Day Trips from Paris

You've done it! You made it to Paris, and it is everything that you thought it would be and more. But if you are staying for a week, you might eventually want to get out of the big city. At least for a day. There are plenty of really awesome day trips from Paris that will give you a break. All of these locations are accessible by car, bus, or train, and you can also find guided day tours from Paris that include transportation to all of them.

The good news is that you do not need a car for most of them. France's train network puts palaces, cathedrals, vineyards, and coastline within easy reach of the city, many of them under two hours away. If you are still mapping out the capital itself, my guide to the Paris arrondissements and my packing for Paris tips pair perfectly with these escapes.

I'm asking my blogging friends for their suggestions for the best day trips from Paris, and boy, did they come through! I've got plenty of recommendations for you from people who have been there, done that. Before I dive into their suggestions, here is one of my favorites.

Getting there at a glance

Most of these day trips are easiest by train. Here is a quick comparison of distance, the fastest train option, and what each place is best for. Always check live times on the SNCF site before you travel.

Destination	Distance	Fastest train	Best for
Chantilly	~40 km	~24 min (Gare du Nord, TER)	Easiest half day: chateau and gardens
Versailles	23 km	~40 min (RER C)	The must see palace and grounds
Disneyland Paris	~40 km	~45 min (RER A)	Families; now Disney Adventure World
Giverny	~75 km	~45 min to Vernon + shuttle	Monet's gardens; April to November only
Chartres	~90 km	~70 to 75 min (Montparnasse)	Gothic cathedral and stained glass
Fontainebleau	~68 km	~40 min (Gare de Lyon) + bus	Palace and the largest formal garden in Europe
Vaux-le-Vicomte	~55 km	~35 min to Verneuil-l'Etang + shuttle	The chateau that inspired Versailles
Auvers-sur-Oise	~35 km	~1 hr via Pontoise (direct weekends)	Van Gogh's final village
Reims	~130 km	~46 min (TGV, Gare de l'Est)	Champagne and cathedral in a day
Rouen	~130 km	~1 hr 15 (Gare St-Lazare)	Normandy's medieval capital
Loire Valley	~180 km	~1 hr 30 to Blois + shuttle	Chateaux; shuttle April to November
Mont St. Michel	~360 km	TGV to Rennes + bus (tour easier)	Bucket list island abbey

Train times verified 2026; schedules can change seasonally.

Paris to Giverny day trip

Mr. Misadventures and I have been to Monet's gardens in Giverny a few times in different seasons. Our first time was with a guided Context Tour (I love these guys) in November. We went by train and had a good time despite the gloomy weather. We've also been in the summer and in the spring. No matter when you go, you will be impressed by the flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors, which of course change with the season. You can visit Monet's home; the kitchen is fun, and visit the grounds. I also really enjoy the town of Giverny; there are cute shops (love the hat shop!), cafes, and a worthwhile museum stop: the Museum of Impressionism.

You can reach Giverny by train in about 45 minutes from Paris to Vernon, then hop on the shuttle bus to the gardens. By car, it is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A13 autoroute. One thing to plan around: Monet's House and Gardens are open only from the start of April to the start of November, then closed for the winter, so save this trip for spring through autumn.

Paris to Palace of Versailles day trip

One of the most memorable moments of my recent trip to Paris with my husband was visiting the Palace of Versailles. We were on the fence at first because we knew it would take up most of the day, and we only had six full days in Paris and had so many places we wanted to see and so much we wanted to do, but boy, are we glad we decided to go!

We took the 45-minute train ride from the Musée d'Orsay train station in Paris and arrived in Versailles on a very cold November morning. But as we exited the train station and began our short walk towards the Palace of Versailles, the cold didn’t bother us as much anymore.

The magnitude of the palace and its sheer beauty up close were so surreal. I’ve seen it in movies, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. I remember walking up to the golden gates and just thinking, “I can’t believe I’m actually here.” In fact, I found myself saying that a lot while in Paris.

The Palace of Versailles is a definite must-see and should be at the top of everyone's list if they're traveling to Paris, France, for the first time.

The easiest way to reach Versailles is the RER C train, which takes about 40 minutes to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, followed by a short walk to the palace. By car, it is about 30 minutes from Paris.

Suggested by Barbara of Flashes of Delight

Paris to Disneyland Paris day trip

After a few days of visiting Paris, head to Disneyland Paris for a fun day trip, especially if you are traveling with kids. The park is a treat, and it is only about an hour from the city in the town of Marne-la-Vallee, easily accessible by high-speed commuter train. We have been to France a few times and one of the best things that my daughter still remembers and talks about is the rides and shows she watched at the magical world of Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris has two parks.

