21 Amazing Day Trips from Paris & A Few Surpising Destinations

For those looking for a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of Paris, why not take a day trip to explore some of the amazing sights surrounding this beautiful city?

From ancient castles and cathedrals to rolling vineyards, there’s something for everyone in these fabulous day trips from Paris.

Whether you want to go on an adventure or just relax in the countryside, these exciting excursions have plenty to offer!

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience as we look at 21 fabulous day trips from Paris.

Unmissable Day Trips from Paris – The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a must-see for anyone visiting Paris. Only 20km away from the city, this magnificent palace offers visitors a chance to experience the grandeur and royal history of France in one of the most opulent palaces ever built.

From its exquisite gardens to its lavish interior, it’s easy to see why so many people flock here each year – and with a private tour, you can avoid the long lines!

The palace was originally just a tiny hunting lodge, built by Louis XIII in the 17th century.

Louis XIV transformed it into the grand palace you see today as an escape from Paris.

Visitors to Versailles will be able to explore its many rooms and marvel at the art collection and furnishings, as well as admire a fountain or two (there are 55!).

It’s one of the most visited places in France, so try to get there during the week when it is less busy.

If you have time, make sure to visit the town of Versailles too – it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and explore the local culture.

Gorgeous Day Trips from Paris – Champagne Region

The Champagne region of France is a beautiful and historic area that has been producing world-famous sparkling wine for centuries. 

Located just two hours by car from Paris and easily accessible via train, this region is perfect for a day trip that can be done in 2-4 hours.

The best way to explore the region is on a guided tour, which will take you to some of the top Champagne houses such as Moet and Chandon, and also allow you to visit some smaller local houses.

Here, you’ll learn all about how this sparkling beverage is made and find out what makes it so special.

You’ll also be able to sample some of the delicious bubbly wines and perhaps buy a bottle or two for yourself and your friends!

Royal Heritage – Château de Fontainebleau

Located just 75 km from Paris, the Château de Fontainebleau is one of the largest royal estates in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This stunning palace built in the 12th century has been home to some of Europe’s most powerful rulers over the centuries.

While no one resided here for several centuries, it was finally restored in 1966.

Today, visitors can explore its lavish rooms and grounds while learning about its fascinating history. 

The château began as a small hunting lodge used by French kings.

But under Louis IX and his successors, it was transformed over the centuries with additions like the Cour de l’Ovale or ‘oval court’ – an iconic symbol of grandeur built in the 15th century.

You’ll also find an elegant ballroom, the throne of Napoleon, and several other rooms filled with lavish treasures.

Be sure to take a stroll around the gardens or have a picnic outside while admiring the palace’s grandeur.

The Château was used as a NATO operations base after WWII until 1966.

Château de Chantilly

Located just an hour from Paris by car, the Château de Chantilly is a must-see for anyone visiting France.

The Montmorency family built this stunning castle in 1560 in a beautiful spot surrounded by 8,000 hectares of beautiful forest, waterfalls, and canals.

Visitors will find themselves immersed in centuries of grandeur as they explore its lush gardens filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants, as well as its Chinese-style garden and statues adorning the grounds.

Part of the château was even destroyed during the French Revolution but underwent major renovations. It became a public site after the last private owner died without any sons.

Today, visitors to Château de Chantilly can also explore Musée Condé which opened in 1898 and contains over 30,000 volumes in its library along with 1,000 paintings, 1,500 manuscripts, and 2,500 engravings/drawings!

Day Trips from Paris – Chantilly Village

Situated just 25 minutes from Paris by train, Chantilly is a charming French village that’s perfect for a day trip.

Home to the magnificent Château de Chantilly and its French-style beautiful gardens, the castle is certainly picturesque but is not a Royal Castle.

Chantilly is famous for its chic horse races (think Royal Ascot). When the races are not in progress you can visit the horse museum located in The Great Stable.

The Great Stable prides itself on offering the finest classical dressage training for some of the most highly-esteemed horses in the world.

