Day trips from Paris

15 Best Day Trips from Paris for Every Season and Budget

Paris is a truly attractive city that people from all over the world come to see. It is full of adventure. You can visit Paris according to your convenience and choice. Most of the travelers who come here prefer to come by taking the facility of day trips. These trips are provided by many companies.

We are giving you the options of 15 best day trips from Paris for every season and budget so that you can see everything from its history to the villages here.


1. Versailles

This place is located just 30 minutes away from Paris. This place reflects the French royal family and at the same time it also introduces you to Versailles history, luxury and breathtaking architecture. It is very popular. Travelers definitely visit here once during their trip to Paris.

Getting to Versailles

  • By train: Take the RER C train to Versailles-Château Rive Gauche and it will only take you about 30 minutes to get here.
  • By car: You can get here by car from Paris via the A13 highway in about 45 minutes and you will find parking near the palace.
  • By bus: You can also get here by buses through tour companies.

Top Attractions in Versailles

  • The Palace
  • The Gardens
  • The Estate of Trianon
  • The Hamlet

2. Giverny

This place is a village located in Normandy and is famous by the name of Giverny. If you are a nature lover and you want to go away from the city and amidst nature, then this place is perfect for you. The Giverny art here is very amazing. The historical artwork here is worth seeing.

How to get there:

  • Train – You can reach Vernon from Paris in just 45 minutes.
  • You can also easily reach here by renting a bike or taxi.

Top Attractions in Giverny

  • Explore Monet’s House and Gardens
  • Visit the Musée des Impressionnismes
  • Stroll Through Giverny Village

3. Chartres

If you want to see the living history of Paris and its architecture, then you must visit Chartres, one of the sightseeing places in Paris. It is very beautiful and unique. People from all over the world come to see it. It is famous all over the world for the UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral. You can see Gothic art closely here.

How to get there:

  • Train: You can reach here by train from Paris in 1 hour. It can be seen in a day trip.
  • Travelers can also reach here by rented car or bike.

Top Attractions in Chartres

  • Chartres Cathedral
  • The Labyrinth
  • Charming Old Town
  • Eure River Walks
  • Markets and Shops
  • Illuminations de Chartres festival

 

4. Fontainebleau

This place is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the attractions of Paris. This place is known as the residence of French monarchs. Its history is believed to be from the twelfth century. The architecture and gardens here attract everyone. It is very unique and beautiful. People are stunned to see the intricate frescoes and gold work on wood here. The gallery here is worth seeing.

How to get there

  • By train: Take a direct train (Transilien line R) from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station in about 40 minutes.
  • You can reach the Château de Fontainebleau in about 10 minutes from the station by buses and taxis.
  • By car: It takes about 1 hour to drive from Paris on the A6 motorway.
  • Paid parking is available near the Château and in the city Centre.

Top Attractions in Fontainebleau

  • Horseshoe staircase, Gallery of Francis I, ornate Renaissance architecture, and stunning gardens.
  • Former residence of French monarchs.
  • Forest of Fontainebleau.
  • this place is Ideal for hiking, rock climbing, cycling, and nature photography.
  • Famous for unique sandstone rock formations and lush woodlands.

5. Provins

Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major attraction for travelers visiting Paris. Located about 80 km from Paris, it offers a glimpse of the medieval past that dates back to the 13th century. Travelers can enjoy the quaint charm of this charming destination through seasonal medieval fairs, interactive museums, and historic architecture. Don’t miss the chance to sample the local rose-based products and explore this charming destination.

How to get there

  • By Train: Direct trains run from Paris Gare de l’Est to Provins in about 1 hour 25 minutes.
  • By Car: Drive southeast via the A4 and D231 (approx. 1.5 hours).

Top Attractions in Provins

  • The Ramparts
  • Caesar’s Tower
  • The Underground Galleries
  • The Tithe Barn
  • Try the famed rose-based products, including rose jam, syrup, and cosmetics.

 

6. Reims

This place is like a paradise for wine lovers. This place is also known as the capital of Champagne. The famous Champagne Houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger are one of the favorite places of the travelers. Travelers get into a mood of extreme fun after coming here. This place is one of the most favorite places among the travelers coming to Paris.