The first is Disneyland Park which is based closely on Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The second park was Walt Disney Studios Park, which in spring 2026 was renamed Disney Adventure World, adding a new World of Frozen land with the Frozen Ever After boat ride, an Arendelle castle, and the Adventure Way promenade. Disneyland Park has the traditional “Disneyland” experience from Sleeping Beauty's castle, to rides like It's a Small World, Pinocchio, the Teacups, Buzz Lightyear Lazerblast, among many others.

You can take the RER commuter train line A to Marne-la-Valleé from central Paris. The park entrance is right outside. Plan to visit on weekdays; it is especially busy during peak summer holiday months and weekends. Don’t miss the Disneyland parade; it is just as spectacular as the Disney parades elsewhere in the world.

The simplest way is RER line A to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy, about 45 minutes from central Paris, with the park entrance right outside the station. By car it is about 45 minutes via the A4 autoroute.

Suggested by Priya from Outside Suburbia

I have my own post on Disneyland Paris for adults.

Paris to Chantilly day trip

Leave the crowds of Paris and head to quiet Chantilly instead! The palace of Chantilly is located just a short train ride away to the north of Paris. From Gare du Nord it is just under 25 minutes on the TER, with fares starting at only a few euros and dozens of trains a day. Visiting Chateau du Chantilly is a perfect day trip from Paris. Chateau de Chantilly is an incredible French palace. The building appears to be floating upon a lake and is set within beautiful gardens. Explore the romantic English gardens, especially the Island of Love. Also, make sure you stroll over to the little Hameau at Chantilly. The Hameau consists of a handful of quaint cottages, which is said to have been the inspiration for Marie Antoinette's hamlet at Versailles.

After exploring the gardens, head inside the spectacular chateau. The interior of Chantilly is lovely. Whilst Chantilly’s interiors may be less impressive than those at Versailles, it is wonderful to be able to meander at your own pace. There are no crowds to battle through, and you may linger for as long as you desire. Finally, admire the spectacular reflection of the exterior upon the deep blue lake. Chantilly is truly magnificent. Chateau de Chantilly is one of Paris’ best day trips. Pick a sunny day, pack a picnic, hop on the train and discover one of France’s prettiest châteaux.

Getting there is one of the easiest day trips from Paris: about 24 minutes by direct TER train from Gare du Nord, or roughly 50 minutes by car via the A3 autoroute.

Suggested by Anna Liddell of My Travel Scrapbook

Paris to Château de Fontainebleau day trip

Château de Fontainebleau, 55km south-east of Paris, makes a great day trip from the French capital. The first castle, surrounded by a huge and scenic forest, was built in the 12th century as a hunting place for the king of France (Louis VII?). Since then, the king’s successors spent a lot of energy and money enlarging and embellishing this castle, and today Fontainebleau is one of the largest (and most beautiful) royal castles in France. Because of its different enlargements and renovations, the palace has different architectural styles. The interiors are richly decorated, sometimes with a rustic touch (it was a hunting palace after all), and the palace has beautiful gardens decorated with fountains and pools.

It is very easy to travel to Fontainebleau from Paris; just keep in mind that you cannot use Paris metro tickets, but you need specific tickets to Fontainebleau. Trains leave from Gare de Lyon hourly to Gare Fontainebleau Avon (1-hour journey). At the exit of Fontainebleau train station, there is a bus shuttle waiting to take visitors to the entrance of Château de Fontainebleau.

Trains leave Gare de Lyon roughly hourly and reach Fontainebleau Avon in about 40 minutes, where a shuttle bus meets the train for the short ride to the chateau. By car, it is about 1 hour via the A6 autoroute. Keep in mind you need specific tickets to Fontainebleau, not Paris metro tickets.

Suggested by Elisa of World in Paris

Paris to Reims day trip

Reims is easily one of the best day trips from Paris that should be added to your itinerary. The city is known for quite a few things, ranging from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to being the birthplace of the biscuit to its infamous status as the unofficial Champagne capital of France. You can take a Champagne tour from Paris and explore the city through the delightful drink, or you can venture there on your own and enjoy a mixture of bubbly and history.

Reims also has a special history pertaining to WWII because it was the place where the Germans surrendered to the Allied forces (although the Soviets refused to acknowledge this and took matters to Berlin). This happened at Franklin Roosevelt School in the city, and the school is still in operation today and has a small museum dedicated to this inside. The city of Reims is definitely a worthy day trip from Paris, whether you go on an organized tour of the city and its Champagne houses or if you go there independently.

The fast TGV from Gare de l'Est reaches Reims in as little as 46 minutes, which makes a Champagne and cathedral day trip genuinely easy. By car it is about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A4 autoroute.

