10 Best Day Trips from Paris by Train
There are so many exciting things to do in Paris, but after living here for several years – I decided to explore outside of the city to see which weekend adventures could make for the best day trips from Paris.
Jardins de Versailles in the summer; June 2022
Honestly, day trips from Paris can be long – as the public transport hasn’t made high speed trains to get to some of the best places outside of the city yet. Luckily, you can still access all of these day trips by train in a couple of hours – making it perfect for longer or return stays to Paris where you’ll want to see more in the Île-de-France region.
After over five years of living in the French capital, I’m going to share some of my favorite day trips to take from Paris: including how to get there, what to expect, and the best things to do in each place.
10 Best Day Trips from Paris by Train
1. Versailles
This one may seem like a given, but I truly think that this is still the best day trip from Paris – as it’s easy to get to, stunning, and has something for everyone in your travel group.
Outside of Versailles; June 2022
Versailles is a classic day trip from Paris for it’s easy access, beautiful gardens, and rich history – perfect for museum goers, photographers, and casual travelers alike. Additionally, if you come to Paris and take a day trip to Versailles during certain times of the year – you’ll be able to attend special festivals like Musial fountain shows, renaissance balls, and even Versailles Electric.
🏰 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Versailles
Take a tour of the Palace of Versailles. The standard price is €35, with high season running from April 1 to October 31 and low season from November 1 to March 31 with a reduced fare of €25. You can view the official ticket prices here.
Les Jardins de Versailles are my personal favorite part of visiting Versailles — absolutely stunning and well worth the visit for the blooming flowers and endless greenery alone. The perfectly manicured paths, fountains, statues, and hidden groves make it one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe.
The Musical Fountain Show is one of the most magical things to see in Versailles. On select days between spring and autumn, the palace fountains come alive to the sound of classical music. The fountains usually run from around 11:00 to 12:00 and again from about 3:30 to 5:00 pm, creating a spectacular experience throughout the gardens.
Train Ticket Cost: RER ticket which costs around €2,55 per single ride or €5,10 roundtrip
Travel Time from Paris: Roughly 1 hour outside of Paris on RER C near the Eiffel Tower from Pont de l’Alma
Best for Travelers Like This: If you’re enchanted by European history, the French Revolution, gold palaces, and mystical gardens – there’s no doubt that you would fall in love with Versailles.
Pro Tip: Try to come as early as possible on weekday. On the weekends, many Parisians will take advantage and go to Versailles – making the trains more crowded and the overall experience less pleasurable. Also, while you may benefit from reduced ticket prices during low season – I really believe a trip to Versailles is incomplete without enjoying the gardens, which are best in the spring and summer.
2. Strasbourg
While locals and tourists alike are always raving about visiting Strasbourg during Christmas, what many travelers don’t know is that it actually makes a very feasible day trip from Paris.
View of Le Petit France in Strasbourg, France; May 2019
One of the most beautiful cities in France, Strasbourg is a special city – as it really feels like someone ripped it out of a page of a Disney princess novel. With its unique mix of German architecture, cheerfully painted houses, and the smell of delectable French pastries roaming through the air – Strasbourg is one for books.
🏰 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Strasbourg
Visiting Strasbourg Cathedral is a must on any day trip to the city. It is one of the most commanding and impressive cathedrals in size to see in person in all of Europe, and its detailed Gothic architecture makes it one of Strasbourg’s most iconic landmarks.
Have a picnic in La Petite France — it is truly a little spot of heaven on earth with the water, surrounding waterside cafés, and gorgeous pale pink buildings straight ahead. It’s one of the most peaceful and picturesque areas of Strasbourg to relax and take in the scenery.
A water cruise through Strasbourg costs around €17 and is a great way to see the city from another angle while gliding through its canals. You can view the official cruise details here.
Train Ticket Cost: It depends on the time of year, but a roundtrip ticket to Strasbourg from Paris can cost anywhere from €60 to €120 – so plan accordingly.
