Small villages lined with half-timbered houses, stunning châteaus, and charming cities: no matter what kind of trip you’re looking for, the best day trips from Paris include an option that’s right for you!
From lesser-known corners of Île-de-France (the region of France that Paris is located in) to cities in Normandy to châteaus of the Loire Valley and beyond, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit near Paris.
And, thanks to Paris’ status as one of the best-connected cities by train to the rest of Europe, many of these Paris day trips are incredibly easy to access!
To cover as much variety as possible, we asked several other travel writers to share their favorite Paris day trips with us. With their help, we have compiled this sweeping guide that includes a huge variety of day tours from Paris.
As difficult as it can be to tear yourself away from the capital (we always have an incredibly difficult time doing so), it’s worth it to add a bit of variety to your trip to France with one of the best day trips from Paris!
Here’s how.
Table of Contents
Quick Decision: The Easiest Day Trips From Paris
Short of time and want to simply click a couple of buttons and have your perfect Paris day trip booked?
We can help with that!
Here are the top 3 day trips from Paris, along with the well-reviewed tours we recommend for enjoying each of them (we cover each of these places in more detail, plus how to get there for independent travelers, later in this blog post):
Vibrant Versailles Palace Day Trip — Get a taste of the world’s most famous palace, including stops like the Hall of Mirrors, plus its iconic grounds, on a guided day tour from Paris!
Book your day trip to Versailles today!
Epic Castles + Wine Tour of the Loire Valley — Visit both the unforgettable Château de Chambord and the stunning Château de Chenonceau in the same day, plus enjoy a wine tasting in France’s stunning Loire Valley!
Book your Loire Valley day trip today!
Monet’s Giverny in a Day Trip (April 1 through November 1) — Visit Monet’s home and incredibly famous gardens, including his water lily pond. You’ll also stop at the Monet Foundation, and have a chance to upgrade your day trip to include Versailles as well.
Book your Giverny day trip today!
How We Structured This Paris Day Trip Guide
We’ve structured this guide to the best Paris day trips by distance from France’s capital, as calculated based on how long it (reasonably) takes to get to the destination.
Most of these are doable as day trips from Paris by train, with a few requiring a car or bus to reach.
We often book trains and buses in France (and throughout Europe) using Omio, a ticket aggregate makes it easy to search multiple companies and routes at once. Many of these day trips can also be booked through SNCF, though some use other options like the RER.
Several of these day trips are also enhanced or made easier by booking a tour (like this one, for example), and when applicable, we’ve listed a well-reviewed tour option along with information on how to get there.
If you plan on renting a car, we recommend renting it only for your day trip–there’s no reason to keep a car rented on days that you’re exploring Paris itself–and shopping through Discover Cars, which will help you find the best prices and inclusions on rental cars during your trip!
Best Paris Day Trips Reachable in Under 1 Hour
Versailles
Without a doubt, Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris–and for a very good reason!
As the former seat of the French court, Versailles is (and always has been) known for its utter opulence, from the splendor of the Palace of Versailles with its famous Hall of Mirrors to its incredible gardens.
In addition to the main palace and gardens, Versailles offers plenty of other corners to explore, including other palaces (Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon), and the Queen’s Hamlet, where Marie Antoinette once kept a small farm.
In addition to the estate itself, there’s also the actual town of Versailles, which is charming and worth exploring if you have time during your visit!
How to Get to Versailles From Paris
Versailles is about 40 minutes from central Paris via the RER C, and is easy to reach independently.
You’ll want to get off at the Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station, and from there, the palace is about a 10-minute walk away.
However, a tour is incredibly helpful for gaining context while visiting the sprawling estate of Versailles (and simply to make sure you see everything efficiently–there is a lot of walking involved in a visit to Versailles).
This Versailles day tour is very popular and also allows you to visit the estate with fewer crowds!
Château de Fontainebleau
From Erica of Travels With Erica
Château de Fontainebleau is the perfect alternative to Versailles.
