20 Best Day Trips from Paris: 2025 Guide

If you’re visiting Paris and want to explore beyond the city, there are some really incredible options to explore. France is home to rich history and diverse regions that all offer completely different food, wines, history, and landscapes to explore.

During our trips to France over the years, we have explored several regions around Paris extending up to the North of the country. We did these trips with our young kids, but they are suitable for anyone. If you’re staying in Paris and still need to book accommodations, be sure to also check out this post.

Here is a breakdown of the best day trips from Paris that are accessible by train!

20 Best Day Trips from Paris

France is well-connected with public transportation, including high speed trains. When planning routes for a day trip, I use google maps or Rome 2 Rio to find the best routes. Here are the 20 best options for day trips from Paris.

Castles and Palaces

1. Versailles

20 km/30 minutes away via train

Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, being only about a 30 minute direct train ride from the city on the RER train line. Versailles is a small city of a population of about 80,000 people, and home to the famous Versailles Palace.

There are a number of ways to explore the Versailles Palace. Most people that visit enter through the main palace and explore from there.

If you want to check out the entire property, there are bike tours available which I highly recommend! On our last trip we did this, and it was a highlight of our trip. The company provided bike trailers for the kids and brought us to the market in Versailles which was a destination in and of itself. The market spans several blocks, and has everything you need to grab a picnic for the day.

The tour brought us around the perimeter of the property, stopping to explain the history of the property and the French Royalty that lived there. The tour ended with “skip the line” tickets to enter the Palace itself. They also have an Angelina Cafe in site, so you can enjoy some of their famous hot chocolate while you’re there!

🚲 Book your Versailles bike tour HERE

2. Château de Fontainebleau

55 km/40 minutes by train

Château de Fontainebleau is located about 55 km (34 miles) southeast of Paris. It’s easily accessible by train, with the journey taking approximately 40 minutes from Gare de Lyon station in Paris to Fontainebleau-Avon station. From there, you can take a short bus ride or a 5-10 minute taxi to reach the château.

The château itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest French royal châteaux. Visitors can explore the opulent state apartments, the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase, and the beautiful gardens. The château also houses several museums, including the Napoleon I Museum and the Chinese Museum. Don’t miss the stunning Gallery of Francis I and the Throne Room. The surrounding forest of Fontainebleau offers opportunities for hiking and rock climbing for those interested in outdoor activities.

It’s recommended to allocate at least half a day to fully appreciate the château and its grounds. Guided tours are available and can provide deeper insights into the rich history of this royal residence, which has hosted French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III.

🏰 Book your Château De Fontainebleau day trip HERE

3. Château de Chantilly

🚉 55 km/25 minutes by train

Château de Chantilly is located about 55 km (34 miles) north of Paris. It’s easily accessible by train, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes from Gare du Nord station in Paris to Chantilly-Gouvieux station. From there, it’s a short walk or shuttle ride to the château.

The château is renowned for its magnificent architecture, stunning art collection, and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the opulent state apartments, the impressive art gallery (Musée Condé), and the famous Horse Museum. The château’s grounds include meticulously manicured French gardens and the Great Stables, which house equestrian shows.

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the famous Chantilly cream, said to have been invented here. The château also offers various activities for children, making it a great destination for families. Plan to spend at least half a day here to fully appreciate the château and its surroundings.

🏰 Book your Château De Chantilly tour HERE

4. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (55 km)

55 km/25 minutes by train

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is located about 55 km (34 miles) southeast of Paris. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes by train from Gare de l’Est to Verneuil l’Etang, followed by a shuttle bus to the château.

This 17th-century château is a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture and landscaping. Visitors can explore the lavishly decorated interiors, including the Grand Salon and the King’s Chamber. The formal gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, are a highlight and offer beautiful views of the château.

A unique feature of Vaux-le-Vicomte is its candlelit evenings, held every Saturday from May to October. During these events, the château and gardens are illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere. Audio guides are available to enhance your visit, and there’s also a museum dedicated to the château’s history and restoration.

🏰 Book your Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte day trip HERE

Fairytale Towns & Villages

5. Giverny and Monet’s Garden

75 km/45 minutes by train

Giverny is located approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) west of Paris, making it an ideal day trip destination. The journey takes about 45 minutes by train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Vernon-Giverny, followed by a short shuttle bus ride or a 4-kilometer walk to the village.

