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21 Incredible Day Trips From Paris W/ Directions

Going on one or a few day trips from Paris is a great way to get out of the city and to discover a little more of France. 

You’d be surprised how different the many charming French towns and villages are, as each has its own history, culture, and best of all, its own cuisine, just waiting to be discovered.

We’ve made a round-up of some of the best day trips from Paris, including great destinations for families and for lovers of culture, food, and wine. 

They are just a short trip from Paris and are a fun way to explore France, so be sure to bookmark this post while planning your trip to Paris!

Looking for accommodation in Paris? We have a useful guide on where to stay in Paris, divided by neighborhood.

Best Day Trips from Paris

We divided this article into day trips in France and to other countries. Enjoy!

Paris Day Trips in France

Versailles

The Versailles Palace in a freezing winter day just before spring
Anamaria Mejia / Shutterstock.com

Versailles is located in the Ile-de-France region and is about 12.43 miles from the capital city of Paris. Because Versailles is a city near Paris, it makes for an ideal day trip from Paris and can be included in short travel itineraries.

King Louis XIV founded this French city of about 88,000 residents in the 17th century. Versailles is famous for the Palace of Versailles or, in French, Château de Versailles (one of the most beautiful castles in France), where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette lived together.

This is also where important treaties were signed, including the Treaty of Versailles that ended the First World War in 1919. The palace grounds also have a stunning formal garden for you to explore, designed by André Le Nôtre.

The city of Versailles is also a foodie’s paradise. As the location of Versailles is in the suburbs, you get access to amazingly grown foods and pretty much enjoy princely dishes.

There is a reason why King Louis XIV decided to make this city the seat of the royal residence. The town is a gorgeous French suburb – relaxing, classy, and romantic.

If you love to shop, then the city of Versailles is also ideal, as most luxurious European brands have stores here.

How to Get to Versailles from Paris

This is possibly one of the most accessible day trips from Paris. So, the best way to get to Versailles from Paris is to take the train. Take the Ter or N line towards Versailles Château station.

Consider buying a skip-the-line ticket + a guided tour of the palace to skip the queues and learn more about this historical place.

Click here to check availability

Disneyland Paris

Princess and prince on a chariot during a Disney parade in Paris
Parade in Disneyland Paris – Captured Blinks / Shutterstock

Disneyland Paris is a great Paris day trip, especially if you have children (but even if you don’t, it’s still worth the visit!). 

Disneyland is about 27 miles from the city center. It has two parks and a host of attractions like rollercoasters, nightly parades, shows, and of course, all the Disney characters that you grew up with. 

The park provides everything you need for your day trip, with plenty of restaurants, snack kiosks, and bars. 

How to Get to Disneyland Paris

You can drive to Disneyland Paris and leave your rental car in one paid parking lot. Alternatively, you can take a direct train line A from central Paris to Disneyland toward Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station, located just a 2-minute walk from the main entrance.

Click here to buy your pass to Disneyland.

Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Chateau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is an easy day trip from Paris

The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is also known as the National Archeological Museum. 

Set in a stunning former royal palace with foundations dating back to the 12th century, it became France’s official archeology museum in 2005. 

Visitors can expect to see an immense array of artifacts set in historical surroundings. 

Napoleon III himself inaugurated the first 7 rooms of the museum for the 1867 Paris World Fair and oversaw the initial collections, which today have over 3 million objects, making them some of the largest collections in Europe. 

Here you can see everything from Neanderthal skulls to Iron Age jewelry. 

How to Get to Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye from Paris

Take the RER A train toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It’s a quick 33-minute train ride.

Mont Saint-Michel 

Panoramic view of Mont Saint-Michel

If you want to have your mind blown by beautiful scenery, Mont Saint-Michel is the place to go. 

It’s situated in Normandy, 224 miles from Paris. Still, it’s definitely worth the drive (and several coach companies offer a round-trip ticket). 

