Are you searching for the best day trips from Paris by train? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
As someone who has visited Paris and loves the destination, I can help you plan your trip to make the most of your time here.
Is this your first time in Paris? If yes, then you are in for a treat!
There are so many fun things to do in Paris that you can easily take an entire week exploring around here.
But if you have a little more time, there are amazing day trips from Paris France to explore.
From a day enjoying the rides in Disneyland Paris to taking postcard-worthy photos in Loire Valley, there are many beautiful 1 day trips from Paris to take.
Are you overwhelmed about which places to visit near Paris? Then, keep reading my list of the 16 Best Day Trips from Paris For Your Bucket List!
Best Day Trips From Paris: 16 For Your Bucket List!
Top Day Trips From Paris In Under One Hour
The Palace And Gardens Of Versaille
If you are looking for the best places to visit from Paris, then the Palace and Gardens of Versailles should be on your list!
It is just 12 miles (20 km) from Paris and easily reachable. You can take a train or drive to visit this place.
I loved the Palace of Versailles as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has a rich history and looks beautiful!
It was the main royal residence of French Kings from 1682 until 1789. During and after the French Revolution, many of the palace’s furnishings were lost or stolen.
Thankfully, many of the items have been restored and returned so, you can view them.
A few places that I would recommend you check out here are the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera, and the stunning Gardens of Versailles.
This is one of the best day tours from Paris that you cannot miss.
Tickets Here: Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket
Tickets Here: Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace with Gardens Access
Disneyland Paris
If you don’t plan a Paris day trip to Disneyland, your trip is incomplete.
It is 20 miles (32 km) from the city center and one of the best day trips from Paris.
Did you know it was the second Disney-related park to open outside the United States? How cool, right?
One of the most unusual things to do in Paris, this mega-entertainment complex features two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Studios Park.
You have a lot of shopping and dining options here and a golf course for playing too.
If you are planning a day trip by train from Paris, then Disneyland Paris is perfect!
Tickets Here: Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
Tickets Here: Disneyland Paris Multi-Day Entrance Ticket
Fontainbleau
One of the best 1 day trips from Paris France is to the Fontainebleau, a 40-minute train ride from the city.
This small city is famous because of the grand Chateau de Fontainebleau. What I loved about the palace is that a few parts of the palace date back to the 1100s.
It was built for royalty and looks gorgeous from both inside and outside.
The palace has a rich history and you can also see the room where Napolean signed his abdication letter. and Marie Antoinette’s boudoir.
If you have 2 days in Paris I recommend including this in your Paris itinerary!
Check Prices: Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris
Check Prices: Fontainebleau Palace: Skip-the-Line Small-Group Guided Tour
Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Another of the best day tours from Paris is the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
It is just one hour by car and has a rich history to explore.
This French Baroque chateau is the largest private French chateau, at over 1,000 acres including its lavish gardens, and makes for one of the best day trips from Paris!
I won’t spoil the fun for you but let’s say that the history of this palace is quite intriguing so you cannot miss it.
Check Prices: From Paris: Chateau de Fontainebleau & Vaux-Le-Vicomte Tour
Check Prices: Vaux le Vicomte Chateau Entry Ticket and Chateaubus Transfer
Parc Asterix
Do you love roller-coaster rides? If yes, one of the best places to visit from Paris is the Parc Asterix.
This amusement park is based on the French comic book Asterix and makes for a great day trip in France.
If you are traveling with family, this is one of the best day trips from Paris France.
Apart from roller coasters, this amusement park also has other fun things to do here such as river rafting and fun events during holidays.
Tickets Here: Paris: Parc Astérix Full-Day Entrance Ticket
Tickets Here: Parc Astérix: Private Transfer from or to Paris
Top Day Trips From Paris Between One To Two Hours
Giverny And Claude Monet’s Garden
If you have 4 days in Paris, I would recommend planning a Paris day trip to Giverny to visit Claude Monet’s Garden.
Claude Monet, who founded the Impressionist movement (my favorite!) lived in Giverney for over forty-three years. Until he died in the 1920s.
His famous home and spectacular gardens are where he produced his most famous water lily paintings.
His garden, his house, and his village of Giverny are still very popular with artists.
Trust me, if you visit this place near Paris in the spring and summer, you will find the flowers blooming making it look magical.
Tickets here: From Paris: Giverny and Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip
Tickets here: Giverny: Monet’s House and Gardens Guided Tour
Reims For The Champagne
Are you a champagne lover?
If yes, one of the best places to visit near Paris is Reims.
You will find many of the world-renowned champagne houses here that offer cellar tours and tastings.
It is just 80 miles from Paris and a perfect addition if you have just 3 days in Paris!
An interesting fact I know about this place is that the French Gothic Cathedral Notre Dame here hosted the coronations of the French monarchy for over one thousand years.