Suggested by Megan Starr

Paris to Champagne day trip

Located about 2 hours East of Paris, the Champagne region is a perfect day trip from Paris. If you have time, it is worth exploring this region in more depth.

What could be a more perfect day trip than to explore the rolling vineyards of the Champagne and sample your way through the Champagne Houses of Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mumm & Co. on the famous Avenue de Champagne in Epernay? Then head out and follow the Marne River and explore some of the beautiful small villages in the region, such as Château-Thierry, Dormans, or visit the beautiful Château de Condé in Condé-en-Brie, and if your budget allows, finish off this perfect day with a visit to the Michelin Star restaurant Hostellerie La Briqueterie back in Epernay. The Champagne region is not only beautiful, but also one of the tastiest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.

Take the TGV from Gare de l'Est to Reims or Epernay in well under an hour, then plan a tour or a car for the day, since the Champagne houses and villages are spread across the countryside. Autumn, around the September harvest, is an especially beautiful time to visit. By car, the region is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Paris.

Suggested by Maria of Europe Up Close

Paris to Rouen day trip

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris for the day, then Rouen is a perfect choice. Rouen is the “capital” of the Normandy region, and it’s a perfect blend of modern and old. The architecture is breathtaking throughout the city, and you’ll be super impressed by the Cathedral and the Gothic church (both free to enter).

You can wander for hours around historical Rouen and discover many beautiful parks, gardens, fountains, and buildings. Stop at one of the many French restaurants serving up a great value menu of the day. Rouen is quieter than Paris, and you’ll feel free and at peace in this area. Plus, it’s half the price of Paris, which is also a bonus.

Direct trains from Gare Saint-Lazare reach Rouen in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with many departures a day, so you don't need a car. By road it is roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes. Rouen also makes a natural base for exploring more of Normandy.

Suggested by Cazzy of Dream Big, Travel Far

Paris to Normandy day trip

Stepping onto the shores of the Normandy Beaches, with the history of what happened here not too fresh from my 5th-grade history book, was not particularly easy. Remembering how World War II finally ended in 1945 as I passed through the Caen Memorial Museum was a good refresher. How the Allied Forces (American, British, and Canadian soldiers) landed on the beaches of Normandy in June of 1944 with the codename Operation Overlord.

How they overtook the enemy under very harsh conditions and how utterly brave they were. It was an amazing feat that helped end World War II. You can experience the entirety of it all on a bus tour from Paris to the D-Day Beaches of Normandy via an organized tour that starts in the morning and ends late in the day, or you can take the train and rent a car and do it all on your own. Depending on how much time you have, I recommend visiting the Caen Memorial Museum for an overview, then Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.

There is no direct train to the landing beaches themselves. Most visitors either take a train to Caen or Bayeux and rent a car, or join an organized day tour from Paris that handles all the driving. By car, the coast is about 2 hours and 30 minutes via the A13 autoroute.

Suggested by Cacinda of Points & Travel

Paris to Saint-Malo day trip

Despite being quite small, Saint-Malo is one of the most beautiful towns in France. Located almost 400 km from Paris, it's a long day trip, but well worth it. Saint-Malo is a quaint town with huge ramparts that used to protect the city from both enemies and the tides. They are perfectly preserved, enclosing the town, and you can walk on them for free. From the walls, the views of the turquoise water, beaches, and islands (small Bé and Big Bé) in front of Saint-Malo are breathtaking.

The area within the walls is called Intra Muros, and it still is the heart of St Malo, with its small, quaint alleys, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. It's mandatory to wander around and to lose ourselves there.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of other things to do in Saint-Malo. There are many wonderful beaches with turquoise (yet cold) water for you to relax and even swim in Summer. On low tide, you can also walk to one or several of the islands, like Big Bé, Small Bé, and Fort National. Saint-Malo is a very rewarding town, offering a variety of attractions that can captivate most travelers.

By train, you can reach Saint-Malo in around 3 hours via a TGV to Rennes and a quick connection, which makes for a long but rewarding single day. By car it is about 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Suggested by Jorge Bastos of Travel Drafts

Here is my own guide to Saint-Malo.

Paris to Mont St. Michel day trip

Located about 4 hours west of Paris, Mont St. Michel is one of the most incredible sites to behold in Paris or Beyond. The famous Abbey is best known for turning into an island during high tide. While the constructed causeway prevents that from fully occurring today, the island, Abbey, and Monastery are still impressive sites to behold.

