14 Nice Day Trips Choices From Paris

Here is a comprehensive list of the best day trips from Paris to suit any budget.

Versailles is a must-see on one of your Paris day trips. Established in the 17^th century by Louis XVII, the palace and its grounds are a true testament to the architecture style in vogue during the time. Anyone interested in history and architecture will be fascinated by the charm of Versailles. It was the home of Marie Antoinette, and you can also visit the Queen’s Hamlet where she would go to escape from the humdrum of palace life.

Versailles can be reached from most of the major Metro stations in Paris though you will need a special ticket for the trip. We suggest that you leave early since the lines get longer the later you get to Versailles. Head to the palace and walk through the lavish rooms and don’t forget to pick up the audioguide. You can get lunch on the grounds after which you should head to the gardens. The gardens of Versailles are considered to be designed in one of the finest styles, and you can spend a few hours exploring them. There are many trains back to Paris, and the station is just a five-minute walk from the palace.

One of the most striking places on this list, the Mont Saint-Michel Island is situated on a rocky outcrop just a few meters from the coast of Normandy. While the gram-ready photo opportunities are endless, the visit to the towering abbey will render you speechless. The actual abbey was finished in 1144, though it was a popular pilgrimage point for many years before that. You can avail a self-guided tour which should last around an hour depending on how much time you want to spend on each site. There is also the option of a guided tour at no extra cost other than the admission fee. This usually takes around 75 minutes. Do be mindful that you will have to climb many steps.

The journey from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel by train takes around 3.5 hours along with a short bus travel. When you buy a ticket to Mont Saint Michel, it will include both the train and bus fare. You could also hire a car and drive to the island which allows you to drive through several picturesque Norman villages.

The Loire Valley is the Mecca for all castle aficionados. The valley is a castle region and is only a little over 2 hours from Paris. The valley is dotted with chateaus built in the renaissance style. One of the most iconic castles is the Chateau Chambord with its spires and columns. You can climb up its double-spiral staircase and walk through the halls while learning its history. It is said that this castle was the inspiration for the setting of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Next, make your way to Chateau de Chenonceau, which was run by women for most of its history. You can visit the winery and have lunch while wine tasting.

Loire Valley can be reached by bus, train, or by driving yourself in a hired car. If you are interested in the wine tasting, then we suggest that you book the relevant tickets online before you make your trip. Don’t forget to charge your phone since the valley is a great place to click from photos.

Perfect for both children and adults, Disneyland is one of the most joyful day trips from Paris. Chock full of rides for all age groups and a vibe that celebrates the creative wonders of Disney, the park will keep you entranced. Disneyland Paris is the most popular theme park in all of Europe and attracts aver 12 million visitors every year. The park is divided into two sections – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios.

The park is about 20km from downtown Paris and you can either take a direct shuttle or a train. Prepare to spend the entire day on your feet, walking from one side to another. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. There are several places for you to grab a bite and you will find one that suits your preference.

Giverny is a village located close to Paris and was the center for many Impressionist painters. Once you reach the village, you will understand why. Giverny is a beautiful place, full of life and color, and is the perfect place to observe life and nature. On your exploration, don’t forget to visit Hotel Baudy, where both Renoir and Manet stayed and worked. Wind your way through the village while stopping for refreshments at the typical French cafes, and end up at the beautiful home of Claude Monet. He lived and painted in Giverny during the late 1800s and early 1900s and meticulously maintained his gardens. Don’t forget to pack a picnic which you can enjoy while overlooking the Japanese bridge that featured in the iconic Water Lilies painting series by Monet.

To get to Giverny, catch a train to Vernon, which is a 45-minute ride away. From there, catch a 20-minute bus ride to the valley. Be sure to check the time table for the buses and trains and plan your day accordingly.

One of the most beautiful places you will visit, Etretat is every nature lover’s paradise. Located on the coast of Normandy, Etretat is a collection of three white chalk cliffs that look over the waters. The tops are covered with lush green grass, and the three cliffs provide for endless opportunities for photographs. Pack a picnic and spend a day laying on the grass and enjoying the solitude of nature with the sound of waves crashing far below.

Getting to Etretat village requires you to take a train and bus if you want to stick to public transport. Catch a train to the town of Le Havre from Paris and then catch the bus to Etretat. Be sure to check the schedule for your journey back and make sure you leave enough time to catch the last train.

The Champagne region of France is known for what else, champagne. Dotted with many world-class vineyards and champagne, you would be remiss to miss this area. There are several champagne tours you can participate in where you can taste some of the finest champagne in the world. You can either have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the region, or you can pack your picnic which you can have when exploring the vineyards.

