Paris, hands down is one of my favorite places in France, but every time I visit, I always look to do a new day trip. This is because Paris is so connected, making it easy to explore other areas in France and even neighboring countries. So, if you’re looking for some of the best Paris day trips, use this guide to help spark inspiration!
In this Paris day trip guide, I have ordered the day trips by the shortest travel time, and rest assured they are all under 4 hours one way. This way, you can actually experience the destination as a true day trip. Furthermore, you will learn how to get there and the best things to do while visiting. Last but not least, myself, or a travel blogger friend, have personally visited the destination, so you are getting real recommendations.
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Best Day Trips From Paris
Below, find some of the best day trips from Paris. Most are best reached by train, making them very easy to get to. Just make sure to get your train ticket far in advance, as prices fluctuate and tend to go up closer to your travel date. You can find train times and tickets here. Some day trips are also offered by tour operators, again making these day trips easy and feasible.
1. Disneyland Paris (Perfect for Disney Lovers & Families)
Distance From Paris: 28 miles (45 km) – Approximately 37 minutes travel time by train
A day trip to Disneyland Paris is the perfect way to experience a different part of France, whether you’re a couple, a single traveler, or a family. Like its American counterpart, it’s one of the happiest places on Earth!
One thing you’ll want to grab ahead of time is the type of ticket you get for the park itself. There are two parks, as well as dated vs. undated tickets. An undated single ticket starts at around €126, while a dated single ticket is offered at a lower price, starting around €66. You can add a two-park option, increasing the price by about €30.
When you get to the parks, you’ll want to start by catching the most popular rides like Ratatouille, Indiana Jones, and Haunted Manor. There are a ton of rides that have steep waits, so it’s important to have a good plan for Disneyland Paris before visiting so you’re not stuck waiting in queues all day.
As you navigate through the parks, don’t forget to grab some yummy food from Cable Car Bakeshop, known for its baked goods, or Stark Factory for some tasty Italian food.
Love Disney? Don’t forget to grab a memorable souvenir. For example, we grabbed a pair of Minnie Mouse ears that said Disneyland Paris on the side, so we’ll never forget where they came from.
How To Get There: You can quickly get to Disneyland Paris in under an hour’s commute via train by catching the RER A route at Châtelet-Les Halles station in the heart of Paris. Taking the train is better than driving because you won’t have to worry about parking when you return.
Related: First time in Paris? Check these Paris Travel Tips
Suggested by Yesenia from The Sisters Who Voyage
2. Reims, France (History & Champagne)
Distance from Paris: 93 Miles from Paris (150 km) – Approximately 45-minute TGV fast train.
If you are looking for a hassle-free day trip from Paris, visiting Reims is one of your absolute best options. As an old Roman settlement, Reims has a long-standing history that is still present today. But Romain Ruins is not the only sign of the past. The majestic Cathedral of Reims was the traditional crowning place of French monarchs, and the Musée de la Reddition was the very place where Nazi Germany surrendered and WW2 ended.
Even if you’re not a history buff, a day trip to Reims from Paris is absolutely worth the trip. And that’s due to the fact that Reims is the capital of the Champagne region, home to renowned houses such as G.H. Mumm, Pommery, and the legendary Veuve Cliquot.
The latter two are especially easy to visit if you are in Reims, as they are just a quick 20-minute walk off the center. Join a tour to venture down the chalk cellars and learn about the houses’ history, or just shop around in their stores.
You’ll be surprised by their attractive prices, especially if you are looking for some of the rarer vintages. To round up your day trip to Reims, I can warmly recommend the French-Japanese Michelin-Starred Restaurant Racine – just make reservations in advance!
How to get there: Take a 45-minute train ride from Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims. There are also group tours that leave out of Paris.
Suggested by Lena of Salut from Paris
3. Giverny, France (Art Lovers)
Distance from Paris: 44 miles (70 km) – Approximately 50 minutes by train.
Another one of the best Paris day trips is Giverny. This picturesque town offers the unique opportunity to connect with the original source of inspiration for one of the most famous Impressionist artists, Claude Monet. And beyond the art, Giverny provides a much-needed respite from the overstimulation of Paris that visitors often feel.