This is why Reims is still referred to as the “Coronation City.”
So, if you love champagne, this is one of the best day trips from Paris to Reims!
Look here: From Reims: Champagne and Family-Run Wineries Tour
Look here: Reims: Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims
Epernay
Another one of the top places to visit from Paris for champagne and wine lovers is Epernay.
You can find the world-renowned French wine and champagne house, Moet & Chandon, the makers of Dom Perignon here.
This is why one of the best things to do in Epernay is to take a guided tour of the winery and sip the finished product!
Later, I recommend a stroll along the Avenue de Champagne for a perfect French lunch and discover the other champagne houses in town.
Since it is less than two hours from Paris, Epernay makes one of the best day trips from Paris France.
Tickets here: Epernay: Guided Tour of Champagne Cellar with Tastings
Tickets here: Epernay: Tethered Balloon Experience
Chantilly
One of my favorite and the best day tours from Paris is to Chantilly.
This quaint historic French town is about one hour northeast of Paris and can be reached by car or train in less than an hour.
The main attraction is the Chateau de Chantilly, a medieval Renaissance castle from the seventeenth century.
There is a large collection of paintings from masters such as Botticelli and Raphael. The elaborate French-style gardens span 284 acres and are magnificent.
The horse stables house a museum dedicated to horses.
Located next to the stables is the Church of Notre Dame du Chantilly.
Protected as one of France’s Historical Monuments, this architectural masterpiece of the late 1600s deserves your attention.
Did you know that sweetened whipped cream as we know it, originated in Chantilly? Make sure to take a minute to indulge while you are in town!
It was a fun Paris day trip in France and I cannot recommend it enough.
Tickets here: Paris: Chateau of Chantilly Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
Tickets here: Great Stables of Prince de Conde & Palace Chantilly
Loire Valley
If you love castles, vineyards, and orchards, one of the best day trips from Paris is to Loire Valley.
The Loire Valley is about 300 square miles and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
You can reach this region by driving or by the metro. A car drive will be a pinch over two hours. The metro will take less time at about 1 to 1.5 hours.
One popular castle to search out is Chateau Chambord (the inspiration for the Beauty and the Beast castle.) Or Chateau Chenonceau (from the movie Ever After.)
You will discover wineries throughout the region that would be a lovely spot for lunch or dinner.
This is one of the best day tours from Paris to enjoy.
Tickets here: From Paris: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip With Wine Tasting
Tickets Here: From Paris: Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour
Chartres
If you are looking for cities near Paris for a day trip, then Chartres is a good choice.
It takes around 1.5 hours to reach this city that is famous for its cathedral.
Chartres Cathedral is a Gothic-inspired cathedral constructed in the 1200s and features blue stained glass windows, even after all these years!
When I toured this medieval cathedral, I also came across the remnant of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s veil.
Another great place that I liked here was The Bishop’s Palace Garden for lunch with a glass of wine.
I recommend you not miss the “Chartres en Luminerie” between April and October after sunset. It is a light show on the exterior of the church and is stunning.
Since Chartres is located close, it happens to be one of the best day trips from Paris for history lovers!
Tickets here: Private tour of Chartres town from Paris
Top Day Trips From Paris Over Two Hours
Mont-Saint Michele
If you have 5 days in Paris, one place you shouldn’t miss on a Paris day trip is Mont-Saint Michel.
This island is around half a mile from France’s northwestern coast and is a popular day trip from Paris.
What I find extremely fascinating about this place is that it has only a few inhabitants mostly monks and nuns of the Abby.
This is why one of the best things to do in Mont-Saint Michele is to visit the Abby which was once used as a prison but is now home to the monks.
The entire area, Mont Saint-Michel, and its bay are listed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The abbey has been a French Historical Monument since the 1800s.
When planning your day trips from Paris to Mont-Saint Michele, your arrival depends on the tides.
So, check the tide forecast and decide whether to drive or take a train to reach this island. It will take you 4 hours either way.
Tickets here: Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris
Tickets here: Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
London, England
If you visiting Paris for a while, don’t forget to travel to London!
You can take a flight or a train ride to reach London city and easily plan a Paris London tour.
My family and I made the trip and it was fantastic, on the Eurostar.
London is a dazzling city, and the capital and largest city of Great Britain.
There are beautiful places to visit in London such as Big Ben, London Bridge, Kensington Palace, and more.
If you can spend only 1 day in London, do so, especially if you love castles and UNESCO heritage sites.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Greenwich Prime Meridian which is 0 degrees longitude and begins dividing the earth east-west, as the equator does north-south. (How cool is that?)
Trust me, London is one of the best day trips from Paris France.
Tickets Here: London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Tour
Tickets Here: London: Experience the Changing of The Guard
Brussels, Belgium
If you wish to cover more countries on your Euro trip, you can also plan a day trip from Paris France to Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium is located about 190 miles from Paris and is an easily doable Paris day trip by car or train.
