These Magical Day Trips From Paris Are Bucket-List "Musts"
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The odds of getting bored of Paris are slim to none, but if you want to pack in as much sightseeing as possible on your trip to the City of Lights, plan to venture outside the arrondissements—if only for a day. Because of France's well-connected and efficient train system, you can get pretty much anywhere in the country or visit another one nearby in a few short hours. Spend an afternoon sipping Champagne in the region it comes from, put those sneakers you packed to good use and hike the cliffs along the northern coastline in Normandy, or visit enough sprawling castles to make your high school history teacher proud. And of course, there's all of that French wine to be tasted and fields of lavender to run through.
If you're not sure what your ideal 24-hour excursion looks like, we have 25 Paris day trip ideas to inspire you. From escapes on the periphery of the city to slightly farther destinations with completely distinct feels, every spot on this list deserves a bookmark. Some places aren't even in France at all; European day trip destinations like London and Luxembourg are a stone's throw away when you're in Paris. Plus, because each journey maxes out at about two hours each way (any that go slightly over are well worth it, we promise), if you play your cards right, you'll be back in Paris just in time for an apéritif.
Giverny, France
Home to the real-life inspiration for Monet's Water Lilies, Giverny makes our list for its convenience (the trip takes around 45 minutes each way on the train) as well as its iconic gardens. Monet's House and Gardens may be the reason you've made the journey, but the Musée des Impressionnismes is equally worthwhile for art lovers. Stop in a local restaurant for lunch—or unpack a picnic—and spend an afternoon wandering the water garden.
Reims, France
In an hour, you can be sipping Champagne in the French countryside. Swoon. Make pit stops at the Reims Cathedral and the Palace of Tau to fulfill your cultural quota before heading to the wineries. Reims has a long list of Champagne houses where you can tour the cellars and sign up for tastings. If you're feeling like a fancy post-tasting meal, the city is home to five Michelin-starred restaurants for the ultimate luxe end to an already-extravagant day.
Versailles, France
Undoubtedly the most famous Parisian day trip—and with good reason, as it's only around a half hour away on the RER train—Versailles is a bucket-list destination brimming with history. Book a tour or amble solo through the Château De Versailles and its grounds. (Don't miss Marie Antoinette's farm, The Queen's Hamlet, while you're there.) There's more to do than just palace-watching though: Pick up lunch at the open-air market in town and take your artisanal cheeses and fruit back to the gardens to enjoy possibly the most opulent picnic ever.
Lyon, France
The unofficial-official food capital of France, Lyon is only two hours away from Paris by train and offers a completely different big-city experience. Two rivers run through it, with Vieux Lyon (the old quarter) and its colorful houses on one side. Spend your day predominantly there, exploring the city's "traboules" (hidden passageways that are a product of the Renaissance) as well as the Basilique de Fourvière that sits atop a hill and is accessible via a funicular. If you plan your visit around one of the traditional bouchon restaurants serving hearty traditional Lyonnaise cuisine like coq au vin and paté, we fully support you.
Strasbourg, France
If you're visiting France around Christmas, a day trip to Strasbourg on the German border (around one hour and 45 minutes by train each way) is a must, if only for the famous Christkindelsmärik holiday markets where you can get last-minute shopping done while sipping mulled wine. Otherwise, don't miss the Petite France neighborhood to see the fairy-tale houses along the Rhine. You can also take a boat trip to explore the city by water.
Étretat, France
Jump on a fast two-hour train and head to this seaside town in Normandy. It's most famous for its white cliffs and rock formations, offering lots to do in the way of hikes and nature walks. The Jardins d'Étretat, a cliff-top garden that has views of the ocean, is an unusual but must-see spot. In the city, explore the Old Market in Maréchal Foch square for regional specialties to bring home.
