21 Best Day Trips From Paris | All You Need To Know

Day trips from Paris are a must. Paris is the perfect base for discovering an array of captivating destinations that promise to transport you to different eras, landscapes, and experiences—all within a day’s journey. From the historic grandeur of châteaux to the quaint charm of medieval villages, the following day trips from Paris will make great memories.

Pro Travel Tip: The following best day trips from Paris are listed in alphabetical order. Most are day trips from Paris by train. Some of these 21 best day trips from Paris are close to the city and others are more of a concerted travel effort.

21 Best Day Trips From Paris

1. Auvers-Sur-Oise And Van Gogh

If you are an art lover, this is one of the best day trips from Paris. When Vincent Van Gogh called Auvers-sur-Oise “seriously beautiful,” he nailed it. Auvers-sur-Oise is a lovely place to pass the day and even more meaningful if you love the art of Van Gogh. He must have painted furiously in Auvers-sur-Oise, as he completed 80 paintings in 70 days.

Read More | How To Spend the Day in Auvers-sur-Oise

Paris Day Trips: How To Get To Auvers-Sur-Oise

From the Gare du Nord in Paris, take the Transilien H to Pontoise. From Pontoise take another Transilien H to Auvers-sur-Oise.

There are direct trains from the Gare du Nord in Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise on weekends and holidays from April to the end of October.

See the Transilien Schedule

Guided Tours To Auvers-sur-Oise

This day trip from Paris includes Auvers-sur-Oise and Giverny.

2. Day Trip From Paris: Barbizon

Situated at the edge of Fontainebleau Forest, Barbizon, a charming painter’s village, is one of the most delightful day trips from Paris. If you have a longing to spend time in a quaint French village that was once an artist’s colony, Barbizon is a great choice.

Theodore Rousseau and Jean-Francois Millet settled in Barbizon in the mid-1800s started a movement in realism painting. They became an inspiration and a school for landscape and animal painters. Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir also came to Barbizon as young painters.

Wander along cobbled lanes, through art galleries and museums and be sure to take a table for two in a restaurant garden. Barbizon is an enchanting day trip from Paris.

How to Get To Barbizon:

The best choice for getting to Barbizon is by car. This Paris day trip is also doable by train. Take the train from Gare de Lyon Station to Fontainebleau. Take the #21 bus to Barbizon (about 20 minutes). Alternately, take the RER D to Melun and a 25-minute taxi to Barbizon.

3. Best Day Trips From Paris: Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the city in France that at one point was second in importance only to Paris. But Bordeaux became forgotten and nicknamed “Sleeping Beauty.” In the 1990’s Bordeaux literally got a makeover!

Bordeaux has 350 buildings recognised as historical monuments and 3 Unesco World Heritage sites. Stroll past the cathedral and ancient gates to the city, along the Garonne River banks, and see the largest water mirror in the world. Visit a vineyard and sample Bordeaux’s world-famous wine.

Read More | The Best Things to See and Do in Bordeaux.

How To Get To Bordeaux From Paris:

This Paris day trip is a simple, direct 2-hour and 15-minute train trip from Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux. Book your train tickets here.

Guided Tours In Bordeaux:

A Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour in Bordeaux might be fun or this Wine and Walking Tour.

4. Day Trip From Paris: The House of Gustave Caillebotte

The house in which impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte and his family lived from 1860-1879 is just outside the city. Restored in the 19th-century style, the billiard room, parlour and Caillebotte’s atelier give insight into this painter’s life and works. Although none of Caillebotte’s original paintings hang here there are many reproductions to study and enjoy.

Stroll the 11 hectares of parkland, see the exhibitions in the Orangerie, and paddle down the Yerres River in a canoe, just like in one of Caillebotte’s paintings. Plan a picnic on the grounds or to pause for lunch at the “L’Orée du Parc” tearoom – restaurant. This day trip from Paris is a relaxing getaway.

Visit the official site for further information.