It is just as grand and full of history as Versailles, but it is far less visited, and therefore is a more relaxing day trip from Paris.
If you visit during off-peak times, you’ll feel like you have the entire palace to yourself!
Château de Fontainebleau was the French royalty’s summer palace, and where they went to get away from city life in Paris. The palace was used by Louis VII all the way to Napoleon III, who famously abdicated while in the palace.
Not only does Château de Fontainebleau have a stunning ballroom, throne room, and bedrooms, but it is also home to an extensive art museum, Chinese museum, and chapel.
You need to dedicate at least a couple of hours to exploring the grounds as well! There are 3 formal gardens at Château de Fontainebleau that feature French, Italian, and English designs.
One garden features a pond and another a canal, and these are the most popular places to take photos at Château de Fontainebleau.
How to Get to Château de Fontainebleau From Paris
It is super easy to travel from Paris to Château de Fontainebleau independently.
You simply catch a train departing from Gare de Lyon and get off at Fontainebleau-Avon. Trains depart once per hour, and the journey is about 40 minutes!
Once you get off the train, you get on a city bus until you reach the palace.
Buses are waiting at the train station, and the stops are announced in English, so you’ll easily be able to know when it is time to get off the bus!
If you’d rather have the context of a tour or are hoping to squeeze more into your day, this popular day trip to Fontainebleau also stops at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a chateau and garden so beautiful that it inspired the construction of Versailles!
Book your day trip to Château de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte today!
Disneyland Paris (Euro Disney)
From Karen of Travel Mad Mum
Disneyland Paris, also called Euro Disney, is one of the best (and quickest) day trips from Paris–and this being Disney, it’s safe to say that you’ll immediately feel worlds away from Paris as soon as you’re immersed in Main Street USA.
Whether it’s a family visit or you just want to relive your childhood, there is something for everyone!
From fun rides to themed performances and character meetings to banquet dinners to the incredible dragon that sleeps beneath Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, there is so much to do!
If you’re visiting during the high season and only plan to spend a day at Disneyland Paris, it’s best to buy premier access in order to make the most of your time in the park.
Keeping your waiting time to a minimum is key to making Disneyland a successful day trip from Paris! Make a little plan of your route around the park and make sure to book any meals in advance.
There are some fabulous restaurants and also fast food options if you prefer to be quick.
Don’t miss the street performances and of course the grand finale of fireworks in the evening. It’s worth a late return to Paris to stick around for the fireworks!
How to Get to Disneyland Paris
Getting to Disneyland Paris is a quick and direct 55-minute train ride on the RER A. The park entrance is a very short walk from the station.
Keep in mind that basic metro tickets don’t work for the RER, so you’ll need to purchase separate tickets!
The train station gets extremely crowded after the fireworks at night, so if you’re planning to stay until closing, be prepared for a long wait to get back to Paris.
(Note from Kate: we absolutely considered staying for the fireworks to be worth it, though we did start running for the station a couple minutes before they ended).
Chantilly
From Elisa of World in Paris
If you are looking for an easy day trip from Paris, Chantilly is the place to go.
This beautiful small town is where you’ll find the gorgeous Château de Chantilly, which is one of the best castles to visit near Paris.
Unlike the Palace of Versailles or Château de Fontainebleau, Chantilly is not a royal castle but it has a very picturesque setting, surrounded by a lake and French-style gardens.
Château de Chantilly is also famous for its beautiful library and the collection of French paintings, only second to the collection in the Louvre Museum.
But most of all, Chantilly is famous for its chic horse races, the French counterpart of the famous horse races of Ascot in the UK.
When there’s no race, visitors can explore the Horse Museum, hosted in the Great Stables of Chantilly.
The Great Stables also host a prestigious center of classical dressage training for the most expensive horses in the world and a big hall covered by a magnificent dome used for dressage shows.
How to Get to Chantilly From Paris
Direct TER trains from Paris to Chantilly leave hourly from Gare du Nord, and the train journey only takes about 25 minutes each way.