Visit Reims

Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne region of France, is an important city in French history and a beautiful destination for those looking to explore its rich culture.

Just 160 km from Paris, Reims is home to some of the most impressive fortifications and monuments that date back centuries.

From the Notre Dame de Reims (where almost every King of France was crowned) built in the 15th century to Fort de la Pompelle which saw combat during World War I, visitors will find plenty of attractions worth exploring as they discover this UNESCO world heritage site.

The D-Day Beaches

Normandy is a beautiful region of France steeped in history, and some of its most memorable sites are the D-Day Beaches.

Although it is a long day trip from Paris, it is worth it.

On June 6th 1944, almost 160,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel to land on these shores as part of Operation Overlord.

Today, visitors can pay their respects and gain an understanding of this momentous event by visiting any number of historic sites located throughout Normandy.

From Omaha Beach Pointe du Hoc to Arromanches’ artificial harbor and Colleville-sur-Mer with its poignant rows of white crosses at the American military cemetery – all should be visited for a full understanding of events that changed world history forever.

Giverny – Finding Claude Monet’s Inspiration

Giverny, located 80 kilometers from Paris, is the perfect destination for a day trip.

Home to the famous impressionist artist, Claude Monet and the inspiration for his Water Lillies series.

Here you can cross the famous Japanese Bridge, take in the grand pink house and lush gardens, and admire the pond where lily pads flourish.

April through October is an especially beautiful time to visit Giverny as this is when flowers are in full bloom.

So if you’re looking for an easy yet relaxing day trip from Paris with plenty of sights to see along the way – look no further than Giverny!

Rouen – Day Trip from Paris to Normandy

Rouen, the capital of Normandy and one of France’s oldest cities, is a tourist destination not to be missed.

With its majestic medieval buildings, cobbled streets, and grand cathedral, Rouen is sure to captivate visitors with its rich history and culture.

Just two hours away from Paris by car or two and a half hours by train, Rouen is home to some of the finest monuments in the world.

Its 11th-century cathedral towers over the city, from 1876 – 1880 it was the tallest building in the world and the resting place for Richard the Lionheart.

Joan of Arc was martyred here in 1431. Visitors can visit her memorial in the city center.

You’ll also find a variety of charming cafés, restaurants, and shops where you can sample some delicious regional specialties such as Kir Normand – an alcoholic apple cider.

And don’t forget to marvel at the Gros Horloge astronomical clock set on one of Rouen’s main shopping streets!

A particular highlight is the city’s medieval center with its crooked wooden houses which will transport you back in time.

Orléans – A diverse city not far from Paris

Located about 100 miles south of Paris, Orléans is a vibrant city in the Loire Valley and an ideal destination for those looking to explore France’s rich history.

With its picturesque half-timbered houses and medieval buildings still in use, many dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, Orléans has something for everyone.

From its sobering Musée Mémorial des enfants du Vel d’Hiv which highlights the deportation of Jews and Roma to concentration camps during World War II, to the Joan of Arc museum celebrating one of France’s most famous historical figures – there is no shortage of sights worth exploring here!

Disneyland Paris

Visiting Disneyland Paris is a great way to spend a day with family and friends or on your own.

Located just 32 km from the city center, it’s easy to get there by car or train.

With its iconic rides, shows, and attractions that everyone can enjoy – no matter what age – Disneyland Paris is an ideal destination for families looking for a fun-filled day out. 

From exciting roller coasters like Space Mountain Mission 2 to classic Disney characters parading down Main Street USA – the possibilities are endless!

At Disneyland Paris you can explore the classic Disney Princess Castle, wander through Adventureland, and meet some of your favorite characters from films such as Frozen and Toy Story.

You can also experience the award-winning Pirates of the Caribbean ride or watch performances at The Lion King’s stage show.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a stunning and majestic abbey located three and a half hours from Paris. It’s one of the most iconic sites in France, with its dramatic setting on an island surrounded by sandbanks at high tide.

The abbey itself dates back to the 8th century, making it one of the oldest religious monuments in Europe.

