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 perfect for everyone!
1. Versailles: the perfect day out for château lovers
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.
It gets better: Versailles is reachable by RER (Paris’s commuter rail service) and just a short ride away from the center of the city.
In the warmer months, you might even be able to witness the park’s many fountains come alive to the sound of classical music. Unforgettable!
2. 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.
3. Giverny: an art enthusiast’s paradise
Situated only a 90-minute-drive away from Paris, Giverny is the ideal day trip for all art lovers.
The picturesque town is where the great Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked for the last four decades of his life.
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 the visit doesn’t awaken your creative side, you’ll at least leave with memories to cherish a lifetime!
4. Deauville: a sophisticated coastal destination
When Parisians want to relax in style, they head to Deauville, a chic seaside resort in Normandy. Why not follow in their footsteps and explore the charming town, only a two-hour train journey away from the French capital?
Among many other attractions, Deauville is home to one of the country’s largest casinos, a long, sandy beach, and a pleasant boardwalk. For food lovers, it also offers the perfect opportunity to feast on gorgeous seafood and to try Normandy specialties such as camembert, cider or Calvados.
5. Fontainebleau: for 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!
6. Parc Astérix: fun for the whole family
Based on the adventures of France’s favorite Gaul, Parc Astérix is a fantastic destination for kids and adults alike.
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.
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 (over 30!) to keep the entire family entertained all day.
