15 Best Day Trips From Paris, France

Are you looking for day trips from Paris?

The elegant boulevards, iconic architecture, beautiful parks, and delicious food make Paris such a magical city that it’s easy to say you won’t get enough of it even if you have a day or two to spare.

Maybe you’d rather spend long hours strolling in the Luxembourg Gardens, wandering around Louvre or hanging out at Shakespeare and Company; but France and its neighboring countries have so much to offer that there are several day trips from Paris that you can do as well.

Fairytale castles surrounded by water, dramatic Gothic churches, stunning seaside villages, important historical sites, gardens and vineyards, amazing beaches near Paris, and even chocolates to entice you to get out and explore.

Here’s a list of best day trips from Paris, France.

15 Best Day Trips From Paris, France

1. Versailles

Chateau de Versailles sounds like a given when you’re in Paris, but there are countless reasons why people flock here. Stay for a day, and you’ll never run out of things to do in Versailles.

Situated on the western side of Paris, Versailles is a significant place for several historical events. The château was formerly a hunting lodge built by Louis XII and nowadays it holds the Museum of France’s history.

Less than an hour from the capital, make sure you include Versailles when planning your Paris day trips. Here you can walk around the grounds, rent a bike, or even better, a golf cart.

Explore the huge palace and gardens and experience some of the most opulent interiors and intricate gardens in the world.

Make sure you visit the Hall of Mirrors, the stunning opera house, and the new court of scents where you can learn all about perfumes and their history.

Versailles also has a great food market with a variety of options like wine, fish, fruits, cheeses and so much more to spend some time at, and where you can get lunch dinner, or snacks when you get hungry from exploring.

Opening Hours

Castle
Open every day except on Mondays,
25 December and 1 January
Opening times: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm
Last admission: 5 pm
Ticket office closes at 4.50 pm

Domaine de Trianon
Open every day except on Mondays,
25 December and 1 January
Opening Times: 12.00 pm – 5.30 pm
Last admission: 5.00 pm
Ticket office closes at 4.50 pm

Gardens
Every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Galerie des Carrosses
from 12:30 to 18:30
closed on Mondays

Admission Fee

Palace ticket -18 €

The Palace ticket includes the admission to:
the Palace (with the audioguide)
the temporary exhibitions held in the Palace
the Gardens (except on Musical Fountain Shows or Musical Gardens days) and the Park
the Coach Gallery

Passport Tickets:

This ticket gives access to the whole area of ​​Versailles and Trianon.

20 € -Without Musical Fountain Shows or Musical Gardens

27 €-With Musical Fountain Shows or Musical Gardens

Access to the Palace of Versailles and the estate of Trianon is free for everyone below 18 years old, residents of the European Union below 26 years old, teachers in French schools, people with disabilities, and one accompanying person.

Contact Information

Address: Place d’Armes  78000 Versailles France

Phone:01 30 83 78 00 

To book, click here. 

2. Giverny

Located just 80 kilometers to the west of France, the village of Giverny was the home of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. The village and its surroundings inspired many of Monet’s paintings so if you love art, a visit to Giverny is a Paris day trip that you must experience.

In this tiny village is Monet’s home, now known as the Claude Monet Museum, where much of his belongings and how the rooms were arranged were pretty much untouched.

This is also where you can see the elaborate gardens, the iconic Japanese Garden, which has the famous water lily ponds and Japanese Bridge. Giverny is also home to the Musée des Impressionnismes where you can discover more about the Impressionist painters.

3. Loire Valley Castles

Known as the “Garden of France”, and only two to three hours from Paris, Loire Valley is an area known for its opulent castles of the ancient nobility of France.

It is one of the prettiest day tours from Paris if you want that feeling of being in a completely different world or era.

Loire Valley is also known for its architectural heritage and historic towns such as Amboise, Montsoreau, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours, and particularly for its stunning châteaux.

Two castles you must visit are Chateau Chambord (often referred to as the “Beauty and the Beast” castle) and Chateau de Chenonceau (from the movie “Ever After”). Go in and wander around, marvel at its details both inside and outside on the grounds and in the gardens.

Aside from the castles, Loire Valley is also known for its wineries, many of which offer tours for wine tasting.

To book, click here.