Rouen, France
An hour and a half north of Paris lies Rouen, another bustling city on the Seine that expertly blends old and new. (Just look at the colors on those timbered houses!) Your first stop should be the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is both a Gothic masterpiece and the tallest cathedral in France. Since the region is known for its seafood, grab lunch in an Old Town bistro before gearing up for an afternoon of sightseeing. Since this is the city where Joan of Arc died, there's no shortage of homages: You can see a church, tower, and museum dedicated to the city's most famous historical figure.
Fontainebleau, France
The town of Fontainebleau (more specifically, the nearby Château de Fontainebleau) is a UNESCO World Heritage site only about 50 minutes from Paris. Similar to Versailles, the palace itself is enough to take up a whole day: From exploring the gilded interior to walking along the canal and strolling the gardens, there's so much to see. If the weather's nice, you can even take a rowboat out onto Carps Pond.
Lille, France
Begin your day by grabbing one of the city's famous sweets, un merveilleux, at one of the many bakeries you'll find scattered around the historic Old Town. If you're an art history aficionado, the huge Palais des Beaux Arts is not to be missed. Avid readers should visit the book market that pops up every afternoon in the courtyard of the Vieille Bourse building—go with a tote bag and pick up a couple paperbacks to read on your hourlong train ride back to Paris.
Chantilly, France
Less than a half hour from Paris, the Château de Chantilly is a 1500s-era castle that's just as stately as Versailles—minus the hoards of tourists. The city itself has two other famous exports: Chantilly lace, a type of delicate lace made from black silk, and whipped cream. Though the latter's origins are not 100 percent known (chantilly is the French word for "whipped cream"), you'll find plenty of spots around town to indulge in the sweet treat.
Auvers-sur-Oise, France
Auvers-sur-Oise has become synonymous with Van Gogh, as it's where the artist is buried. (You can even visit the room where he was living when he died at the Auberge Ravoux.) There are also a couple of noteworthy museums, like the Musee Daubigny, for fans of impressionist painter Daubigny, or the Absinthe Museum. Sitting on the outskirts of Paris, it takes about an hour to get to by train.
Colmar, France
Though it's just over two hours east of Paris, the extra train time is worth it. The Alsatian city is full of canals, with enough brightly colored houses dotting the water to fill an entire camera roll. Because the region has both French and German influences, you'll get a different take on French food: Try the tarte flambée, baeckeoffe, and coq au Riesling. Then, walk it all off with a stroll through Petite Venise's Quai de Poissonniers, considered to be the most photogenic street in the city. (That's saying something when the entire town looks like it was plucked out of a fairy tale.)
Barbizon, France
Also known as the painters' village, Barbizon inspired to artists from Monet to Renoir. The trip is around an hour from Paris and definitely a must-see for any art buffs, as the Musee de Barbizon houses a comprehensive collection of works by the city's past residents. You can also walk in the footsteps of these artists in the areas that inspired them (like the nearby forest of Fontainebleau) via a guided or self-guided tour.
Deauville, France
The so-called Parisian Riviera is two hours from the city and offers the perfect opportunity for a beach fix without trekking all the way to the south. Deauville's beach and boardwalk have Art Deco huts and rainbow-colored umbrellas, making them especially picturesque. Further in, the Villa Strassburger and Casino Barrière are stunning odes to Belle Époque architecture.
London, England
We're going to venture outside of France for a minute (or a day). It's impossible to pack everything there is to see in London into one day, but here's a start: Head to Borough Market for an incredible selection of local and international delicacies before walking over the nearby Tower Bridge for views of the Thames. Up in Shoreditch, you'll find rows of vintage shops as well as some of the best curry in the city. Before hopping back on the Eurostar (which takes around two and a half hours), take the tube to Primrose Hill and watch the sun set over the park.
Bordeaux, France
There's the Wine Museum, wine tasting, and the Bordeaux Wine Festival in June, but even if you're not in it for a glass of red, this city has a lot to offer. It's a two-hour train ride from Paris, with old streets to explore and street markets for sampling. Don't miss the Place de la Bourse Miroir d'Eau, a water installation that's basically a massive reflective pool. For retail therapy, walk along Rue Sainte Catherine—Europe's longest shopping street—while taking café breaks along the way for a reviving espresso.
