Day Trips from Paris
If you tire of the top things to do in Paris, escape the city buzz and explore the fairytale castles, champagne regions and vibrant gardens. Natural splendour and ancient history paint the picture for the best day trips from Paris.
Verdant vineyards and quaint villages set the scene for the top day trips from Paris, but what else is on offer? Just beyond Paris is a whole other world for you to explore.
The surrounding scenery is lapped by beautiful chateaus, ancient castles and medieval abbeys. The Normandy beaches and wealth of wineries provide a feast for the senses, no matter what type of traveller you are.
Whether you want to wander astray in Monet’s garden or pop into the happiest place on earth in Disneyland Paris, there’s something here for you.
Thanks to convenient tours and the well-connected transportation from Paris, you can easily visit places like Versailles, Giverny and Mont Saint-Michel. Sample wine at a château in Southwestern France, marvel at Renaissance castles in the Loire Valley and cruise through the canals of Bruges, Belgium.
Couple your Paris trip with this 3-week Europe Itinerary for an unforgettable adventure. Before you jet-set off on your France trip, check out this guide on the best day trips from Paris.
23 Day Trips from Paris
Level up your Paris vacation by spending some time outside the city. In this travel guide, we cover the best time to visit, top things to do, how to get around and where to stay.
Keep your trip hassle-free with this full guide on How to Plan a Trip to Paris. Here’s a summary of the best Paris day trips:
Étretat
Loire Valley (Chambord & Chenonceau Castles)
Luxembourg City (Luxembourg)
Lille
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Honfleur
Beauvais
Orléans
Dijon
Chablis
Nancy
Bruges (Belgium)
Fontainebleau
Giverny
Chartres
Provins
Château de Chantilly
Amiens
Rouen
Colmar
Reims
Bordeaux
Versailles
23. Étretat
Etretat is home to charming coastal towns and dramatic white chalk cliffs. This part of France reels in visitors for its stunning arches and striking rock formations, which have been known to have inspired artists like Monet.
This village is located 200 km from Paris and is best reached by train and then by bus. Stroll along the cliffs, wander around the manicured gardens of Étretat and unwind on the beach.
This northern gem is home to a huge haul of highlights, from the Porte d'Aval arch and L'Aiguille (the Needle) to the cliffside Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde. Add hot spots like Le Vieux Marché and Le Clos Lupin villa to your to-do list. This day trip from Paris, France, is best for nature enthusiasts and those who want to get off the beaten track.
How to get to Étretat from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gare Routière (Bercy) to Étretat. The travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Le Havre, then transfer to a local bus to Étretat. The total travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Car: Drive via A13 from central Paris to Étretat. The travel time typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
22. Loire Valley (Chambord & Chenonceau Castles)
The Loire Valley is replete with France’s most renowned Renaissance castles, Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. These enchanting edifices are among the most visited in France, thanks to their extensive historical and cultural roles.
Located 200 km from Paris, the Loire Valley is accessible by local transport, making it one of the day trips from Paris by train. Explore Château de Chambord, visit Château de Chenonceau and tour the surrounding vineyards.
The Loire Valley makes some of the best sparkling wines in the country. Don’t leave without trying the Crémant de Loire, which is rated second to champagne.
How to get to Loire Valley from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Bercy to Tours, a central city in the Loire Valley. The travel time is around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Tours or Angers (depending on your final destination in the Loire Valley). The travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Car: Drive via A10 from central Paris to the Loire Valley. The travel time typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
21. Luxembourg City (Luxembourg)
On the hunt for a day trip from Paris to another country? Look no further than Luxembourg.
The capital city is famous for its fortress and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Luxembourg is situated 370 km from Paris and can be reached in about 2 hours.
Visit the Bock Casemates, explore the Grand Ducal Palace and enjoy the city's parks. Dine in the Michelin-star restaurants and marvel at the myriad museums.
How to get to Luxembourg from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni or Paris Bercy to Luxembourg Gare Routière. The travel time is around 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic. Getting the bus is not recommended, as it takes up a lot of time. If you do choose this transport alternative, opt for an overnight bus to save time.
Train: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est to Luxembourg. The travel time is around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Car: Drive via A4 from central Paris to Luxembourg. The travel time generally takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
20. Lille
Lille, the capital of Hauts-de-France in northern France, is known for its thriving cultural scene. This bustling university city once served as an important trading centre for French Flanders. Its historical ties with Belgium and many Flemish influences can still be found.