Visitors can explore La Chapelle Saint-Aubert, La Grand Rue, and other areas of the abbey complex as well as take in amazing views from atop this ancient structure.

With so much history surrounding it, Mont-Saint-Michel is definitely worth visiting for those looking for an unforgettable experience!

The Loire Valley – Unmissable day trips from Paris

The Loire Valley is often referred to as the ‘Garden of France’ and it’s easy to see why.

Situated in central France, around three hours from Paris, this picturesque region is home to some of the country’s most majestic castles, beautiful vineyards, and charming villages.

From vibrant cities such as Orléans and Tours to the timeless hamlets dotted along the banks of the river – a visit here will leave you with memories that last a lifetime! 

Don’t forget to take a day trip to the Renaissance masterpieces in the form of grandiose chateaux such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise.

Not only are these magnificent buildings fascinating from an architectural point of view, but they also have plenty of stories to tell – including The Chateau Chenonceau has a remarkable history of being managed by women for the majority of its lifetime, making it an absolutely enthralling topic to explore, and the mysterious double-spiral staircase of Château de Chambord.

Last but not least, Amboise village is the home of Leonardo Da Vinci’s resting place. Be sure to visit it to pay tribute to one of the world’s greatest minds.

Strasbourg – The Christmas Capital

Located in North East France, Strasbourg is the perfect day trip from Paris for those looking to explore a new city and experience its unique culture.

With its stunning architecture and amazing food, Strasbourg has something for everyone!

From the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral and La Petite France district to delicious Flammkuchen (Alsace version of pizza) and famous Gewürztraminer wine – a day in this beautiful city will leave you wanting to come back.

Don’t forget to take a stroll along the river, and be sure to check out some of its picturesque half-timbered houses.

Strasbourg is also known as the capital of Christmas in Europe and hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in France. If you’re lucky enough to visit in December, you’ll be able to visit the market. The festive atmosphere is completed with activities, shows, and attractions for everyone to enjoy, no matter what age!

St. Malo

St. Malo is a historic walled port city in Brittany, France that’s best visited by train – just two and a half hours away from Paris.

With its sandy beaches, cobbled streets, and centuries-old walls, St. Malo offers visitors the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for an unforgettable day out!

Whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach or explore the ancient fortifications of this picturesque town, here are some great activities to enjoy when visiting St. Malo from Paris!

Bordeaux – The Wine Country

For those looking for an unforgettable experience, a day trip to Bordeaux from Paris is the perfect way to explore one of France’s most stunning cities.

With its picturesque streets, incredible wine region, and amazing cultural attractions – it’s no wonder that Bordeaux has become such a popular destination!

From the iconic Place de la Bourse to the charming Jardin Publique with its carousel and playgrounds for kids, there is so much to see and do in this vibrant city.

Chartres

Chartres, located just 90 kilometers away from Paris, is a city steeped in history and culture.

Just over an hour 1 by train from Montparnasse station makes Chartres an easy day trip from Paris.

From its world-famous Gothic cathedral to the quaint cobblestone streets of its old town, Chartres offers an unforgettable day trip experience for anyone looking to explore France’s most historic cities.

The Cathedral in Chartres is extraordinary. Most of the cathedral remaining today dates back to the 12th and 13 centuries – it is a fine display of French Gothic architecture.

In 1979 the Cathedral was made a UNESCO world heritage site and was one of the first places in France to be listed.

Lille – Short Day Trips

Lille, France is an incredible destination for a day trip from Paris.

Located just an hour away by train, this charming city offers visitors the perfect blend of culture and adventure.

From its vibrant old town to the iconic Grand Place marketplace, Lille has something for everyone!

Whether you’re looking to explore centuries-old architecture or sample the delicious local cuisine – a visit to this delightful French city will not disappoint.

Just across the border, Lille is close to Belgium and offers visitors a glimpse into the Flemish culture. 

Stroll through the town squares featuring Flemish Baroque buildings, and stop by the book market, which is a small collection of beautiful houses. The stock exchange was once in this place.