You can also take the RER D line to Chantilly, but Chantilly lies outside of Zone 5 (beyond where the Navigo Pass covers) and it’s slower than the TER train.
There are shuttles to the chateau from the train station.
Reims (France’s Champagne Capital)
From Megan of MeganStarr.com
To the east of Paris sits the charming city of Reims, the Champagne region’s de facto capital and one of the best options for a day trip from Paris.
Historically, Reims played an essential role in French history, and the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims was the site of royal coronations.
Much of the city suffered damage during World War 1 and World War 2, but while efforts to restore many of the buildings have been successful, sadly, some of the Roman-era structures suffered irreversible damage.
There are stunning examples of Art Deco architecture throughout the city, as that was the preferred style when Reims was being rebuilt.
Today, the city is famed for champagne, with many of the world’s most renowned brands being based within the city or a short distance away.
A visit to the Lanson Champagne House is a must on a day trip, as it is the only house with a vineyard within the city.
Alternatively, there are plenty of fantastic champagne tours that depart from Reims Central Station, or you can simply take a champagne-focused day tour from Paris instead.
This champagne day tour gets excellent reviews!
Like much of France, Reims has rich culinary traditions and is believed to be the biscuit’s birthplace. Biscuit Rose de Reims pairs excellently with a glass of Champagne!
How to Get to Reims From Paris
Reaching Reims from Paris is relatively easy, with regular trains running between the two and taking only about 50 minutes each way.
However, not all trains arrive at the Central Station, because some stop at Champagne Ardenne TGV stop on the outskirts of Reims.
From there, a local tram service connects the station to central Reims.
Book train tickets to visit Reims today!
Prefer to focus solely on champagne during your escape from the city?
This luxurious champagne tour makes for an unforgettable Paris day trip!
Fun Day Trips Less Than 2 Hours From Paris
Giverny
Home to the stunning gardens that inspired the impressionist paintings of Claude Monet, Giverny is one of the most popular Paris day trips and a fantastic way to feel worlds away from the bustling capital–without actually traveling far at all.
While in Giverny, be sure to tour the picturesque gardens, as well as pay a visit to Monet’s home (it doesn’t take long to visit), and the Museum of Impressionism.
If you’d like to explore further, consider visiting Monet’s tomb, and grabbing a coffee at Hôtel Baudy, which was a popular artist’s salon in Monet’s day.
Giverny–specifically Monet’s House and Gardens, which is the main reason daytrippers make the trek out of Paris–is a strictly seasonal day trip.
The house and gardens are open from April 1 to November 1 each year, and while each season brings its own beauty, the iconic waterlilies bloom in July.
How to Get to Giverny From Paris
Reaching Giverny from Paris independently is fairly simple, but it does require 2 steps.
First, take a train from Gare-Saint-Lazare to Gare de Vernon-Giverny.
From there, you’ll then take a short taxi or bus ride to the gardens–the bus route is extremely well-marked due to its popularity with tourists.
Overall, the journey averages a little over an hour.
Alternatively, you can sign up for a guided day trip to Giverny like this popular one, which makes your day simple, adds context to your day, and includes additional stops.
Chartres
From Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan
The star attraction in Chartres is its magnificent cathedral, which is considered to be the high point of French Gothic architecture.
In 1979, it became one of the very first sites in France to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which shows just how important it is to French history, art, and architecture.
Most of what you see in the cathedral today dates from the 12th and 13th centuries.
And, considering that it’s more than 800 years old, its state of preservation is quite remarkable!
Chartres Cathedral is most famous for its stained glass windows and its delicate sculptures.
In total, there are more than 160 stained glass windows in the Cathedral. It’s the most complete group of stained glass windows to have survived from the Middle Ages.
The sculptures, on the other hand, were created over a much longer time frame, ranging from the 12th to the 18th century.
Even though the Cathedral is the main reason to come to Chartres, it’s also worth strolling through the town while you’re here.
The streets are lined with half-timbered houses with colorful flowers in the windows and several restaurants serving traditional French food.