How to get there

  • Train: Take a high-speed TGV train from Gare de l’Est in Paris. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

  • Car: Drive via the A4 motorway from Paris to Reims, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Top Attractions in Reims

  • Reims Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims)
  • Palace of Tau (Palais du Tau)
  • Saint-Remi Basilica (Basilique Saint-Remi)
  • Champagne Houses
  • Place Royale
  • Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)
  • Fort de la Pompelle
  • Cryptoporticus of Reims
  • Villa Demoiselle
  • Les Halles du Boulingrin

7. Rouen

You can easily reach Rouen from Paris. The place is filled with half-timbered houses, Gothic churches and a panoramic view of the historic site. You will have a wonderful time visiting Rouen.

This is the place where Joan of Arc was martyred. The Rouen Cathedral painted by Monet is a must-see. The local markets offer delicious Norman specialties like cider and cheese.

How to get there

  • By Train – Paris Saint-Lazare Station (Gare Saint-Lazare) to Rouen Rive Droite Station (Gare de Rouen Rive Droite) in Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
  • By car – Take the A13 motorway from Paris to Rouen is Approximately 135 km (84 miles) in 1.5 to 2 hours.

Top Attractions in Rouen

  • Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen)
  • Gros-Horloge
  • Place du Vieux-Marché
  • Church of Saint-Maclou
  • Aître Saint-Maclou
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
  • St. Ouen Abbey Church (Abbatiale Saint-Ouen)
  • Historial Jeanne d’Arc
  • Rue du Gros-Horloge
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Panorama XXL
  • Rouen’s Half-Timbered Houses
  • Seine River Walk
  • Church of Saint-Vivien
  • Tour Jeanne d’Arc

8. Loire Valley

Travelers are often looking for places full of peace and natural greenery. In such a situation, the Loire Valley can be a good place. This place is known as the “Garden of France”.

The palaces and gardens here are very beautiful. Travelers spend their time here all day long. This is a very picturesque place.

How to get there

  • By Train- Paris Montparnasse or Paris Austerlitz to Loire Valley
  • By Car- A10 motorway from Paris to the Loire Valley ( approx – 200 km ) in 2–2.5 hours.

Top Attractions in  Loire Valley

  • Loire Valley is home to over 300 castles
  • Château de Chambord
  • Château de Chenonceau
  • Loire Valley is one of France’s most famous wine regions
  • Renaissance towns such as Tours, Blois, and Saumur

9. Disneyland Paris

One of the most favorite places of travelers from Paris is Disneyland. This famous theme park is located in Marne-la-Valley, France. Here you will find two parks which were built in 1992. These two parks are Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

The tourists are very happy with the iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean here. Especially children feel very happy coming here.

How to get there

  • By Train – RER A train to central Paris to Disneyland and the journey takes about 35-40 minutes.
  • By Car- Disneyland Paris is approximately 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) east of central Paris.

Top Attractions in Disneyland Paris

  • Sleeping Beauty Castle
  • Space Mountain: Mission 2
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Big Thunder Mountain
  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
  • Phantom Manor
  • Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain
  • Ratatouille: The Adventure
  • Tower of Terror
  • Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Disney Illuminations Show
  • Mickey and the Magician

10. Mont Saint-Michel

This place is one of the famous landmarks of Paris. It is located in Normandy. It is famous all over the world for its architecture, stunning views and deep historical significance.

And due to this beauty, it has been placed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In fact, Mont Saint-Michel is an indicator of religious and military history.

Now it has started getting recognition as one of the major pilgrimage sites all over the world.

It was built in the 8th century.

Top Attractions in Mont Saint-Michel

  • Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel 
  • Ramparts & Medieval Walls 
  • La Grande Rue 
  • Tidal Phenomenon

How to Get There

  • By Train: Take a TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes (approx. 2 hours), then a shuttle bus to Mont Saint-Michel.
  • By Car: Drive from Paris (about 4 hours) via the A13 and A84 highways. Parking is available on the mainland with a shuttle to the island.
  • By Bus: Several tour companies offer direct day-trip buses from Paris.

Travel Tips

  • If you want to avoid the crowds, visit this place in the morning.
  • You may have to walk a lot and climb many stairs, so wear good and comfortable shoes.
  • There is a historic restaurant here called La Mere Poulard. Do try the food here.
  • Keep the tide timing in mind before visiting here.

 

 

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