How To Get To The Caillebotte House:

Take the RER D from Paris to Yerres (25 minutes). Walk 15 minutes to the property at 52 rue de Concy, Yerres.

5. Best Day Trips From Paris: Château de Chantilly

If you are looking for a fairytale-like setting not too far from Paris and not as crowded as Versailles, why not plan a day trip from Paris to the Domaine de Chantilly? It really is one of the best day trips from Paris. The Domaine de Chantilly includes the Château de Chantilly, the glorious grounds, and the Grand Stables. The Château de Chantilly has a remarkable art collection in the musée de Condé and its rooms are opulent. Photographers will love capturing the reflection of the castle in the pond. Leave ample time to explore the gardens and take in an equestrian show. Rumour has it that crème de Chantilly (Chantilly cream) originated here so be sure to taste some crème Chantilly on your day trip from Paris.

Book your skip-the-line ticket to Château de Chantilly

Read More | How To Plan the best day trip to Chantilly.

How To Get To Chantilly From Paris:

To get to the Château de Chantilly from Paris, head to the Gare du Nord and purchase your ticket to Chantilly-Gouvieux. The train to get to the Domaine de Chantilly from Paris takes about 25 minutes.

Upon arrival, walk 15 minutes either through the little town of Chantilly or through the Chantilly forest (the shortcut). At certain times of the year, there is a shuttle that runs from the train station to the Château de Chantilly but be prepared to walk. 

6. Best Day Trips From Paris: Chartres

In Chartres, the massive Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, soars skyward with its two, unmatching pointed spires, flying buttresses and intricate sculptures. Inside, the incredible stained-glass rose windows are worth the day trip themselves. The Cathedral also has one of the most famous labyrinths in the world. The labyrinth is open for meditative walking every Friday from 10 am to 5 pm from Lent until All Saint’s Day (November 1).

How To Get To Chartres From Paris:

Take the train from Paris Montparnasse. Make sure you choose a direct train as the journey should only take about an hour. The Cathedral is within easy walking distance of the station. Book your train tickets here.

7. Paris Day Trips: Colmar

If you like charming fairytale villages then this is one of the best day trips from Paris for you! Colmar is a quaint village situated in the Alsace region of France. Wandering through Colmar is a bit like time-travelling. Lopsided, colourful, half-timbered medieval houses line the cobblestone streets. Boats slowly paddle along the canals which give Colmar its treasured nickname, Little Venice.

Read More | Everything You Need To Know About Colmar

How To Get To Colmar From Paris:

Take the train from the Gare de l’Est to Colmar. The duration of the train trip ranges from 2h and 45 minutes to 3h and 15 minutes, depending on the train selected. Head out early in the morning and return a bit later in the day to make the most of this day trip. Book your train tickets here.

8. Day Trips From Paris: D-Day Landing Beaches In Normandy

For WWII history buffs and those wanting to pay their respects, visiting the D-Day Beaches in Normandy is a mandatory day trip from Paris. Operation Overlord, the Allied Invasion of France, on June 6, 1944, changed the course of history.

For me, standing right there on the D-Day beaches and amidst the gravestones in the American and Commonwealth cemeteries, I came to a new level of appreciation and understanding of what transpired here.

Read More | How to Visit The D-Day Beaches in Normandy, France.

How To Get To The D-Day Beaches in Normandy From Paris:

This is one of those day trips from Paris that is difficult to do by train in a single day. It is best done by car or with an organized trip.

Guided Tours To The D Day Landing Beaches:

There are many organized day trips from Paris such as this one and this small group one. Interested specifically in the Canadian sites? This tour might be for you.

9. Paris Day Trips: Deauville And Trouville-sur-Mer

When a heatwave hits Paris in the summer, Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer are one of the best day trips from Paris to cool off! This easy day trip from Paris can be spent strolling the wide, sandy beaches, walking the famous boardwalks, or relaxing under a parasol.

These two towns sit side by side and it is easy to walk between them or take the little shuttle boat. Casinos and high-end shopping are more the style in Deauville, while the older village of Trouville-sur-Mer is more laid back.