Or if you love art, spend some time at Palais des Beaux-Arts. After a day of exploring, enjoy some Flemish food at one of the local restaurants.

With its unique mix of French and Flemish cultures, Lille is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Metz – Less crowded destinations

Located just an hour and a half from Paris by high-speed train, the French city of Metz is a perfect destination for a day trip.

Boasting centuries-old architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and plenty of outdoor activities to explore – it’s easy to see why so many people flock here every year.

Take a stroll from its famous Gothic cathedral to the picturesque Île du Petit-Saulcy, located in the middle Moselle River.

Explore the old town and admire Metz Cathedral, one of the tallest in Europe at 42 meters, and explore its Gothic and Renaissance building. Admire the several glorious stained glass windows – so much artistry! 

And don’t miss the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains and Porte des Allemands.

Somme Battlefields

The Somme Battlefields in France are some of the most significant sites to visit for anyone interested in World War One history.

Located just over an hour away from Paris by train or a two-hour drive, this area is one of the best places to explore and learn about the events that unfolded during WWI.

With a 45 km stretch of coastline, estimated 3 million soldiers fought along here during what was one of the bloodiest battles in human history.

Today you will find vibrant green hills where once trenches were dug and memorials erected as a tribute to those who lost their lives at war.

Pay your respects to the brave soldiers of Britain and South Africa who lost their lives or went missing during wartime by visiting the Commonwealth Memorial.

This powerful memorial honors 72,000 individuals that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Explore Newfoundland Memorial Park and its trenches still visible today.

Or visit the Museum of the Great War for an in-depth look at how WWI shaped our world.

For a more relaxed experience, embark on a breathtaking journey and explore the cliffs between Ault and Mers-Les-Bains while accompanied by an experienced guide.

Bruges – Day trip to another country!

Fancy visiting another country for the day? Look no further than Bruges, Belgium!

This picturesque town is filled with incredible architecture, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

From exploring canals to sampling local beer at Vlissinghe – the oldest pub in Bruges – there’s something for everyone here.

Begin your journey by visiting the city’s main attractions. Stroll through cobblestone streets to admire stunning Gothic buildings, and get a glimpse of Bruges’ vibrant history at the Belfry tower.

Stop for lunch and try some delicious moules-frites (mussels and chips), a local favorite!

Then take a romantic stroll through the Love Bridge and the Lovers Park (Minnewaterpark), which is said to represent eternal love.

And no visit would be complete without indulging in some famous Belgian treats.

Stop by one of Bruges’ many chocolate shops for a delicious treat, or pick up some sweet Belgian waffles from a street vendor.

FAQs: Best Day Trips from Paris

What is the best day trip from Paris?

The best day trip from Paris for those looking to explore nearby cities and villages is a visit to the Champagne region.

The area is famous for its sparkling wines, picturesque vineyards, historical sites, and charming towns.

You can sample some of France’s best champagne while also taking in breathtaking views of the countryside.

Tours are available, and they will allow you to fully appreciate all this unique region has to offer.

Where should I go 2 hours from Paris?

Two hours from Paris, you could go to the city of Reims and explore its famous cathedral or the nearby Champagne region.

If you’d like a more relaxed experience, Monet’s Garden and Disneyland Paris are both within two hours drive of Paris.

What other countries can I visit from Paris?

From Paris, you can easily visit several countries in Europe such as Belgium, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Final Thoughts: Day Trips from Paris

Paris is a great starting point for exploring other parts of Europe. Whether you’re looking to visit historical sites, sample some delicious French cuisine and wine, or just have fun at Disneyland Paris, there are plenty of options within two hours of the city center. Bruges, Flanders, and Reims all offer unique experiences that will make your day trip from Paris one to remember.

With so much to see and do close by, it’s no wonder why so many people love taking day trips from this beautiful city!

About the author

Fiona is an Australian Travel Blogger at Travelling Thirties. She volunteered in Thailand, lived in Scotland, jumped off cliffs in New Zealand, slept in treehouses and igloos in Finland, and everything in between in the ten years she spent exploring the world. 

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