dress comfortably and elegantly to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
• How far in advance should I book the tour? To secure your preferred date and time, it is recommended to book the 6 Hours Paris City Tour with Seine River Dinner Cruise as early as possible. Popular dates tend to fill up quickly, and last-minute bookings may have limited availability.

What Customers Are Saying about Viator Paris Day Trip

Overall value of viator paris day trip, tips and tricks for best results.

• Arrive at the pickup location a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start to your tour.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as some walking will be involved during the city tour.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and memorable moments throughout the day.
• Notify the staff in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or special requests for the dinner cruise.
• Follow the instructions of your driver and be punctual to maximize your time at each attraction.

Final Thoughts

Product summary, final recommendation.

WorldTraveller

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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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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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18 best paris tours of 2024: food, versailles & more.

Enhance your visit to the City of Love with one of these specialized tours.

The Best Paris Tours

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From the Eiffel Tower to the Moulin Rouge – plus day trips to Versailles, Normandy and beyond – there are so many things to do in Paris . To make the most of your trip, it can be helpful to rely on the expertise of a few locals via a guided tour. Read on to discover some of the top-rated Paris tours for a variety of interests.

Bike About Tours – Hidden Paris Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (around $49); kids 3 and younger from 20 euros (about $22) Duration: 3.5 hours

On this roughly 3.5-hour cycling trip, a guide takes you on back streets to both notable and lesser-known attractions throughout Paris. Along the way, guides share historical and cultural anecdotes. Sights include the Place des Vosges, Jardin des Plantes and the Paris mosque, to name a few. Reviewers love seeing an array of attractions at a leisurely pace and applaud the expertise of the guides. Bike About Tours also offers cycling excursions through Versailles.

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Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids 4-12 from $25 Duration: About 2 hours

Create your own Parisian adventure with the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Double-decker, open-top buses take you to 10 stops near top attractions, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Musée du Louvre and the Grand Palais. All buses are equipped with a prerecorded audio tour in 11 different languages. Reviewers love the convenience of the bus, but some express disappointment that buses are often overcrowded.

Buses run from around 10 a.m. to about 7:30 p.m. daily and typically frequent stops every seven to 15 minutes. If you choose to ride the whole route, you'll be on the bus for two hours and 15 minutes. Ticket discounts may be available if you book online in advance. Big Bus also offers two-day passes, a night tour and combo tours that include a river cruise.

Paris Charms and Secrets

Price: From 59 euros (about $64) Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

If you're a sucker for a good story, a secret passageway or a long-forgotten historical tale, the Paris Charms and Secrets tour will be right up your alley. On this roughly 12-mile tour, a guide will lead you through the city on an electric bike, stopping at some of Paris' most famous attractions and storied monuments. Hear the legends of Élysée Palace, the controversies of the Eiffel Tower and the curious past of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides and the unique stories.

Older children and teens are welcome to ride their own bikes if they meet the height and weight requirements; a child seat must be reserved ahead of time for younger kids (for 12 euros).

Paris By Mouth – North Marais Food Tour

Price: 130 euros (about $141) Duration: 3.5 hours

If you want an intimate look at one of Paris' most fashionable and beautiful areas, snag a spot on Paris By Mouth's North Marais Food tour. This 3.5-hour tour welcomes up to eight participants to create a more personal feel. For the first part of the tour, your guide will bring you to some of the neighborhood's most prestigious shops, which specialize in bread, cheese, pastry and charcuterie. The second part of the tour stops at a wine shop and includes a seated tasting with wine pairings. Paris By Mouth's guides are experienced food journalists, chefs and foodies – a highlight among reviewers.

The tour is recommended for adults, though children older than age 12 can join. The tour runs daily at multiple times. Paris By Mouth also hosts tours of Saint-Germain-des-Près, south Marais and the Left Bank.

Retro Tour Paris – Retro Classic

Price: From $75 Duration: 40 minutes

Hop into the vintage sidecar of an experienced motorcycle driver and cruise through the city with views of the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars and more on the Retro Classic tour of Paris. Local guides will share unique stories and provide an experience worlds apart from a typical city tour. Reviewers rave about the thrill of riding in the sidecar and the local insight.