The historic centre, Vieux Lille, is lined with 17th-century brick houses, cobbled streets and the large central square, Grand Place.
Lille is home to one of the largest flea markets in Europe, La Braderie de Lille. Dating back to the 12th century, this buzzing market takes place on the first Sunday in September.
Spend an afternoon in the Grand Place, visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts and admire Old Lille. Don’t leave without trying local delicacies like carbonnade flamande and waffles.
How to get to Lille from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni or Paris Bercy to Lille Gare Routière. The travel time is around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de Lille to Lille Europe. The travel time is around 1 hour.
Car: This day trip from Paris is about 220 km from the capital. Drive via A1 from central Paris to Lille. The travel time takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the traffic.
19. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Inspiring the design of Versailles, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte was built in the 17th century. The château’s gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, are an impressive example of formal French gardens.
Discover the luxurious interior, meander through the gardens and visit the Carriage Museum. For a unique experience, enjoy a candlelit dinner in the evening.
Sitting 55 km southwest of Paris, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte features a permanent exhibition. It’s housed in the basement of the château in an audiovisual display. This is one of the best day trips from Paris if you want to visit a chateau.
How to get to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris:
Bus: Take a bus from Paris Gare de Lyon to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Train: Take the RER D from Paris Gare de Lyon to Melun, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The total travel time is around 45 minutes by train, plus the transfer time.
Car: Drive via N6 from central Paris to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The travel time typically takes 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
18. Honfleur
This historic port town is bursting with French maritime heritage. The town’s harbour is fringed with vibrant buildings, which are known to have been painted by both Monet and Boudin.
Honfleur is located 190 km from Paris, making it easy to reach via public transport. Amp up your Paris vacation with some time in Honfleur. Stroll along the old port, visit the Eugène Boudin Museum and lock lips with fresh seafood.
How to get to Honfleur from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni to Honfleur Gare Routière. The travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Le Havre, then transfer to a local bus to Honfleur. The total travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Car: Drive via A13 from central Paris to Honfleur. The travel time typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
17. Beauvais
Beauvais is famed for its striking Gothic cathedral, which was once the tallest building in the world. The astronomical clock inside the cathedral boasts over 90,000 mechanical parts and 50 intricate moving parts.
This grandiose city is located 75 km from Paris, and it’s accessible by train from Gare du Nord. Brimming with culture and character, Beauvais is one of the top day trips from Paris by train.
Explore the iconic Beauvais Cathedral, visit the MUDO Museum and see the Maladrerie Saint-Lazare. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens of painter André Van Beek, whose work influenced the post-Impressionist movement.
How to get to Beauvais from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Porte Maillot to Beauvais. The travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the TER from Paris Gare du Nord to Beauvais. The travel time is around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Car: Drive via A16 from central Paris to Beauvais. The travel time typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
16. Orléans
Orléans sits on the banks of the Loire River in north-central France. As the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, this city is just 130 km from Paris.
Joan of Arc saved the city from an English siege in 1429, which is celebrated in an annual festival.
Visit the re-creation of the Joan of Arc house, the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, which showcases multimedia exhibits on her life.
Aside from its medieval hero, don’t miss the Orléans Cathedral and a walk along the Loire River.
Roam the cobbled streets and marvel at the half-timbered houses in the old town. Spice up your Paris trip with some time in Orléans.
How to get to Orléans from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Bercy to Orléans Gare Routière. The travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the TER from Paris Austerlitz to Orléans. The total travel time is around 1 hour.
Car: Drive via A10 from central Paris to Orléans. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
15. Dijon
As a former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, Dijon is located 310 km from Paris. Fringed with emblematic medieval and Renaissance architecture, the city is well-known for its Dijon mustard and prestigious wines from Burgundy.
Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts and follow the Owl’s Trail to see the city’s highlights.
Wander around the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which is housed in the Palace of the Dukes. Home to a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, crafts and antiquities, this is a must-see for art lovers and culture vultures.
Although Dijon is known for its traditional mustard, it’s also one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. Spice up your Paris day trip with a vineyard tour or by visiting a gastronomic fair in the autumn.
How to get to Dijon from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Bercy to Dijon Gare Routière. The travel time is around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Dijon Ville and arrive in around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Car: Drive via A6 from central Paris to Dijon. It typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, but depends on traffic conditions.
