Last Updated: 2/2/20 | February 2nd, 2020
Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world for numerous reasons. Heck, I love it so much that I’m currently living here!
This city has it all – and it would take a lifetime to really see. even after a decade of going to and months living here, I’m still finding new things to see and do!
And, while the city itself has a million and one sights to visit, there are also some wonderful day trips from Paris that can help you escape the city – and see what else this amazing country has to offer.
From historic vineyards to medieval castles to cheesy traveler sites, there’s a lot within a short distance from the city.
Here are some of the best day trips from Paris (at least in my opinion):
Obsah
The palace of Versailles
Château de Fontainebleau
Château de Chantilly
Reims
The D-Day Beaches
Giverny
Champagne
Rouen
Orléans
Disneyland
1. The palace of Versailles
From its exquisite gardens to its luxurious interiors, the palace of Versailles is really a sight to be seen.
Located just 20km from Paris, it was the primary residence of the kings of France for over 100 years, until the French Revolution. once just a tiny hunting lodge, it was initially transformed into a proper château by Louis XIII, who purchased up the surrounding land to extend his park and gardens. Eventually, Louis XIV (aka the sun King) turned this into luxurious country estate as a way to escape Paris and decrease the grip of the French nobility. A enormous and decadent symbol of royal power, Versailles provides an amazing insight into French history, highlighting the ostentatious lives of the former monarchs.
The palace of Versailles is one of the most-visited attractions in the vicinity of Paris, with over 10 million people swarming the grounds each year. To avoid the worst crowds, try to check out during the week.
If you decide to go the guided-tour route, check out get Your Guide. They have all kinds of trips available!
Place d’Armes, Versailles, +33 1 30 83 78 00, en.châteauversailles.fr. open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5:30pm, with the last entry at 5pm (closed Mondays). “The Passport” ticket will give you admission to all the palace trips (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s estate), the musical Fountain Show, the musical Gardens, and the exhibitions; it costs 27 EUR (for one day) or 30 EUR (for two days). To get there, take the RER Line C to Versailles Chateau or the SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers.
2. Château de Fontainebleau
Located about 75km from Paris, this is one of the largest royal estates in the country. built in the 12th century, it was occupied continuously for over seven centuries and is now a UNESCO world Heritage site as well as a national museum. The origins of the palace also date back to a hunting lodge used by the kings of France, with additions being built throughout the years, the most fancy of which are from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Much like Versailles, there are luxurious rooms and apartments here, including a grandiose and ornate ballroom, as well as the throne of Napoleon. The château was also used as a NATO base of operations after world war II until 1966, when it was restored, acquiring UNESCO status in 1981.
77300 Fontainebleau, +33 1 60 71 50 70, châteaudefontainebleau.fr. The château itself is open 9:30am-5:30pm (to 6pm in the summer). The parks are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Admission is 12 EUR per person, with discounts available. EU residents under 25, as well as any visitors under 18, can take the Grand Apartments trip totally free of charge.
3. Château de Chantilly
This historic château is located just 60 minutes from Paris by car. It was built in 1560 by the Montmorency family, one of France’s noble families. It is surrounded by some 8,000 hectares of forest and has seen various additions over the years, including a major restoration after part of it was destroyed in the French Revolution. When the last owner of the château died with no sons, it became a public historic site.
There are waterfalls and canals around the property, as well as some fountains, flower gardens, and Chinese-style gardens. You’ll also find lots of sculptures outside, making it a terrific place to unwind and opt for a stroll.
The château is also home to the Musée Condé, which opened in 1898. It boasts over 1,000 paintings, 1,500 manuscripts, 2,500 drawings, and 30,000 books in the library!
60500 Chantilly, +33 3 44 27 31 80, domainedechantilly.com/fr. open daily 10am-6pm in the summer and 10:30am-5pm in the winter. Admission is 8 EUR for just the park, 17 EUR for the park and château, and 30 EUR for the park, the château, and an equestrian show. By car, the journey is just over an hour through the A1 or A3.
4. Reims
This small city is located just 140 kilometers from Paris and has played a significant role in French history. Reims grew to prominence during the Roman Empire, and when the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims Cathedral) was completed in the 15th century, it became the place where every king of France was crowned (with a few exceptions). much like Notre-Dame in Paris, this Gothic cathedral boasts two large towers. It was also declared a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1991. While in town, don’t miss seeing the city’s fortifications; a number of them, including Fort de la Pompelle, saw combat in world war I.
You can reach Reims by automobile through the A4. The journey will take around 95 minutes. There is also a train from Gare de l’Est run by SNCF that takes 50-90 minutes; tickets cost around 30 EUR per person.