Mont Saint-Michel is a tiny and picturesque village perched on a rock about half a mile from the mainland. 

You can explore the city walls and snap gorgeous photos for your Instagram feed when you get there. 

You can also sit down for a meal in one of the island’s many restaurants and sample salt marsh lamb, a region’s specialty dish, or one of the extra fluffy omelets.   

How to Get to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris

Take the Ter train toward the Villedieu Les Poeles station, then the Ter train toward Le Mont St Michel station. Mont Saint-Michel is only a 7-minute walk away. The trip takes about 4h40 min.

Alternatively, you can take a tour there, and the tour operators take care of the transportation!

Click here to check tours to Mont Saint-Michel.

Provins

View of Provins medieval city from Cesar tower

Provins is a small medieval city brimming with French history and character. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 

During medieval times, Provins hosted one of the largest champagne fairs in France and even minted its own coins. 

Many historical monuments still stand in Provins, such as the ancient city walls, the Priory, and the Tithe Barn. 

Still, the most noteworthy church in Provins is the 11th-century Eglise Saint-Ayoul, which features many relics and an inspiring sanctuary, making the church a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages.

Depending on the time of year, you may be able to catch the famous Medieval Festival, the largest event of its kind in France. 

How to Get to Provins from Paris

The town is only 55 miles southwest of Paris, and there are direct trains (P train) here (only 1h15 min-trip), making it one of the best day trips from Paris.

Loire Valley

Chambord castle is a place near Paris

There’s so much to see and do in the Loire Valley that you could easily spend more than a day here, but if you’re pressed for time, then make sure to visit some of the magnificent castles. 

Over 300 castles were built between the 10th and 15th centuries, dotting the beautiful Loire River Valley with fairytale-like constructions.

Chambord Castle, in particular, is fantastic, as it’s set on a bridge across a river and is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “DNA staircase,” a twisting double helix design that gives the illusion of being a single spiral. 

You could also take a half-day to go cycling or hiking through some of the beautiful countrysides and stop off at one of the vineyards known for producing some of France’s finest white wines. 

Pssst: This day tour to the Loire Valley takes you to 3 castles and a wine tasting experience in the region—a no-brainer, right?!

Click here to check availability!

How to Get to Loire Valley from Paris

Take the Ter train toward the Blois station, then a bus toward Château de Chambord or any other castle you may like to see. The trip takes about 3 hours. But, you can take the tour we mentioned above and have everything taken care of for you.

Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis

The nave of the Saint Denis Basilic Cathedral

This Paris day trip is both an easy journey from central Paris and an essential French historical monument. 

It’s one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture and is the burial place of nearly every French king, from the 10th to the 19th century. 

Construction of the basilica began in the 12th century, when churches transitioned from Romanesque to the Gothic style, and was completed in the 13th century.

In total, 43 kings, 32 queens, and 10 royal servants are interred within the cathedral. Marie-Antoinette actually attended the funeral of King Louis XV here. 

How to Get to Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis from Paris

The basilica is easily accessible from Paris via the Metro, with a Metro station located just over 500 feet from the main entrance.  

Normandy D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery

Omana Beach in Normandy
Gun emplacement at Omaha Beach, Normandy

The Normandy and D-Day landing beaches are a perfect day trip from Paris for military history buffs. 

Stretching over 40 miles of coastline, there are many notable beaches and monuments to see, including Utah and Omaha Beach, which saw some of the most dramatic fightings of the campaign. 

Many guided tours with multilingual guides are available for the landing beaches, or you can explore them yourself. 

The Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux gives excellent historical context, alongside exhibitions of military equipment and personal effects from the soldiers who fought so bravely.  

Here you can find more about the day trip from Paris to Normandy.

How to Get to Normandy from Paris

Take the E train to Haussmann Saint-Lazare, then take the Ter train at Paris St Lazare toward La Havre station. Transfer to a T tram toward Hôtel de Ville. The trip takes about 3h30 min.

