The 10 Best Day Trips From Paris

Paris is an experience in itself. But if you're staying longer or simply fancy a change of scenery, there are many exciting destinations around the city. Some can be reached in less than an hour, others feel like real adventures – but each one is worth it. In this guide, you’ll discover ten of the most popular day trips from Paris that you can easily take by train or car. Ideal if you're wondering which Paris day trips are particularly easy to organise.

Practical information before your trip

• Getting there: Many day trip destinations around Paris can be reached quickly and stress-free by train (SNCF, TER, TGV). Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the station. Drivers should take rush-hour traffic into account.
• Getting around: In smaller towns, you can easily get around on foot. Larger cities such as Brussels, Reims and Luxembourg have reliable bus and tram networks.
• Best time to travel: Spring and autumn offer ideal weather for excursions. April to October is particularly good for visiting places in the nature Giverny!). In summer, the hotspots can be more crowded.

The 10 most beautiful day trips from Paris

1. Versailles

Versailles is probably the most popular day trip from Paris.  And rightly so! Everyone should go there at least once.

Getting there

The RER C takes you to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche in around 30–40 minutes. It couldn’t be quicker or easier to visit Versailles from Paris.

What to expect

• The magnificent Palace of Versailles
• The legendary Hall of Mirrors
• Huge, beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains
• The charming Petite Trianon and Hameau de la Reine

How much time do you need?

A full day is ideal. A half-day trip is possible, but you’ll need to limit yourself to either the palace or the gardens.

Why it’s a top day trip

Close, iconic, culturally rich – and always impressive.

 

2. Normandy

A wonderful destination for anyone looking for fresh air, coastline, and authenticity. Caen, Bayeux or Rouen are the most popular Normandy routes from Paris.

Can you visit Normandy in a day?

Yes, although what you can see depends on your route. The D-Day beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword) are accessible, but a little further out.

Getting there

You can reach Caen, Bayeux or Rouen by train in 1–2.5 hours. For the more remote beaches, a car or guided tour is recommended.

Highlights

• Omaha Beach and the D-Day landing sites
• Bayeux with its world-famous tapestry
• Rouen, city of Joan of Arc
• Stunning coastal cliffs

Why the trip is worthwhile

History, nature, sea and great food – Normandy is the perfect contrast to Paris.

 

3. Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most spectacular destinations in northern France, making it a memorable day trip from Paris.

Distance & how to get there

Around 360 km from Paris. Take the train to Rennes (1.5–2 hours), followed by a shuttle bus to the Abbey. Total travel time one way: 3–3.5 hours. It’s a long commute, but the views of the abbey totally worth it.

Is it feasible as a day trip?

Yes – but you’ll need an early start. The moment you see the abbey rising from the bay, you’ll know it was worth it.

What you’ll see

• The medieval abbey
• The old city walls
• Dramatic tides
• Scenic viewpoints over the bay

Why go there?

Because it feels almost otherworldly – a fairy-tale setting you won’t find anywhere else.

 

4. Champagne: Reims & Épernay

One of the most relaxing day trips from Paris by train is the trip to Champagne. A short journey offers views of charming towns and authentic cultural experience.

Getting there

• Reims: TGV from Paris Est, around 45 minutes
• Épernay: approx. 1 hour by train

What to expect

• Champagne houses such as Taittinger, Moët & Chandon, Pommery
• Vast underground chalk cellars
• The stunning Reims Cathedral
• Vineyards stretching in every direction

Why it’s ideal

This day trip to Champagne from Paris is perfect for the lovers of good wine. A day trip to Reims from Paris will make for a short, memorable adventure.

 

5. Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a dream if you love culture and nature.

Getting there

You can reach Tours or Blois in about 1–1.5 hours by TGV. From there, buses connect to the major castles or “châteaux”.

Top castles for a day trip

• Chambord – enormous and impressive castle
• Chenonceau – the fairytale castle built over water
• Amboise – with strong links to Leonardo da Vinci
• Wine tastings and vineyard visits are easy to come by

Why it’s perfect

Loire Valley day trip is varied, accessible and incredibly photogenic.

 

6. Giverny – Claude Monet’s garden

A peaceful, colourful escape and one of the most popular day trips from Paris in spring and summer.

Getting there

Train to Vernon (approx. 50 minutes), then shuttle bus or bike to Giverny.

What to expect

• Monet’s house
• The vibrant flower gardens
• The water-lily pond and Japanese bridge
• A charming village atmosphere

Best time to visit

April to October, when the gardens are in bloom. A half-day visit works well.

Why go there?

The day trip to Giverny feels like stepping into one of Monet’s paintings.

 

7. Brussels

Belgium, with its proximate location to France, makes a day trip from Paris to Brussels fairly easy.

Getting there

TGV/Thalys from Gare du Nord, only 1 hour 20 minutes.

What to see

• The Grand Place
• Manneken Pis
• Belgian waffles, fries and chocolate
• The European Quarter

Why it’s worth it

International, lively and simple to reach. Perfect for a day trip if you want to explore places outside of France.

 

8. Bruges

Bruges is like a fairy-tale film set: cobblestone streets, canals and centuries-old architecture.

Getting there

Train via Brussels; total travel time approx. 2:30–3 hours.

Highlights

• The market square
• Romantic canals
• The medieval belfry
• Exceptional chocolate shops

Why it’s perfect

A day trip from Paris to Brussels is perfect if you want to enjoy the medieval atmosphere.

 

9. Luxembourg City

Luxembourg feels like a mix of medieval fortifications, modern architecture and green valleys, making for an underrated but fantastic day trip from Paris.

Getting there

TGV from Paris Est, approx. 2 hours 5 minutes.

What to expect

• The enormous casemates
• A beautiful old town
• Deep gorges running through the city
• Cosmopolitan cafés and restaurants

Worth a day trip?

Absolutely – compact, walkable and surprisingly diverse.

 

10. Rouen

If you want a blend of medieval charm and urban culture, Rouen is a wonderful choice. A day trip from Paris to Rouen offers you a glimpse of gothic architecture, history and timber-framed houses.

Getting there

Train from Gare Saint-Lazare, approx. 1 hour 20 minutes.

Highlights

• The famous cathedral
• Half-timbered houses
• The story of Joan of Arc
• Plenty of relaxed cafés

Why go there?

A culturally rich yet uncrowded city – ideal if you’ve already explored the classics.

Whether you're looking for nature, history, coastline, wine or art, you’ll find incredibly varied trips from Paris in every direction. Many are easily accessible by train, making them perfect if you’re travelling without a car.

Book your stay at Leonardo Hotels in Paris and begin to discover France and beyond now!