12 Unforgettable Day Trips from Paris You’ll Wish You Discovered Earlier

Paris has something for everyone in the form of fairy-tale castles, charming villages, illuminated lights, timeless places and kid-friendly attractions.

Are you making preparations to go for a quick adventure in the form of day trips from Paris? If, yes, you have landed to the right place.

Paris is a dreamland destination for vacationers, couples, families and solo travelers and this is because of it’s unbelievable magical beauty, delicious local beauty, historical & cultural significance.

Without any wait, let’s go ahead and start our blog post by mentioning unusual day trips from Paris.

How to Choose the Perfect Day Trips from Paris?

When planning a day trip from Paris, there are some things that you need to keep in mind for your peace. Here’s how to choose the perfect destination based on your preferences.

Distance & Travel Time

If you prefer shorter trips under 1 hour by train, you can go to:

• Versailles
• Giverny
• Fontainebleau
• Disneyland Paris

For medium-distance trips under 1-2 hours, choose:

• Loire Valley
• Rouen
• Reims
• Château de Chantilly

For longer journeys of more than 2 hours by train, go to:

• Mont Saint-Michel
• Étretat
• Luxembourg City

Interest Based Choices

Based on your personal interest, pick better destination.

• Versailles Palace, Fontainebleau, Loire Valley, and Château de Chantilly are best if you want to explore history and castles.
• For arts & culture, you can go to Giverny (Monet’s Garden), Rouen, Reims (Gothic Cathedral & Joan of Arc sites).
• For winery & food taste, Reims & Épernay is a champagne region, Loire valley is perfect for vineyard testing and Rouen for Normand cuisine.
• To explore nature & scenic beauty, Étretat for beautiful cliffs, Mont Saint-Michel for island beauty and Giverny for formal gardens.
• If you wish to travel with kids, Disneyland Paris, Parc Asterix and Château de Chantill are kid or family-friendly attractions.

Transport Options

Train: This is suitable for fastest and convenient day trip like when traveling to Versailles, Giverny, Reims, Rouen.

Car Rental: Car renting options are ideal for Loire Valley, Mont Saint-Michel, and countryside tours.

Expert Guides Tours: Best for travelers who want to know about historical and cultural significance of each stop.

Beach Day Trips from Paris

1. Deauville & Trouville

Or Normandy, Deauville & Trouville are twin coastal towns which features a perfect combination of elegance, relaxation and seaside charm.

Also, this is known as the “Parisian Riviera,”. Deauville is a beautiful beach destination filled with luxury boutiques, grand hotels, and a famous boardwalk. Across the river, you will find Trouville which comes with laid-back vibe, best seafood and stylish streets.

Best Things to Do

• Relax on Deauville beach
• Stroll the famous boardwalk
• Must try fresh seafood
• Visit the Casino Barrière
• Explore Villa Strassburger

How to Get There?

By Train: Train takes only 2 hours to get to Trouville-Deauville which starts from Gare Saint-Lazare.

By Car: Via A13 highway, you can easily get there with scenic 2-hour drive.

Best Time to Visit

• Late spring to early autumn is the ideal time if you have plenty of time.

Pro Tip

• If you visit in September, do not forget to attend Deauville American Film Festival.

2. Étretat

Want to explore France’s most beautiful coastal destinations? Go to Étretat for maximized fun and enjoyment. The beautiful seaside views, white chalk cliffs and natural rock arches urge visitors to visit this destination frequently. You can get there via train, bus and car.

If you love hiking, nature photography, and want to explore beautiful coastal landscapes, look no further than Étretat.

Best Things to Do

• Hike the Famous Cliffs
• See the Natural Rock Arches
• Visit the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Relax on the Pebble Beach
• Explore the Jardins d’Étretat
• Try Fresh Seafood

How to Get There?

By Train & Bus: You can take a train from Paris to Le Havre which takes 2 hours and then bus to Étretat which takes 40 minutes to get to your destination.

By Car: Via car, you have to complete 2.5-hour drive on the highway.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring and summer is the best time to go.

Pro Tip

• Wear comfortable shoes in case of hiking.
• Reach right before sunset to enjoy sunset views.

Day Trips from Paris by Train

3. Versailles

Do you know that Versailles is a UNESCO world heritage site? Yes, this place is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also represents the famous symbol of monarchy and opulence. For history and culture enthusiasts, this place is truly a hidden gem.

The grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors and Marie Antoinette’s Estate offers a glimpse into royal life. Also, you will find more than 800 hectares of manicured gardens, fountains, and sculptures in Marie Antoinette.