If you love your first sidecar experience, you can also opt for the company's 90-minute tours, as well as a ride through Paris after sunset (with a Champagne tasting, naturally).

Blue Fox Travel – Versailles Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 109 euros (around $119); kids from 95 euros (about $104) Duration: 9 hours

The Versailles estate encompasses 2,000 acres, and there's no better way to see it than on a bike with Blue Fox Travel. Spend roughly nine hours with an expert guide and a small group (up to 14 people) touring the royal grounds, including the Grand and Petit Trianon chateaus, Marie Antoinette's private domain and the grand palace with a skip-the-line pass included in your ticket. Guides tell stories of French royal history, including the conquests of the Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, the controversies surrounding Louis XV, the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette. Reviewers love biking the grounds at a leisurely pace and rave about the expertise of the guides, as well as the picnic lunch with finds from one of the local farmers markets.

Tours include train tickets to and from Paris. Blue Fox Travel also guides visitors on cycling tours of Paris at night and the city's top attractions.

Secret Food Tours Paris – Montmartre

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $119); kids from 99 euros (about $108) Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

Peruse and stroll through the Parisian dining scene like a local with Secret Food Tours. On this up to four-hour tour of one of Paris' most picturesque and lively arrondissements, dessert is first (c'est la vie!) . You'll gather chocolates and macarons from local specialty shops, followed by baguettes, cheeses, meats and crêpes – all while learning more about food and Parisian traditions from your local guide. When your bag is full, the guide will lead you to a prime picnic spot to enjoy your bounty with a few wine pairings. Reviewers love the historical tidbits and local insights, as well as the animated and entertaining tour guides.

An upgraded drinks package is available for an additional charge. Tours run daily at several different times, depending on the day. Secret Food Tours also hosts walks through other Paris neighborhoods, such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Paris Marais Bites and Sights Tour

Price: From $97 Duration: 2 hours

Wander through Paris' gorgeous Marais with a local guide and a lineup of French treats. Intrepid Urban Adventures' Bites and Sights Tour takes you through the well-preserved (and very fashionable) area of the Marais. Throughout the approximately two-hour tour, you'll hear local insights and historical tales as you admire Marais' treasured architecture. Stories are accompanied by stops in neighborhood shops for pastry and macaron samples, plus a French cheese platter and two glasses of wine. Reviewers appreciate the expertise and entertainment provided by the guides, as well as the intimate and conversational environment.

Children 5 and younger can tag along for free, as long as they sample items from their parents' plate. Paris Urban Adventures also offers tours of bohemian Paris and several private excursions.

Paris by Martin & Friends – Walking Tour

Price: 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 2.5 hours

For a truly bespoke experience with a passionate local, take a tour with Martin Muda and his friends, all residents of Paris. On the 2.5-hour walking tour, Muda or one of his tour guides will lead you to treasured spots throughout the city, with stories that give life to Paris' history and legends. Reviewers give high praise for the tour guides and their attention to detail, as well as the customization of each tour.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Children younger than 3 can join the tour for free. Inquiries can be made through the website. The company also offers walking picnic tours at night and electric bike tours.

Fat Tire Tours – Versailles Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $119); kids from 95 euros (about $103) Duration: 8.5 hours

To see Versailles in all of its glory, take a ride with Fat Tire Tours. On this daylong tour (approximately 8.5 hours), a guide will take you through the Versailles open market to grab a picnic lunch before visiting the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon and the estate gardens. The tour also includes skip-the-line access to the palace and an audio guide. Riders love the bicycles and tour guides, and appreciate the sweeping views of the iconic palace and grounds.

Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday and all depart before 9 a.m. Kids younger than 4 are free to join the tour. Fat Tire Tours also offers a variety of biking excursions around Paris – including an "Emily in Paris"-inspired tour – and the surrounding region, as well as guided walks and Segway rides.

