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Day trips from Paris are almost always on the traveller’s radar. One can easily fill day upon day exploring Paris, especially if one chooses to flâner, but Paris is the perfect base for investigating further afield. And, oh, what discoveries there are to be had!
Most of the following day trips from Paris can be reached by train, but not all. Some are these selected Paris day trips are close to the city and others are more of a concerted travel effort. All are fabulous destinations and, of course, the list will be expanded over time.
14 Wonderful Day Trips From Paris
1. Paris Day Trips: Auvers-sur-Oise
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.
Many artists painted in Auvers-sur-Oise and the town has laid out an Artists’ Pathway to follow. Reproductions of paintings are displayed where the artists stood and created their masterpieces.
Read More: Here are all the details on 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. Usually, there is a direct train from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise on weekends and holidays from April to the end of October. It was not running in the summer of 2020 due to Covid-19. Hopefully, it will be running in the summer of 2021.
Book a Tour: 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 a delightful Paris day trip. 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.
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! Buildings were restored, tram lines were added as part of a grand plan to return Bordeaux to its former glory.
Bordeaux has 350 buildings recognized as historical monuments and 3 Unesco World Heritage sites. Stroll past cathedrals, ancient gates to the city, along the Garonne River banks and see the largest water mirror in the world. Try visiting a vineyard and sampling the world famous wine.
Read More: Here are all the details on what to do in Bordeaux.
Plan Your Day Trip From Paris: A Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour in Bordeaux might be fun or this Wine and Walking Tour.
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. Buy your train tickets here.
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 of Paris. 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 his original paintings hang here there are many reproductions to study and enjoy.
Picnic or 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. It feels like you have travelled far from Paris to the countryside on this day trip.
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. Day Trips From Paris: Chartres
I first visited Chartres, 91 km southwest of Paris, many moons ago and was pleased to revisit on a day trip in the summer of 2020. The massive Notre-Dame Cathedral 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. I went especially to walk the labyrinth but access was restricted due to Covid-19.
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.
6. Paris Day Trips: Colmar
Colmar is a fairytale 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 canal, called Little Venice, and red geraniums flourish at every turn. Add in a 13th-century convent housing the famous Issenheim Altarpiece and the fact that Bartholdi, who designed the Eiffel Tower, was born in Colmar, this Paris day trip will suit everyone in the group!
Read More: Everything you need to know about dreamy 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.
7. Day Trips From Paris: D-Day Beaches In Normandy
Visiting the D-Day Beaches in Normandy is a top priority for many travellers. Operation Overload, 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. 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.
8. Paris Day Trips: Deauville And Trouville-sur-Mer
Feeling like the perfect seaside get away from Paris? When a heatwave hits Paris in the summer, Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer are a top choice for a day trip. This easy day trip from Paris can be spent strolling the wide, sandy beaches, walking the famous boardwalks, or relaxing under a parasol. Yes, you can rent one of these colourful beach umbrellas on the beach at Deauville. Equally colourful and fun parasols are available on the Trouville Beach. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and go for a swim!
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. Both offer fabulous dining experiences.
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 Paris, head to Gare Saint-Lazare from where all the trains going to Normandy leave.
There are some direct trains to Deauville, but many require a change of train in Lisieux. This is an easy change. Follow the crowds over the bridge to another platform. The second train is often ready to board or there is a short wait until it arrives.
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 the Deauville Beach. Follow the people over the bridge to the right and your Paris day trip will begin in Trouville-sur-Mer.
Book an organized tour to Deauville, Trouville and Honfleur HERE
9. Day Trip From Paris: 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.
The Chateau on the property houses art works from the collection of Nellie Jacquemart-André. If that name sounds familiar, there is a museum in Paris of the same name.
Check the official site for further information: Domaine de Chaalis
How To Get To The Domaine de Chaalis From Paris:
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.
10. Best Paris Day Trips: Giverny
Giverny France is the perfect day trip from Paris, just a short train trip away. 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 the winter when the site is closed. The star of the show are Monet’s water lily ponds of which he painted over 250 canvasses entitles 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
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.