4. Mont Saint Michel

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most stunning places you’ll ever see during a Paris day trip Mont Saint-Michel is surely worth the few hours train ride and the hike.

From afar, Mont St Michel is a picture-perfect mound, surrounded by a wall, covered in a grey-roofed medieval village and topped with a dramatic gothic abbey.

Its main attraction is the spectacular Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel, which sits on the peak of the rocky island, completely surrounded by its medieval town.

To fully appreciate and explore Mont Saint-Michel though, make sure you enter through the original gates.  Walkthrough the main street as it winds around the island up and past souvenir shops and restaurants.

Stop and visit the small but interesting historical and maritime museums then continue up and wander through the narrow corridors of the abbey.

Still, one of the best parts about the visit to Mont Saint-Michel is the view from afar so stay until sunset and nightfall to see the lights twinkling, making the place look like something out of a medieval fairytale.

Mont Saint-Michel is also one of the most beautiful towns in France. 

Opening Hours

The abbey is open every day except the 1st of January, the 1st of May and the 25th of December.
2 May to 31 August: 9 am to 7 pm, last admission at 6 pm.
1 September to 30 April: 9.30 am to 6 pm, last admission at 5 pm.

Admission Fee

Prices for 4 museums
Adults from 25 years old: 18 €
Adults between 18 and 25 years old: 12€
Under 18 years old: Free of charge

Prices for 2 museums (valid during winter closure)
Adults from 25 years old: 12€
Adults between 18 and 25 years old: 9€
Under 18 years old: Free of charge

1 museum
Adults from 18 years old: 9 €
Adults between 18 and 25 years old: 4 €
Under 18 years old Free of

Groups

Prices for 4 museums: Adults from 18 years old: 9 €
Less than 18 years old: Free of charge
Prices for 2 museums: Adults from 18 years old: 6 €
Less than 18 years old: Free of charge
1 museum: Adults from 18 years old: 4 €
Less than 18 years old: Free of charge

Contact Information

Address: Michel Normandy Boulevard de l’Avance 50170

Phone:02 33 89 80 00

Email: tourisme.lemontsaintmichel@msm-normandie.fr

To book, click here.

5. Great Stables of Prince de Conde and Palace Chantilly

Located in Rue du Connétable and built in the middle of the waters, is the Chantilly Estate. It is around 7800 hectares of forest and only 25 minutes away from the French capital, making it an ideal day tour from Paris if you want to venture into something unusual.

The Chantilly Estate has the castle, the Condé museum, the park, the Grandes Ecuries, and the Musée du Cheval. Take a tour inside the Chateau de Chantilly, built by Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of Louis-Philippe, the last king of France.

The Chateau de Chantilly is a well-known French château and it houses the Musée Condé, one of the finest art galleries in France which own the second biggest collection of ancient paintings after the Louvre.

The Grandes Ecuries hold the Musée du Cheval and horse shows where you can watch the country’s most famous racers, get lost in a fascinating history lesson about the estate’s culture, architecture, cuisine and more.

Outside in the huge grounds, enjoy a stunning view of the gardens, and make sure you enjoy a delicious meal at the Chantilly Domain, and sample some delicious goat’s cheese.

Opening Hours

High season
From March 30, 2019, to October 27, 2019, inclusive
Open 7/7 including holidays
10h-18h / 20h for the park

Exceptional closure :
Wednesday, July 17, 2019: the entire Domaine de Chantilly is closed to the public. Thursday, July 18, 2019: Les Grandes Ecuries, the exhibition Joconde Nue at the Jeu de Paume and the English Garden will not be open to the public.

Low season
From October 28th, 2019 to March 27th, 2020 included
Every day except Tuesday
10h30-17h / 18h for the park

Annual closure :
From January 06 to January 24, 2020

Admission Fee

Park
Adult – €8
Children from 7-17yrs old- €6
Children under 7- Free

Domain
Adult – €17
Children from 7-17yrs old- €13.50
Children under 7- Free

Equestrian Show
Adult – €21
Children from 7-17yrs – €17
Children under 3years- Free

Domain Equestrian Show

Adult – €30
Children from 7-17yrs – €24
Children under 3years- Free

Domain Family Ticket
Adult /Children from 7-17yrs – €48
Children under 7years- Free

Contact Information

Address: 7 rue du Connétable 60500 Chantilly

Phone: +33(0)344273180

To book, click here.

