Best Day Trips from Paris

In this article, we will show you a few of the best day trips from Paris, which will help you get to know France even more. We have listed culture trips, wine trips, and leisure trips. So, here you will find something for every taste. Let’s proceed, shall we?

Palace of Versailles, Reims, Giverny

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Overview

Paris offers a wealth of culture, but even more can be found beyond its borders. That’s why day trips are a must for any visitor. Our guide lists recommendations for the best day trips from Paris (France), including Versailles, Reims, Lille, and many more. Thanks to France’s efficient train system, you can reach any destination in a few hours, making your travel plans a breeze. Whether you’re hiking the cliffs in Normandy or tasting Champagne in its region, there’s so much to do. And if you need more inspiration for your ideal 24-hour excursion, we have some of Paris’s best day trip ideas to spark your wanderlust.

Our List of the Best Day Trips from Paris

Versailles

Versailles is a popular tourist destination located just a 30-minute drive from Paris. The 17th-century Palace has 2,300 rooms to explore, including the King’s State apartments and the famous Hall of Mirrors. That’s why visiting Versailles allows you to experience a significant piece of history. Furthermore, annual summer exhibitions showcase the works of prominent contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, and Olafur Eliasson, whose art is displayed throughout the sprawling gardens. The Palace of Versailles serves as a symbol of royal power and influence, captivating visitors to this day. It is one of the most visited attractions in Paris and offers invaluable insights into French history, revealing the lavish lifestyles of former monarchs.

More than 10 million people visit the Palace of Versailles each year, making it France’s second most popular attraction after the Eiffel Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed by Louis XIV in 1682, features remarkable 17th-century French art.

To fully enjoy your visit, plan to spend an entire day at the estate. The Gardens are free to enter from November to March and on the first Sunday of every month. From April to October, there may be admission fees on specific days during special events.

Tip: To save time, purchase your tickets online in advance. Arrive early to avoid the crowds, as the Palace attracts over 27,000 visitors each day. While a Paris Museum Pass provides priority access inside, it does not allow you to skip the security line.

Giverny

Giverny, a village known for its iconic gardens and as the real-life inspiration for Monet’s Water Lilies, is a sight to behold. Just a 45-minute train ride away, it’s a must-visit for any art lover. Monet’s House, Gardens, and the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes are popular attractions, drawing around half a million visitors annually. The gardens, with their vibrant colors, are a living Monet masterpiece. At Monet’s family home, he created his celebrated water-lily series, ‘Les Nymphéas.’ But Giverny is more than just the Monet home. It’s a picturesque village with a rich history, a peaceful atmosphere, and delicious food, making it a perfect destination for a day trip.

Reims

You can indulge in a glass of Champagne amidst the beautiful French countryside in just an hour. But before that, remember to visit the Reims Cathedral and the Palace of Tau for a dose of culture. Reims boasts a plethora of Champagne houses where you can explore the cellars and participate in tastings. And suppose you treat yourself to a fancy meal after the tasting. In that case, Reims is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants that offer the ultimate luxurious experience to cap off your already extravagant day.

Rouen, Domaine de Chantilly, Loire Valley

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley in France is famous for its white wine, which is made from sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc grapes. However, it is also an underrated region for light- to medium-bodied red wines. The area has thousands of vineyards and Renaissance castles, including Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos Lucé, and d’Amboise. The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is worth visiting between April and November, as it hosts the International Garden Festival. Over 300 castles dot the Loire River Valley, and some of the grandest and beautiful historic châteaux from the Renaissance have been restored and are now open to the public for tours. Opting for a day tour from Paris is recommended if you have only one day to explore the châteaux in the Loire Valley.

Domaine de Chantilly

The Domaine de Chantilly is a delightful day trip destination located north of Paris. It was once the residence of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, who had a remarkable collection of valuable books, artworks, and ornamental objects. Today, visitors can explore the château’s galleries, admire the impressive suites, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and visit the stables, which now house an equestrian museum. To end your trip on a sweet note, remember to try the Chantilly cream-based dessert (you can’t go wrong with cream and vanilla, can you?) And did you know that football star Ronaldo (Brazil) tied the knot at the Château, costing around 700,000 euros?