The main attraction in Giverny is Claude Monet’s house and gardens, where the famous Impressionist painter lived and worked for 43 years. Visitors can explore the colorful flower gardens that inspired many of Monet’s masterpieces, including the iconic water lily pond with its Japanese bridge.

Monet’s home is popular and can get crowded, so try to plan on a weekday and get a “skip the line” ticket to save time.

🖼️ Book your Giverny Tour to Monet’s home HERE

6. Provins

90 km/80 minutes by train

Provins is a medieval town located about 90 kilometers (56 miles) southeast of Paris. It’s easily accessible by train, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Gare de l’Est station in Paris.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and fortifications. Visitors can explore the ancient ramparts, climb the César Tower for panoramic views, and wander through the charming cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses.

One of the highlights of Provins is its medieval shows, particularly the falconry demonstrations. These shows offer a glimpse into medieval life and entertainment, featuring birds of prey in action. The town also hosts various medieval festivals throughout the year, bringing history to life with costumed performers, traditional crafts, and period music.

A day trip to Provins offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and medieval culture, making it an excellent choice for those looking to step back in time just a short distance from Paris.

🦅 Book your Provins day trip HERE

7. Barbizon

60 km/80 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car

Barbizon is a charming village located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Paris. It’s easily accessible by train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon, followed by a short bus ride or taxi to the village.

Known as the ‘Village of Painters,’ Barbizon gained fame in the 19th century as the home of the Barbizon school of painters, including Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau. These artists were drawn to the village’s rustic charm and proximity to the Fontainebleau Forest, which became a major source of inspiration for their landscape paintings.

Visitors can explore the Barbizon School Museum, housed in the former inn where many of the artists stayed. The museum showcases works by Barbizon painters and provides insight into their lives and artistic techniques. Walking through the village, you’ll find plaques marking the homes and studios of famous artists, giving you a sense of the area’s rich artistic history.

A day trip to Barbizon offers a perfect blend of art history, natural beauty, and French village charm. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the bustle of Paris and immerse themselves in the landscapes that inspired some of France’s most renowned painters.

🎨 Book your Barbizon day trip HERE

8. Auvers-sur-Oise

35 km/40 minutes by train

Auvers-sur-Oise is a charming village located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) northwest of Paris. It’s easily accessible by train, with the journey taking approximately 40 minutes from Gare du Nord station.

This picturesque village is famous for being the final home of Vincent van Gogh and the place where he spent his last 70 days painting some of his most renowned works. Visitors can explore the Auberge Ravoux, also known as the ‘House of Van Gogh,’ where the artist lived and died.

The village offers a unique ‘Van Gogh trail’ that allows visitors to walk in the artist’s footsteps and see the landscapes that inspired his paintings. The Absinthe Museum and the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, which features in one of Van Gogh’s famous paintings, are also worth visiting.

A day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise offers a perfect blend of art history, natural beauty, and French village charm. It’s an ideal destination for art enthusiasts and those looking to escape the bustle of Paris for a day.

🎨 Book your Auvers-sur-Oise day trip from Paris HERE

9. Senlis

50 km/80 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car

Senlis is a picturesque medieval town located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Paris. It’s easily accessible by train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux, followed by a short bus ride to Senlis.

This charming town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including parts of its ancient Gallo-Roman walls. Visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful half-timbered houses, giving a sense of stepping back in time.

The highlight of Senlis is its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame de Senlis, which dates back to the 12th century. Other notable sites include the Senlis Museum, housed in the former bishop’s palace, which showcases the town’s rich history from Roman times to the present day.

A day trip to Senlis offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and French small-town charm. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to experience a quieter, more authentic side of France just a short distance from the bustle of Paris.

10. Mont Saint-Michel

360 km/3-4 hours by car or train

Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most recognizable landmarks. Located about 360 km west of Paris, it’s a long day trip but doable with early departure and late return.

This can also be an overnight trip, staying in the nearby town of Pontorson, or staying in one of the 7 hotels on the island.

This medieval abbey sits atop a rocky island, surrounded by a bay known for its dramatic tides. Entrance to the Abbey is near the top, where you have to pay admission and have the option to buy a guided audio tour, which we did and I highly recommend! They offer them in a variety of languages including English.