Travel Time from Paris: Just under 2 hours by train non-stop from Paris on the TGV (high-speed train in France)
Best for Travelers Like This: If you adore charming villages, cities with canals like Bruges, German-style houses, and wandering around cities with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets – Strasbourg is the perfect place in France for you to visit.
Pro Tip: A day trip to Strasbourg is best during shoulder season, as you won’t get the feel for this special little city if you go during peak Christmas market. This is because everyone usually frolics to Strasbourg for their famous Christmas markets. Instead, I recommending Strasbourg as a day trip from Paris in the spring, summer, or fall.
3. Giverny
Although I am not the biggest fan of impressionist paintings or interpreting visual pieces of art, I have to say – visiting Monet’s Gardens in Giverny was a soft, spotlight moment.
View of boats and flowers in Giverny, France; April 2026
🌸 Best Things to Do On a Day Trip to Giverny
The main attraction in Giverny is visiting Monet’s House and Gardens, where the famous Impressionist painter lived and worked. The colorful house, flower gardens, and pathways are exactly where Monet found inspiration for many of his most famous paintings.
The Museum of Impressionism in Giverny is a great stop for art lovers who want to learn more about the Impressionist movement and the artists influenced by Monet. It features rotating exhibitions and beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.
The famous Water Lily Pond is one of the most magical places to see in Giverny. The iconic Japanese bridge, peaceful water, and floating lilies are the exact scene that inspired Monet’s legendary water lily paintings.
Train Ticket Cost: You’ll first have to get to Saint-Lazare (€2,55 or €5,10 round trip) and then €17,90 train each way and then €10 bus round trip. Total cost for transportation for the day to Giverny from Paris was around €51 or $60 USD.
Travel Time from Paris: Around 2 hours from Saint-Lazare Station in Paris with the need to take an additional shuttle bus to Giverny.
Best for Travelers Like This: If you enjoy impressionist paintings, art museums, and isolated towns away from big city chaos – you’ll really enjoy a day trip to Givery (link here).
Pro Tip: Try to visit Giverny when the weather is nice, as grey skies and cold weather don’t allow you to truly soak up the peaceful serenity this place has to offer. If you do decide to visit during shoulder season, I recommend the fall over the winter – as the foliage surrounding the water lily ponds will be auburn and golden, which is perfect for photos.
4. Colmar
A mere 30 minutes away from Strasbourg, Colmar is like a quieter cousin to Strasbourg – harnessing the same magical qualities with fewer tourists.
While Strasbourg can sometimes feel overwhelming with all of the tourists, Colmar offers a more intimate experience – making it a great day trip for couples look for a softer, romantic escape from big cities.
🌸 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Colmar
La Petite Venise is the most picturesque area of Colmar, with colorful half-timbered houses lining peaceful canals. Walking along the water and crossing the small bridges here feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale village.
Colmar’s Old Town is full of charming streets, pastel buildings, and historic squares. Simply wandering through the cobblestone lanes and admiring the traditional Alsatian architecture is one of the best things to do in the city.
Colmar sits right in the heart of the Alsace wine region, making it the perfect place to try local white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Many cafés and wine bars around the Old Town offer tastings and relaxed outdoor seating.
Train Ticket Cost: Similar to Strasbourg, I would expect to pay anywhere from €60 to €120 for a day trip to Colmar from Paris.
Travel Time from Paris: Around 2.5 hours from Paris on the TGV (high speed train)
Best for Travelers Like This: If you like sweet, scenic escapes that aren’t muddled with tourists at every corner – Colmar feels more like a hidden secret as opposed to other popular day trips from Paris.
Pro Tip: If you have the energy for a full day trip that starts with the sun and ends late, I would suggest seeing both Strasbourg and Colmar on the same day trip from Paris – as they’re only 30 minutes apart. You could start in Colmar and make your way back to Strasbourg before heading on the train back to Paris.
5. Mont-Saint Michel
Truly just as magical as it looks on Tik Tok, Mont-Saint Michel is one of my favorite places I have seen in all of France.