Rouen

In about an hour and a half from Saint-Lazare, you’ll reach Rouen, the capital of Normandy. This medieval city is home to Le Gros-Horlage, an astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century; its own Notre-Dame Cathedral, which inspired a series of paintings by Monet; and, perhaps most notably, it was the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Pay a visit to the modern church dedicated to the patron saint and walk around the cobblestoned town, marveling at the half-timbered homes along the way.

Lille, Boulogne-Billancourt, Strasbourg

Strasbourg

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.

Spend a day in Boulogne-Billancourt.

Visit Boulogne-Billancourt, one of Paris’s closest suburbs. Start with a stroll in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris’s western lung. Then, visit three excellent museums: the Musée Paul-Belmondo for sculpture, the Musée des Années 30 for Art Deco, and the Musée Albert-Kahn for gardens and 19th-century photography. Take line 10 to Boulogne – Porte de Saint-Cloud. Boulogne-Billancourt offers excellent food options and is great for people-watching.

Lille

Lille is a city located on the border of France and Belgium. It is renowned for its Flemish influences and architecture. Lille was also named the European Capital of Culture. The city has a vibrant university culture, with many coffee shops and cafes where residents and students can engage in intellectual conversations. Its old town, Vieux Lille, is a delightful neighborhood with restored red brick buildings. Walking along the streets of Vieux Lille gives a different feel compared to Paris.

Disney Land in Paris, Colmar, Champagne region

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

If you love wine, you should visit the Champagne region of France while you’re in Paris. It’s an easy day trip, just 45 minutes by high-speed train or a scenic two-hour drive to Reims, Épernay, or Aÿ. Reims has a mix of medieval history and sparkling wine, while Épernay is smaller but has many cellars.

Champagne engages your senses with beautiful vineyards, the smell of fermentation, the sound of clinking glasses, and the taste of the bubbly. Exploring the cellars shows how grapes turn into celebrated wines in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Though renting a car is easy, booking a day tour is better to avoid drinking and driving. Enjoy your trip!

Colmar

Colmar is just over two hours east of Paris and worth the extra train ride. This Alsatian city is characterized by a network of canals, with numerous brightly colored houses dotting the water, making it the perfect location for photography enthusiasts. Due to the influence of French and German cultures in the region, you’ll get to try a unique take on traditional French cuisine. After your meal, take a peaceful stroll through the Quai de Poissonniers in Petite Venise, considered the city’s most picturesque street, which is quite a compliment given the entire town looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tales.

Colmar offers a mix of traditional restaurants, vineyards, and medieval castles. It hosts various cultural and culinary events throughout the year. Visitors can explore many shops that sell “made in Alsace” products so that they can take a piece of this enchanting townhome.

Normandy

Visit Normandy for a historic coastal experience. The Caen Memorial Museum, D-Day landing beaches, and the American cemetery are among the many reminders of its role in the Second World War. Normandy also offers stunning seaside views and delicious food.

There are no direct trains from Paris to the landing beaches. Instead, take a train from Paris’s Gare Saint-Lazare station to Caen or Bayeux and rent a car to explore the 50-mile Normandy coast. Plan for a two-day trip to see everything quickly or three days for a more leisurely pace. If you have more time, add a visit to Mont Saint-Michel.

A Day in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is an exciting destination with two main parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Both parks offer thrilling rides and entertaining shows suitable for all ages. To reach the park, take the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée, which is just a 45-minute ride from central Paris. Be prepared for large crowds, especially on weekends, during summer months, throughout French and European school vacations, and on holidays. Fortunately, ticket prices are relatively affordable compared to other Disney parks.

A visit to Disneyland Paris is a must when you’re in Paris, as it promises a fun-filled day for everyone. The two parks feature a variety of attractions that cater to different interests.

Crowds are typically largest during school breaks and public holidays, with peaks in the summer and winter. To avoid the busiest times, it’s best to plan your visit from Tuesday to Thursday, particularly during quieter periods, such as mid-January to mid-March and mid-April to mid-May.

You can purchase tickets for one to four days, and they can be either dated or undated. Dated tickets are generally cheaper than undated ones. Be sure to check the ticket calendar to find the least expensive days to visit and when there are fewer crowds.

Conclusion

Outside of Paris, a new world is waiting for you to explore. You can visit breathtakingly beautiful châteaux, castles, cathedrals, and the Normandy beaches where heroic D-Day invasions occurred. You can also enjoy fabulous vineyards where you can savor the best Champagne in the world, a medieval abbey almost surrounded by water, and Disneyland Paris for kids of all ages.