You can’t deny the allure of Paris. Thriving with culture, history, and gastronomy, there are many things to keep you distracted for weeks in the French capital, but for those who seek a little more and wish to complement their Parisian vacation with an added dose of oomph and additional exploration, we present our curated list of the best day trips from Paris!
Quick Jumplinks
The 10 Best Paris Day Trips
Château De Versailles
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 60-90 minutes |
The Palace of Versailles, a stunning 17th-century chateau only an hour outside Paris, is a must-do day trip. Built by King Louis XIII, this hunting lodge was transformed into a lavish palace by Louis XIV. The royal palace boasts manicured gardens stretching over 2,000 acres. Explore the famed Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and over 2,300 rooms including the King’s apartments and Marie Antoinette’s chambers. Don’t miss the Trianon Estate, built for Louis XIV’s private time, or the National Equestrian Academy for a dazzling horse show and a peek at the Royal Stables.
🛏️ Worth The Stay: Seeing Versailles is a must, but have you considered staying the night? Especially if it means staying at a historic gem like Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, nestled within the palace grounds?
Domaine de Chantilly
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 1 hour |
Are you looking for one of the quickest day trips from Paris? A train ride under 30 minutes can whisk you away to Chantilly, home to the impressive collection of Henri d’Orléans. Explore Domaine de Chantilly and its grounds, filled with his amassed treasures of books, paintings, and decorative objects. Don’t forget to indulge in a decadent Chantilly cream-based dessert before your return trip – it’s the perfect way to end your charming getaway. Trains depart conveniently from Gare du Nord station.
Champagne Region
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 45 minutes |
After soaking up the Parisian charm, treat yourself to a delightful side trip to the Champagne region. Lush vineyards and grand Champagne houses await, offering tours and, of course, bubbly tastings! Immerse yourself in history at Reims, the coronation site for many French kings. Marvel at the stunning Reims Cathedral and the impressive architecture of the Palais de Tau. Don’t miss the chance to grab some iconic Pink Biscuits from Maison Fossier before your return. High-speed TGV trains depart for Reims from Paris Est station roughly every hour.
Boulogne-Billancourt
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 31 minutes |
Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris, is a great place to visit for a day trip. It’s famous for the Bois de Boulogne, a huge park (once used as royal hunting grounds) with gardens, lakes, waterfalls, and even an amusement park. After a relaxing morning exploring the park, Boulogne-Billancourt has museums for different tastes: Art Deco at the Musée des Années 30, sculptures at the Musée Paul-Belmondo, and gardens and photography at the Musée Albert-Kahn. Take metro lines 9 or 10 to get there.
Loire Valley
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 2 hours 18 minutes |
Unlike its well-known neighbors Burgundy and Bordeaux, the Loire Valley offers a wider range of wines and wine tasting. Beyond the vineyards, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts stunning Renaissance castles. Must-sees include Chambord, the largest chateau in the area, Château de Chenonceau with its beautiful gardens, and Clos Lucé and Amboise, which hold the workshop and tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, respectively. If you’re visiting between April and November, don’t miss the International Garden Festival at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Disneyland Paris
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 37 minutes |
Get ready for a day filled with wonder at the happiest place on earth – Disneyland Paris! This enchanting park boasts a fairytale castle, meet-and-greets with beloved Disney characters, exciting parades, and dazzling fireworks – perfect for creating lasting memories with kids of all ages.
The park offers two amazing experiences:
✦ Disneyland Park: Explore thrilling rides like Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain Mission 2, alongside countless adventures designed for little ones.
✦ Walt Disney Studios Park: Go behind the scenes with exciting stunt shows and discover the magic of moviemaking.
Giverny
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 1 hour 26 minutes |
Art lovers who were wowed by the stunning Monet Water Lilies Series at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris can take their experience a step further by visiting Giverny! In under an hour, you can visit the water lily pond that sparked Monet’s work of genius. Tour his house and wander through the vibrant water gardens and flowerbeds that inspired countless masterpieces. For a deeper dive, pay homage at Monet’s house and gravesite, or if 19th-century art is your passion, the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes is ripe for exploration.
Fontainebleau
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 1 hour 12 minutes |
Just 50 minutes from Paris lies Fontainebleau, a town boasting a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the medieval palace, Château de Fontainebleau. Rivaling Versailles, this magnificent palace is a day-trip destination in itself. Explore its opulent interiors filled with gold, wander the scenic canals, or lose yourself in the sprawling gardens. For a delightful touch on a sunny day, rent a rowboat and glide across Carps Pond. Nature lovers will find paradise in the surrounding fairytale-like forest, famous for its fresh air and bouldering and climbing opportunities, and a source of inspiration for artists for centuries.
Auvers-sur-Oise
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 1 hour |
Synonymous with Vincent Van Gogh, who is buried here, Auvers-sur-Oise is a popular spot for artists. Van Gogh himself called it “seriously beautiful,” and it’s easy to see why. This charming hamlet offers more than just picturesque streets. You can delve deeper into art history at either the museum dedicated to Van Gogh, Musee Daubigny, or the intriguing Absinthe Museum. And don’t forget to explore the Château. Trains depart around two times every hour from Gare du Nord and require a layover at Beaumont-sur-Oise.
Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 2 hours 20 minutes |
While pictures, videos, and movies can offer a glimpse of the Normandy D-Day beaches, nothing compares to experiencing this historic site and its seaside town in person. Just an hour and a half from Paris, it was here the American, Canadian, British, and other Allied forces launched the courageous D-Day invasion – a pivotal moment that helped end World War II in Europe. Witness the remnants of Nazi bunkers, stand at Pointe du Hoc where US Rangers bravely scaled 100-foot cliffs under fire, pay your respects at the final resting place of fallen soldiers, and delve deeper into the history of D-Day and the broader war at WWII Museum.
Bonus: Parc de Sceaux
| ↔️ Distance From Paris | 50 minutes |
Craving a Parisian escape? Ditch the crowds and hop on the RER train to Parc de Sceaux, our bonus choice on this curated list of day trips from Paris. Parc de Sceaux is a secret oasis boasting a majestic chateau and breathtaking formal gardens. Designed by the same architect who brought Versailles to life, these gardens are truly a hidden gem. Just be sure to plan your visit – the château is only open for afternoon explorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to take day trips from Paris?
Paris is a great destination to visit year-round, but the spring and fall shoulder seasons are generally considered to be the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
How can I get to these destinations?
Most of these destinations can be easily reached by train from Paris. The Paris Metro system is also a great way to get around, and there are day tours available for many of these destinations if you prefer not to travel independently.
Are there any day trips from Paris that are suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Disneyland Paris is a popular choice, but many destinations offer activities suitable for children, like exploring the gardens at Versailles or visiting medieval towns like Provins.
Are there any day trips from Paris for history buffs?
Definitely! The Normandy beaches offer a glimpse into World War II history. The Loire Valley boasts numerous historical châteaux, while Chartres Cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture.
Are there any day trips from Paris that are focused on food and wine?
Of course! The Champagne region is a must for sparkling wine enthusiasts. The Loire Valley also features vineyards and wineries, and many day trips combine sightseeing with local food tastings.
Are there any day trips from Paris suitable for those seeking outdoor activities?
Absolutely! You can rent bikes and explore the vast gardens of Versailles, hike in the forests near Fontainebleau, or take a boat tour on the Loire River.