View of castle in Mont-Saint Michel; June 2024
Situated in Normandy, this is a great opportunity to see a completely different side of France when looking for a unique day trip from Paris. Mont Saint Michel is nothing short of photogenic, while also offering more adventurous excursions for more risk-averse travelers – like taking a walk along the infamous sandy beach.
🏰 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel
The most famous attraction on the island is Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. Sitting at the very top of the village, the abbey is both a historic monastery and one of the most iconic sights in all of France, offering incredible views over the surrounding bay.
Taking a tour of the moat and surrounding bay is one of the most unique experiences at Mont-Saint-Michel. Guided tours allow you to walk along the sand flats and learn about the island’s famous tides and fascinating history.
Wandering around the village streets is a must when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. Just beware of the more tourist-trap restaurants — we preferred the smaller “hole-in-the-wall” places with better prices and a more authentic feel.
Travel Time from Paris: Around 3 to 4 hours from Paris with several switches on trains and buses or a 4 hour car ride from Île-de-France
Best for Travelers Like This: If you’re a big fan of places like Disneyland Paris (link) or love enchanting, medieval locations like Edinburgh (link) – you simply can’t miss out on a trip to Mont-Saint Michel.
Pro Tip: I really recommend doing this day trip in the summer, not necessarily for nice weather (as we still had cloudy skies in June) – but because this is a long day-trip from Paris. I would also avoid this day trip from Paris with kids, because in truth – it’s simply too much travel and tiring for young children (and even some adults, such as myself!).
6. Normandy D-Day Beaches
One of the more daring day trips from Paris is to explore some of the D-Day beaches out in Normandy – filled with rich history and stories from World War II.
🇫🇷 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to the D-Day Beaches
Omaha Beach is one of the most famous D-Day landing sites from June 6, 1944. Walking along the wide stretch of sand where American troops landed during Operation Overlord is a powerful experience and one of the most historically significant places to visit in Normandy.
Overlooking Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery is one of the most moving memorial sites in France. More than 9,000 American soldiers who died during the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy are buried here.
Pointe du Hoc is a dramatic cliffside location where U.S. Army Rangers scaled the cliffs during the D-Day invasion to disable German artillery. Today you can still see bomb craters, bunkers, and sweeping views of the Normandy coastline.
Travel Time from Paris:
Best for Travelers Like This: People who enjoy full day trips from sunrise to sunset, and have a deep affinity to learning more about World War II’s history.
Pro Tip: Plan to carve out an entire day from Paris to take this day trip, as excursions to D-Day beaches from Paris are usually 12 to 14 hour long days.
7. Disneyland Paris
Surprisingly more worthwhile than I thought it would be, one of the most exciting day trips from Paris is to go to Disneyland for the day.
Disneyland Paris castle; September 2025
While smaller than the traditional Disney World in Orlando Florida, Disneyland Paris is perfect for group travelers and families alike looking for the fill of adventure park activities.
🎢 Best Things to Do in Disneyland Paris on a Day Trip
The Ratatouille ride is one of the most fun attractions in Disneyland Paris and feels quintessentially French. Inspired by the Pixar movie set in Paris, the ride shrinks you down to the size of a rat as you race through Gusteau’s kitchen.
One of the most unique things about Disneyland Paris is that you can actually go inside Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Unlike the Disney World castle in Orlando, visitors can walk through the interior and explore the beautiful stained glass displays.
Catching the fireworks and parade on Main Street is one of the highlights of visiting Disneyland Paris. Watching the castle light up at night with music and fireworks is the perfect way to end your day at the park.
Travel Time from Paris: Roughly 1 hour from central Paris on the RER A train
Best for Travelers Like This: Travelers who have a soft spot for other Disney theme parks, and feel like leaving France without seeing Paris’s take on the classic, “happiest place on Earth” would be a crime.
Pro Tip: Try to come as early as you can in the morning, and if possible – do your day trip from Paris on a weekday. This is because families in the whole Île-de-France region often go to Disneyland Paris on the weekends – and lines for rides and attractions can get long.