Alternatively, you can take a tour of Normandy with transportation from Paris included in the ticket. We highly recommend taking a tour to save the hassle and learn about this historical place from a knowledgeable guide.

Click here to check availability.

Auvers-Sur-Oise

The Church at Auvers, Auvers sur Oise, from Van Gogh's painting
The Church at Auvers from Van Gogh’s painting

The small town of Auvers-Sur-Oise is worth making the day trip from Paris to see, as it was a destination for many celebrated artists, including Cézanne, Pissarro, and, most notably, Vincent van Gogh. 

Several paintings have immortalized it, including van Gogh’s masterpiece The Church at Auvers

The must-see highlight of Auvers-Sur-Oise is undoubtedly L’Auberge Ravoux, where van Gogh spent the last months of his life. 

You can visit the little room where he slept, as well as his humble gravestone. 

You can also spend some time browsing in the Museum Daubigny, which showcases works by Daubigny, one of the founders of the Impressionist movement. 

How to Get to Auvers-Sur-Oise from Paris

Take the H train toward the Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône station and take another train toward Auvers-sur-Oise station. The whole trip takes about 1 hour only.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres

Chartres city with the Cathedral of Our Lady

Chartres Cathedral is another unmissable destination for culture vultures that’s an easily accessible day trip from Paris. 

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is described as “The high point of French Gothic art.” 

It is simply immense, and it dominates the skyline, with its two tall spires reaching into the sky. 

Inside, there are three beautiful rose windows depicting scenes from the Bible. 

You can also walk the labyrinth, a design of floor tiles that encourages pilgrims to meditate on the journey of life and on the story of Christ.

The cathedral is located in the medieval town of Chartres–a must-see in France!

How to Get to Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres from Paris

Take the Ter train toward the Chartres station. The cathedral is only an 8-minute walk away, and the whole trip takes about 1h20 min only.

Château de Rambouillet

Rambouillet castle is a great day trip from Paris

The Château de Rambouillet is another unmissable Paris day trip. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle once belonged to King Louis XVI. 

His wife, Marie-Antionette, was less taken with the castle than her husband and declared it to be a “toadhouse.” 

In order to please her, Louis XVI commissioned a miniature dairy in the garden, a rustic fantasy of countryside life where Marie Antionette could play at being a peasant. 

Today the castle and grounds are open to visitors, and you can explore the State Rooms, which have welcomed illustrious guests from across the world, such as President Gerald Ford and Prime Minister Harold Wilson during the very first G6 Summit in 1975.

How to Get to Château de Rambouillet from Paris

Take the Ter train toward the Rambouillet station, then walk about 13 minutes to the château. The trip takes only 45 minutes.

Strasbourg

Traditional half-timbered houses in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a world away from Paris’s open boulevards and Haussmann buildings. 

When you visit Strasbourg, you step back in time through the winding cobbled streets, and you can feel the solid Germanic influence throughout the city. 

Be sure to try flammkuchen, a fragile dough with cream, onions, and bacon cooked on top, which is a staple of Alsatian cuisine. 

You should also call in at Strasbourg Cathedral, a striking asymmetric monument with an astrological clock that strikes on the half-hour. It’s a gorgeous gothic cathedral.

Visitors in December can buy gifts for the whole family at the local market stalls in the city squares, as Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas! 

How to Get to Strasbourg from Paris

Take the DB or TGV inOui train toward Strasbourg. These are international trains to Germany, so keep that in mind because you may need your travel documents. The trip takes about 1h45 min.

Giverny

Monet's house and garden in Giverny
The Monet’s House in Giverny is an excellent day trip from Paris!

Giverny is a small beautiful town 47 miles northwest of Paris and is visited by thousands of tourists each year who come to see the Fondation Claude Monet. 

The impressionist painter lived here for over 40 years and was inspired by the garden’s beauty to paint some of his most famous works, most notably his Water Lilies series. 

