Exploring Paris is a dream, but sometimes you just need a change of scenery, a new vibe. Luckily, Paris is the gateway to some of the most picturesque and culturally rich places in France—all within easy reach.
From royal palaces to champagne vineyards and even magical fairytale-like castles, here are some unforgettable day trips I’ve taken from Paris that left me with stories to tell (and a ton of photos to match!).
1. Versailles—the Crown Jewel of French Royalty
- Distance from Paris: 30 minutes by train
- Highlights: The Palace of Versailles, stunning gardens, and the Hall of Mirrors.
- Things to Do: Tour the palace and gardens, explore Marie Antoinette’s estate, and visit the fountains if you go during the summer.
- Travel Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and pre-book tickets.
It’s impossible to visit Paris and not feel the pull of Versailles. Just a quick 30-minute train ride will transport you to a place that feels worlds apart. The Palace of Versailles is overwhelming in the best way—chandeliers, gold everywhere, and the famous Hall of Mirrors that seems to stretch on forever. Walking through feels like stepping into a time machine, straight to the opulence of the 17th century.
But the gardens are where I fell in love. They’re massive, with fountains, statues, and perfectly trimmed hedges stretching as far as the eye can see. During the warmer months, they put on fountain shows set to classical music, and it’s beyond magical. I spent hours wandering through the groves, discovering hidden fountains, and just soaking in the views.
Pro Tip: Arrive as early as possible. Trust me, a sea of selfie sticks in the Hall of Mirrors kills the vibe faster than anything else.
2. Giverny: Stepping into Monet’s Paintings
- Distance from Paris: 1 hour by train
- Highlights: Monet’s house and gardens, famous for inspiring his water lily paintings.
- Things to Do: Walk through the beautiful gardens and explore the artist’s home and Japanese bridge.
I’m a sucker for art, so visiting Claude Monet’s home in Giverny was like living inside one of his paintings. It’s just an hour from Paris, and every inch of this place feels like a masterpiece. The gardens here are iconic—filled with water lilies, Japanese bridges, and flowers of every color. I swear I recognized the same views he painted over a century ago.
The house itself has been preserved in such a way that it almost feels like he’s still there, maybe just out back painting his famous water lilies. You can wander through his studio and see reproductions of his works, giving you a sense of just how much this place influenced him.
Pro Tip: Go in spring or early summer. The flowers are in full bloom, and the crowds are (somewhat) smaller, letting you enjoy the peace and quiet that inspired Monet.
3. Disneyland Paris—For the Kid at Heart
- Distance from Paris: 40 minutes by train
- Highlights: magical attractions, rides, and Disney-themed shows.
- Things to Do: Enjoy the themed lands like Fantasyland and Adventureland, meet characters, and watch the spectacular fireworks.
Now, Disneyland might not scream “quaint French day trip,” but it’s a quick 40-minute train ride from Paris and pure fun. Walking into the park, I felt like a kid again, with Main Street USA greeting me and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle glittering in the distance. They’ve got all the classics, from Space Mountain to Pirates of the Caribbean, plus some uniquely European twists.
One of my favorite parts? The parades and fireworks. There’s nothing quite like watching Sleeping Beauty’s Castle light up against the night sky. And if you’re into character meet-and-greets, they’re all over the place, dressed in French-style costumes that are super cute.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning on doing both Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park, get a multi-day ticket. Trust me, trying to do it all in one day is exhausting.
4. Champagne Region: Sip and Savor in Reims and Épernay
- Distance from Paris: 45 minutes to 1 hour by train.
- Highlights: World-renowned Champagne houses, vineyards, and UNESCO-listed chalk cellars.
- Things to Do: Tour champagne houses like Moët & Chandon, visit the Reims Cathedral, and try local tastings.
If you’re a champagne lover (and really, who isn’t?), then a day trip to the Champagne region is a must. Reims and Épernay are just about an hour away and are home to some of the most famous champagne houses in the world. I couldn’t resist the chance to tour the cellars of Moët & Chandon, where they’ve been crafting champagne since the 18th century.
The whole experience feels like stepping into another era. The cellars are dark and cool, the bottles stacked in neat rows, aging to perfection. And the tasting at the end? Worth every minute of the journey. Reims itself is also stunning, with the Gothic Reims Cathedral where French kings were crowned.