While there, you should walk through Monet’s former home and stunning gardens, both of which have been well-maintained over the years. Something I enjoyed doing was strolling along the cobblestone streets of Giverny. You can admire the charming, smaller houses that offer insight into French countryside life, which starkly contrasts what you’ll see around Paris.
For those interested in journeying to Giverny, entrance to Monet’s home and gardens is €13.45 per adult ticket. Therefore, it’s a fairly affordable excursion to do and so close to Paris.
How to get there: Take the train from the Saint-Lazare Station in Paris to the Vernon-Giverny Station. From there, you can take a quick shuttle bus to Monet’s estate.
Suggested by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades
4. Versailles, France (One of the Most Popular Day Trips from Paris)
Distance from Paris: 22 miles (35 km) – Approximately 35 – 55 minutes by train.
Versailles Palace is by far one of the most popular day trips from Paris, and I totally get why. This Grand Palace is beyond stunning, with expansive gardens and so easy to get to! King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette are mainly credited for exquisite decor. We visited Versailles during my first trip to Paris, and I personally believe this is a top-day trip for first-timers. We did this during our first trip with 5 days visiting.
With at least 37,000 acres, make sure to wear your comfortable walking shoes, but also know you will not see it all. If you just want to access the gardens, you will be happy to learn they are free to visit. To enter the palace, it is best to get a Skip-the-line tour/ticket, as this attraction is extremely popular.
If you get there early, you should also add Trianon Estate, which is often overlooked. We loved renting bikes to get around the gardens. This allowed us to see a lot in a short amount of time!
How to get there: The best way to get here is by train. Take the RER C. Always double-check the train times, as Paris often has strikes on these lines.
Suggested by Sam Opp – Editor
5. Rouen, France (History Lovers)
Distance from Paris: 85 Miles (136 km) – Approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes by train.
If you enjoy history, art, or Gothic architecture, Rouen, France, will be one of the best day trips from Paris for you! I was originally drawn here by the beautiful half-timber homes and Gothic architecture, but I left with so much appreciation for this historic medieval town.
Rouen is the perfect escape to get off the beaten path. While here, some of fun attractions in Rouen include seeing the stunning Rouen Cathedral that Claude Monet was inspired by, walking to the historic square Place du Vieux-Marché, and paying respects at the St Joan of Arch’s Church.
How to get here: Take the train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Gare de Rouen (Rouen Rive Droite station) – which is the best way to get here.
Suggested by Sam Opp – Editor
6. Epernay, France (Champagne Lovers)
Distance from Paris: 89 miles (143 km) – Approximately 1 hour and 20 minute train ride.
After enjoying the delights of Paris, escape the city life for a moment on a day trip to Epernay. This alluring town in the Champagne region is a great day trip from Paris, especially for sparkling wine lovers.
Dive into the history of both the region and the drink at the Museum of Champagne and Regional Archeology, housed in the opulent Chateau Perrier. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays, and admission is €9.50 for adults, with reductions for students and seniors.
The chateau is located on Epernay’s most famous road, the Avenue de Champagne. This street is lined with Champagne houses and boutiques (like Moët & Chandon, Boizel, and Perrier-Jouët where you can pop in, have a tasting, and find the perfect bottle to take home with you!
As you stroll through town, check out the Notre Dame Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass windows. Finally, if you have time, venture into the countryside to visit some of the vineyards, see how Champagne is produced, and taste the different varieties. I think a day trip to Epernay and the surrounding countryside is a perfectly refreshing option after the busyness that is Paris!
How to get there: Take a 1 hour and 20 minute train from Paris-Est to Epernay, or drive about 1 hour 45 minutes. Driving gives you more freedom to travel into the countryside, but taking the train might be a better option if you plan on doing a lot of Champagne tasting and don’t want to drive afterward. You can also do a guided tour, bringing you to multiple tasting houses.
Suggested by Megan of Megan & Aram
7. Brussels, Belgium (Waffles, Chocolate & Beer)
Distance From Paris: 194 miles (312 km) – Approximately 1.5 hour train ride.
The Belgian capital of Brussels is another one of the best Paris day trips to take – especially if you want to visit another country! Brussels is one of the most popular places to visit in Belgium, and most of the major tourist sights are clustered, making it a walkable and fun city to enjoy.