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5. The D-Day Beaches
On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces invaded Normandy, in what is known as operation Overlord. practically 160,000 troops crossed the English channel that day. Today, you can check out some of the remaining fortifications and bunkers, as well as several cemeteries and museums.
The beaches are located just under three hours from Paris by car, which is the best way to explore the region, as you’ll have much more freedom and flexibility with your schedule. If you’d rather not drive, you can book an organized trip from Paris that will take you to the main sites over the course of the day; expect to pay around 150 EUR per person.
6. Giverny
This picturesque village is 80km from Paris and is well-known for being the home of popular painter Claude Monet, the founder of the impressionist movement. On a stroll through the well-known gardens, you’ll recognize scenes from some of his many well-known works. It’s like walking through art history itself. Be sure to check out Monet’s home as well as the art museum!
Many other impressionist artists also moved to Giverny, making it a terrific day trip for anybody interested in art or art history.
The journey to Giverny will take around 80 minutes by automobile through the A14 and A13. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can take a train to Poissy and then take the bus, but the journey will take practically three hours and cost around 35 EUR per person.
7. Champagne
The champagne region is known for — you guessed it — producing champagne. only wines that come from this region are technically allowed to be called “Champagne,” which makes this the epicenter of all things champagne. though a long day trip from Paris, it’s possible to trip vineyards and sample the region’s wines in a day. If you don’t have a car, you can take a trip with Walks of Paris, which runs trips to the area.
The champagne region is located east of Paris. You can get there in just over two hours with a automobile through the A11. The trip can take around where between 1 hour 45 minutes and 4 hours through train; expect to pay 25-50 EUR for a train ticket.
8. Rouen
Like Reims, Rouen has its own beautiful cathedral. built in the 11th century, it towers over many of the city (much like Notre-Dame in Paris). Rouen itself is many noteworthy as the place where Joan of Arc was martyred, and you can check out her memorial, not to mention other historic sites (such as Château Bouvreuil).
Rouen can be reached by automobile in just under two hours through the A13. direct trains will take around 90 minutes and cost around 30 EUR per person.
9. Orléans
This beautiful city is located on the Loire River about 2 hours from Paris. You’ll find beautiful medieval half-timber houses that really give Orléans a conventional European feel. There are tons of medieval buildings still in use, numerous dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. There are some amazing museums here too, including the sobering Musée Mémorial des enfants du Vel d’Hiv, which highlights the deportation of Jews and Roma to concentration camps during world war II and the Joan of Arc museum.
Orléans can be reached by automobile in around 1 hour 30 minutes through the A10 or N20. A direct train will take around the same amount of time and cost around 20 EUR per person.
10. Disneyland
Sure, this isn’t the most adventurous of travel experiences, but it’s certainly a fun one! Disneyland Paris (45km east of the city) gives you a look at an American experience from a French perspective. lose yourself in a world that’s not quite American and not quite French — but all parts that over-the-top Disney goodness that you love.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or you just want to just unwind and have a touristy good time, Disney provides a terrific escape from day-to-day Parisian life. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks show over the Sleeping charm Castle too — it’s pretty epic!
Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, +33 825 30 05 00, disneylandparis.com. open Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-9pm. A single-day adult pass for one park will cost around 100 EUR per person, while a three-day adult pass for both parks will cost 215 EUR.
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Whether you’re searching for a unwinding escape, a lesson in history, or a touristy getaway, you’ll be able to find what you’re searching for on a day trip from Paris. With so numerous beautiful towns, historic cathedrals, and spectacular landscapes to choose from, you’ll be able to have an fantastic experience that will round out your time in one of my favorite cities.
Get Your extensive budget guide to Paris!
For much more extensive information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the useful information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn much more and get your copy today!
Book Your trip to Paris: Logistical suggestions and Tricks
Zarezervujte si svoj let
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a low-cost flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. start with Skyscanner first though because they have the most significant reach!
Zarezervujte si ubytovanie
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most significant inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses and low-cost hotels. My favorite places to stay are:
St. Christopher’s Canal
3 Ducks Hostel
Les Piaules
If you’re searching for much more places to stay, here for my favorite hostels in Paris. If you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city!
Nezabudnite na cestovné poistenie
Travel insurance will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s extensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it numerous times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
Zaistite moju cestu (pre tých nad 70 rokov)
Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the best companies to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. Ušetrite vám peniaze, keď budete cestovať.
Need a guide?
Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. Sú mojou spoločnosťou na pešiu cestu!
Ak chcete prehliadku cyklistov, použite prehliadky Fat Tire Tours. They have the best and many budget-friendly bike trips in the city.
Want much more information on Paris?
Be sure to check out our robust estination guide to Paris for even much more planning tips!