Pro Tip: Book your tasting tours ahead of time, especially if you’re going during peak season. Some of the more popular champagne houses fill up fast.
5. Chartres: Medieval Magic Just an hour away.
- Distance from Paris: 1 hour by train
- Highlights: The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral and charming old town.
- Things to Do: Tour the Gothic cathedral with stunning stained glass, explore the medieval streets, and enjoy the riverside.
Chartres might be just an hour from Paris, but it feels like a world away. Known for its UNESCO-listed cathedral, this town is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and charming streets. Walking into the Chartres Cathedral, with its soaring ceilings and intricate stained glass, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The windows date back to the 12th century and tell stories that are both beautiful and haunting.
After touring the cathedral, I wandered down to the old town, with its narrow lanes and stone houses. It’s the kind of place that feels unchanged by time, and I found myself slowing down, just enjoying the quiet beauty of it all.
Pro Tip: Make sure to catch the cathedral’s light show if you visit in the summer. They project vibrant colors onto the building at night, making it look almost otherworldly.
6. Château de Fontainebleau, Royal Grandeur Minus the Crowds
- Distance from Paris: 1 hour by train
- Highlights: One of France’s largest royal châteaux, with beautiful grounds.
- Things to Do: Tour the palace’s lavish interiors, stroll through the formal gardens, and learn about French royalty.
If you’re craving some palace vibes but can’t face the crowds at Versailles, head to Château de Fontainebleau. This place is just an hour from Paris but has far fewer tourists, and it’s every bit as beautiful. Fontainebleau has been home to French monarchs for centuries, and it shows—the rooms are grand, the gardens are sprawling, and there’s even a forest surrounding the château that’s perfect for a post-tour walk.
The Gallery of Francis I, a long hallway filled with Renaissance frescoes, was one of the highlights for me. It feels like walking through an art museum, but without the “do not touch” signs everywhere.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic. The gardens are open and spacious, and it’s the perfect spot to relax with a baguette and some cheese after exploring the château.
7. Rouen: Where History and Gothic Beauty Meet
- Distance from Paris: 1.5 hours by train
- Highlights: A historic city known for its medieval architecture, Gothic cathedral, and links to Joan of Arc.
- Things to Do: Visit Rouen Cathedral, walk through the old town with half-timbered houses, and explore the Joan of Arc Museum.
Rouen is a history lover’s dream, with its Gothic cathedral, medieval buildings, and connections to Joan of Arc. Only an hour and a half away from Paris, Rouen transports visitors to a bygone era. The Rouen Cathedral, with its spires and gargoyles, looks like something out of a fairytale. It’s so intricately detailed, you could spend hours just staring at it.
The old town is filled with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and quirky little shops that feel a world away from the sleekness of Paris. There are numerous museums and monuments dedicated to Joan of Arc in Rouen, the site of her trial and execution.
Pro Tip: For the best photos, get there early. The morning light on the cathedral is magical, and you’ll have a chance to explore the town before the crowds arrive.
8. Loire Valley: Castles, Castles, and More Castles
- Distance from Paris: 2 hours by train or car
- Highlights: Stunning castles like Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château d’Amboise.
- Things to Do: Tour the châteaux, stroll in Renaissance-style gardens, and enjoy wine tastings in nearby vineyards.
The Loire Valley is straight out of a fairytale, with grand castles dotting the landscape. While it’s a bit further (about two hours by train), it’s worth every minute. I embarked on a guided tour that encompassed the main attractions: Château de Chambord, renowned for its intricate double-helix staircase, Château de Chenonceau, which spans the river, and Château d’Amboise, the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.
Each château is unique, and its gardens are as impressive as its buildings. This is the kind of trip that makes you wish you lived in another era, surrounded by opulence and stunning landscapes.
Pro Tip: Book a guided tour if you can. There’s so much to see, and a guide really helps you make the most of your time.
9. Normandy—D-Day Beaches and Mont Saint-Michel
- Distance from Paris: 2 to 3 hours by train/car
- Highlights: Historical sites from WWII and the stunning island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.
- Things to Do: Visit Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and Mont Saint-Michel for breathtaking views and history.
Normandy is famous for its WWII history, but there’s so much more to this region. I started with the D-Day beaches, where I felt the weight of history as I walked along Omaha Beach and visited the American Cemetery. There’s something deeply moving about standing where so many fought for freedom.