Read More | Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer, Normandy: A Wonderful Day Trip from Paris

How To Get To Deauville And Trouville-sur-Mer From Paris:

From Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris, take the train to Deauville. There are some direct trains but most require a change in Lisieux.

The train arrives at the Gare de Trouville Deauville. As you exit the train station, follow the crowds to the left and you will arrive at Deauville Beach. Follow the people over the bridge to the right and your Paris day trip will begin in Trouville-sur-Mer. Book your train tickets here.

Guided Tours to the Deauville Area:

Book an organized tour to Deauville, Trouville and Honfleur HERE

10. Best Day Trips From Paris: Disneyland

Touted as one of the best day trips from Paris, I finally hopped on a train with some dear friends to immerse ourselves in a little Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is pure Disney. Mickey Mouse and Mary Poppins await you with all of your favourite Disney characters. The parade is awesome and the rides are fun, despite the long waits. This day trip from Paris is for the kid at heart, the true Disney fan, and families! Here are my best planning tips for the perfect day trip to Disneyland Paris.

Book In Advance:

Book your one-day ticket to Disneyland.

Book a multi-day ticket to Disneyland.

Book express tickets and shuttle transport from central Paris.

Best Day Trips From Paris: Getting To Disneyland Paris

Marne-La-Valée/ Chessny is your final destination when heading to Disneyland Paris by train. Take the RER A which can easily be found at metro stops Chatelet-les-Halles and Nation.

Pro Travel Tip: Purchase a metro ticket at the dispensing machine with the destination of Disneyland. If you are using the regular T1 metro tickets, it is not sufficient to get you to Disneyland.

11. Day Trip From Paris By Car: Domaine de Chaalis

The Domaine de Chaalis was an unexpected discovery en route to the lovely town of Senlis, France. At the Domaine de Chaalis, 40 km from Paris in the Oise, crumbling ruins of a Cistercian Abbey are a photographer’s dream along with a magnificent rose garden and ancient glorious frescoes in the tiny Sainte-Marie Chapel. Of course, the Domaine of Chaalis has an interesting history with royal beginnings founded in 1136 by Louis VI.

Check the official site for further information: Domaine de Chaalis

How To Get To The Domaine de Chaalis By Car:

This day trip from Paris is most easily accessed by car. Take the A1 and exit #7 in the direction of Saint-Witz and Ermenonville.

12. The Château de Fontainebleau

Castle lovers will adore the Château de Fontainebleau nestled in the Fontainebleau Forest. With its 800 years of French history this masterpiece of French architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect day trip from Paris. Wander through the magnificent rooms, admire the stunning Horseshoe Staircase and amble through the landscaped gardens.

Book your Priority Entrance Ticket.

Read More | What To See And Do At the Château de Fontainebleau

How To Get To the Château de Fontainebleau by Train:

From Gare de Lyon, find the TER (regional train) R. It is the pink line and you will see signs showing a pink square with an R in the middle.

The Paris Fontainebleau train trip takes 45 minutes from Paris-Gare de Lyon. Take the “Grandes Lignes” in the direction of Montargis, Montereau or Laroche-Migennes. Get off at the station Fontainebleau-Avon. Using the same ticket, take Bus #1 (direction: Les Lilas) and get off at “Château.”

Guided Day Tours From Paris:

Why not visit 2 castles in one day? This guided tour takes you to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le- Vicomte.

13. Best Paris Day Trips: Giverny

Giverny France is the perfect day trip from Paris. Giverny, the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet will take your breath away. The gardens that Monet created are a riot of colour in every season, except in the winter when the site is closed. The star of the show is Monet’s water lily ponds of which he painted over 250 canvasses entitled Water Lilies or in French, Les Nymphéas.

Read More | Giverny France: How To Spend the Perfect Day

How To Get To This Paris Day Trip In Giverny France:

From Paris, take the train from Gare Saint Lazare to Gare de Vernon, which is 6.5km (4 miles) from Giverny. It is a 55-minute train journey on a direct trip. Check schedules here.

