12 Magical Day Trips From Paris By Train Not To Miss

Are you looking for day trips from Paris by train I’ve got you covered. 

When I travel I never drive and I always try to see as much of the country as I can by train. So I’m the perfect person to guide you through day trips by train from Paris.

While there are endless things to do in Paris I love to get out of the city and explore further afield. Some of the best day trips from Paris in my opinion are Versailles, Rouen, and London. 

You will find traveling around France by train is an easy and affordable way to see the country.

This city is also a gateway to the rest of Europe with numerous unforgettable day trips from Paris to other countries just a train ride away. For example, Belgium and the United Kingdom are all easily reachable. 

So grab a drink and get comfy as I take you on a whirlwind tour of my favorite day trips from Paris France. 

If this is your first time in Paris, check out my tips for writing the perfect four days in Paris itinerary.

12 Magical Day Trips From Paris By Train Not To Miss

Versailles

A Paris day trip to Versailles is a must in my opinion and super easy.  It is about an hour-long, easy train ride on the RER C line to the Versailles-Rive Gauche stop. It is then just a short walk to the chateaux. 

I’ve seen many palaces and grand places but nothing compares to the Château de Versailles.  Dating back to 1661 the palace has 2,300 rooms and the estate has 1900+ acres. 

Grandeur doesn’t cover the inside, it’s all chandeliers, gold accents, and glorious paintings. I was mesmerized by this place and I’m sure you will be too. 

Book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting or disappointment and I highly suggest booking a tour as you learn so much. Leave enough room to explore the gardens too as the outside is just as ostentatious and beautiful as the inside. 

This is one of the best day tours from Paris France especially if you are not that used to foreign travel and are apprehensive as it’s so easy. 

Book Here: Versailles: Skip-the-Line Guided Palace Tour w/ Gardens

Giverny Is An Exciting Day Trip from Paris By Train

Giverny is an adorable town just outside of Paris, perfect if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

I found the journey here easy but you will have to also take a shuttle bus.

To get to Giverny, take an hour-long train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon. Just outside the Vernon train station, you will find a shuttle bus that will take you across the river to Giverny.

So why Giverny? Well not only is it perhaps the most adorable town I have ever seen but it is also the home of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet who moved here in 1883. 

The town looks like one big Monet painting. You can visit his house and see the garden that inspired his iconic water lily paintings.  Yes, it is as beautiful as you imagine it to be. 

Other things to do in Giverny include stopping by Monet’s grave, visiting the Museum of Impressionism Giverny, eating at the cafes, and checking out the many art galleries.

If you are a fan of Monet or art in general then this is one of the day trips from Paris that you really must take if you can. 

Book Here: Guided Tour Of Monet’s House and Garden

Rouen

I think Rouen is one of the best train day trips from Paris if you want to get a feel for France outside of the capital. It Is the main town in the Normandy region, full of streets with cute half-timbered houses. 

It’s most famous for the giant Gothic Rouen Cathedral which is the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.

Make sure you visit the Historial Joan d’Arc and St Joan of Arc’s Church to learn about this magnificent woman’s life, I found it fascinating. 

Other things to do include the Gros Horloge astronomical clock, the Jardin des Plantes, and many art and history museums.

This is one of the best Paris day trips to feel like you are experiencing a piece of France. 

It will take just over an hour to get there by train. Trains leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare station and are pretty regular as it is a commuter route. 

Book Here: Private Walking Tour Of Rouen

Auvers-sur-Oise

Auvers-sur-Oise is another day trip from Paris by train that I recommend. It’s especially good for anyone interested in small-town French life and art. 

Why art you might ask? This quaint village is where painter Vincent van Gogh spent his last 70 days before his death.

He thought it was ‘seriously beautiful’ and indeed many other painters have been drawn here too. 

In his time Van Gough created 70 paintings of this town and the surrounding countryside.

Around the town you will find references to places that he painted. You can also visit his grave and the room where he stayed. 