11. Normandy Day Trip: Mont-Saint-Michel
One of the most visited sites in France, Mont-Saint-Michel is an unforgettable day trip from Paris. Really, Mont-Saint-Michel has to be seen to be believed. Leave early in the morning so that you have time to wander the village, visit the Abbey and also find a tour to walk the seafloor when the tide is out. Mont-Saint-Michel is witness to some of the most powerful tides in Europe so do not attempt a hike on the seabed on your own.
Read More: Find out all the details about how to plan the perfect trip to Mont-Saint-Michel
How To Get To This Paris Day Trip: Mont-Saint-Michel
Paris Montparnasse to Rennes: A day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel requires taking a train and a bus. Take the train to Rennes. From Rennes take the BlaBlaBus (used to be OuiBus) to Mont-Saint-Michel. They advertise this route but at the time of writing it is not available, most likely due to Coronavirus.
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 a Tour to Mont-Saint-Michel: This full-day tour is guided and this is a small group tour to Mont-Saint-Michel.
12. Day Trips From Paris: Provins
Provins, France is a wonderful day trip from Paris. If you love medieval villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then Provins will tick some boxes for you. 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.
Read More: Here is 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.
13. Best Day Trips From Paris: The Chateau de Versailles
Days trips from Paris are just not complete without a journey to the Palace of Versailles. Steeped in history, the Palace of Versailles was France’s royal residence for over 100 years until the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. At the end of WWI European leaders signed the Treaty of Versailles in the Hall of Mirrors.
The lavish 2000-room Palace is beautifully maintained and the world-famous gardens and fountains unforgettable. Wander through Marie Antoinette’s “Petit Trianon” past donkeys and chickens, rent a bicycle or golf cart to really investigate the expansive gardens and book a ticket to watch the musical fountain shows. Plan this day trip from Paris as a full day’s adventure.
The Chateau is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Check the official Chateau de Versailles site for further information.
How To Get To This Popular Day Trip From Paris: The Palace of Versailles
Versailles is easily accessible by train or car.
There are quite a few ways to get to Versailles by train. The most common way to get to Versailles from Paris is to take the RER C . Find the Metro station closest to you that also has RER C trains. Take the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. There are several train stations in Versailles so it is important to make sure you buy a ticket and get on the correct platform for this destination.
TIP: When buying the ticket to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche, you do not need to buy separate tickets for the Metro and RER.
Once you walk out of the station, Versailles Château Rive Gauche, there is a Starbucks and an ATM directly across from the station. Cross the street and turn right towards the traffic light. Then turn left onto Avenue de Paris and the palace is straight ahead. It is about a ten to fifteen-minute walk to the Chateau from the station.
Another way to get to Versailles: from Paris Saint-Lazare take the train L. This time your destination is Versailles Rive Droite. You will arrive on the other side of the Chateau with a ten-minute walk to the Chateau.
Guided Tours to Versailles: This skip the line tour includes lunch and this one is a small group tour.
14. Normandy Day Trip: 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. En route, you may want to stop at La Roche-Guyon. It is the closest Plus Beaux Village de France to Paris. There are 159 villages with the designation of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Keep them on your radar.
Read More: Les Plus Beaux Villages in France – The Low Down on 12.
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…
Read More: Normandy is an incredible region of France to explore. Here are 19 top things to do in Normandy.
How To Get To This Normandy Day Trip: Veules-les-Roses
You’ll need a car for a day trip from Paris to Veules-les-Roses. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular Normandy scenery. It is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Paris to Veules-les Roses along the toll highway A13. Alternately, take the A13 and D929.
Which day trip from Paris tops your bucket list?
Tell me what fabulous day trips from Paris you have done!
Until next time,
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I want to do ALL these day trips, but Mont-Saint-Michel it #1 on my list!!!
Mont-St-Michel is unbelievable! You will love it!