How to Get to Chartres From Paris
With more than 30 direct trains to Chartres from Paris each day, this is an easy Paris day trip to do by train!
Trains leave from the Montparnasse Station and take about an hour each way.
Check the schedule and shop train tickets to Chartres today!
Lille
From Bridget of The Flashpacker
Visit under-the-radar Lille for a taste of French Flanders, both literally and figuratively.
Situated only 137 miles north of Paris, close to the Belgian border, this very different take on a French city is an easy day trip from the capital.
As its historic center is compact, it is easy to explore Lille on a self-guided walking tour.
Start by wandering through its cobblestoned squares flanked by extravagant Flemish Baroque buildings.
Visit the book market at La Veille Bourse, a collection of small houses arranged around an exquisite porticoed courtyard, which was formerly the city’s stock exchange.
Stop by the Notre Dame de la Treille, Lille’s spiritual beating heart, a dizzying fusion of Gothic and contemporary architecture. Contrast this with L’Église Saint Etienne, one of France’s largest Jesuit churches, is the embodiment of simplicity.
Nurture your inner art aficionado by visiting the Palais des Beaux-Arts, Lille’s fine art gallery, second only to Paris’s Louvre in size and stature.
Finally, don’t leave town before sampling Lille’s hearty Flemish food and merveilleux! These little clouds of heaven are made of light meringue, liberally smothered in fresh cream and chocolate shavings.
How to Get to Lille From Paris
To get to Lille from Paris in a little over one hour, you can take a TGV train from Gare du Nord. There are more than 20 trains per day.
Alternatively, if you’d rather rent a car, it’s a 2-hour drive straight up the A1 (note that this route has tolls).
Metz
From Linn of Brainy Backpackers
Laid-back, full of green spaces, and full of historic surprises, Metz is an underrated day trip from Paris.
Metz also features so many things to do that it can be difficult to choose what to see in Metz with only a day!
The main attraction not to miss is the Metz Cathedral, one of the tallest in Europe with its 42 meters, it towers elegantly over the city.
The Gothic and Renaissance building is not only majestic on the outside, enter and you’ll get blinded by the light flowing through the numerous stained glass windows.
There is no questioning why the cathedral has been nicknamed the Lantern of God.
After having lunch in the historic center, head to Île du Petit-Saulcy, an island in the middle of the Moselle River, connected by stone bridges.
Here you’ll see the astounding Temple Neuf as well as the oldest functioning opera house in the country, Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole.
Other points of interest include the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains and Porte des Allemands.
How to Get to Metz From Paris
The best way to reach Metz is traveling by high-speed train from Paris’ Gare de l’Est.
The journey takes about 1.5 hours each way, and there are several trains per day.
Somme Battlefields
From Paul of Anywhere We Roam
With a somber day trip to the Somme Battlefieds, you can explore a landscape that still wears the scars of the First World War.
The trenches, where an estimated 3 million soldiers fought across a front just 45 kilometers long, undulate across vibrant green fields; an artificial beauty that defies the horrors that once took place.
Visit the Commonwealth Memorial, a moving tribute to the 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died or went missing during the war and have no named grave. The Newfoundland Memorial Park is a moving experience with the trenches still clearly visible in the landscape.
Meanwhile, the Museum of the Great War is an informative look at the social context surrounding the war in a thoughtful and well-constructed presentation.
After remembering the impacts of war, enjoy the leisurely side of the area.
The Somme Bay is a large estuary where 6 rivers drain into the English Channel. Get adventurous and try land-sailing on the 20-kilometer stretch of sand dunes.
Alternatively, you can take a guided hike on the cliffs between Ault and Mers-Les-Bains to enjoy breathtaking scenic views.
Visit the fairytale Rambures Castle, or just unwind on many of the cycle paths that intersect the bay.
How to Get to the Somme Battlefields From Paris
While it’s possible to get the train from Paris to Amiens (1 hour, 10 minutes) to explore the battlefields, many of the sites are spread out and require a car.