6. Rouen and Honfleur

Both a haven for painters and artists from all around the world, a visit to Honfleur and Rouen is one the best day tours from Paris that’s bound to have you snapping pictures at every turn.

Close to each other and within a few hours from the capital, both Places are regarded as some of the prettiest places in France.

Honfleur’s major attraction is the LeVieux Bassin (Pord de Honfleur), and the port itself is surrounded by rows of colorful 17th and 18th-century narrow houses that provide a perfect backdrop for hundreds of picture-perfect scenery.

It is also home to delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine, pretty cobblestone streets, and impressive architecture.

While in Honfleur, make sure you visit the famous Saint Catherine’s Church, Saint-Leonard’s Church, Notre-Dame de Grace, Normandy Bridge, and the amazing Jardin des Personalities.

Rouen is a charming town in the Normandy region of France, and on the train ride going here, way you’ll pass through the gorgeous countryside of the Seine Valley.

Here you’ll find brightly colored half-timbered buildings, a gorgeous cathedral, and a fancy astronomical clock tower. Rouen is also home to the site of Saint  Joan of Arc’s execution and La Tour Jeanne d’Arc, the tower where she was held.

Like Honfleur, Rouen was a source of inspiration for many known French artists, including Pissarro and Monet. A must-see is the Museum of Fine Arts considered as one of the best of its kind in the region.

To book click here.

7. Normandy

Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a history nut or simply into setting out into something different and memorable during a day trip from Paris, Normandy is the perfect place to explore.

Only a few hours by rail from the French capital, the entire area of Normandy, located north-west of Paris, is rural and scenic, and visiting the D-Day beaches is something that will stay with you even after you’ve left the place.

Apart from being the site of the infamous D Day landings, Normandy is also a picturesque place for a day out, despite its poignant history.

Make sure you visit the Arromanches’ artificial harbor, Colleville-sur-Mer’s American military century, Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc for a full understanding of the events of the war.

Walk around the extensive Memorial de Caen which explores the history behind D Day and the Second World War.

Both moving and beautiful, a visit to Normandy is definitely something worth considering when you wish to venture out of Paris for a day.

To book, click here.

8. Colmar day tour from Paris

There are several things to do in Colmar, France. Located in North-Eastern France,  on the border with Germany, is the fairytale French town of Colmar. It’s also right in the heart of France’s Alsace region, known for its vineyards and fine wines.

If only for its scenic beauty,  Colmar should be part of any French getaway.

Go walk along cobblestone streets, cruise the canals, or admire the colorful half-timbered houses. And do not forget to sample some Alsace wine. It is also one of the best day trips from Paris.

9. The Chateau de Fontainebleau

The Chateau de Fontainebleau is one of the many sites in France that is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage.

It is one of the most captivating destinations in Royal France, and travelers can reach it in between forty minutes to one hour. It served as the official palace of the Kings of France for eight centuries.

The Chateau de Fontainebleau is surrounded by Forests and a 130-hectare parkland, so tourists can enjoy the refreshing scenery of chateau.

In 1528, the original medieval château was renovated into an Italian-style palace, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. François I ordered the renovation.

The best Italian artisans and artists were commissioned to work on the chateau, which is why the interior is so remarkable and has been able to be maintained for the past decades.

Visiting the Château de Fontainebleau will allow tourists to have an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of approximately 30,000 pieces of art collection from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Seeing the Château de Fontainebleau with the naked eyes feels like being part of a movie. It has 1,500 rooms, all of which have a classical-inspired decor.

The palace’s ambiance, interior, and architecture will let tourists travel back in time. Tourists can also enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities because of the vast parkland that the castle has.

Activities like boating and riding in horse-drawn carriages are available for tourists to enjoy.

To book click here.

10. Senlis

Located north-northeast of Paris lies a small town called Senlis. The small village is only around 50 kilometers away from Paris and is a popular destination for tourists interested in history and religion.

The small town is rich in medieval buildings, such as The Cathedral of Notre Dame. Its Gothic styles make it a unique cathedral in France. From the 3rd century to 1790, Senlis was an important religious city since many medieval churches could be found there.

