10 Incredible Day Trips From Paris
In Paris, there’s an endless array of things to do and places to go. Then again, there’s something fascinating about escaping the city for a day.
Are you keen on French history? Would you like to sip champagne in a vineyard? Or spend the day enjoying picturesque gardens? The area surrounding Paris is full of amazing destinations.
In this round-up, I’ve curated some of my favourite day trips from Paris that you can reach by car or train.
Each one is a slice of French culture and charm, and they’re all perfect for a quick getaway.
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1. Versailles
By car: 45 mins
By train: 30-40 mins
The Palace of Versailles symbolises France’s royal past, and its architecture is the epitome of grandeur and opulence.
This trip back in time to the days of Louis XIV is simply fascinating. I always feel overwhelmed (in a good way!) by its sheer size, elaborate landscaping, and novel design.
The intricately designed Royal Chapel and the glittering Hall of Mirrors are incomparable.
As for the sprawling meticulous gardens, you can spend hours wandering around the fountains, flowerbeds, and tree-lined paths.
While you’re there, try to catch the Musical Fountains Show. It’s an exquisite mix of classical music and dancing water displays.
2. Giverny
By car: 1 hour
By train: 45 mins
Giverny is a charming village in Normandy, famed for its scenic gardens that inspired some of Claude Monet’s most famous works.
These serene water gardens, little Japanese bridges, and vibrant flower beds are incomparable. They’re just as enchanting in reality as they are on the canvas.
The best time to visit Giverny is in spring or late summer. That’s when the gardens are awash with colour and fragrance.
You can visit the Impressionist’s home and studio as well, plus I’d recommend heading to Musée des Impressionnismes for an art fix.
Walking around Giverny is a pleasure, and I’d suggest stopping by Les Nymphéas café for lunch with a view.
For a cultural foray, go straight to Restaurant Baudy; it’s where Monet and his friends used to dine.
3. Chartres
By car: 1.5 hours
By train: 1 hour
Chartres is a hidden gem that few people know. It’s a mediaeval French town with a masterpiece of Gothic architecture: Chartres Cathedral.
The stained glass windows of this UNESCO World Heritage site are simply divine.
For a total change of mood, head to the quirky Maison Picassiette, which is a house decorated entirely with broken crockery mosaic pieces.
You can also explore the old town with its local shops, and take a stroll along the Eure Riverbank.
Before the day is done, dress up and dine at Le Moulin de Ponceau. It’s a riverside restaurant that offers traditional French food and a lovely view.
4. Fontainebleau
By car: 1 hour
By train: 40 mins
Le Château de Fontainebleau is one of my favourite day trips from Paris. I find it more relaxed than Versailles, but just as rich in history and grand architecture.
French royals lived in this residence for more than 800 years. I always head to Napoleon’s lavish apartments first, then I continue to the Renaissance galleries of Francis I.
The château is surrounded by the Fontainebleau Forest, which is the perfect place for a picnic, a hike, or just enjoying nature.
For a more romantic tour, you can ask for a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the grounds.
5. Reims
By car: 1.5 hours
By train: 45 mins
Are you in the mood for blending history with exuberance? Reims is the place where you can start the day visiting stunning architectural sites, and end it in the finest champagne houses.
The Notre Dame de Reims is an awe-inspiring cathedral on the Vesle River, where many French kings were crowned.
The Palais du Tau complements the royal image with its coronation festivals, imposing facade, and mediaeval artefacts.
Reims is also home to world-famous champagne houses like Pommery, Taittinger, and Veuve Clicquot.
You can have a guided tour of these vintage houses and do as much tasting as you like. Sign me up!
6. Rouen
By car: 1.5 hours
By train: 1 hour 20 mins
Rouen is steeped in history and drama, so everywhere you turn you’ll come across a building that’s been around for centuries.
The Place du Vieux Marché is where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. It was transformed later on, and there’s a modern church dedicated to her bravery and heroism.
Rouen Cathedral is as beautiful as it is serene. While The Gros-Horloge is another destination that leaves me totally in awe.
It’s an astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century, housed in a Renaissance arch.
For a gourmet dinner, I’d recommend trying France’s oldest inn: La Couronne.
7. Château de Chantilly
By car: 1 hour
By train: 25 mins
The Château de Chantilly is a genuine demonstration of Renaissance art and the architecture of this palace is a feast for the eyes.
It holds the rich heritage of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe.
It has the second-largest collection of antique paintings in France at the Condé Museum. In addition, there are unique tapestries, massive furniture, and fine art everywhere.
The great stables and the Living Museum of the Horse are among the many attractions of Chantilly. Plus, you can even watch an equestrian show in the 18th-century stables.
This tour wouldn’t be complete without a regal dinner! So head to La Capitainerie, and enjoy traditional French cuisine with a modern twist.
8. Provins
By car: 1.5 hours
Bby train: 1 hour 25 mins
Back in the day, Provins played a key role in the trade fairs of the Champagne region.
The little town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its mediaeval festivals and well-preserved fortifications.
To get to know the town better, I suggest visiting the Musée de Provins.
Having done that, you can take a stroll all the way to the 12th-century Tour César, which has the best panoramic views of Provins and the surrounding countryside.
For a fine dining meal, I’d recommend booking into Hostellerie Aux Vieux Remparts. It’s a Michelin-listed restaurant, serving gourmet cuisine in a mediaeval setting.
9. Loire Valley
By car: 2.5 hours
By train: 1.5 hours
If you love history, architecture, and wine, then the Loire Valley is your dream destination.
At first sight, you’d think that it’s all fairytale castles and picturesque landscapes. But there’s a lot more to explore.
There are two iconic estates in the Loire; Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.
Book a tour to spend a whole day learning about the powerful women who lived there, and admiring the iconic double helix staircases.
The Villandry Gardens are also a must-see. And being in one of France’s premier wine regions, it’s definitely an excuse to visit a local vineyard and enjoy a spot of wine tasting.
You can also take a hot air balloon ride to take in all the beauty of the Loire Valley from above.
10. Disneyland Paris
By car: 45 mins
By train: 35 mins
I couldn’t not include Disneyland! For a day of pure fun and magic, there’s no place like Disney.
The best part is that the theme park offers something for every age and every temperament (it’s not just for kids, honestly!).
Make sure you catch the vibrant parades and the chance to experience the top rides.
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean are fan favourites, and don’t miss the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Merchandise and souvenirs are part and parcel of the tour, and Main Street, U.S.A. has tons of these.
When it comes to food, Disney is packed to the brim with restaurants and cafés, so it’s hard to choose.
Then again, you can’t go wrong with the Auberge de Cendrillon and Walt’s – An American Restaurant.
Map of the places surrounding Paris for day trips
Use this map to see where all of the best areas surrounding Paris are located.
Do you have any favourite day trips from Paris? Let me know in the comments below!
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