A rental car can be picked in Amiens, or to keep things simple, Somme is just a 2-hour drive from Paris.
Altenatively, this well-reviewed Somme Battlefields day trip will not only take care of your transportation for you, but also add a guide to your day that will add additional context to visiting the battlefields.
You can check prices for rental cars here, or sign up for an organized day trip to the Somme Battlefields here.
Château de Chambord
From Norbert of France Bucket List
Château de Chambord is one of the best castles of the Loire Valley, and it is also the most impressive.
Château de Chambord is located 175 km south of Paris, in the French region of Centre-Val-de-Loire, and it is relatively easy to visit on a day trip from the French capital.
While Chambord has been home to a castle since medieval times, the current iteration was commissioned by the French King François I for his hunting getaways from Paris, and was built in the Renaissance style.
For the King, this château was a place to relax and have fun with his court, but also a demonstration of his political and cultural power.
It is said that Leonardo da Vinci was involved in the construction of Château de Chambord, and most probably, he is the author of the amazing central double-spiral staircase.
King François was Leonardo da Vinci’s patron, and the Italian artist lived the last years of his life not far from Chambord, in Amboise.
Château de Chambord is surrounded by beautiful French-style Gardens and a vast forest where the king liked to hunt.
The château is located in the heart of the biggest closed forest in Europe (around 50 km2 surrounded by a 32-km wall).
How to Get to Château de Chambord From Paris
The best way to visit Château de Chambord from Paris independently is by renting a car for the day. The drive to Chambord is less than 2 hours.
Also, you can take the train to Blois, and at the Blois Train Station, you’ll find a shuttle bus to Chambord.
Prefer not to worry about the hassle of transportation… and hoping to see more than one chateau in a day? This popular day trip to the Loire Valley includes stops at Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, plus a wine tasting!
Shop rental cars to visit Château de Chambord, or book your organzied day tour of the Loire Valley today!
Rouen
From Henry of This Life of Travel
Rouen is a historical, architectural, and cultural gem that easily ranks among the best day trips from Paris.
You’ve probably heard of Joan of Arc and Richard the Lionheart… but did you know that they were both from Rouen?
The city itself is also full of architectural masterpieces like the Rouen Cathedral, which was once one of the tallest buildings in the world! It’s free to visit and is also the resting place of Richard the Lionheart.
Once you’re done visiting the cathedral, make sure to have some Kir Norman, which is alcoholic apple cider and a local specialty.
After that, make sure to check out the magnificent Gros Horloge astronomical clock set on one of Rouen’s main shopping streets.
Be sure to also walk through the medieval center for a stroll back in time with its crooked, wood-framed houses. Then, learn more about Joan of Arc at the Joan of Arc Tower and History Museum.
How to Get to Rouen From Paris
The easiest way to get to Rouen from Paris is by train from Gare Saint-Lazare, which takes about 1.5 hours each way.
There are generally dozens of trains each day.
Dijon
As the capital of the Burgundy region and the home of Dijon mustard, the delightful city of Dijon is all about food and wine!
It’s also much less crowded than many of the top day trips from Paris, and boasts a laid-back environment that makes exploring on foot easy and relaxing.
We ended up first visiting Dijon since it was a convenient stop between Lucerne and Paris on one of our many long trips, but we were immediately smitten with it!
While you’re there, be sure to visit the beautiful Church of Notre Dame of Dijon, sip a coffee overlooking Liberation Square (and its fountains), tour the Ducal Palace, visit the Museum of Burgundian Life, and enjoy views of the city from above at the Tower of Phillip the Good.
Dijon’s Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Begine is also worth a visit.
… And, of course, you can’t forget the food! Burgundian wine is a given, of course, but Burgundy is also the original home of boeuf bourguignon, creme de cassis, and coq au vin, among others.
Round out your day by shopping for a pot of mustard or two: Maille is the most famous shop, and we loved it, but far from the only!