14. Chablis
Nestled in northwestern France, Chablis is a world-famous white wine-producing region. Well-known for its Chardonnay wines, this is the ultimate day trip from Paris for wine lovers.
The region’s vineyards date back to Roman times, before they were later cultivated by Cistercian monks. Spend the day touring the wineries, sampling Grand Cru Chablis wines and discovering the panoramic countryside.
How to get to Chablis from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Bercy to Chablis. The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the SNCF from Paris Gare de Lyon to Tonnerre, then transfer to a local train or bus to Chablis. The total travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Car: Drive via A6 from central Paris to Chablis. The total journey time is 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
13. Nancy
Nancy is a riverfront city in northeast France. The surrounding Grand Est region is well-known for its late baroque and art nouveau landmarks, making it a must-see for architectural fans.
As the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, the main highlight is the 18th-century Place Stanislas, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand square is adorned with wrought-iron gates and ornate fountains.
Stroll down la Grande Rue and through to the city’s medieval old town, la Vielle Ville. Explore the Musée de l'École de Nancy and don’t leave without trying quiche Lorraine. This famous French quiche can be found in practically every bakery in Nancy.
How to get to Nancy from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni to Nancy Gare Routière. The total journey time is approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est to Nancy. The journey is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Car: Drive via A4 from central Paris to Nancy. The travel time typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
12. Bruges (Belgium)
Painted by plant-fringed bridges, ancient architecture and myriad museums, Bruges is one of the best day trips from Paris to other countries. This Belgian city is woven with winding canals, giving it its namesake, ‘Venice of the North’. Bruges is bursting with character, from the grand townhouses to the lively squares.
This well-preserved medieval city is located 300 km from Paris and is accessible by train in about 2.5 hours.
Sail the canals on a boat tour, explore the Belfry of Bruges and taste Belgian chocolates and waffles.
How to get to Bruges from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni or Paris Bercy to Bruges and arrive in around 4.5 to 5 hours. This is the longest option, so it’s best done in the early morning.
Train: Take the Thalys train from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi, then transfer to a train to Bruges. The total travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Car: Drive via A1 and E40 from central Paris to Bruges. The total journey time typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
11. Fontainebleau
Château de Fontainebleau, a residence for French royalty, dates back to the 12th century. This is one of the best day trips from Paris in winter, when the fairytale-like Fontainebleau Forest gets covered in snow.
This grand estate played an important role in French history and the château boasts a blend of Renaissance and classical styles. Tour the Château de Fontainebleau’s elegant rooms and admire the perfectly manicured French gardens.
The Fontainebleau Forest is a hikers and rock climbers haven, as it’s the largest forest area in the Ile-de-France region. Fontainebleau is located 55 km from the capital, making it an ideal day trip from Paris by train.
How to get to Fontainebleau from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau Gare Routière. The travel time is around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the RER D from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon. The travel time is around 40 to 50 minutes.
Car: Drive via A6 from central Paris to Fontainebleau. The travel time typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
10. Giverny
Sandwiched between Paris and Rouen, Giverny is renowned for its vibrant gardens and water lily ponds. This Seine-side village was made world-famous thanks to Claude Monet, the master of Impressionism. His home in Giverny gave him immense artistic inspiration since he moved here in 1883.
The now-iconic water garden inspired many of his greatest artworks, including the Water Lilies series. Monet’s home and gardens are a major attraction, and they remain as meticulously kept as they were in Monet’s time.
Giverny is about 75 km from Paris. Take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then a shuttle bus or bike to Giverny. The best time to visit is spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.
Take a deep dive in the Museum of Impressionism, walk around the charming village and visit the Church of Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet is buried.
How to get to Giverny from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Giverny and arrive in around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Train: Take the Train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon. From Vernon, take a local bus or taxi to Giverny, which takes around 15 minutes. The total travel time is around 45 to 60 minutes by train.
Car: Drive via A13 from central Paris to Giverny and arrive in roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic.
9. Chartres
Dating back to ancient Roman times, Chartres served as a Christian pilgrimage site in medieval times. This character-packed town is famous for its cathedral, which boasts Gothic architecture.