Then, I headed to Mont Saint-Michel. This island abbey is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen. It rises out of the sea like something from a storybook, with winding streets and an ancient abbey at the top. I lost myself wandering the narrow lanes and admiring the views of the ocean stretching endlessly beyond.
Pro Tip: If you’re doing both the D-Day beaches and Mont Saint-Michel in one day, start early. It’s a long day, but absolutely worth it.
10. Provins: A Medieval Festival Comes to Life
- Distance from Paris: 1.5 hours by train
- Highlights: A medieval town with UNESCO status, known for its historic architecture and medieval festivals.
- Things to Do: Visit the medieval ramparts, watch reenactments, and explore the underground tunnels.
If you’re a fan of medieval history (or just want to feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a fantasy movie), Provins is for you. This medieval town is only an hour and a half from Paris and is known for its perfectly preserved architecture and fun festivals.
I visited during one of their medieval fairs, and it was like going back in time. There were knights jousting, artisans selling medieval crafts, and even a falconry show. Even outside of festival season, Provins is filled with historical buildings, narrow streets, and lots of character.
Pro Tip: Check the festival calendar before you go. Provins hosts medieval events throughout the year, and they’re well worth planning your trip around.
Wrapping It Up
Each of these spots offers something different, and every single one is worth a visit. Whether you’re into royal palaces, historic battlefields, or dreamy gardens, these day trips from Paris are the perfect way to add a little adventure to your trip. So pack a bag, grab your train ticket, and go see the world beyond Paris—you won’t regret it!
FAQ
How do I get around for day trips from Paris?
Most of the daytrip destinations are accessible by train, which is fast, convenient, and comfortable. Major spots like Versailles, Chartres, Giverny, and the Champagne region have frequent train service. For places like the Loire Valley or Normandy, a guided tour or renting a car might be more practical to maximize your time.
Should I book tickets in advance for popular attractions?
Yes, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance for popular spots like the Palace of Versailles, Monet’s House in Giverny, and the Champagne houses in Reims or Épernay. Pre-booking saves time and helps you avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist season.
What’s the best time of year for these day trips?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. Summer is also a popular time, especially for outdoor attractions like gardens, but be prepared for larger crowds. Some trips, like the Loire Valley or Mont Saint-Michel, are also lovely in winter when they’re less crowded.
How much time should I plan for each day trip?
You can best enjoy most of these destinations with a full day, which allows you to see the highlights and enjoy some leisurely exploration. If you want to combine places like Reims and Épernay in the Champagne region, plan for a slightly longer day or an early start.
Are there guided tours for these day trips?
Yes, guided tours are available for nearly all of these destinations, either from Paris or on-site. For places like the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Champagne region, guided tours are especially helpful, as they cover a lot of ground and often include transportation and entry fees.
What are the costs of these day trips?
Costs vary widely depending on the location and activities. For example, a train ticket to Versailles might be around €8–€10 each way, with palace entry tickets costing extra. Guided tours, especially to the Champagne region or Loire Valley, range from €100–€250 per person. Always check for discounts or combo tickets that may include multiple attractions.
Can I visit Mont Saint-Michel and Normandy’s D-Day beaches in one day?
Yes, it’s possible, but ambitious. Mont Saint-Michel is about a three-hour drive from Paris, and the D-Day beaches are also around a two- to three-hour drive. To make the most of both, consider starting early or booking a specialized tour that combines these sites.
Which day trips are best for families with children?
Disneyland Paris is the obvious choice for families, but other options like Château de Fontainebleau and Provins also offer kid-friendly experiences. The medieval events in Provins can be especially entertaining for kids interested in history or knights.
Are these day trips accessible for travelers with limited mobility?
Accessibility varies by destination. Versailles and the Louvre Pyramid in Paris are relatively accessible, while places like Mont Saint-Michel and certain areas in Giverny might present challenges due to uneven terrain or stairs. Check with individual attractions for accessibility options and services.
What should I pack for a day trip from Paris?
Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, a small backpack, water, snacks, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. Depending on the season, bring sunscreen, a hat, or a light jacket. For trips like Champagne tours or visits to Mont Saint-Michel, pack an extra layer, as it can be chilly in cellars or on the coast.