SANDEMANs NEW Europe – Montmartre Free Walking Tour

Price: Free; tips appreciated Duration: 2.5 hours

Stroll through one of Paris' most famous and charming neighborhoods with the help of SANDEMANs NEW Europe. This 2.5-hour tour will take you by the area's most photographed sights, including the Moulin Rouge and up the steps to Sacré-Coeur. You'll recognize streets featured in paintings and in cinema as guides share tales of Montmartre's famous artists, musicians and other notables, including Van Gogh and Picasso. Tourgoers appreciate the guides' expertise and recommend the tour for art history lovers.

Tours depart daily at 4 p.m. (Spanish language) and 5 p.m. (English language). Tickets are free, though tips are appreciated. If you're looking to explore more of the city, the company offers an array of other tours covering Latin Quarter, the Seine River and more.

Boutique Bike Tours – Versailles Food & Palace Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 145 euros (about $158); kids 5 and older from 99 euros (about $108) Duration: 9 to 10 hours

If you're looking to escape the city, let Boutique Bike Tours take you on a ride and stroll through the gardens of Versailles. On this approximately nine- to 10-hour tour, guides lead the way through the sprawling estate before stopping for a picnic lunch with provisions purchased from the market in town. After lunch, you'll skip the line at the famous palace to explore the rooms and hallways of Versailles. Reviewers enjoy the leisurely pace, a day full of activities and informative guidance.

Tours generally depart Tuesday and Friday through Sunday; expect to leave at 8 or 9 a.m. and return around 6 p.m. The company also hosts an evening bike and boat tour of Paris.

2CVParisTour – Legendary Paris Tour

Price: From 160 euros (about $175) Duration: 2 hours

If you're looking for a memorable and personalized drive through Paris, allow 2CVParisTour to take you for a whirl in a Citroën 2CV, a classic French car. Take in sights like the Arc de Triomphe, Luxembourg Gardens, Palais de l'Élysée ,  Église   Saint-Sulpice and more as you cruise through the Paris streets for two hours. Reviewers praise the classic car experience and entertaining guides.

Champagne can be added to the tour for an extra charge. Tours depart at multiple times daily, starting at 11 a.m. and ending after 10 p.m. If you can't get enough of the vintage car experience, you can also sign up for a tour of Montmartre, one that features a picnic and others.

City Wonders – Paris Catacombs Underground Tour

Price: Adults from $119 Duration: 2 hours

City Wonders will take you on a two-hour tour of what's below Paris: a network of tunnels, crypts and tombs that are home to nearly 6 million skeletons. On this Paris Catacombs tour, you'll skip the line with a small group to explore the Port Mahon gallery, the Sacellum Crypt and Gilbert's Tomb. Throughout the tour, you'll hear historical anecdotes from insightful guides. Along with the entertaining guides, reviewers also appreciate the skip-the-line access and recommend this experience in lieu of a self-guided tour.

Ticket prices may increase during busier times of the year. Tours depart Tuesday through Sunday at several times each day. City Wonders also hosts traditional aboveground tours of the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower.

Paris City Vision – Half Day Guided Tour of Giverny Monet's Gardens from Paris

Price: From 89 euros (about $97) Duration: About 5 hours

On this roughly five-hour tour, a guide will take you through the life of celebrated painter Claude Monet as you explore his home and garden in Giverny. His garden is what inspired some of his most prized works, including "Irises" and "Water Lilies." Reviewers value the views and insight provided by tour guides, though others warn that the company can be disorganized.

Tours generally run daily at 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The company hosts a number of other tours throughout Paris and greater France , including tours to Normandy .

Street Art Tour Paris – Murals XXL

Price: From 26 euros (about $28) Duration: About 2 hours

There's no museum pass needed to see some of the city's largest artwork with Street Art Tour's Murals XXL. An expert guide leads groups through the city to view contemporary works created by the world's most famous and talented muralists, such as Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada and Obey. Reviewers love the insider information and find the tour reveals details (and murals) often overlooked. Plus, the route is accessible for those with limited mobility.

Tours last just over two hours and run Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Discounts are available to groups of five or more. Street Art Tour Paris also offers tours in Montmartre and Belleville, among other options.

