From world-class museums to first-rate restaurants, Paris has it all. But after a few days strolling around and eating your way through the Paris’s best bakeries, it’s only natural that you’ll feel the urge to venture out and explore beyond the limits of the city.
Whether you’re after a breath of fresh air, a cultural escapade or some family time with the kids, here are six day trips from Paris that are well worth your time.
Versailles: The famous day trip from Paris
A popular excursion destination located just 15 miles southwest of Paris, the historic city of Versailles is home to one of France’s most magnificent châteaux. From the stunning Hall of Mirrors to the world-renowned gardens, every corner of the former royal residence is simply mind-blowing. In the warmer months, you might even be able to witness the park’s many fountains come alive to the sound of classical music.
Versailles is reachable by RER (Paris’s commuter rail service) and just a short ride away from the center of the city.
Giverny: An art lover’s paradise
Giverny is the ideal day trip for all art enthusiasts. The picturesque town is where the great Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked for the last four decades of his life.
Here, you’ll be able to visit the house where he created so many of his masterpieces. Take a stroll through his beloved, colorful gardens, and marvel at the legendary Japanese bridge and water lily pond that inspired his most famous works of art.
If you love exploring the world of art in museums, you’ll love our From Orsay to Giverny: Skip-the-Line Museum Tour & Exclusive Monet House Day Trip. Enjoy a full-day art experience from Paris to the Musée d’Orsay, featuring skip-the-line entry to explore its extensive collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and more. Then, venture to Monet’s Giverny retreat to witness the stunning scenery that inspired these legendary artists, all expertly guided for an immersive exploration of French art and culture.
Deauville: A sophisticated seaside escape
When Parisians want to relax in style, they head to Deauville, a chic seaside resort in Normandy located around two hours away from Paris.
Among many other attractions, Deauville is home to one of the country’s largest casinos, a long, sandy beach, and a boardwalk. For food lovers, it also offers the opportunity to feast on fresh seafood and to Normandy specialties such as camembert, cider, or Calvados.
Fontainebleau: A unique hiking trip
For a (literal) breath of fresh air, leave the city behind and head to the amazing Forêt de Fontainebleau.
This unique forest stretches across over 60,000 acres of woodland and is dotted with thousands of sandstone boulders of varying sizes: a dream come true for nature enthusiasts of all ages!
After exploring the 1,000 miles of walking trails on offer, history lovers can’t miss stopping by the town’s stunning palace: the Château de Fontainebleau. Imagine the grandeur of Versailles, but without the crowds.
Parc Astérix: Fun for the whole family
Based on the adventures of France’s favorite Gaul, Parc Astérix is a fantastic family-friendly day trip from Paris.
The country’s second-largest theme park lies just 20 miles north of Paris and is easy to get to by car or public transport. If you are visiting Paris with kids, Parc Astérix makes for a perfect day trip option.
Whether you choose to ride the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe or embark on one of Obelix’s floating menhirs, there are plenty of fun rides (30+) to keep the entire family entertained all day.
Reims and the Champagne region: The ideal wine day trip
A charming town famed for its historical buildings and world-renowned sparkling wine, Reims makes for the perfect day trip. Hop on the high-speed train from central Paris and just 45 minutes later, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything that this provincial gem has to offer.
Visit the superb Gothic cathedral, once the place where French kings were crowned. Follow it with a tour at one of the many Champagne cellars on offer, and savor the sparkling drink that the region is so famous for. You’ll return to Paris filled with bubbly memories.
Make even more food and wine memories back in the city exploring Paris’s Latin Quarter on our Paris at Sunset: Aperitif, Food & Wine Tour, savoring the rich tapestry of French flavors, from classic cheese and wine to daring escargots, while supporting local small producers. Join us!