The journey takes a total about 4 hours each way by train or car. Guided tours from Paris are available, which can make the logistics easier. If possible, time your visit to see the abbey at high tide when it appears to float on the water at high tide.

Mont Saint Michel is a little touristy, but totally worth it to explore this bucket list destination. Be prepared for a lot of stairs if you plan on making it all the way to the top!

🏰 Book your Mont St Michel tour HERE

Wine and Gastronomy

11. Reims

145 km/45 minutes by train

Reims, located about 145 kilometers (90 miles) northeast of Paris, is the unofficial capital of France’s Champagne region. It’s easily reached by high-speed TGV train from Gare de l’Est in just 45 minutes, making it one of the most convenient day trips from the capital.

This elegant city is steeped in history, most notably as the traditional coronation site for French kings. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dazzles with its Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows.

Beyond its royal heritage, Reims is synonymous with Champagne. The city is home to several world-renowned Champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery, many of which offer guided tours through their chalk cellars and tastings of their cuvées, which the region is known for.

🥂 Book your Reims day trip HERE

12. Épernay

140 km/1 hour 15 minutes by train

Épernay lies about 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of Paris and is often considered the heart of Champagne country. You can reach it in about 1 hour 15 minutes by train from Gare de l’Est or by car through the scenic vineyards of the Marne Valley.

The highlight of Épernay is Avenue de Champagne, a stately boulevard lined with grand 19th-century mansions housing prestigious Champagne producers like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. Beneath the avenue stretch over 100 kilometers of chalk tunnels where millions of bottles age quietly.

Visitors can tour these legendary houses, sample their signature blends, and stroll through charming streets surrounded by rolling vineyards. Don’t miss the Champagne Museum (Musée du Vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie Régionale), which offers fascinating insights into the history and craft behind France’s most celebrated sparkling wine.

🍷 Book your Epernay wine tasting tour HERE

13. Chablis

175 km/2 hours by car

Chablis, located about 175 kilometers (110 miles) southeast of Paris, is the white wine capital of Burgundy. It’s best reached by car in around two hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful countryside and vine-covered hills along the way.

This charming wine village is world-famous for its crisp, mineral-rich Chardonnay wines, cultivated in limestone-rich soils that give Chablis its distinctive character. Visitors can explore family-run wineries and cellars, where tastings often take place right in the winemaker’s home or vineyard.

In the village itself, cobbled streets, stone houses, and cozy restaurants create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Collégiale Saint-Martin, a beautiful Gothic church, and the small Obédiencerie, where monks first made wine in the Middle Ages, are worth a visit.

🍷 Book your Chablis day trip HERE

14. Chartres

90 km/1 hour by train

Famous Chartres, located about 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Paris, is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from the city. Trains from Gare Montparnasse reach Chartres in about an hour, making it ideal for a quick getaway.

The town is best known for the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Its intricate stained-glass windows — some dating back to the 12th century — bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of color.

Beyond the cathedral, Chartres offers a charming old town filled with half-timbered houses, riverside paths, and local markets. Visitors can enjoy regional specialties such as Chartres pâté or almond macarons, and in summer, the Chartres en Lumières festival transforms the town’s buildings into vibrant light displays.

🏰 Book your Chartes day trip HERE

Nature & Adventure

15. Parc Astérix

35 km/1 hour by train or 35 minutes by car

Parc Astérix is an amusement park located about 35 kilometers north of Paris, easily accessible by car or shuttle bus. It’s based on the popular French comic book series ‘Astérix’ and offers a unique, French-themed alternative to Disneyland Paris.

The park features a mix of thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and shows based on Gaulish, Roman, and Ancient Greek themes. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the wooden roller coaster ‘Tonnerre de Zeus’ (Thunder of Zeus), the inverted coaster ‘OzIris’, and the splash ride ‘Le Grand Splatch’.

One of the park’s highlights is its commitment to French culture and humor, with many attractions and shows featuring French language and cultural references. This makes it an excellent choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in French popular culture while enjoying a day of fun and excitement.

Parc Astérix is generally less crowded than Disneyland Paris, which can mean shorter queue times for attractions. The park is open from April to early November, with exact dates varying by year. It’s advisable to check the park’s official website for current opening times and to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season and holidays.

🚗 Book private transportation to Parc Asterix HERE

16. Disneyland Paris

40 km/30 minutes by train

Disney Paris is a great option if you’re traveling with kids. I wrote more about Disney Paris in this post! The RER A line goes directly from the city to the gates of the park in about 30 minutes.