Babylon Tours – Louvre Museum + Orsay Museum Guided Combo Tour

Price: Adults from 199 euros (about $217); kids from 159 euros (about $173) Duration: 5.5 hours

View Greek sculpture and famous paintings by greats like Renoir, Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh during this 5.5-hour tour. As you explore the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, guides will regale you with stories of art history. Plus, you'll bypass the long lines at the attractions. Travelers praise the guide's knowledge and appreciate the small groups (no more than eight people can go at once).

Tours run at 10 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. Fees include access to the museums. Babylon Tours also operates outings to the Musée de l'Orangerie, the Rodin Museum and individual outings to the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay.

XL Tours – Segway Tour

Price: From 75 euros (about $82) Duration: 2 hours

During this two-hour tour, you'll glide by some of Paris' must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Gardens and the Musée d'Orsay. You'll also ride in style on Bel & Bel Segways, which are designed to resemble the iconic Vespa scooters. Travelers say the Segways are a great way to see the city and the guides provide clear instructions.

Tours are available daily at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 or 7 p.m. You may be required to book at least two riders for your tour if you book directly through the company's website. Participants must be at least 12 years old. XL Tour also runs electric bike tours through the city.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Paris
• The Best London Tours
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Paris , Europe Vacations

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15 best day trips from Paris, France that you won’t want to miss

What’s better than a trip to Paris ? Seeing the highlights of the City of Lights, and still having enough time to head out on a day trip.

From UNESCO sites to world-renowned wine regions, there’s no shortage of great places to explore near the city, with magnificent castles and charming villages on its doorstep.

Here are 15 of the best day trips from Paris that you won’t want to miss.

The Palace of Versailles: 40 minute drive/train

Visiting Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris (and one of the most popular), and the iconic property is every bit as awe-inspiring as you’d expect being the former home of a king.

Chateau de Versailles is a grand spectacle of baroque architecture and sprawling gardens, dating back to the 1600s when it was originally built as a hunting lodge by Louis XIII.

It is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and features extravagant decor, the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments and 800 hectares of manicured gardens.

Time your day trip to Versailles with the Musical Fountains Show which happens every weekend from April to October, or the Fountains Night Show held on Saturday nights.

READ MORE: Visiting Versailles: A guide to Palace of Versailles day trips from Paris

Tours to visit Versailles

Organizing Versailles day trips from Paris is easy enough to do on your own: however, having a skip the line ticket and a guide to lead the way through the sprawling complex makes things a bit easier.

There are also bike tours that explore Versailles, some that visit Marie Antoinette’s private estate at the Trianon châteaux, and one that combines Versailles with a visit to Giverny where the famed artist Claude Monet lived and worked.

Book with GetYourGuide:

Going on your own? It’s important to note that booking a time slot ahead of time is mandatory for visiting inside the palace.

How to get to Versailles from Paris

Getting to the Palace of Versailles from Paris is relatively straightforward, both by car and train.

By train: The most popular and cost-effective way to reach Versailles is by train. Take the RER C line directly to the Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station, just a 10-minute walk from the palace. Trains leave approximately every 15 minutes; the journey time is 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll need a Paris Visite travel card or a separate RER ticket as the palace is outside central Paris’ zones.

By car: If you prefer to drive, the journey takes around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. There are parking lots near the palace; however, finding a parking spot can be challenging during peak times.

Champagne region: 90 minute drive/45 minute train

No trip to France is complete without sipping a glass of bubbly, and the best place to do it is–of course– the Champagne region.

There are over 280,000 plots of land dedicated to vine cultivation in the area, and at the heart of it is the city of Reims and charming town of Epernay. The cobblestone streets are lined with tasting rooms (Montagne de Reims is known for full-bodied pinot noir grapes, while Epernay is a good place to sample Chardonnay-based bubbles.)

Esteemed production houses like Piper-Heidsieck and Moët & Chandon (the world’s largest champagne house) call the region home, and visitors can tour their cellars, learn about grape-growing, fermenting and bottling, and even how to sabre a bottle!

READ MORE: A ‘grapes’ getaway: Best tours to Champagne from Paris

Tours to Champagne from Paris

This region ain’t cheap, so expect to pony up some big bucks for a tour. You won’t save much money organizing it on your own (tastings at Moët & Chandon cost 40€ to 75€ per person) and during a guided tour you won’t have to worry about driving back or making reservations, so most people doing a day trip to Champagne from Paris opt for an organized group or private tour.