Upon arrival take the shuttle that leaves the train station, Gare de Vernon, directly to Giverny. Buy your ticket onboard. Here is the schedule. Cost: 10€ return

Guided Tours to Giverny:

Book an Organized Tour for this half-day trip from Paris to Giverny here. You might prefer a small group tour or a private tour.

14. Best Paris Day Trips: Le Mans

Perhaps you have heard of the international sporting legend of the Le Mans 24 Hours Race which started in 1923. This major event motorsport event takes place in the entire city and the surrounding area with all the greatest car brands – Porsche, Ferrari, Peugeot, and Audi included! The 100th race event takes place June 10 and 11, 2023.

But, Le Mans is not only about car racing. This is one of the best day trips from Paris to walk through a charming medieval centre where cobbled streets are lined with more than 100 colourful half-timbered houses. Saint Julien’s Cathedral, one of the largest in France, is a beautiful combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Le Mans, steeped in history, has incredibly well-preserved Roman walls built in the 280s.

How To Get To Le Mans By Train:

From Gare Montparnasse, take a TGV (high-speed train) direct to Le Mans. The trip is approximately one hour. Book your train tickets here.

15. Best Day Trips From Paris: The Loire Valley Castles

Visiting the Loire Valley castles is best done over a longer period of time. But, if you are very eager to visit the popular Loire Valley, a day trip to see a castle is doable! The Château de Chenonceau, also known as the Ladies Castle, is an elegant and majestic castle that can be visited on a one-day trip from Paris. Buy your ticket in advance

Read More | The Best Of the Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau From Paris By Train: 

From Paris, trains leave from Gare Montparnasse to St-Pierre-des Corps, the station at Tours. Switch in Tours for the train to Chenonceaux. The train station in Chenonceaux is 0.6 miles (400 metres) from the castle entrance. Buy your train ticket here.

The TGV train trip from Paris to St-Pierre-des-Corps is one hour. The TER (regional train) from Tours to Chenonceaux is 25 minutes. When planning your visit, don’t forget to allow time for switching trains.

Best Guided Tours To The Loire Valley:

This best day trip from Paris includes 2 castles and a visit to the village of Blois. This organized day trip from Paris includes 3 Loire Valley Castles.

16. Best Day Trips From Paris: Mont-Saint-Michel

One of the most visited sites in France, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont-Saint-Michel is an unforgettable day trip from Paris. Leave early in the morning so that you have time to wander the village, visit the Abbey and join a tour to walk the seafloor when the tide is out.

Read More | How to plan the perfect trip to Mont-Saint-Michel

How To Get To This Paris Day Trip: Mont Saint Michel

Direct From Paris: Starting on December 20, 2024, a direct train line between Paris and Mont Saint-Michel will run every weekend year round connecting the capital to one of France’s UNESCO heritage sites.

Previously this line only operated in high season from spring until the end of September. Now travellers can enjoy a direct route to Pontorson station in the Manche department with a shuttle bus included to Mont Saint-Michel. The journey takes about 3 – 4 hours but with an early departure from Paris, it is very doable in a day trip.

Paris Montparnasse to Rennes: A day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel requires taking a train and a bus. Take a 90-minute TGV (high-speed)train to Rennes. Buses run at regular intervals from Rennes to Mont-Saint-Michel.

Paris Montparnasse to Dol-de-Bretagne: Another route is to take the train to Dol-de-Bretagne where the regional bus will take you to Pontorson to catch the shuttle to Mont-Saint-Michel. The train times vary, depending on how many stops there are. Check the train and bus schedules carefully when planning your day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel.

Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson: Take the train directly to Pontorson and then the shuttle from the station to Mont-Saint-Michel. The train to Pontorson usually requires a change in Rennes. Thus, you will have to decide whether to take the bus from Rennes or continue on to Pontorson by train. Book your train tickets here.