Best Things to Do

• Explore the Palace of Versailles
• Wander Through the Gardens
• Visit the Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon
• Go to Marie Antoinette’s Queen’s Hamlet  

How to Get There?

By Train: Catch the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche train station and it only takes 30 minutes.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring & summer is the ideal time as this time is best for garden walks.

Pro Tip

• It is recommended to visit during weekdays and avoid weekends.

4. Giverny

Giverny is home to Claude Monet and his beautiful gardens. This village is just 45 minutes away from Paris, making it ideal for art deco lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Claude Monet is a legendary professional painter. His Water Lilies series is one of his impressive paintings, which inspire many tourists every day.

A day trip to this beautiful Persian paradise comes with a combination of art, history, and culture that is hard to describe in words. When you explore it for the first time, you will feel surprised.

Best Things to Do

• Explore Monet’s House & Gardens
• Visit the Museum of Impressionism
• Stroll Through the Charming Village
• Enjoy a Meal at a Local Café

How to Get There?

By Train: The SNCF train lines goes here so take this train from Gare Saint-Lazare and reach only in 45 minutes. You can reach Vermon and from this stop, take a shuttle bus to get to Giverny in only 15 minutes.

Best Time to Visit

• April to October is the best time when natural beauty is at its peak.

Pro Tip

• Start your trip in the early morning to get here on time.

Day Trips from Paris in Winter

5. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is known as the “Christmas capital” with winter wonderland activities. For winter trips from Paris, this Christmas destination is one of the best options to go for. During Christmas time, Strasbourg is filled with half-timbered houses, a festive atmosphere, and beautiful lights.

It is located in the Alsace region where you can find the culture of two major nations i.e., German and French. This place will provide a unique experience to those tourists who want to explore cultural things.

Best Things to Do

• Explore the Strasbourg Christmas Markets
• Visit the Beautiful Strasbourg, a magnificent Cathedral
• Wander Through Petite France
• Wine tasting & Cuisine

How to Get There?

By Train: From Paris Gare de l’Est, you can take the TGV high-speed train which takes 1 hour 45 min to reach to final destination.

Best Time to Visit

• For Christmas, you can go during December but January & February comes with fewer crowds.

Pro Tip

• If you want to go during the holiday season, book train tickets in advance.

6. Château de Chantilly

Château de Chantilly is a fairytale castle that looks more beautiful and magical in winter. If you are one who wants to go for a quieter winter experience where everything is covered in snow with surrounding rich history and beautiful gardens, this place is for you.

For food lovers, one special thing about this place is that this is a birthplace of Chantilly cream, a must-try sweet dish for food lovers and other tourists.

Best Things to Do

• Visit the Musée Condé to see impressive paintings.
• Stroll through the winter gardens.
• Go to the Great Stables & Horse Museum.
• Do not forget to try Chantilly Cream & French Pastries.

How to Get There?

• Take TER train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux within a 25-minute ride distance. From the station, it is located just 20 minutes away so you can walk or take a shuttle ride.

Best Time to Visit

• December to February because crowds are fewer during that time.

Pro Tip

• Pack warm clothing as the winter is chilly and harsh.

Day Trips from Paris to Other Countries

7. Brussels, Belgium

For the perfect European getaway experience, there is no other international Paris trip than going to Brussels in Belgium. This exciting day trip from Paris will welcome you with delicious cuisine, famous landmarks, and amazing things to do.

It only takes 1.5 hours via train to get there and is best for those who want to explore any other country in a single day. Belgian waffles, chocolates, and the Grand Place are not-to skip things.

Best Things to Do

• Go to Grand Place to witness beautiful artwork.
• Stop at Maison Dandoy to taste Belgian waffles and chocolates.
• See the Iconic Manneken Pis, a small and famous statue.
• Enjoy a Belgian Beer Tasting with more than 1,500 varieties.

How to Get There?

By Train: From Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi Station, you can travel by train, and from the station, you can pick up a taxi to get to the city center.

Best Time to Visit

• You can visit at any time of the year.

Pro Tip

• Wear comfortable shoes as most of the streets are cobbled.

8. London, United Kingdom

Who doesn’t want to visit the city of lights?  Absolutely no one. With the Eurostar high-speed train, it becomes quite easy to explore the streets of London and it roughly takes 2 hours to get to London from Paris. London is not only the city of lights but also food scenes are cultural activities are worth attending.

A single day is enough to see London from totally unique perspective in the form of British food, world-class museums, and famous landmarks.