How to get to the Champagne region from Paris

To drive to Reims, simply head east on the A4. There’s a direct train that departs from the Gare de l’Est station in Paris, and it takes 47 minutes to get to Reims. The train to Epernay takes about 90 minutes from Gare de l’Est, while driving is a nearly two-hour trip.

Loire Valley: 2 hour drive, 2 ½ hour train

With picture-perfect castles, rolling hills, sweeping vineyards and charming towns, t he Loire Valley is straight out of a fairytale.

More than a dozen impressive chateaus are scattered throughout the region, which makes this one of the most romantic Paris day trips.

I spent nearly a week here and it still wasn’t enough time to marvel at the incredible castles in the Loire Valley; however, it’s possible to see the highlights during a quick visit and even canoe under one of them!

Some of the top ones to include during a Loire Valley castles tour are:

• Chateau de Chambord
• Chateau de Villandry
• Chateau de Chaumont
• Château de Chenonceau

READ MORE: 5 fairytale castles in the Loire Valley, France

How to get to the castles of the Loire Valley

While the train only takes about 2 ½ hours (to Chambord), castle hopping is much easier with a vehicle. Hit the highway for the two hour drive south on A10 to Chateau de Chambord; from there, the other three castles are less than an hour away.

Book a Loire Valley day trip from Paris

While a self-guided tour is possible, I highly recommend booking an organized excursion if you’re trying to see the Loire Valley in just one day. This helps cut down on all that driving, and you’ll also save time by getting to skip the lines.

Book with Viator:

Vallée du Loir: 2 ½ hour drive/train

Not to be confused with the Loire Valley (yes, it’s a tad confusing), Vallée du Loir is an equally enchanting region of France complete with storybook streets, chateaus and vineyards.

Go kayaking under a castle in the town of La Fléche, hop on an e-bike and cycle along the six kilometre La Route de Jasnieres (“the route to the wines”), and visit the extraordinary Chateau du Lude.

There are all sorts of options for wine tasting including in an underground wine cave at Domaine des Gauletteries, and you can also see troglodyte houses dating back to the 11th century which were dug right into the cliffside.

READ MORE: Fun things to do in Vallée du Loir, France

How to get to Vallée du Loir from Paris

Since it takes nearly three hours to get to the region, Vallée du Loir is best for weekend trips from Paris.

Good places to base yourself are La Chartre-sur-la-Loire or La Flèche, which are both close to the Loire Valley castles and Orleans to combine the trips. To get there, drive west on the A11.

Orléans: 90 minute drive/1 hour train

With half-timbered houses, a bustling town centre that never feels too busy and a lively waterfront bordering the Loire River, Orléans is a popular stop in the Loire Valley.

Go shopping along pedestrian-friendly Rue de la République, admire the gothic Cathedral Sainte-Croix, and keep an eye out of all the Joan of Arc dedications and statues for the hometown hero.

The highlights can easily be seen in just a couple of hours, making this one of the easiest Paris day tours.

READ MORE: 10 times Orléans, France proved it’s totally adorable

How to get to Orléans from Paris

The fastest route from Paris is heading south along the A10, and the N20 is also an option though it takes a bit longer. The direct train from Gare D’austerlitz in Paris to Gare D’orléans takes just over an hour.

Château de Chantilly: 1 hour drive, 20 minute train

If you need more of a castle fix, head north to Chantilly, home to the magnificent Château de Chantilly.

The sprawling estate is surrounded by an artificial lake, 115 hectares of gardens, and the largest stables in Europe. Built in the 1500s, highlights include the Petit Château which held the princes’ suites, the Renaissance-style Grand Château, and the Musée Condé which houses the second largest collection of antique paintings after the Louvre.

Guided tours are available of the lavish apartments, and guests can hop on a little train or four-person golf carts to navigate the grounds.

How to get to Chantilly from Paris

Château de Chantilly is one of the easiest day trips from Paris, since SNCF operates direct trains that go from Gare du Nord in Paris to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station in just 25 minutes. From there, it’s just a five minute taxi ride to the castle.