I spent two days in Brussels and loved walking the city streets, eating delicious chocolates, and visiting the city’s premier art museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, but you can easily get a great feel for the city with just a day trip from Paris. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium contains one of the world’s best collections of Flemish art and has a museum dedicated to local artist Renee Magritte.
One of the best things to do in Brussels is take a walking tour of the city. Head to famous chocolatiers Leonidas, Godiva, and Neuhaus and pick up some truffles to bring back to Paris. Don’t forget to enjoy waffles, fries, and Belgian beer while you’re here, too!
If you’re interested in European politics, don’t miss the EU Parlamentarium. There, you’ll learn the history of the European Union, how the organization works, and how it plans to improve the quality of life for European citizens.
Find more fun tours in Brussels here!
How to get there: Take a 1.5-hour train ride to Brussels South/Midi Train Station, then transfer to a local train bound for Brussels-Centraal. Alternately, drive 4 hours. The train is the most efficient and convenient option, saving you transit time and the hassle of parking.
Suggested by Tamar of World by Weekend
8. Strasbourg, France (Fairytale City – Especially at Christmas Time)
Distance from Paris: 300 miles (482 km) – Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by fast train.
Thanks to France’s fast trains, Strasbourg has become one of the best day trips from Paris! This fairytale city is located on the edge of France and Germany, in the region of Alsace. What makes Strasbourg unique is that it has a lot of German influence, including the traditional Bavarian architecture style of half-timbered buildings. The city’s regional cuisine also features German foods, such as spaetzle, bratwurst, and pretzels.
While here, visit the Old Town Strasbourg, situated on the “Grand Island” off the Ill River. You absolutely must visit the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, which is the city’s focal point. Stop by Place Gutenberg, which is dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the founder of the modern printing press (and who also lived in Strasbourg), and admire the statue of the influential man.
Of course, just wandering around Old Town is a delight, as the streets are particularly charming. The Petite France section of Old Town is another must-visit, as it has several charming canals running by the streets.
Finally, if you’re visiting during the holidays, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the most famous holiday markets in Europe. I was so enchanted with how the city came alive, with lights and decorations on almost every street and the 12 markets scattered around the city.
How to Get There: Take the under 2 hour high-speed train from Paris to Strasbourg. This is definitely the best way to get here – driving would take over 5 hours.
By Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast
9. Bordeaux, France (Wine & History)
Distance from Paris: 363 miles (584 km) – Approximately a 2-hour fast train ride
Bordeaux is known for its exceptional wine, its gastronomic excellence, and as the largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site. The perfect day trip from Paris for wine lovers, the robust flavors of the region are a drawcard for travelers. In fact, it is one of the best places I’ve visited where history and wine tourism are perfectly blended.
With one day in Bordeaux, we will make the most of the charming historic centre by exploring both high and low. First, make sure to add the Pey Berland Tower to your Bordeaux itinerary for stunning views across the city. Tickets are €6.
To discover everything there is to know about wine, head to Cite du Vin for an interactive experience that uses all your senses. Here, you will be exploring the history and culture of wine from across the globe, and there are sensory tables and glass domes where you can smell scents that infuse tasting notes of wine. Tickets start from €22 for standard exhibition entrance.
How to get there: Paris to Bordeaux is a 2-hour high-speed train from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean, with 24 trains daily.
Suggested by Bronwyn of Bronwyn Townsend
10. Lyon, France (Best Place for Foodies)
Distance from Paris: 277 miles (466 km) – Approximately 2-hour fast train ride.
Lyon is definitely one of the best day trips that you can take from Paris! Known as the gastronomic capital of France, foodies will have plenty of options for fabulous meals, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bouchons. Or take a food tour in Vieux Lyon and combine sightseeing with sampling delicious local dishes.
There are plenty of top museums in Lyon to suit any interest. Admire classical art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, indulge your inner child at a museum of puppetry, or dig into Lyon’s Roman history at the Lugdunum Museum.