Chartres Cathedral features 176 stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries. In the Middle Ages, the cathedral’s labyrinth was used by pilgrims for prayer and meditation. Couple your visit to Chartres Cathedral with some time in the Old Town and a trip to Maison Picassiette, a mosaic-covered house.
How to get to Chartres from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres Gare Routière. The travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Chartres is the best day trip from Paris by train. Simply take the Intercités from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres and arrive in 1 hour.
Car: Drive for 90 km via A11 from central Paris to Chartres. The travel time typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
8. Provins
This well-preserved medieval town served as an important hub during the Middle Ages. Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s famous for its medieval festivals and jousting tournaments.
Take a step back in time as you discover the underground tunnels that were historically used as secret meeting places. On your Paris day trip, you’ll explore the Tour César, walk along the medieval walls and wind through the underground passages.
From April to November, you can enjoy its medieval-themed shows. There are also medieval pageants in June and a Christmas market in winter.
How to get to Provins from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gare de Bercy to Provins Gare Routière. The travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the TER from Paris Gare de l'Est to Provins. The travel time is around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Car: Drive via N4 from central Paris to Provins. The travel time typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
7. Château de Chantilly
The Château de Chantilly is a historic castle located in the town of Chantilly, about 50 kilometres north of Paris. The chateau features French Renaissance architecture and was built in the 16th century.
The château is lapped by the second-largest collection of antique paintings in France after the Louvre. You’ll find a wealth of works by Raphael and Delacroix. Spend the day exploring the château and appreciating its art collection.
Step outside and meander through the carefully curated gardens and visit the Great Stables and the Horse Museum.
The town is also famous for Chantilly cream, a sweet whipped cream that’s served with sliced fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches.
How to get to Château de Chantilly from Paris:
Bus: Take Bus 15 from Paris Gare du Nord to Château de Chantilly and arrive in around 1 hour.
Train: Board the TER train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux. This Paris day trip by train takes around 25 to 30 minutes.
Car: Drive via A1 from central Paris to Château de Chantilly. The total journey time takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
6. Amiens
Spice up your stay in Paris with a day trip to Amiens, known for its iconic Gothic Cathedral and medieval bell tower. Nestled in northern France, Amiens is located about 120 km from Paris.
Sitting on the Somme River, floating market gardens (hortillonnages) are scattered across the city’s canals. Once you’ve explored the Amiens Cathedral, visit the Musée de Picardie and the Maison de Jules Verne Museum. If you have more time, pop into the Somme Battlefields or roam around Quartier St.-Leu’s narrow streets.
How to get to Amiens from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni to Amiens Gare Routière. The travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Train: Take the TER from Paris Gare du Nord to Amiens. The travel time is around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Car: Drive via A1 from central Paris to Amiens. The travel time typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
5. Rouen
On the hunt for a day trip from Paris to Normandy? Look no further. Rouen once served as one of the most important cities in medieval France.
As the capital of Normandy, Rouen is world-famous thanks to Joan of Arc, who was tried and executed here in 1431. After you’ve soaked up some of the history, check out one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in France, the Great Clock (Gros-Horloge).
Rouen’s half-timbered old town is worth visiting, so be sure to take a stroll through the historic streets. Step inside the Joan of Arc Museum and explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Rouen is worth visiting for its Rouen Cathedral, which was made famous by Claude Monet.
Rouen is about 135 km from Paris and you can take a direct train from Paris Saint-Lazare. Normandy day trips from Paris usually take around 1.5 hours.
This 2,000-year-old city is dotted with Gothic architecture and traditional, half-timbered houses. The mix of modern and old makes it like no other place in France. Rouen is a very walkable city, so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes if you want to explore its cobbled old town.
How to get to Rouen from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni to Rouen Gare Routière and arrive in around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Train: Take the Intercités or TER train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Rouen Rive Droite and arrive in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Car: Drive via A13 from central Paris to Rouen. A Paris day trip to Normandy typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
4. Colmar
Colmar is home to well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings, charming canals and timber-framed houses. This picture-perfect town oozes fairytale appeal, and its old town is undoubtedly a highlight.
Roam the streets of Little Venice and visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to the iconic Isenheim Altarpiece. If you have extra time, check out the array of architectural landmarks and museums.
In between sightseeing, indulge your senses in Alsatian cuisine and wine. Colmar sits on the Alsatian Wine Route and is widely considered as the capital of Alsatian wine (capitale des vins d'Alsace).
