Day Trips from Paris: 30 Beautiful Places Worth the Journey

Paris is endlessly captivating, but some of France’s most memorable experiences lie just beyond the city. From gilded royal estates to seaside towns and Champagne vineyards, there’s a whole world waiting within a few hours’ reach. The good news? Many of these destinations are quick and easy by train. Others make for a beautiful drive through the French countryside. And yes — a few are technically possible in a day if you start early and plan well. This guide breaks down 30+ of the best day trips from Paris, grouped by theme, with honest tips on which are worth the time (and which are best left for an overnight).

Map of the Best Day Trips from Paris

Royal Palaces & Fairytale Castles

Château de Versailles

The classic day trip. Just 45 minutes by RER C, Versailles is a masterclass in royal grandeur — from the Hall of Mirrors to the manicured gardens and the smaller Trianon estates. Go early or late to avoid tour bus crowds, and don’t miss the Musical Fountain Show on select days.

🚆 RER C train (~45 min) or 🚗 ~45 min. The ultimate royal escape, Versailles is spectacular year-round, though gardens are at their best from spring to early autumn.

Château de Fontainebleau

A UNESCO-listed château with over 800 years of history, Fontainebleau is less crowded than Versailles and set in a beautiful forest. Accessible by train in under an hour, it’s perfect for history lovers and hikers alike.

🚆 Train from Gare de Lyon (~40 min) + 🚌 local bus/taxi, or 🚗 ~1h.

Château de Chantilly

Known for its dreamy château, sprawling gardens, and world-class art collection, Chantilly also has an equestrian museum and riding shows. Fashion note: Dior and Hermès have both staged runway shows here. And yes, the whipped cream is as heavenly as its reputation.

🚆 Train from Gare du Nord (~25 min) + short walk, or 🚗 ~55 min.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

A baroque masterpiece that inspired Versailles. Best visited by car, especially for the summer candlelit evenings when 2,000 candles illuminate the gardens.

🚗 ~1h15. No direct train. Best for summer candlelit evenings and winter lights.

Gardens & Artist Retreats

Maison et jardins de Claude Monet – Giverny

Monet’s house and gardens are a riot of color from April to October. The water lilies, Japanese bridge, and flower beds look like they’ve been lifted straight from his paintings. Combine with a stroll through the charming village.

🚆 Train to Vernon (~45 min) + 🚌 shuttle/bike, or 🚗 ~1h15. Open April–Oct only.

Auvers-sur-Oise

The village where Vincent van Gogh spent his final months. Visit the church he painted, the wheat fields, and his modest room at the Auberge Ravoux. The cemetery where he and his brother Theo are buried is a short walk away.

🚆 Train from Gare du Nord (~1h), or 🚗 ~1h. Best Apr–Oct for fields in bloom.

Domaine de Courances

A 17th-century château surrounded by moats, fountains, and a Japanese garden. Open mainly on weekends, it feels wonderfully serene compared to the bigger names.

🚗 ~1h. Limited public transport. Open weekends Apr–Oct.

Barbizon

Once a hub for 19th-century painters, Barbizon retains its artistic soul. Galleries, studios, and rustic restaurants make it a charming add-on to Fontainebleau.

🚗 ~1h. Easy to combine with Fontainebleau. Year-round.

Historic Towns & Villages

Rouen

Half-timbered houses, Gothic spires, and a strong Joan of Arc connection. Monet painted its cathedral in every light; you can still see why it captivated him.

🚆 Train from Saint-Lazare (~1h15), or 🚗 ~1h45. Year-round.

Chartres

A must for cathedral lovers. The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral boasts some of the most exquisite stained glass in the world, and the old town is delightfully walkable.

🚆 Train from Montparnasse (~1h), or 🚗 ~1h30. Year-round.

Les Andelys

Overlooking a bend in the Seine, the ruined Château Gaillard — built by Richard the Lionheart — offers panoramic views. The lower town is picturesque, with riverside cafés.

🚗 ~1h45. Best in spring–autumn for riverside walks.

Provins

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Provins is a medieval walled town with watchtowers, ramparts, and summer jousting shows.

🚆 Train from Gare de l’Est (~1h30), or 🚗 ~1h30. Summer medieval shows add charm.

L’Isle-Adam

Known for its river beaches and relaxed pace, this Val-d’Oise town has a traditional French market and a leafy riverside promenade.

🚆 Train from Gare du Nord (~50 min), or 🚗 ~1h. Lovely in summer for river beach.

Wine & Gastronomy

Reims

The Champagne capital, home to legendary houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger. The cathedral where French kings were crowned is worth the trip alone. An easy 45-minute train ride.

🚆 TGV from Gare de l’Est (~45 min), or 🚗 ~1h30. Year-round, grape harvest in Sept.

Épernay

A more compact Champagne hub, best known for its Avenue de Champagne lined with grand maisons. Moët & Chandon’s cellars are a highlight. Best visited by car to explore surrounding vineyards.