If you want to see the water lilies in bloom, then it’s best to visit in late June or July. Still, the gardens and museum are open from April to November, and each month has its own charm. 

How to Get to Giverny from Paris

Take the metro 1 toward La Défense station. From the Terminal Jules Verne take the bus 72 toward the Grand Val stop. The trip takes 2 hours, but you can also take a tour from Paris to save the hassle. Tour companies also offer a half-day trip to Giverny.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte is an excellent Paris day trip

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a baroque-style castle with a rich history, located 33 miles to the south of Paris. 

The chateau was originally a royal residence until an ambitious member of the French parliament, Nicolas Fouquet, bought it in the 17th century and renovated it extensively. 

However, this proved to be Fouquet’s downfall, as the king found the castle to be so impressive that he accused Fouquet of stealing public funds to pay for the renovations. Today, the castle is often used for Hollywood film productions.

Visitors today can stroll through the manicured gardens, which are lit by over 2,000 candles every Saturday evening from June to October. 

How to Get to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris

You can use public transportation, but that’s a bit of a hassle because you have to take a train and a shuttle. But, sometimes the shuttle doesn’t ride, so you’ll need to take a taxi. 

Take the direct train line P to Verneuil l’Etang station. Then, take the “Chateaubus” shuttle, which meets each train, and will take you to the castle in the town of Maincy and then back to the station at the end of the day. (Please double-check availability.)

Still, you can also take a guided tour with transportation from Paris. This day tour combines a visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau Castles.

Château de Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau Palace near Paris

The Château de Fontainebleau, an 800-year old castle, was a home for all of France’s monarchs, but it was most influenced by Francis I. 

He took the medieval castle and made it his own, drawing inspiration from the new Italian style of the time. 

Thus the French Renaissance style was born, and the Château de Fontainebleau became a blueprint for an artist and architectural movement across France. 

Later, Napoleon restored the palace and added extensions and refurbishments that became ever more complex. 

Napoleon conducted much political business from the Château de Fontainebleau, and it’s the only castle in France to still have a throne room complete with the original furniture.

Needless to say, this is one of the best day trips from Paris!

How to Get to Château de Fontainebleau from Paris

Take the Ter train toward Fontainebleau – Avon station, then take bus 8 at La Châtelaine toward Les Héronnières and walk for about 15 minutes to the palace. Alternatively, you can join a tour that combines a visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau Castles.

Épernay

Champagne winery in Epernay, Champagne Region
Champagne winery in Epernay – art4stock / Shutterstock

A city nicknamed the “Capital of Champagne” is surely worth making a day trip from Paris to see! 

The Avenue de Champagne stretches through the town center and is home to the most prestigious champagne houses in France, like Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Charles Lafitte, Veuve Clicquot, and more.

This street alone combines over 200 million bottles in the cellars.

For three days in December, the city is illuminated with strings of colorful lights, and tourists come to admire the beauty of the town and to get a taste of the Champagne region. 

How to Get to Epernay from Paris

At Gare de l’Est, take the Ter train toward Epernay station. The trip takes about 1h20 min.

Domaine de Chantilly

The gardens of Chantilly Castle
The gardens of Chantilly Castle were designed by André Le Nôtre – Ticiana Giehl / Shutterstock

Take a day trip from Paris to the Domaine de Chantilly and experience the feeling of traveling back in time. 

The Château de Chantilly is a remarkable castle built in the middle ages and has since been passed from one generation to another, morphing and expanding with each new owner. 

Surrounded by a “domaine” of woodlands and swampy marshlands, the castle appears to be floating above the property’s human-made ponds and canals.

The Duke of Aumale rebuilt the castle in the 19th century, bringing it to its current state of grandeur. 

During your visit, you can explore the beautiful gardens and tour the exhibitions on the castle’s history and artifacts. 

The castle staff also sometimes host workshops on how to make the famous whipped Chantilly cream. 