Épernay, France
Another must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Champagne region—and around an hour and 15 minutes away via train—Épernay is worth it for the photo ops and the bubbly. Climb Mount Bernon for sweeping vineyard views or rent bikes to see everything up close. Of course, there are also plenty of Champagne houses to tour (and sample, of course) along the Avenue de Champagne.
Dijon, France
Gourmands, rejoice: About an hour and a half on the speediest train will land you in Dijon, a culinary haven and the birthplace of a particularly famous mustard. Start at the famous Les Halles farmers market for edible souvenirs. Condiments aside, there's also the impressive Musée des Beaux-Arts, a fine art museum that's among the oldest in the country—and the city's very own Notre Dame.
Provins, France
Another medieval town worth visiting, Provins is less than an hour and a half from the capital city. It's a UNESCO site with lots of architecture from the era—from the 12th-century Tour César and the Medieval Tunnels to the Romanesque Church of Saint Quiriace. If your travels are never complete without a sampling of local food, your bucket-list item here is a niflette: a tiny puff pastry filled with orange blossom cream that hails from the area.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
We're saying a quick "see you later" to France again. The fastest train will get you to Luxembourg's capital city in just over two hours. Start by walking around the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of winding cobblestone streets. Next, explore the Bock Casemates, an underground tunnel system that was once part of the city's defense system during World War II. When you get hungry, stop into a lunch spot for gromperekichelcher—the country's famously delicious potato pancake.
Saint-Malo, France
This coastal town in Brittany, nestled along the English Channel, was once a pirate haven. Today, it's a seaside escape a little over two hours from Paris that you don't have to be a history buff to enjoy. Take a walking tour of the ramparts that surround the city, stopping off at Bon-Secours Beach for a swim break if you're visiting in a hotter month. End your afternoon with a coffee at one of the terrace bars in the picturesque Chateaubriand Square.
Beaune, France
Here we have the center of Burgundy wine production, making it a must-see for oenophiles willing to venture a little over two hours outside of Paris. Tour cellars, visit the Musée du Vin (yes, of course there's a wine museum), or bike along the Burgundy Wine Route. If you're not in it for the wine, stroll along the Ramparts de Beaune. The medieval wall, which stretches for about 1.5 miles, offers sweeping views of the town.
L’Isle-Adam, France
Between the forest, river trails, and water sports (you can even rent a pedalo, or paddle boat), this is a great getaway for anyone craving a bit of nature. It takes less than an hour to reach on the RER train and is an idyllic place for wandering. On your way to a bakery for riverside picnic ingredients, check out the Chinese Pavilion, an 18th-century Chinese-style folly set in an English garden; its design is attributed to the famous French rococo painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard.
Meaux, France
If you're a charcuterie spread savant, Meaux is for you. This city famed for its Brie and mustard (aka the beginnings of a perfect picnic on the nearby Marne River) is less than a half hour from Paris. Once your meal is over, take a scenic walk through either the Parc du Pâtis or the Jardin Bossuet for a nature-filled escape in the middle of the city. If it's history you're after, the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Meaux is the heart of the city and dates back to the 12th century.
Brussels, Belgium
Let's take one last jaunt outside of France, shall we? In just an hour and a half, you could be eating fresh waffles on the streets of the beautiful Belgian capital. Food aside—though you should also make time to find fries and a beer hall, both of which make our Brussels bucket list—this city has lots more to offer. The Grand Place, a cobblestoned UNESCO site steeped in history that's just down the street from the famous Mannekin Pis statue, is buzzing with life and frequent events. A walk through the city will also give you the most comprehensive tour of Art Nouveau architecture there is, seeing as it originated here in the late 19th century.
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