🚗 ~1h45. Train possible but vineyards best by car.

Meaux

The birthplace of Brie de Meaux cheese and home to an excellent WWI museum. A quick trip for food lovers.

🚆 Train from Gare de l’Est (~25 min), or 🚗 ~50 min. Year-round.

Coast & Countryside Escapes

Deauville & Trouville

Glamorous Deauville offers sandy beaches, parasols, and a boardwalk, while Trouville — just over the bridge — is more casual, with lively fish markets.

🚆 Train from Saint-Lazare (~2h), or 🚗 ~2h30. Best in summer.

Étretat

Dramatic white cliffs and sea arches, immortalized by Monet and other Impressionists. A long but doable day trip if you start early.

🚗 ~2h30. Public transport possible but long. Best spring–early autumn.

Le Perche Regional Natural Park

Rolling hills, antique shops, and quaint villages. A gentle countryside escape, especially in autumn.

🚗 ~2h. Year-round; cozy in autumn/winter.

Ambitious Day Trips (Longer but Worth It)

These require 6–10 hours of travel, but are doable with an organized tour or early start.

Mont Saint-Michel

A fairytale tidal island topped with a medieval abbey. Long day, but unforgettable. Read my full guide here.

🚗 ~4h, or 🚌/tour (~4h30). Magical in spring/fall.

Loire Valley Châteaux

Tours often include Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise. Gorgeous, but consider an overnight for a more relaxed pace.

🚗 ~2h30–3h or guided tour. Best spring–autumn.

Strasbourg

Half-timbered houses, canals, and a unique French–German blend. Reachable by TGV in under 2 hours.

🚆 TGV from Gare de l’Est (~1h50), or 🚗 ~4h45. Stunning at Christmas.

Colmar

A postcard-perfect Alsatian town with colorful houses and canals. Best in spring or at Christmas.

🚆 TGV via Strasbourg (~2h45), or 🚗 ~5h. Best spring or Christmas.

Dijon

Burgundy’s historic capital, full of medieval architecture, markets, and mustard shops.

🚆 TGV from Gare de Lyon (~1h35), or 🚗 ~3h. Year-round.

Lille

The easiest in this section — just 1 hour by TGV. Great food scene and Flemish architecture.

🚆 TGV from Gare du Nord (~1h), or 🚗 ~2h30. Year-round.

Orléans

Joan of Arc’s city, with a lively old town and riverside walks.

🚆 Train from Austerlitz (~1h), or 🚗 ~1h30. Year-round.

Granville

A coastal town with a Dior family home turned museum.

🚗 ~3.5h, or 🚆 ~3.5h. Best in summer.

Technically Possible Day Trips (For the Determined)

For travelers short on time and willing to sacrifice comfort.

Brussels

Thalys gets you there in 1h30, but between transfers and city navigation, time is tight.

🚆 Thalys from Gare du Nord (~1h30), or 🚗 ~3.5h. Year-round.

London

Possible on the Eurostar, exhausting unless for work or a special occasion.

🚆 Eurostar from Gare du Nord (~2h15), or 🚗 + ferry ~6h. Year-round.

Luxembourg

Reachable by TGV, but better with at least one overnight.

🚆 TGV from Gare de l’Est (~2h15), or 🚗 ~4h. Year-round.

Bordeaux

TGV makes it possible, but you’ll spend more time traveling than tasting wine.

🚆 TGV from Montparnasse (~2h10), or 🚗 ~6h. Year-round.

Vannes

Fast trains exist, but distance makes it impractical for most visitors.

🚆 TGV from Montparnasse (~2.5h), or 🚗 ~4.5h. Best in summer.

Family Favorites Near Paris

Disneyland Paris

Just 35 minutes by RER A. A big hit with kids (and many adults).

🚆 RER A (~35 min), or 🚗 ~45 min. Open year-round; best in themed seasons.

Parc Astérix

A theme park based on the famous French comic books, with rides, shows, and lots of Gallic humor.

🚌 Shuttle from Paris (~45 min) or 🚗 ~40 min. Open Apr–Nov only.

How to Choose the Best Day Trip for You

• Time vs. Experience: Don’t spend more time on trains than on location.
• Seasonal Fit: Giverny blooms in late spring, Mont Saint-Michel is better in shoulder seasons, Champagne shines in autumn.
• Transport Style: Train for convenience, car for flexibility, tours for longer routes.
• Crowd Factor: Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends, except for market towns.

Practical Tips for Paris Day Trips

• Train Tickets: Book via SNCF, Oui.sncf, or Trainline.
• Car Rentals: Pick up from Gare de Lyon or Porte Maillot to avoid inner-city driving.
• Tours: Consider GetYourGuide, Viator, or local agencies for complex itineraries.
• Packing: Comfortable shoes, layers, snacks, and a portable phone charger.

Quick Transport Chart

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