This page has more information about all of the ways to get to the château, including driving from Paris which takes about 45 minutes.

Tours from Paris to Chantilly

It’s easy enough to visit the castle without a guided tour, and entrance tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or by booking this skip-the-line ticket . Note that Château de Chantilly is not open on Tuesdays. Click here to book

Normandy: 3 hour drive, train

D-Day is a moment forever entrenched in history, and the heroic Normandy landings on June 6, 1944 changed the outcome of World War II.

On that day, tens of thousands of Allied troops waged the largest seaborne invasion to date, waging an attack on German forces hunkered down in bunkers along the Normandy coast.

On this Paris to Normandy day trip , walk on Juno Beach, hear stories of bravery on the battlefields, see the bunkers and visit the cemetery where thousands of white crosses memorialize the fallen soldiers.

Some also include a visit to Jardins d’Etretat , which are seven different avant-garde gardens combining classic methods with a neo-futuristic architectural vision.

How to get to Normandy from Paris

As there are no direct trains, driving is the easiest way to get to the Normandy beaches from Paris, and takes about three hours each way.

Normandy tours from Paris

Mont-saint-michel: 3 ½ hour drive, 5 hour train.

One of the most Instagrammable spots in France is also found in Normandy: Mont-Saint-Michel, an extraordinary fortified city complete with a Gothic Abbey, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The imposing structure is framed by the Normandy coast in a bay shared with Brittany, creating stunning reflections in the water which are best seen at sunset.

Dating back to the 10th century, Mont-Saint-Michel consists of a cluster of military and clerical buildings, a church and gardens, and is a major Christian pilgrimage site.

How to get to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris

With a driving time of more than three hours, a Mont-Saint-Michel day trip from Paris means a lot of time stuck in the car. A train ride is out of the question as it takes about five hours each way, so most people either drive themselves and do a self-guided tour , or book a group excursion.

Those doing the drive themselves should note that the parking lots are about 1.5 miles from the mount, and there are shuttle buses at Place des Navettes to transport visitors the rest of the way which run between 7:30am and midnight.

While staying overnight in Normandy allows for more time to explore the site, the majority of visitors only visit for a couple hours. Despite all the driving and a total excursion time of about 14 hours, this is still one of the most popular day trips from Paris.

Book Mont-Saint-Michel tours from Paris with GetYourGuide

Book with Viator

Beaune: 3 hour drive, 2 hour train ride

France’s Burgundy region is famous for its prestigious wine production, and at the heart of it all is the beautiful walled city of Beaune.

A standout spot is Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu), a former hospital-turned-museum known for its traditional polychrome roof. A similar roof with multi-coloured, glazed tiles adorns Collégiale Notre-Dame, which dates back to the 13th century.

While the town centre is lovely to walk around, most visitors come for the wines. Beaune is surrounded by the Côte d’Or vineyards where Chardonnay and pinot noir grapes are famously harvested, and the Beaune wine region is one of the oldest in France and considered to be among the finest in Burgundy.

READ MORE: What to do in Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital

How to get to Beaune

The ride from Paris Gare De Lyon to Beaune takes about two hours when transferring in Dijon, which makes this one of the better Paris day trips by train versus driving on the A5 which takes an hour longer.

Another option is to take the train to Dijon, then join this afternoon wine tasting tour around Burgundy which includes Beaune.

Tours to Beaune

Most excursions are wine-themed, whether it’s e-biking to the vineyards, hot air balloon rides , tasting in a cellar or taking a sidecar tour out to the vines .

Disneyland Paris: 40 minute train/drive

If Disneyland is the ‘happiest place on earth’, then that must mean that Disneyland Paris is the ‘happiest place in Europe’, oui?

Spending the day here is one of the best things to do in Paris with kids, and a must-do for Disney fans. There are actually two parks here: Disneyland Park, and Walt Disney Studios Park. Highlights include an Avengers-themed roller coaster, Ratatouille: The Adventure, a trackless dark ride that simulates a trip through the world of Ratatouille, and Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, the main, bright-pink castle of Disneyland Park.