This day trip from Paris is particularly magical during December, when the Christmas Markets take place.
Colmar is worth visiting if you are interested in history, architecture and the gastronomy scene.
How to get to Colmar from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Bercy to Colmar Gare Routière and arrive in around 6.5 to 7 hours. I’d only recommend this option if you take an overnight bus.
Train: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est to Colmar. The total journey time is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Car: Drive via A4 and A35 from central Paris to Colmar and arrive in 5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic.
3. Reims
Take your holiday in Paris to the next level by venturing out to Reims. Renowned for its rough history, this is the place where French kings were crowned and where the Germans officially surrendered in 1945.
For centuries, Reims has served as a centre of French history. As the traditional site of French royal coronations, it’s also the heart of the Champagne region. This charming city is home to many world-famous champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Pommery and Taittinger.
Visit the iconic Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral and the Palais du Tau. Take a deep dive into Reims’ role in World War I at the Museum of the Surrender. Wind up your day trip by exploring the champagne cellars and locking lips with the region’s local delicacies.
How to get to Reims from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Bercy to Reims Gare Routière and arrive in around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Train: Reims is located about 130 km from Paris and can be reached on a TGV high-speed train in around 45 minutes.
Car: Drive via A4 from central Paris to Reims. The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
2. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a historic port city that’s flourished for centuries. This charming town has acted as a centre for trade and winemaking since Roman times. During the 18th century, grand neoclassical architecture spread the scene and transformed it into one of France’s most enchanting cities.
Bordeaux is crowned the wine capital of the world, so be sure to appease your palette with a wine-tasting experience. The local vineyards produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol.
Take a romantic stroll along the Garonne River, sip wine in Place de la Bourse and visit its famous Water Mirror. Tour La Cité du Vin wine museum and wind up the day in the Saint-Émilion vineyards.
This is one of the best day trips from Paris, even if you’re not a wine enthusiast. Bordeaux is a very walkable city, so be sure to soak up the unique atmosphere in each of its districts. The biggest highlight is the historical Saint-Michel district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get to Bordeaux from Paris:
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Paris Gallieni or Paris Bercy to Bordeaux. The travel time is around 7 to 9 hours, so I’d only recommend this option if it’s an overnight bus.
Train: The city is located about 600 km from Paris and is accessible via high-speed TGV train from Gare Montparnasse. The total travel time is around 2 hours and is best done in the early morning.
Car: Drive via A10 from central Paris to Bordeaux and arrive in around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic.
1. Versailles
It’s easy to understand why the Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most-visited attractions, falling in second place to the Eiffel Tower. This enchanting 18th-century palace is spread across 250 acres of land and is world-famous for its architecture and stunning artwork.
This Paris day trip is located about 20 km from the capital city, and the easiest way to get there is by taking the RER C train. The train ticket from Paris to Versailles costs around €7.30 for a round trip.
The Palace of Versailles originally began as a hunting lodge before it was later transformed by Louis XIV as a symbol of monarchy. In the late 17th century, it evolved into the political and cultural heart of France. Versailles showcased luxurious events and housed the royal court all the way up until the French Revolution.
The Hall of Mirrors, famed for its 357 mirrors, was the site of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I. Wander astray in the gorgeous gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre. This verdant oasis spans 800 hectares and is framed by ornate fountains, intricately detailed sculptures and lush groves.
On your day trip to Versailles, visit the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon and don’t miss the Musical Fountain Shows held in spring and summer.
How to get to Versailles from Paris:
Bus: Take Bus 171 from Pont de Sèvres to Versailles Château Rive Gauche and arrive in 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Train: Take RER C from Gare d'Austerlitz or Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. This train day trip from Paris takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Car: Drive via N12 from central Paris to Versailles and arrive in 30 to 45 minutes.
Best Time to Visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris depends on your travel budget, the weather conditions and the type of experiences you want to have.
Summer
From June to August, Paris’s warm weather and long days provide the perfect atmosphere for your summer escape. This is the most popular time to visit Paris, so you can expect big crowds, long queues and higher prices for accommodation and airfares. Many locals leave the city in August, so some smaller shops and restaurants may be closed. If you’re travelling to Paris in mid-July, don’t miss the fireworks and parades of Bastille Day.