There are many things to do in Brussels such as the Grand Palace, King’s House, Town Hall, and more.
If you want a quintessential city experience, don’t forget to look for Manneken Pis – a bronze statue of a young boy urinating into the basin of the fountain.
It is said to represent the people of Brussels’s sense of humor and independent thinking!
Honestly, there is no shortage of cool places to visit in Brussels.
You can visit the spherical Atomium, first created for the 1958 Brussels World Expo where it was the main pavilion and symbol. Today it is part of a museum complex.
Or you can catch a show at the ornate opera house, The Royal Theatre of La Monnaie.
Whatever you choose, I can assure you this is one of the best day trips from Paris you cannot miss!
Tickets here: Brussels: Walking Tour with Belgian Lunch, Chocolate, & Beer
Tickets here: Brussels: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Alsace
Another one of the best places to visit from Paris on a day tour is the Alsace region bordering Germany and Switzerland.
Since the border has changed over the years alternating between French and German control, the region is heavily influenced by both countries.
This is the major beer-producing region in France and is home to the most picturesque towns.
Whether it is food, culture, or beautiful castles, Alsace has it all and is one of the best day trips from Paris by train.
Look here: The 4 Wonders of Alsace Day Tour from Colmar
Look here: From Strasbourg: Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip
Luxembourg City
One of the best day trips from Paris by train is to Luxembourg City.
It is one of the smallest countries in the European Union and is famous for its fortresses.
Since it is one of the closest cities near Paris to visit, you can easily spend a day doing fun things in Luxembourg City.
Visit the museums, explore the royal palace, and enjoy local food.
Trust me, one of the best day trips from Paris to Luxembourg City is something you cannot miss.
Check Prices: Luxembourg: Guided City Walking Tour with Wine Tastings
Check Prices: Luxembourg: Nature, History and Castles Full-Day Tour
Where to Stay in Paris
Grand Hôtel Amelot – If you are looking for the best places to visit in Paris, book a stay at Grand Hotel Amelot in the 11th district.
It is close to the metro and offers direct access to Opera Garnier and the Eiffel Tower.
O.Lysée Hotel – Another great hotel to book in Paris is O.Lysée Hotel in the 8th district.
This 3-star hotel offers all the amenities and is close to most attractions.
You can easily visit places in Paris such as Orsay Museum, Musée de l’Orangerie, Arc de Triomphe, etc.
La Belle Ville – A beautiful property in the 19th district, La Belle Ville is a 4-star property perfect for families and couples looking for a luxury stay.
The rooms are spacious and a few even offer a private terrace.
Packing Tips
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
these RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from.
This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.
These Skechers Arch Fit Unify are extremely affordable walking shoes.
These Skechers Go Walk Joy sneakers do not need to be laced up and come in colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in fashionable lens colors and frame designs.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
this world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices simultaneously.
If you need new luggage, this expandable soft-side spinner luggage is affordable.
If you like hard-sided better, you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.
Both sets come with TSA-approved zipper locks and 8 wheels per piece.
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Vegan In Paris: 5 Things You Need To Know
Stean
What a great article about Paris. i love every detail. well elaborated indeed. this is a must read before travelling to France. Thank you
Linda Malys Yore
Thanks so much!
Mertie
What can I say, I love the history and sights of Paris. Having been there 4 times, the last time being 20 years ago, I think that I have seen about everything that I have wanted to. I don’t think that any new history will just pop up! First love was Notre Dame. of which, my friend and I climbed all the steps up to the top of the Bell Tower. To see the Gargoyles up close was memorable. The devastation that occurred during the fire was horrific. Second love was Versailles, where we used the services of a tour guide and learned so much more information and facts. According to the guide, it was where the word “puce” originated! Lastly the Eiffel Tower- a whole lot of steps too (before the elevator system starts). I have a very big fear of heights and I went back to the ground immediately where I was asked by almost every English speaking tourist if I would take their picture! I have to also throw in a few generalized dislikes like getting ripped off by a Metro ticket assistant, on our first night. We don’t like French food so we ate Italian food the whole trip as we knew what marinara sauce was. On 3 of my 4 trips I ended up with a case of “tourista” from their food. Wet areas of pavement wherever two walls meet to form a corner or even in the doorways of smaller hotels ( the ones without doormen ) or vehicle tires. The Seine river in the “City of Love” is also dark green with an odorous waft of air floating in the disguise of a cool breeze. All in all, it does deserve a visit or two or three or four as history is everywhere.
Linda Malys Yore
Hey Mertie – I do not see Sainte Chappelle on your list. Next time you go to Paris, I highly suggest you visit, if you haven’t already. It is literally around the corner from Notre Dame.