How to Get to Château de Fontainebleau from Paris

Take the Ter train toward Chantilly – Gouvieux station and walk about half an hour to Domaine de Chantilly. The trip takes about an hour in total.

Paris Day Trips to Other Countries

Bruges

Canal in Bruges, Belgium

This charming Belgian city is just a 3.5-hour drive from Paris. It captures the hearts of tourists with its narrow streets, winding canals, historic marketplaces, and medieval architecture. 

If you only have a day in Bruges, make sure that you join a canal boat tour and float through the city besides the many swans, and then climb the Belfry Tower to see the incredible view over the city. 

Afterward, sit down for the quintessential Bruges meal: a bucket of mussels in sauce, served with delicious salty fries. Don’t forget to wash it down with a Belgian beer while taking in the Flemish architecture.

How to Get to Bruges from Paris

Take the Thalys train toward Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi and then take the P train toward Bruges. It’s a 2h35 min trip.

Luxembourg City 

Old Town in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is the capital of the tiny country of Luxembourg, which sits between France, Belgium, and Germany. 

This metropolitan mini city is rich in fascinating history and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its striking fortifications. 

Many notable places to visit, from Neumünster Abbey to the Grand Ducal Palace. You should also head to a vantage point to check out the incredible city views. 

Popular sightseeing spots are the Adolphe Bridge, spanning the Pétrusse River, and the Chemin de la Corniche in the southeast of the city called “The most beautiful balcony in Europe.”

How to Get to Luxembourg from Paris

To get to Luxembourg from Paris, take the TGV train from Gare de l’Est station to Luxembourg station. Usually, the ride takes around 2h20 min.

London

Big Ben in London, England

Although it is across the sea, London is the perfect day trip from Paris! The Eurostar train makes it easy to hop between the two cities.

This train trip is a fantastic experience in itself, especially if you can indulge in a first-class ticket!

Kick off your day at St Pancras railway station, an exceptionally centrally located station with easy access to tubes, buses, and some of London’s best sites, making it the perfect place to start your day trip!

From posing at platform 9 3/4 at the next door kings cross or taking a short walk to one of the world’s best museums to see the Elgin marbles or the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, there is plenty to see on st pancreas doorstep!

For those with more time in London, you could visit some of the city’s most iconic sites such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace!

No visit to London is complete without a trip to the pub for a pint or some fish and chips but for those with a slightly bigger budget, why not try and grab lunch at one of London’s many Michelin starred restaurants!

And to finish off the day, why not head to the champagne bar at the stunning St Pancras hotel before hopping back on your train to Paris!

How to Get to London from Paris

To get to London from Paris, take the Eurostar train from the Gare du Nord Station to St Pancras station. This trip takes around 2h20 min.

Amsterdam

Canal in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Leave the romantic Paris to spend a day in Amsterdam. This is probably one of the best day trips from Paris by train because you go directly from one city to the other. No stops.

From visiting a historical beguinage to strolling along the canals of the Red Light District, a day trip to Amsterdam will entertain all tastes.

Packed with excellent museums, such as the Van Gogh and the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam is a wonderful place for museum lovers. 

Reserve the rest of the morning to visit these sites and learn more about these iconic people’s lives. Then, go check a bucket list item: cruise in the canals, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by the way.

Wander through the Red Light District. Contrary to common belief, this area can be charming, and a walk here will show you the oldest houses in Amsterdam. Oh, and be sure to visit Amsterdam North.

This is a hip area with graffitis and cool cafes by the water’s edge. Perfect for photos. You won’t want to miss it.

If you want to taste some Dutch beers, stop by the Arendsnest Cafe, the local’s favorite beer cafe, and one of the best things to do in Amsterdam after a day of sightseeing.

How to Get to Amsterdam from Paris

Amsterdam is an easy day trip from Paris. To get there, take Thalys’s high-speed train from Gare du Nord station to Amsterdam Central. The trip takes around 3h30 minutes by train.

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Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

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