15 Best Day Trips from Paris

Paris, a premier destination, can get unbearably hot and overcrowded in summer. If you seek new adventures, there’s great news. Nearby to Paris and reachable by train, car, or boat, lie extraordinary places. Imagine vast Champagne regions with vineyards, serene gardens, historic architecture, and additional galleries beyond the capital’s offerings. Discover the best day trips from Paris now.

Time To Explore the Best Day Trips from Paris:

1. Choose Loire Valley for a Day Trip Paris

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, one of the best day trips from Paris, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its magnificent castles, lush gardens, and rich history. Explore the iconic Château de Chenonceau, known as the Ladies’ Castle. Visit other splendid castles like Château de Cheverny and Château de Chambord, and enjoy the region’s winess, an excellent match for a full day away from the city.

2. Giverny - Monet's Masterpiece

Nestled in the serene Pays d’Eure region, Giverny served as an endless inspiration for the iconic artist Claude Monet. Explore Monet’s home and the enchanting gardens. It was these gardens that played muse to his renowned water lily series. This is a journey into artistic brilliance.

Beyond its artistic heritage, Giverny beckons with tranquility. It offers scenic walks amid captivating landscapes, and the gentle pace of a countryside retreat. In this day trip from Paris, immerse yourself in the ambiance that once stirred the genius of Monet.

3. Arrange a day trip from Paris Champagne Region

Embark on a captivating journey to the Champagne region, the birthplace of the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine. Discover vineyard landscapes, historic cellar traditions, and the elegance of Reims, where heritage and craftsmanship shape the local identity.

The city’s cathedral stands as one of the great monuments of France, and the region’s gastronomy provides the perfect complement to Champagne itself.

 

4. Boulogne-Billancourt - Suburban Charms

Escape the bustling streets of Paris and discover the discreet charms of Boulogne-Billancourt, a refined suburban haven and one of the easiest day trips from the city.

Begin with a morning walk in the Bois de Boulogne, then explore cultural spaces such as the Musée Paul-Belmondo or the Musée Albert-Kahn. This quiet, well-balanced day offers a different rhythm—without leaving the Paris area.

5. Auvers-Sur-Oise Day Trip from Paris

Auvers-sur-Oise is a picturesque hamlet just 30 kilometers from Paris. It has long inspired celebrated artists, notably Vincent van Gogh. Walk through the village and visit the final resting place of the painter.

Auvers-sur-Oise offers a serene escape and a rare atmosphere—where creative history and quiet streets still hold their place close to the capital.

6. Is Versailles A Day Trip From Paris ?

Yes, a day trip to Versailles is possible. Château de Versailles, a symbol of royal opulence, stands as a testament to France’s regal history. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, where gilded stucco and perspective converge. Then step into the vast, meticulously designed gardens—an experience in itself.

 

Versailles, with its scale and complexity, can easily fill a full day. Wander through formal spaces, open courtyards, and shaded paths before returning to Paris.

7. Vitry-Sur-Seine –Best Day Trips From Paris

Vitry-sur-Seine has emerged as a thriving artistic hub. Marvel at large-scale street art and outdoor installations. Dive deeper into its contemporary side with a visit to MAC VAL, where modern creativity takes center stage.

 

Vitry-sur-Seine combines cultural energy with an everyday Parisian rhythm. A strong choice for travelers who have already covered the classics and want something more current.

 

8. Chartres - Gothic Marvel

Chartres beckons with its awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through medieval streets and settle into local cafés where the pace feels distinctly different from Paris.

As night falls, Chartres becomes even more compelling thanks to its seasonal light installations, illuminating façades and monuments across the city.

 

9. Can You Do A Day Trip From Paris To Normandy

Normandy

Absolutely, a day trip to Normandy from Paris is possible. Normandy unfolds its history through powerful sites, including WWII memorials and coastal landmarks. Along its shoreline, enjoy seafood, cider traditions, and regional cheeses.

Normandy offers a day shaped by perspective: landscape, memory, and atmosphere. Best enjoyed with a clear itinerary and the right pacing.

10. Fontainebleau - Medieval Splendor

Fontainebleau’s medieval Palace is a hidden gem, boasting a rich history, impressive architecture, and stunning forest views. Explore Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and its enchanting surroundings. It is at a distance of 43 miles from Paris. This is the best day trip from Paris for history lovers.

11. St-Denis - Historical Exploration

Embarking on a day trip Paris to St-Denis is like stepping into a captivating tapestry. It is here that history seamlessly intertwines with modernity. The Basilica of Saint-Denis stands as a magnificent testament to the past. It is adorned with awe-inspiring funerary sculptures that silently narrate centuries of profound history. As you navigate the basilica’s intricate details and marvel at its architectural marvels, you’ll feel transported to a bygone era.

However, St-Denis is far from being a stagnant relic of history. It thrives as a dynamic community, currently undergoing an extraordinary urban renaissance. The evolving cityscape symbolizes St-Denis’s commitment to embracing the future while preserving its cherished cultural heritage. Within this vibrant locale, you can relish the exquisite flavors of local cuisine.

12. Domaine De Chantilly for Day Trip Paris

Prepare for a delightful day trip from Paris to Domaine de Chantilly, where a world of wonders awaits. Explore the elegant château, adorned with timeless galleries. You can stroll through picturesque gardens, and uncover the treasures of the equestrian museum. Your visit to this cultural haven is not complete without indulging in a Chantilly cream-based dessert.

Whether you’re drawn to art, history, or simply the pleasures of exquisite cuisine, Domaine de Chantilly offers a captivating experience. This trip will linger in your memory long after you’ve departed.

13. Montreuil and Vincennes - Suburban Surprises

Discover Montreuil’s flea market, Les Puces de Montreuil, and its artistic community. Explore Vincennes with its medieval Château de Vincennes and scenic bois (woods). For this day trip Paris you have to travel for only 6 miles.

14. Parc de Sceaux - Day Trip Paris

Parc de Sceaux offers a serene escape with formal gardens and a charming château. Enjoy a gourmet picnic beneath cherry blossoms and savor delightful teas. The distance of this place from Paris is 17 miles.

15. How to plan a day trip from Paris to London

Board the Eurostar train from Paris’s Gare du Nord station. In just over two hours, you’ll find yourself in the vibrant city of London.

Discover London’s iconic landmarks with ease by hopping on a double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off bus. On this London trip, you have to see attractions like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye. You also cannot miss Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.

You might also like to go on the delightful Thames River cruise. You can also enjoy a guided Harry Potter walking tour.

Conclusion

Explore these enchanting day trips from Paris to immerse yourself in France’s diverse landscapes, artistry, and history. Each destination offers a unique cultural experience just a stone’s throw from the bustling capital. Embarking on these day trips is very easy. Exclusive France Tours can be your travel partner for these thrilling day trips.

Marie Tesson vines Exclusive France Tours
Author: Marie Tesson

Founder of Exclusive France Tours

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