Autumn
From September to November, the capital boasts mild temperatures and colourful foliage. With fewer tourists than the summer season, autumn is a great time for sightseeing. The shoulder season is perfect for visiting museums, strolling in the parks and seeing the big attractions. Autumn is ideal for many day trips from Paris: Bordeaux and Versailles are particularly magical for their fall colours and seasonal food.
Winter
From December to February, Paris has cold weather, short days and lots of rain. Winter is known for its bright Christmas decorations, wintertime festivities and snow sports activities like skiing and snowboarding. Although December can be pretty busy, January and February are significantly quieter.
Spring
From March to May, Paris has mild temperatures, blooming flowers and longer days. The spring is one of the best times to visit Paris if you’re interested in sightseeing and taking day trips. This shoulder season offers budget prices on hotels and flights, aside from Easter and the cherry blossom season, which can reel in a lot of tourism.
Things to do in Paris
Attractions in Paris come in no shortage…
After all, this is France’s capital city. Here are some of the top activities to add to your bucket list.
Sail around on a Seine River cruise
Watch a Moulin Rouge cabaret show
Have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower
Waltz around the Louvre Museum
Get excited at Disneyland
Wander around Versailles Palace
How to Get Around Paris
Making your way around Paris is relatively hassle-free thanks to the public transport system. Here's everything you need to know about how to get around the capital.
Metro
With 300 metro stations, the public transport system in Paris is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around. The Paris Metro has 16 lines that connect the big attractions and outer districts.
You can choose single, multiple-ride tickets (carnets) or unlimited travel passes (e.g., Paris Visite or Navigo). If you’re planning a trip to Paris for the first time, I’d recommend the Paris Transport Card. This tourist card offers unlimited travel on the bus, metro, tramway, RER networks, and its suburbs. It’s a great way to take day trips from Paris for a fraction of the cost.
A day pass starts at €13.20; you can choose from 1,2,3, or 5-day passes. Zones 1-3 are for the city centre and nearby suburbs, and Zones 1-5 are for further destinations, like the Palace of Versailles and the airport.
RER (Suburban Trains)
The RER train network links Paris with the surrounding suburbs. If you plan on taking day trips to places like Versailles Palace, Disneyland Paris or any airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly), this is an ideal alternative.
Buses & Trams
Paris has an extensive bus network that spans the entire city and areas not covered by the metro. The capital also has a handful of tram lines that link other parts of the city and the suburbs. This is a convenient option if you want to see areas that aren’t well-connected via the metro or bus.
Car, Motorbike or Scooter Rental
Renting a car in Paris allows you to explore at your own pace and create your own route. A motorbike or scooter is best for driving through the city, due to its high traffic congestion and limited parking spaces. Hiring a car is the best way to see the top Paris day trips.
Where to Stay in Paris
France’s capital is dowsed with a diversity of accommodation options. The city suits all preferences and budgets, so you won’t be short on options. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), each with their own unique character.
The main central arrondissements, such as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, are popular with tourists as they’re close to monuments like the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. The 6th and 7th arrondissements are more exclusive, thanks to sites like the Eiffel Tower and Luxembourg Gardens.
When planning a trip to Paris, consider the location, budget, public transport and safety of each neighbourhood. Here are the top accommodations in Paris:
Budget (€): PAX Hotel
Mid-Range (€€): La Belle Ville
Luxury (€€€): Hôtel De Sers Champs Elysées Paris
FAQs
What is the best day trip from Paris?
The best day trips from Paris are to Versailles, Champagne and Disneyland Paris. If you want to visit another country, London and Brussels are popular day trip alternatives.
What cities are a short train ride from Paris?
Giverny, Claude Monet's garden, is one of the most popular day trips by train. Other alternatives include Versailles, Chantilly and the Normandy beaches.
What is the closest country to Paris by train?
Belgium is the closest country to Paris and an easy day trip destination. You can take either the bus or the train to get there in under three hours.
How many days in Paris is enough?
Three to four days is enough time to see the highlights in Paris. You’ll taste local cuisine, visit the top attractions and even have time for a day trip to Versailles Palace or Disneyland.
Why Should You Take a Day Trip from Paris?
France’s capital city is coined for its landmarks, beautiful art and thriving culture. Whether you want to munch on a crispy croissant or sit under the iconic Eiffel Tower, there’s something unique to do every season. Better yet, places like Versailles and Lille are just around the corner!
Before you jet-set off on your next getaway, save this guide on the best day trips from Paris.