Best Things to Do

• Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the guard changing ceremony.
• Go to Parliament Square where you will find beautiful parliament houses.
• Explore the Tower of London & Tower Bridge.
• Try original classic British Food like fish, chips, and English breakfast.

How to Get There?

By Train: Via Eurostar Train, you can get to London, UK from Paris in just 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit

• Avoid visiting during the holiday season because of excessive crowds.

Pro Tip

• If you have an Oyster Card, use it to avail contactless payment option.

Day Trips from Paris by Car

9. Loire Valley

Loire Valley is a beautiful valley that welcomes a lot of tourists every year because of its beauty. This valley is known as the “Garden of France” and is famous for having castles, medieval towns, and beautiful scenery.

By taking a road trip from Paris by car, you have the freedom to explore multiple châteaux and picturesque landscapes. If you are one who loves history with fabulous architecture, this is for you.

Best Things to Do

• Visit the famous Château de Chambord to see lavish halls and a forested park.
• Explore the famous ladies’ castle named “Fairytale Château de Chenonceau”.
• The Loire Valley tour will be incomplete without wine tasting.
• Stroll through charming villages of the valley.

How to Get There?

By Car: Via the A10 motorway, you can drive your car or rental car to reach Loire Valley and it only takes 2 hours.

Pro Tip

• Start your trip early to enjoy most of your experience.
• Bring clothes and comfortable shoes with you to accommodate the needs of different weather conditions.

10. Normandy

Normandy is a region where rich history and fabulous architecture comes from so it would be unfair to visit this region, especially for history lovers. The World War II history made here and this region is famous for stunning coastal views along with some notable landmarks.

When you go on a road trip to Normandy, you can expect to see beautiful seaside towns, amazing cliffs, and natural historical sites. Whether you want to explore history or just want to drive, this city is perfect spot for tourists.

Best Things to Do

• Mont Saint-Michel is a crown jewel landmark so must visit this place.
• Visit the D-Day Landing Beaches to learn about World War 2 history.
• Creamy cheeses, apple cider, and fresh seafood are famous cuisines, must taste these.
• A Honfleur is a beautiful port town which is equipped with half-timbered houses and an old fishing port.

How to Get There?

By Car: It normally takes 2 hours to reach Honfleur on the D-Day Beaches when driving on the A13 motorway.

Pro Tips

• Dress in layers as temperatures frequently change within no time.
• Drive a car carefully and do not drive without a driving permit license.

Day Trips from Paris with Kids

11. Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is a magical adventure for the whole family, especially kids. Disneyland Paris trip is filled with famous characters, beautiful rides, and renowned attractions.

For Disney lovers of all ages, Disneyland Paris is a must-visit attraction and it only takes 40-45 minutes via car or direct train to get there.

Imagine your kid meeting Mickey Mouse and exploring Sleeping Beauty’s castle, this tour is a worth-rewarding experience for the whole family.

Best Things to Do

• Explore the most beautiful Disney castle named Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant.
• Enjoy family-friendly rides with the whole family.
• Meet Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, etc.
• Do not skip to watch the beautiful Disney fireworks.

How to Get There?

By Train: From Paris to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, take a RER A train in just 40 minutes.

By Car: From central Paris, you can start your journey by taking a car ride.

Pro Tips

• Purchase tickets in advance to book your slots.
• Do not go during the holiday season when crowds are bigger.

12. Thoiry ZooSafari

Thoiry ZooSafari is a wild adventure just outside Paris. If your kids love animals and adventure, go here with your kids and the whole family.

Unlike other traditional zoos, you can drive your car between animal enclosures with full safety and precautionary measures.

Thoiry offers a perfect combination of wildlife encounters, fun activities, and interactive learning experiences for children of all ages. A must-visit place for any family.

Best Things to Do

• Go on a safari adventure and get up close to different animals.
• Visit the walking zoo where you can find tigers, leopards, red pandas, and lemurs.
• Go for a safari air park adventure.
• In the petting zoo, get close to different animals.

How to Get There?

By Public Transportation:  From Paris Montparnasse to Villiers–Neauphle–Pontchartrain station, you can take a train. Afterward, pick up a shuttle bus for convenient access.

Pro Tips

• Visit in the early morning as this time is perfect for wildlife spotting.
• To enjoy a good view of animals during the safari, bring binoculars.

Wrapping Up!

These 12 day trips from Paris are not only trips but also more than that in the form of knowing about other cultures, exploring historical significance, and roadside attractions. Paris day trips will give you totally different experience that you may not get in the ordinary tour.

We hope this blog post has guided you in detail about where to go with the best things to do, pro tips, and other activities.

Frequently Asked Questions