Guided Tours to Mont Saint Michel:

This full-day tour is guided and this is a small group tour to Mont-Saint-Michel.

17. Best Day Trips From Paris: Provins

Provins, France is one of the best day trips from Paris especially if you love preserved medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting Provins is like stepping back in time to the XI and XII centuries when it was a centre for trading fairs. Marvel at the fortified city walls, the ramparts and the half-timbered medieval buildings.

If you love medieval fairs, plan your day trip from Paris for the June festival in Provins!

Read More | How to spend the perfect day trip from Paris to Provins.

Day Trips From Paris: Getting To Provins

From the Gare de l’Est in Paris, take the Transilien P directly to Provins. The trip is about 90 minutes and costs about €11.

18. Best Day Trips From Paris: Strasbourg

What finally got me to do another one of the best day trips from Paris was the famous Christmas Market in Strasbourg, Christkindelmärik. France’s oldest Christmas market which started in 1570 has over 300 stalls set up in the city’s squares. The twinkling lights and Christmas decorations make for a magical experience.

But, Strasbourg is not only one of the best day trips from Paris during the Christmas season. Strasbourg, in the Alsace region, combines the best of France and Germany and its centre island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strasbourg boasts cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and a stunning cathedral. Stroll through the quaint area of La Petite France where half-timbered houses line the canals and three towers that date from the 1300s add to the charm.

Read More | What To Expect At The Strasbourg Christmas Market

Best Day Trips From Paris: Getting To Strasbourg

From Paris Gare de l’Est, take a TGV (high-speed train) direct to Strasbourg. The trip is just less than two hours. Book your train tickets here.

19. Best Day Trips From Paris: The Chateau de Versailles

Best days trips from Paris are just not complete without a journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace of Versailles. The lavish 2000-room Château de Versailles is beautifully maintained and the world-famous gardens and fountains are unforgettable. Be amazed by the Hall of Mirrors and wander through Marie Antoinette’s “Petit Trianon” past donkeys and chickens, rent a bicycle and investigate the expansive gardens or book a ticket to watch the musical fountain shows.

Read More | How to plan your day trip from Paris to Versailles.

How To Get To The Château of Versailles:

The most common way to get to Versailles from Paris is to take the RER C . Find the Metro station closest to you that has RER C trains. Take the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche and then walk 10 minutes to the château.

Guided Tours to Versailles:

Here are 7 organised day trips to the Château of Versailles. All include a skip-the-line ticket and each is a little different from the rest. Some include a bike ride from Paris (for the energetic traveller), others include a golf cart tour of the gardens, while others include lunch.

20. Best Day Trips From Paris: Veules-Les-Roses

If you have a car and a craving to spend a day in one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France head to Veules-Les-Roses in the Seine-Maritime region of Normandy.

Veules-les-Roses is a quaint village brimming with roses of all colours. The scent of roses mixed with the salty ocean air is the perfect combination to relax on this day trip from Paris. Add in the River Veules running past ancient mills, the oceanside beach, dramatic cliffs rising in the distance and, of course, a little French gastronomy. Dive into the French seafood favourites such as a platter of oysters or a steaming pot of mussels. You might wonder if a day is really long enough…

How To Get To Veules-Les-Roses By Car:

Veules-les-Roses is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Paris on the toll highway A13. Alternatively, take the A13 and D929.

21. Half-Day Trip to Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis, accessible by the Paris métro, is not really known as a tourist destination. It’s the perfect place for a half-day trip from Paris. If you are interested in French history and French monarchs, this is a great choice.

The Basilica of St-Denis is where the majority of the French Kings and Queens are buried.

Read More | How to Visit the Basilica of St-Denis.

How To Get To The Basilica of Saint-Denis:

• Métro, line 13, Basilique de Saint-Denis (the cathedral is a 2- minute walk from the exit)
• RER Line D, Saint-Denis

Which of these 21 best day trips from Paris is at the top of your bucket list? I hope you enjoy these day trips from Paris as much as I did.

Until next time,

Like This Post? Pin It For Later!