Tips for visiting Disneyland Paris:

• Go on weekdays for fewer crowds
• Stay at one of the Disneyland hotels to get access to the park one hour earlier than the general public
• If you only have one day, focus on Disneyland Park instead of trying to see both

How to get to Disneyland Paris

It’s quite easy to get to Disneyland Paris, which is about 30 minutes east of the heart of the city.

From the Paris airports: Book a Magical Shuttle Bus airport transfer , or take the RER A regional train to the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station which is just a two minute walk from the parks. Click here to book

From the city: The Disneyland Paris Express has three pickup points in the city, and arrives at the park around 9:45 am. It heads back at 8 pm on days when the Disney Parks close earlier, and 9 pm the rest of the time.

Tickets for Disneyland Paris

There are all sorts of ticket options for visiting the Disney parks, including hotel + admission packages, some that include transfers, entrance to both parks, and multi-day passes. This one day ticket is the most popular option, while this multi-day pass is a better value for those wanting to stay longer.

Fontainebleu: 1 hour drive, 40 minute train

Boasting an astounding 1536 rooms, Château de Fontainebleau is a sight to behold less than one hour away from Paris, and a UNESCO site.

Originally a hunting lodge for the medieval kings of France, Château de Fontainebleau was transformed into a magnificent Renaissance palace by King Francis I in the 16th century. It served as the preferred residence for numerous French monarchs, including Napoleon Bonaparte, who left his mark on the château during his reign.

The château’s opulent interior features stunning architecture, lavishly decorated rooms, and extensive art collections that showcase the evolution of French artistic styles over the centuries. Visitors can explore 121 of the rooms, like the grand Ballroom and apartments of Marie Antoinette.

Outside, the sprawling Fontainebleau estate boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and serene lakes.

While it can take hours to properly explore the castle, if time allows there’s also an opportunity for a bit of a nature fix. The surrounding region is known for bouldering , and visitors can also go cycling, canoeing or even enjoy a hot air balloon ride.

How to get to Fontainebleu from Paris

Fontainebleu is one of the closest main attractions to Paris, and takes less than an hour to drive to when heading south down the A6. Trains only take about 40 minutes on SNCF, and depart every half hour throughout the day.

Tours to Fontainebleu

Thanks to the easy transportation, it’s easy enough to visit Fontainebleau as a self-guided tour ( pre-book this ticket to skip the line). However, some group tours combine a visit with the nearby Château Vaux le Vicomte which is said to have inspired the Palace of Versailles, or Barbizon, a village known for its artists.

The chateau is open every day except Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.

Strasbourg: 1 hr 45 min train, 5 1/2 hour drive

With a double UNESCO listing, flower-lined canals, a magnificent cathedral and impressive facades, the city of Strasbourg is one of the best places to visit in France.

Located in the Alsace region along the German border, this is the kind of place you want to spend at least a couple of days exploring before heading out to see the area’s charming, smaller towns.

However, if time is tight it’s possible to visit during a day trip from Paris, thanks to the relatively quick train connections.

Some of the best things to do in Strasbourg are:

• Book a boat cruise along the River Ill to see the city from the water
• Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral which dates back to the Middle Ages, has incredible panoramic views 66 metres up, and a daily astronomical clock show
• Wander through Grand Ile, the historical centre and a UNESCO site
• Explore Petite France, beloved for its picturesque canal, half-timbered houses, narrow streets and window boxes bursting with flowers.

Those who visit during the holiday season are in for a treat, as Strasbourg is also home to one of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

How to get to Strasbourg from Paris

As handy as it is to have a car in the Alsace region to explore the smaller towns, those making a quick trip from Paris will want to opt for the train since driving takes more than five hours.

By train, the journey is less than two hours thanks to direct routes by operators including Tgv, SNCF, DB and Swiss Railways.

Colmar: 2:45 train, 5 hour drive

Colmar is the quintessential French fairytale town, complete with pastel-hued half-timbered homes lining the waterfront, flowers spilling out of window boxes and tranquil canals.

The Colmar old town served as the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast, and visitors love exploring its winding, cobblestone streets.