While the site was used earlier, the first monastic community was established in the 8th century. Although a monastery stood here for many years, the Abbey, which forms a prominent part of the island, did not begin construction until the 11th century. The island, abbey, and the buildings of the commune are all currently protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Getting to the island, however, requires visitors to come either by tour bus or private vehicle.

Reaching Mont St. Michel on your own means a TGV to Rennes followed by a dedicated bus to the abbey, so many travelers find an organized tour the simplest option. By car, it is about 4 hours and 20 minutes via the A13 autoroute.

Suggested by Anwar of Beyond my Front Door

Here is my own guide to Mont St. Michel.

Paris to Loire Valley day trip

Less than two hours away from Paris, the Loire Valley makes a fantastic day trip because of its beautiful châteaux, elaborate castles built for royalty, and the wealthiest of aristocrats. Highlights of a Loire Valley day trip include the imposing Chateau de Chambord with its unique double-helix staircase; the graceful Chateau de Chenonceau, known as the Ladies Castle; and the Royal Chateau of Amboise, well known for its connection to Leonardo da Vinci. His tomb lies in the chapel on the castle grounds.

The gateway town of Blois is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Gare d'Austerlitz, and from the Blois station the seasonal Navette des Châteaux shuttle runs from April to November to Chambord, Cheverny, and Beauregard. Renting a car gives you the most freedom, and by road the region is about 2 to 3 hours from Paris. For more ideas, browse my Loire Valley posts.

Suggested by Carol of Wandering Carol

Paris to Bruges (Belgium) day trip

If you are looking for a day trip from Paris that will take you back in time and take your breath away, then the beautiful city of Bruges is a perfect choice. Just over two hours from Paris by train, Bruges offers beautiful architecture and picturesque canal views that look like they came from a postcard. The cobblestone streets are perfect for meandering until you reach Market Square at the center of the city. Here you can climb the belfry for a whole new view of the colorful, lively area filled with horse-drawn carriages, stands selling famous French fries, and Belgian waffles topped with ice cream, fruit, and whipped cream.

Rozenhoedkaai is the most photographed spot in the entire city and rightfully so. Here you can rent a boat and take a ride through the canals to learn about their history and see gorgeous buildings that would otherwise go unseen. Renting a bicycle is also a great way to explore the outskirts of the town, and you can ride along the canal to view the windmills and visit nearby towns like Damme. Beyond waffles and French fries, no trip to Bruges would be complete without a trip to the Beer Wall and to one of the many chocolatiers dotting the streets with delicious homemade chocolates.

By train, Bruges is just over 2 hours from Paris with a connection, usually through Brussels, so it works well as a long day trip. By car it is about 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Suggested by Sierra Schmidt of Free to Travel Mama

Paris to Vaux-le-Vicomte day trip

Before there was Versailles, there was Vaux-le-Vicomte. Built in the 1600s for Louis XIV's finance minister by the same trio of architect, painter, and garden designer who would go on to create Versailles, this elegant chateau near the village of Maincy is often called the inspiration for the Sun King's palace. Today you can wander its harmonious rooms and its magnificent formal gardens without the Versailles crowds, and on Saturday evenings in summer the grounds glow with thousands of candles.

From Gare de l'Est, take the direct Line P train toward Provins to Verneuil-l'Etang in about 35 minutes, then the Chateaubus shuttle to the chateau. It is open from mid-March to the start of November, and the candlelit evenings run on Saturdays from late May through late September.

Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise day trip

Auvers-sur-Oise is where Vincent van Gogh spent the last two months of his life, and it is one of the most moving day trips near Paris. In roughly seventy days here, he painted around seventy works, including the famous wheat fields and the village church, and you can still stand in the very spots where he set up his easel. Visit the tiny room he rented at the Auberge Ravoux, follow the walking trail past his motifs, and pay your respects at the simple graves where Vincent and his brother Theo lie side by side.

On weekends and holidays from April to November, a direct Impressionists train runs from Gare du Nord straight to Auvers-sur-Oise. The rest of the year you can get there in about an hour by connecting through Pontoise or Valmondois on Transilien Line H.

Additional day trips from Paris to look into:

• My beautiful and talented friend Kasia shares a day trip to Château de Champs-sur-Marne on the Bonjour Paris site.
• The lovely Solo Sophie shares a spot I had not heard of, L’Isle-Adam
• Atlas Obscura finds the Musée Ateliers des Pionniers, a quirky museum of antique transport that's a must-see for bicycle lovers.
• France Today helps you discover 12 iconic châteaux in the Île-de-France (the region that Paris is in).

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Paris

How about you? Do you have any day trips from Paris to suggest? Do share! Or, have you been to any of these spots, and what do you think? Do tell!

For a visual summary of this post, check out my Paris Day Trips web story!

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