Tourists can also take pictures and be inspired by the picturesque surroundings of Senlis. The Gallo-Roman walls, as well as the remains of the outer ring of medieval walls, can also be found there.

Since Senlis has developed into a residential area, particularly for people who work in Paris, tourists can take a stroll through the neighborhood and observe the day-to-day activities of the locals who live there.

11. Bruges

Bruges is also known as the ‘Venice of the North’ located in the medieval town of Belgium. Upon seeing the Bruges’ architecture, streets, and canals, tourists will feel that they are in the medieval era.

Its history and important structures are preserved up to this day. It is widely regarded as the ‘Venice of the North’ because of its waterways that played an important part in the trading port of Belgium from the 12th to 15th centuries.

A 2.5-hour train ride from Paris to Bruges will take tourists into an unforgettable and memorable experience.

Since the town is surrounded by elegant cathedrals and art museums, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy visiting a large number of remarkable buildings.

Bruges is home to a number of small boutiques where tourists can try some of the world-famous Belgian chocolates. 

To book click here.

12.Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis

Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is one of the most convenient day trips from Paris as it is only 10 kilometers away from the city.

The creation of the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is often regarded as the moment when Gothic art started. It is a significant piece of Gothic art that strongly emphasizes the symbolism of divinity and light.

In the 13th century, under the reign of Saint Louis, it was only the time the cathedral was completely built. The cathedral features a high-vaulted nave and sublime stained-glass windows.

Visiting the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis will allow tourists to appreciate the beauty of religious architecture. Together with its history, they will gain knowledge of the reason behind the construction of the cathedral.

In fact, the cathedral serves as the final resting place of the forty three kings and thirty two queens of France.

But the main reason behind the cathedral’s construction is Saint-Denis. The location of the cathedral is said to be the place where the saint wants to be buried. So, in the 5th century, a church was built on the spot to commemorate the saint’s passing.

While inside the cathedral, tourists will experience a sense of peace and serenity as they take in the unique Gothic art of the cathedral.

13. Champagne Region

A trip to the Champagne region is the place where wine enthusiasts should make time for.

The well-known wine region in the north-eastern corner of France may be reached from Paris in about 39 minutes by tourists who are interested in seeing the winemaking process first-hand. Champagne region has a wide production of sparkling white wine, which is why it was named after it.

There are many interesting places to go and see in the region, such as the Moet and Chandon cellars, where tourists can have a grasp on the rich history of the Champagne region.

The royal city of Reims is yet another wonderful destination for tourists. It is considered the unofficial capital of Champagne and has been home to various French kings throughout history.

In addition, tourists can take in the breathtaking architecture and cathedrals of the region. Ham is another local specialty that tourists must try while they are there.

To book click here.

14. Chartres

Those who are into gothic art and architecture will definitely appreciate the beauty of Chartres. For only one hour drive away from Paris, tourists can enjoy the spectacular buildings of the area. Chartres is rich with historical monuments like cathedrals.

One of the well-known cathedrals in Chartres is the Notre-Dame cathedral. It is a UNESCO world heritage site that is remarkable due to the fact that aside from its architecture, its stained-glass windows have been maintained and preserved over the years.

But tourists can travel from early April to the holiday season to witness the town’s nighttime light show. Tourists can bring together their kids and family to enjoy the creative and vibrant colors of the show.

Aside from the rich history of Chartres, it also has a vibrant culture and tradition. Every Sunday afternoon of July and August, free concerts are held because the town hosts the “Grand Prix de Chartres” (International Organ Festival). Tourists can also witness the talents of the locals during the festival.

15. Auvers-sur-Oise

Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the favorite sceneries that influential artists love to paint. The village is described by Vincent van Gogh as ‘Seriously Beautiful .’But anyone can agree to van Gogh since a lot of mesmerizing sites are located in the village.

This includes the Romanesque church, Eglise Notre-Dame d’Auvers which was made popularized by Vincent van Gogh. Gogh included the Eglise Notre-Dame d’Auvers in his painting  L’Eglise d’Auvers-sur-Oise, vue du chevet.

Tourists can also walk around the village and visit the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny. They can have a visit to this public museum and explore the beauty of Daubigny’s work along with the works of his friends Corot, Daumier, Dechaume, and Oudinot. As a result, it is highly recommended to spend the day at Auvers-sur-Oise.

To book, click here.

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