One of the best and most relaxing ways to see Lyon is by taking a Saône river cruise. You’ll be able to spot many of Lyon’s top sights from the river, from the Notre Dame Basilica perched atop Fourvière Hill to the Musée des Confluences at the point where the Saône and Rhône rivers meet.
Some of my favorite things to see in Lyon are its stunning trompe-l’oeil murals, such as the Mur des Canuts and the Fresque des Lyonnais. I am truly in awe of the skilled mural artists who were able to paint with such realism!
How to get there: Take a 2-hour train ride from the Gare de Lyon to the Lyon Part Dieu station, or drive for 4.5 hours. It is better to take the train since it is much faster and easier, and Lyon has great public transportation.
Suggested by Lisa Garrett of Waves and Cobblestones
11. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (History & Architecture)
Distance from Paris: 230 miles – Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes by train.
Luxembourg City is often overlooked, but it is truly an excellent Paris day trip to take. Just a few hours from Paris, Luxembourg City is the capital of Luxembourg and well worth the visit. This is because you can see a ton of the main sites in Luxembourg City in one day. With most of the top attractions located in the Old Town, it is so easy to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
First, wander through the Old Town’s cobbled streets and check out the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Here, you can enjoy the fabulous views from the Pont Adolphe Bridge. Next, head to the Grand Ducal Palace and the Place Guillaume II as they are also important sites in Luxembourg City. You see all these sites in just a couple of hours.
For the best panorama of the city’s charm, head to Chemin de la Corniche. And if you have more time, the Pont du Grund bridge offers another vantage point for the best photos.
All in all, for those who want to experience a mix of culture and history in a more relaxed environment than Paris, Luxembourg City is an ideal choice.
Find more tours here.
How to get there: By car it takes around four hours, but if you’re not up for the drive, the train is a convenient alternative. From Paris’ Gare de l’Est, you can get to Luxembourg station in just over two and a quarter hours.
Suggested by Matyi of Traveltipzone
12. Antwerp, Belgium (Jewels, Art & History)
Distance From Paris: 215 miles (346 km) – Approximately 2 hours – 2.5 hours, depending on the train.
Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, is often called the “Diamond Capital of the World”. Around 85% of rough diamonds pass through the Diamond District of this city, which makes it the largest diamond district in the world! But there is more to Antwerp than diamonds alone.
This charming city is also home to one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations, the Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen Castle, and medieval squares like the Grote Markt.
On top of that, you will also find the MAS Museum and the Rubens House here, two of Belgium’s most famous museums. The latter is dedicated to the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens, who once lived in this house, while the MAS museum boasts plenty of interesting exhibitions.
All in all, spending a day in Antwerp is something art and architecture lovers will enjoy. This is a bustling city that’s definitely worth visiting and is one of the best Paris day tips.
Find Antwerp tours here.
How to get there: Take the Thalys from Paris to Antwerp (2 hours 15 minutes) or drive for 4 hours. It is better to take the train because it is quicker and finding a parking spot in Antwerp is hard.
Suggested by Laura of Laure Wanders
13. Ghent, Belgium (Medieval Architecture & Castle)
Distance from Paris: 185 Miles (299 km) Approximately 2 hours to 2.5 hours, depending on the train.
It is no surprise Belgium has a huge presence on this list of Paris days trips since the cities are so close, and Ghent is one of my favorite cities. It is a lively college town with beautiful churches, a belfry, and a remarkable castle.
As a castle lover, visiting Gravensteen (The Castle of the Counts) is a true highlight. The castle sits right on the Leie River. The castle itself dates back to 1180 and offers stunning views of the city. After touring the castle, make sure to go by the river by either Korenlei or Graslei waterfront. With just a day in Ghent, you will be able to get a great feel of the city!
How to get here: You will likely catch a train from Gare du Nord to Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid. From here, take the local train to Gent Sint Pieters. Eurostar and Thalys are the most popular trains between Paris and Brussels.
14. Loire Valley, France (Castle Lovers)
Distance From Paris: 130 miles (209 km) 2 hours+ by car.
If you love castles, Loire Valley is one of the best Paris day trips to take. The region is home to over 300 castles and can be easily reached by car or guided bus tour.