The Château d’Auvers and the Auvers Church are well worth a visit as are the art and history museums. 

Check out the gardens, photograph the Auvers Church, and visit some of the art and history museums.

You can get a direct train from Paris Gare du Nord and it will take about an hour. 

Book Here: Giverny and Van Gohgh’s Room in Auvers from Paris

Lyon

A day trip to Lyon from Paris is the perfect idea for your France vacation since it is only about two hours southeast of the city. I love Lyon it’s so full of history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

If you love history like me the ancient Gallo-Roman Theater and the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière should be on your list.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, and the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, are great art museums and I love them. 

 I also visited the Fourvière Basilica,  Lyon Cathedral, and the Musée Gadagne which I would highly recommend. And if you get time the river cruise is great. 

Lyon is also a great place to visit in France for foodies. There are a ton of delicious restaurants serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. This is a great Paris rail day trip that offers a little bit of everything. 

Book Here: Lyon: Guided Sightseeing Cruise

Chartres

Located about an hour and a half from the city, Chartres is one the best day tours from Paris if you love old buildings, churches, and museums.  

The Gothic-style Chartres Cathedral dating from 1252 is free to enter and very atmospheric, I could have spent all day in there, to be honest, the stained glass windows are incredible.  

After visiting the Cathedral I took a stroll along the Eure River. It’s stunning and the views of half-timbered houses and bridges were breathtaking.

I also suggest trying the local beer and the French crepes and macrons while here, they are delicious. 

The train departs from Gare Montparnasse and takes about one hour 20 mins.

Book Now: Private tour of Chartres town from Paris 

Chantilly

I’m such a fan of Chantilly. If you want to see a French chateau but think Versailles might be too busy for you then head to Chantilly.

The train journey can be a little more confusing than the more well-known Versailles but I think it is worth it. 

The picture-perfect Chantilly Castle sits on a beautiful estate with water features, orchards, gardens, and forests. Inside, you will be awed by the opulent rooms.

It also houses some of the country’s most prestigious art. 

The stables here are bigger than the house and are the home of the Living Horse Museum which I loved.

It teaches you about the relationship between horses and humans throughout history. There are also equestrian demonstrations.

Many movies have used the château as a filming location including the James Bond movie “A View to a Kill,” “Marie Antoinette,” and “The Gray Man.”

Now for getting here. You will need to get on the SNCF from Garde Du Nord to Chantilly.

The train station can be confusing so I suggest arriving early and getting your tickets in advance.

Please make sure you get on a train going to Chantilly it’s easy to make a mistake if you are unfamiliar with the station. 

Book Here: Chateau of Chantilly: Skip-the-Line Ticket

Reims Is One Of The Great Day Trips From Paris By Train

This is one of the day trips from Paris by train you will depart from Gare de Est station to Reims or Champagne-Ardenne.

At the time of writing, there are 7 direct trains a day. Get off at Reims as it’s just a 10-minute walk from the town.

Champagne-Ardenne while close by is about 5 miles away from the town but there are more regular trains there. 

The journey will take you between 30-45 minutes and before you know it you will be in what is known as  “Coronation City,”. Many kings had their coronation at the Reims Cathedral between 1027 and 1825. 

I found this an extremely photogenic city with the Saint-Remi Basilica, Palais du Tau, and Villa Demoiselle being my favorite destinations.

Book Here: A Guided Tour Of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Reims.

Bruges Is One OF The Coolest Day Trips From Paris By Train

Yes, a Paris to Bruges day trip is possible. If you fancy adding Belgium to your visited list you are in luck. It’s about two and a half hours away if you take the shorter route.  

I found Bruges a charming city cut through with canals and full of fairytale vibes.

My favorite thing I did was a cruise of the canal, the views were spectacular. If you would rather see the city from the sky, you can climb the 272-foot Belfry of Bruges. 