You can reach the Epernay station in Champagne by train from Paris. The journey typically takes 75 minutes, and there is a train leaving every 2 hours. Be sure to check the timings of the last train since you do not want to be stranded outside Paris for the night.

This palace is located in Fontainebleau which is just 40 minutes by train from Paris. The palace started as a medieval castle and was then converted into its current form. For a long time, the palace was a site of residence for French kings, and even Napoleon stayed here. Château de Fontainebleau is a stunning work of architecture, and both the exteriors and interiors of the palace is worth making the trip for.

This site is perfect for those who love castles and history and is a perfect place to go for day trips from Paris but are loathe to dealing with large crowds. The tourists who visit are few in number, making your visit more pleasurable. Pack a picnic or enjoy a meal in the town of Fontainebleau.

If you are looking to escape the crowds while also visiting a chateau, then head to Chantilly. One of the best day trips from Paris if you are short on time, the Chateau de Chantilly doesn’t disappoint. The chateau floats on a lake and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. You can spend a few hours exploring the interiors of the chateau and the gardens while also learning about the history of the gentry. Do not forget to explore the hamlet which allows you to see picturesque cottages.

Getting to Chantilly is an easy prospect. There are several trains that run from Paris, and it takes only 25 minutes for the journey. You can buy the ticket at the station, which is relatively cheap.

If churches are your thing, then you definitely should not miss out on Chartres. The 12^th-century cathedral is one of the most famous in the world, and it has part of the veil of Mother Mary on display. Walk around the nave and take in the light streaming in through the stained glass windows. If you are visiting during the summer, then stick around for the light show on the façade of the cathedral. It is truly one of the more mesmerizing sights in France. Some of the other monuments in the town are also lit up, and you can walk through town following the lights.

There are many trains leaving from Paris to Chartres every day. The journey takes around 90 minutes, and it is well worth the travel.

One of the reasons why Paris is such an important tourist destination is its proximity to other major European cities. Of these, London is truly a city that you must visit. The Eurostar offers a high-speed train connection to London from Paris, which takes only about three hours. The train journey is comfortable, relatively cheap, and you can enjoy the French countryside before the train goes under the English Channel. Your train will stop at Victoria Cross which is at the heart of London and is well connected to other parts of the city. Make sure that you decide beforehand where you want to visit London and account for the time each place will require. You can book the train tickets beforehand to ensure that you don’t have to deal with a crowd.

London is known for its wonderful pubs, modern skyline and beautiful old architecture. Make a beeline to the Eye of London, the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the banks of River Thames.

This medieval village was founded in the 11^th century and is well preserved. In fact, it has been declared a UN World Heritage Site, making it a must-see on your list. The village has been maintained as close to it was in its hay day, and it is a pure delight to walk through it. The village also hosts many medieval-themed festivals where you can enjoy different aspects of a bygone era. Do stop at the Office of Tourism for free maps and other important information which includes all the timings of the tourist attractions. You can also buy any required passes here.

Provins is easy to reach with a train leaving Paris every 45 minutes. The entire journey takes about 90 minutes. If you are traveling during the offseason, be sure to check the opening hours of the attractions on their website.

This town is located in the Normandy region of France and is one of the more colourful places on this list of day trips from Paris. Rouen is home to a beautiful cathedral that is said to be painted by Claude Monet, half-timbered buildings that are brightly colored, and a beautiful clock tower. It is also the place with Joan of Arc was executed, and you can visit the tower she was imprisoned in. The Normandy region is known for its unique flavor profile, and you must take the time to eat some of the local delicacies. Better yet, try to visit the region during the Normandy Food Festival.

Do take care to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the antiques’ dealers market for a one-of-its-kind type of experience. You can make the trip via train or even drive through the beautiful Seine Valley.

As the center of western Europe, Paris also allows you to visit other big cities. Brussels is only a 30-minute train ride away and is chock full of history, architecture, and delectable cuisine. The train journey is scenic as is Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The city is home to wonderful baroque architecture. Some places you must visit include The Notre Dam Du Sablon, a 14^th-century Gothic cathedral, and the Palais Royal which still remains the residence of the royal family. Be sure to try out local dishes and don’t forget to buy a box of famous Belgian chocolate for your friends at home.

Paris is a wonderful collection of different cultures, art, history and modernity, gourmet cuisine, and much more. The sights that the city offers is unparallel and the opportunities it offers for Paris day trips are equally mesmerizing. These day trips from Paris help you see more of the country and Europe without burning a hole through your pocket. Be sure to use public transport wherever possible though hiring a car is still a viable option that allows you to travel at your own pace.