How to Get to Dijon From Paris
Dijon is an easy 1.5-hour high-speed train ride from Paris, with most trains leaving from Gare de Lyon.
Non-direct routes take much longer, so we recommend planning ahead.
Check the train schedule + shop tickets to visit Dijon today!
Arras
From Stuart of Go Eat Do
Arras, 177km north-east of Paris, is an attractive city whose historic town hall was dedicated as a national monument in 1921, and it makes for a fabulous Paris day trip option.
Originally built in the early 16th century, the Hôtel de Ville dominates the Place des Héros, one of the cobbled squares in the center of the city.
The building was damaged during World War One and subsequently reconstructed. An elevator was added to the tower, whose compact observation platform offers fine views over the region. In 2005, the belfry was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Military history aficionados are likely to appreciate touring the tunnels of the Carrière Wellington.
Prior to 1917’s Battle of Arras, Allied miners dug corridors through chalk leading to German lines. The entrances were blown at the battle’s start. Graffiti and other remnants convey what it was like for troops as they awaited the call to battle.
Similarly, the Citadel of Arras is an impressive example of late 17th-century military architecture.
Designed by Vauban, the historic attraction is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its grounds were used to execute members of the Resistance during World War Two.
During Advent, the Grand Place hosts Arras Christmas Market, a family-friendly event with gourmet food stalls and huts selling seasonal gifts.
How to Get to Arras From Paris
The TGV high-speed train takes an hour to cover the distance between the Gare du Nord in Paris and Arras’s railway station.
If you choose a non-direct route that includes a change at Lille Flanders, the journey takes just under 2 hours in total.
Epic Day Trips 2+ Hours from Paris
Château de Chenonceau
From Monique of Trip Anthropologist
A compelling and beautiful day trip from Paris is Château de Chenonceau, which is perhaps the most beautiful château in all of France!
The château is the most visited French castle after Versailles.
As soon as you arrive, it’s easy to see why: a walk from the entrance gate takes you through the beautiful Loire Forest (once the hunting grounds of the French Kings), and brings you to the River Cher, just outside the village of Chenonceau.
Spanning the river is the Château de Chenonceau. As you explore the castle, from its kitchens to the bedrooms of kings and queens, you will cross the river as you walk along the gallery on the second floor of the château.
The formal gardens surrounding the château are smaller than some of France’s grand castles, but they are just as beautiful and more interesting: they are rival gardens, designed by Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henri II, and Diane de Poitiers, his mistress.
How to Get to Château de Chenonceau From Paris
The easiest way to get to Château de Chenonceau from Paris is to rent a car and drive.
It’s a simple drive along the A10 before taking Exit 18 towards Amboise. It’s 214 km and takes just over 2 hours.
Visiting by train is also a fairly simple affair, as long as you’re comfortable with a few steps.
Trains regularly leave Montparnasse Station for St Pierre des Corps. It’s a one-hour trip on that route, and then you change for the 25-30 minute trip to Chenonceaux. The château is a 10-minute taxi ride from the village of Chenonceau.
Alternatively, this popular day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris includes stops at Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord (which we covered above), plus a wine tasting!
London
From Ella of Many More Maps
Although there’s enough to see in London to keep you entertained for a lifetime, it can also be very rewarding to dip your toes in the water by visiting London as a day trip from Paris!
With just one day in London, it’s best to try and tick off all the classic tourist stops first, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.
Luckily, these amazing attractions are all near each other, so you can walk between them.
Snap the classic tourist photos and explore these iconic landmarks before moving on to one of the city’s many fascinating museums.
The National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum are all hugely popular, and for good reason!
Finally, be sure to make a reservation to enjoy a classic British tradition: afternoon tea.
For an experience as delicious as it gets (with a price tag to match!) the afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason or the Ritz is a real bucket list experience.
If you’re looking for an afternoon tea with a twist, check out the Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea at Cutter & Squidge!
How to Get to London From Paris
London is easy to reach from Paris on the Eurostar, which takes about 2.5 hours to travel between the two cities.