For art, visit the Groeninge Museum full of Flemish and Belgian paintings. Or for some relaxation, head to the tranquil Minnewaterpark. 

I spent most of my time simply walking around town and taking pictures of the incredible building. Of course while here you have to try some Belgian waffles and I also visited the chocolate museum. 

I’m not a beer drinker so I didn’t go for the Bruges Beer Experience but please feel free.

I know this is about day trips from Paris but if you can spend a night here as there is so much to see and do. 

Bruges is also one of the best weekend trips from Paris by train if you want to stay longer.

Book Here: Bruges: Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour

London

A Paris to London day trip is one of my favorite things to do but I often do it in reverse. The Eurostar train connects the two capital cities, transporting travelers under the English Channel. 

The journey takes about two hours and twenty minutes and is honestly so simple. You will leave from Gare du Nord and arrive at London’s St. Pancras Station.

From there, it is a short Underground trip to the city center or a short walk if that’s your thing.

You will be surprised how much you can accomplish during 1 day in London as there are so many things to do in London. My suggestion is to pick two or three must-visit!

A trip up the river is a great way to get to a lot of the main sights within a short period.

Most of these trips take in Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge. The London Eye is also great if you have a head for heights and walking along the River is always stunning.    

London has a ton of epic museums, many of which are free. These include the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Gallery.

If you plan on spending more time in London, check out my three days in London itinerary.

I’m not going to lie It’s a lot to do in a day and can be pretty exhausting but well worth it in my opinion. London is such a magnificent European capital city!

Book Here: London: London Eye, Big Bus, and Thames River Cruise

Fontainebleau

My obsession with French chateaus knows no bounds and the one at Fontainebleau is one of the largest.

Just an hour away from Paris, the town of Fontainebleau offers a charming day trip from Paris by train.

For me the one reason to go here is the Château de Fontainebleau, it’s lavish and served as a residence for French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III.  

But it isn’t just about the château. The town itself is charming, filled with winding streets, quaint bakeries, and lovely boutiques. And it’s all surrounded by forest.  

While here you also must try the region’s signature dessert the Fontainebleau. It is made from strained cottage cheese, cream, and meringue. I didn’t have one as I’m vegan but I’m told it’s delicious.

So, if you’re wondering what are the best day trips from Paris, I recommend putting Fontainebleau on your list. It is rich in history, art, food, and natural beauty, truly offering something for everyone.

The train takes about 30 mins. From   Paris Gare de Lyon take the train towards Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes, and get off at the Fontainebleau-Avon station.

You will then have a short bus ride to the chateau. 

Book Now: Fontainebleau Palace: Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour

Provins

Most people will tell you to take a Paris to Colmar trip and while Colmar is beautiful.

Provins is much closer and just as wonderful so that’s my choice. Colmar is a 2-and-a-half hour trip and Provins I hour twenty. 

Provins is one of those fairytale book towns full of medieval ramparts and towers. This UNESCO is an untouched beautiful preserved piece of history.  

My favorite things to do here are visit Ceasers Keep which has an incredible view from its tower, the Saint Jean’s Gate Ramparts which make you feel like you are stepping back in time, and the Medieval Tunnels.

I also loved the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church where Joan of Arc attended mass. 

This is one of the lesser-known day trips from Paris France but one of the best in my opinion. 

Packing Tips For Day Trips From Paris By Train

You will want to remain healthy while you travel to Paris and pack lightly to make your travels easier.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

If you have a pouch already, you may not want to or need to invest in a new one, like me. If it does not come with RFID protection, 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. It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

Don’t forget to bring along a universal power adapter on day trips from Paris by train!, this worldwide power plug is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

And the replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is at a premium. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your international travel. This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Paris in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals to wear to dinner or the local cafe, I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season. And here’s another option to consider:

We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you and add a bit of glamour.

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While these are some of the best day trips from Paris by train, there are so many more to discover.

Here are 15 other day trips from Paris to explore!