🏰 Grab your Disneyland Paris tickets HERE!

17. Fontainebleau

70 km/40 minutes by train and taxi or bus

Just beyond the edge of the vast Fontainebleau Forest lies the elegant town of Fontainebleau, located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Paris. It’s easily reached by train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon in around 40 minutes, followed by a short bus or walk into town.

Fontainebleau is best known for its spectacular Château de Fontainebleau, one of the largest and most beautifully preserved royal palaces in France. Once home to kings, emperors, and artists, the château features grand galleries, ornate apartments, and sweeping formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors or stroll through the surrounding parklands, which seamlessly blend into the forest beyond.

The town itself is charming and relaxed, with boutique shops, local cafés, and weekend markets giving it a welcoming, small-town feel. After visiting the château, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a terrace restaurant or browse artisan shops along the cobbled streets.

🏰 Book your Fontainebleau trip HERE

18. Amboise

225 km/2 hours 15 min by train

Amboise, located in the Loire Valley about 225 km southwest of Paris, is famous for being the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. The Château d’Amboise, a royal residence turned museum, dominates the town and offers beautiful views of the Loire River.

The little medieval town of Amboise is fun to explore, and Chateau d’Amboise is walking distance from Clos Luce, making it an easy way to spend a day.

The highlight for many visitors is Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. This manor house features exhibitions of da Vinci’s work, including models of his inventions. The gardens are particularly lovely, showcasing full-size replicas of some of his designs, which kids can interact with and play on!

Amboise can be reached by train from Paris Austerlitz station in about 2 hours. While it’s possible as a day trip, consider combining it with other Loire Valley attractions for a more comprehensive experience.

🖼️ Book your Amboise day trip from Paris HERE!

Culture and History

19. Rouen

135 km/1 hour 15 minutes by train

Rouen, located about 135 kilometers (84 miles) northwest of Paris, is the historic capital of Normandy. It’s easily accessible by train from Gare Saint-Lazare, with the journey taking just over 1 hour 15 minutes.

Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Rouen is known for its Gothic churches, medieval streets, and rich history. The stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, immortalized by Claude Monet in a famous series of paintings, dominates the skyline. Nearby, the Gros-Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock, arches gracefully over one of the city’s most picturesque streets.

Rouen also bears deep historical significance as the site where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431. The Historial Jeanne d’Arc museum offers a comprehensive look at her life and legacy.

🏰 Book your Rouen day trip HERE

20. Normandy D-Day Beaches

280 km/2-3 hours by car

Normandy’s D-Day beaches are a powerful and moving day trip from Paris, offering visitors a chance to explore the sites of one of World War II’s most significant operations. Located about 280 km northwest of Paris, these historic beaches can be reached in about 2-3 hours by car or train.

Key sites to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, with its rows of white crosses overlooking Omaha Beach, is particularly poignant. The Caen Memorial Museum provides an excellent overview of World War II and the Normandy landings.

While it’s possible to visit as a day trip, consider staying overnight to fully appreciate the area. Guided tours are available from Paris, offering transportation and expert commentary, which can be beneficial given the historical significance and spread-out nature of the sites.

🇫🇷 Book your Normandy D-Day beaches day trip HERE

FAQ

What is the Best Day Trip from Paris?

This completely depends on what you’re looking for! France is incredibly diverse in its landscapes, things to do, gastronomy, and more.

Personally, we love to travel a little slower with kids and stay within about 1 hour for travel time and plan everything else as a weekend trip or additional leg in our itinerary!

What is the Most Beautiful Train Ride from Paris?

This is another highly subjective question, and personally I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. Regardless of which direction you go, you will get to enjoy scenic French countryside which is always beautiful in my opinion.

What cities are two hours from Paris?

This depends on how you choose to travel! If you choose to travel by train, the top choices from this list include: Versailles, Château de Fontainebleau, Chateau de Chantilly, Fountainbleau, and Chartres!

Take Aways

There is an incredible amount of history, beauty, gastronomy, and wine to enjoy in any given region of France. We have explored several areas of the country, and I always love to see the big differences in cuisine, culture, art, and nature. If you visit France, be sure to not limit yourself to one place and explore some of these area with a day trip (or two) from Paris!