Trains leave from the Gare du Nord station in Paris and arrive at St. Pancras International in London.
Luxembourg (City)
From Paulina of Paulina on the Road
If you’re looking to go for a day trip from Paris, Luxembourg is one of the best destinations to visit.
This charming city is the capital of the very small country by the same name, which is bordered by Germany, Belgium, and France.
Luxembourg is worth visiting as the city presents a fascinating combination of modern museums, ancient architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes.
It’s also famous for its award-winning wine and traditional foods, which are definitely worth sampling.
Judd mat Gaardebounen, made with smoked pork and beans, is the country’s national dish, and it makes for an excellent lunch on a crisp day.
Other top things to do in Luxembourg for a day include climbing along the walls of the Chemin de la Corniche (often called the “most beautiful balcony in Europe”), touring the Bock Casements, and riding the Pfaffenthal Lift.
A day trip in Luxembourg is all about appreciating beautiful views!
How to Get to Luxembourg From Paris
The most convenient way to reach Luxembourg from Paris is to catch a TGV train from Paris’ Gare de l’Est station, which takes under 3 hours each way.
Strasbourg
From Mark of Wyld Family Travel
As the capital of the Alsace region in Northeasten France, Strasbourg is a city with strong influences from both France and Germany.
At numerous points during history, Strasbourg has changed countries as borders shifted around it!
Today, most people head to Strasbourg to visit its old town cobbled streets, world-famous cathedral, The Neustadt district, and the canal-filled La Petite France district.
A boat ride on the canals of Strasbourg will introduce you to both the amazing half-timbered historic houses of Strasbourg and also the European Parliament area.
The Strasbourg Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world. Make sure you climb the Cathedral tower for the best view of the city!
During the Christmas period, Strasbourg plays host to one of the most famous and popular Christmas markets in Europe.
Strasbourg and the Alsace region in general are known for food and wine. Make sure you try the regional special called Flammkuchen, it is an Alsace version of pizza. This is best accompanied by a local Gewürztraminer wine.
How to Get to Strasbourg From Paris
Strasbourg is easily reached from Paris in 2.5 hours from Paris on the TGV, though some routes take much longer.
You’ll definitely want to book in advance!
There are around 19 trains a day running between the two cities.
Nantes
From Christine of Journey to France
The curious city of Nantes is a wonderful mix of something new and something old, making it one of the best day trips from Paris–especially for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
Nantes has a long history as a port and industrial center, and today, it’s a great example of a modern French metropolis.
Located in the Upper Brittany region in France, Nantes is not as crowded as the other popular French cities. It’s a must if you want to get away from the crowd but also enjoy a full French experience.
There are several memorable things to do in Nantes, including admiring medieval architecture, chateaus, cathedrals, picturesque French gardens, as well as sampling historical museums.
The Quartier Bouffay is a medieval quarter in Nantes known for its amazing architecture, quaint shops, and traditional restaurants.
It is also where the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is located. This restored 14th-century castle is one of the popular landmarks in the Brittany Region.
There’s also the Nantes Cathedral, the beautiful Jardin Des Plantes, and the beautiful Theatre Graslin.
If you’re into history, you can also check out Nantes Arts Museum and Les Machines de Ille de Nantes Museum.
How to Get to Nantes From Paris
The easiest way to get to Nantes from Paris is to take a train.
Take the TGV inOui train from Gare Montparnasse towards Le Croisic and get off at Nantes.
The journey only takes around 2 hours on the fastest routes, and there’s a train nearly every hour between Paris and Nantes.
Shop train tickets to Nantes today!
Map of the Best Day Trips From Paris, France
Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.
Your a full time traveler? Would love to chat with you about Europe!
Depends on how you define it! We were fully nomadic for 4 years, now we bounce around with bases that we tend to spend 1-2 years in each (last stop was Lisbon, right now it’s NYC) and travel from there.
We’re always happy to answer a few questions for fellow travelers! 🙂