Traveling by car is the best option since it will give you flexibility in your schedule and it is usually the more affordable option, however, most don’t rent a car in Paris. So, booking a guided tour tends to be the most popular option. Plus, your day will be more structured and alleviate the stress of planning the trip yourself.
I chose to book a guided bus tour and definitely found it to be worth it. It was a long day’s travel, but I learned so much about the castles and their histories from the tour guide.
Most guided tours will pick you up from a central location in Paris and drive to three chateaux in the Loire Valley over the course of the day. Along the way, you’ll hear interesting stories about the castles and get a deeper understanding of the history.
The three popular chateaux that are often included in the day tours are Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny. Chambord is noteworthy for its exceptional architecture, which features many elaborate towers and exquisite landscaped gardens. Chenonceau is surrounded by water, which makes it a photogenic gem in the Loire Valley.
How to get to Loire Valley: You can get there via a guided bus day tour from Paris that usually lasts about 13 hours in total. You can also drive there (3.5 to 4-hour drive). Additionally, you can also take a train from Paris to the city of Tours (1.5 hours), however you will then need to arrange additional transportation to reach the chateaux in the Loire Valley.
Suggested by Merry Allison of Virginia Vacation Guide
15. Bruges, Belgium (Charming Cities)
Distance from Paris: 141 miles (227 km) – Approximately 2.5 hours by train.
Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is definitely a charming place to visit. It really is a hard toss-up for me to choose whether I like Bruges or Ghent more, but Bruges definitely feels smaller and maybe more charming, especially down and around the canals. Bruges is also a very popular day trip from Paris, and rightfully so!
During a day trip, you will be able to see many of the main attractions, including a climb to the top of the Belfry, a cruise down the canal (I highly recommend), and a visit to one of the many museums. We chose to spend a few days in Bruges to explore slow travel, but we saw most of the attractions on our first day.
How to get here: You will take the train from Gare du Nord to Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid. From here, you will take the local train to Bruges. You can also go with a tour.
Suggested by Sam Opp – Editor
16. Etretat, France (Beaches & Views)
Distance From Paris: 125 miles – Approximately 3 hours by bus
If you are looking for a great day trip from Paris, look no further than Etretat. Etretat is a coastal gem located on the coast of Normandy and is the perfect place to visit if you want to spend a day by the sea.
Etretat is considered one of the most scenic locations in France because of its stunning cliffs. These cliffs are composed of chalk and flint and have been shaped to their current forms through millions of years of wind and waves.
Hiking and photographing are the main things to do in Etretat, but it also offers a great little beach for sunbathing and a dip in the sea. Other attractions are strolling through the tiny picturesque center of Etretat, visiting the close Arsène Lupin, and checking out the Etretat Gardens.
How to get here: The easiest way to get to Etretat from Paris is by car, but there are also options to get there by public transport. During the summer months, there is a Flixbus that goes all the way to Etretat. Alternatively, you can take a train to Le Havre and change to bus 13 or 509 for Etretat.
Suggested by Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Clogs & Pancakes)
Distance from Paris: 319 miles (514 km) Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes
While I would usually recommend spending at least a few days in Amsterdam, you could take a day trip from Paris and see some of the top attractions. Make sure to take the earliest fast train out to make the most of your time in Amsterdam, as this city has so much to offer!
Once you arrive, explore Jordaan Neighborhood, grab some Dutch pancakes at the Pancake Bakery, and visit one of the museums. I personally love the Van Gogh Museum and Museum Rembrandthuis, but both need to be booked in advance. If you want to visit the Anne Frank House, you need to book the tickets exactly six weeks before your trip in order to snag tickets.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring stroopwafels back with you to Paris; they’re delicious! If you’re a very ambitious traveler, a day trip to Amsterdam from Paris is great, but if it were me, I would probably make Amsterdam and the Netherlands a part of a larger European trip – say a 10-day Europe itinerary visiting Amsterdam, Belgium, and Paris (what I last did).
How to get here: Take the Thalys fast train from Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal.
Suggested by Sam Opp – Editor
Paris Day Trips Wrap-up & Additional Paris Guides
This concludes some of the best Paris day trips to enjoy! Make sure to check out my other Paris planning guides!
Have any questions about these Paris day trips or feel like one should be added? Let me know in the comments below!
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