Some of the best things to do in Colmar are:

• Browse the Covered Market, which dates back to 1865 and features intricate brickwork on the exterior, while the inside hosts a market hall.
• Admire highlights of the old town, including The House of Heads, Pfister House, and the Koifhus which is a pink Gothic and Renaissance-style building built in 1480 that once served as Colmar’s business and political hub.
• Go on a boat ride through Little Venice (tickets are €7 for adults, and can be purchased right at the dock in front of Restaurant Le Caveau Saint-Pierre)
• Walk through the Tanner’s District, which dates back as far as the 17th century.

READ MORE: French fairytale: Best things to do in Colmar old town

How to get to Colmar from Paris

The Alsace region is so gorgeous you’ll want to spend at least a weekend here if possible, especially since it takes a few hours to get here from Paris. The drive is about five hours long, while the quickest train to Colmar is just under three hours and departs twice per week.

Paris to Colmar day trips

Colmar is the type of place you’ll simply want to wander around and soak up the atmosphere, though having a guide can be helpful to understand a bit more of the city’s history. There’s also an option to join this half day tour to see some of the equally charming Alsace towns, which is highly recommended.

Giverny: 1 hour drive, 2 hour train

Giverny, France, is a charming day trip destination from Paris on the banks of the River Siene, drawing people with its picturesque beauty and historical significance.

Best known as the home of the renowned Impressionist painter Claude Monet, visitors flock here to experience the magic that inspired his iconic works.

The main highlight is Monet’s house and its stunning gardens, including the iconic water lily pond featured in his masterpieces. Visitors can stroll through the blooming flower beds and vibrant landscapes which inspired Monet’s artistry.

Afterwards, explore the quaint village with its charming cafes and art galleries, which offer a glimpse of what life is like in the French countryside.

How to get to Giverny

The fastest way to get to Giverny from Paris is to drive west on the A13, which takes about an hour. The quickest train route takes about two hours, and requires transferring in Vernon.

Tours to Giverny from Paris

Brussels: 90 minute train, 3 hour drive.

One of the best things about travelling in Europe is how quick it is to get between countries, and heading into Belgium is one of the best options for day trips from Paris, France that cross the border.

The capital Brussels is home to a million people and is the headquarters of the European Union; however, there aren’t that many major sites (compared to large cities like Rome and London) which makes it easy to see most of the highlights in just one day.

Some of the best things to do during a Paris to Brussels day trip are:

• Visit Grand Place, a central square featuring a Gothic-inspired town hall, cafes, chocolate shops and restaurants which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Manneken Pis, a tiny fountain depicting a young boy peeing that is inexplicably one of the city’s top attractions
• Book a chocolate workshop , or taste the famous Belgian beer
• Admire the Royal Palace of Brussels and the futuristic-looking, 103-metre tall Atomium sculpture

READ MORE: A complete guide for what to do in Brussels in one day

How to get to Brussels from Paris

The fastest option is the direct train from Paris Nord to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi, which takes only an hour and a half and has about a dozen departures per day. Otherwise, expect to spend over three hours driving up the A1 north.

Bruges: 3 hour drive, 2 ½ hour train

Boasting miles of canals that wind through the historic, colourful city, Bruges has earned the nickname ‘The Venice of the North.’

It has many of the same highlights as its Italian doppelgänger without the crushing crowds, and its preserved medieval buildings and quaint, cobblestone laneways are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Start by heading out on a walking tour or canal cruise to get an overview of the city, and learn about the surrounding Flemish region.

The Market Square (Markt) is the heart of the action, which now hosts bustling shops, cafes and restaurants, and fans of the comic Tintin won’t want to miss the Tintin shop down the street.

For a great view, hike up 366 steps to the top of the Belfry Tower, and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire city below.

READ MORE: The best things to do during a day trip to Bruges, Belgium

How to get to Bruges from Paris

Bruges is a straight shot north up the A1 from Paris, and the drive takes about three hours. The train trip takes about two and a half hours, with a transfer in Brussels.

The easiest way is to book this Paris to Bruges day trip which includes a full day of sightseeing and an optional canal cruise, or this guided, small group trip which includes round trip transportation from Paris. Click here to book

Book a day trip from Paris to Bruges:

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