8. Chantilly
Chantilly, located around 50 minutes from Gare du Nord on RER D in Paris, is a small commune with a beautiful castle. It’s also known for creating Chantilly itself – better known as whipped cream.
Château de Chantilly; April 2026
Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Chantilly as a day trip. It’s the perfect place for peace, quiet, and self-reflection outside of Paris. You can also enjoy a picnic in the gardens, rent boats, go for a bike ride, or even take a spin on a golf cart.
🏰 Best Things to Do in Chantilly on a Day Trip
The Château de Chantilly is the main attraction of the area and is well worth visiting on a day trip. Day tickets typically cost around €27, with high season running from April to October. Inside the château you’ll find beautiful rooms, art collections, and views over the surrounding gardens.
The gardens surrounding the Château de Chantilly are vast and relaxing to explore. Visitors can rent a boat, bike, or even a golf cart to see more of the gardens. While they aren’t quite as famous as the Gardens of Versailles, they feel similar but smaller and easier to explore in a short visit.
Chantilly is famous for its whipped cream, so trying it in a local café is a must while visiting. Some places even offer workshops where you can learn how to make authentic Chantilly cream yourself.
Travel Time from Paris: Around 1 hour 30 minutes from Gare du Nord train station total on RER D and local shuttle (you can also take a TER train to get there, but it will be more expensive and takes around the same amount of time in the end)
Best for Travelers Like This: Travelers who love castles and places like Versailles or Schönbrunn Palace in Austria (Vienna link) would surely be satisfied with a trip to Chantilly. Also, if you’re a fan
Pro Tip: Nearby is another famous theme park in the Paris area called Parc Astérix, which is a well-known cartoon in France. Also, be sure to book your tickets for the gardens and castle in Chantilly – it’s the best part of the trip.
9. Reims
Encompassing the best of historic cities, Reims is heaven-on-Earth for architect, church, and museum lovers alike.
Still a city but on a smaller scale than Paris, Reims is known for being the place where several French kings were crowned. This history combined with champage houses makes it a beloved day trip from Paris for both locals and tourists alike, as I even first heard of it from my colleague at work.
⛪ Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Reims
Notre-Dame de Reims is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in France and the historic site where French kings were crowned for centuries. The intricate façade, towering arches, and stained glass windows make it one of the most impressive churches to visit on a day trip to Reims.
A visit to the Veuve Clicquot champagne house is one of the most popular experiences in Reims. The guided tours take you through the historic chalk cellars beneath the city where bottles of champagne age before ending with a tasting of the famous sparkling wine.
Another excellent champagne house to visit in Reims is Taittinger, known for its elegant caves carved into ancient chalk quarries. Touring the underground cellars and learning about the champagne-making process is a highlight of visiting the Champagne region.
Travel Time from Paris: 45 minutes on the TGV from Gare de L’est
Best for Travelers Like This: If you love cities with lots of churches, or are a fan of places like Notre-Dame in Paris – you’ll enjoy walking around Reims.
Pro Tip: If you want to do both Épernay and Reims in a single day, I suggest doing Reims first – as it’s more lively than Épernay, and can ware you out faster during a day trip.
10. Épernay
A true, “countryside” day trip outside of Paris, this is close to the feeling you would imagine if you were Emily going to Camille’s home in Champagne – as they’re in the same region.
A sweet, subliminal pause from the bustling streets of Paris – Épernay is well known for its champagne tasting and soft aura, as its surrounded by rolling hills and countryside houses.
🥂 Best Things to Do in Épernay on a Day Trip
Avenue de Champagne is one of the most famous wine streets in the world. Walking down this elegant avenue lined with historic champagne houses is a must when visiting Épernay, and many of the cellars offer tastings and tours.
One of the most famous champagne houses in the world, Moët & Chandon is headquartered in Épernay. Visitors can tour the underground chalk cellars and learn about the champagne-making process before enjoying a tasting.
After wine tasting, take time to enjoy a casual bistro in Épernay’s city center. The town has a much calmer atmosphere than larger French cities, making it the perfect place to sit outside, enjoy a meal, and take in the relaxed Champagne-region vibe.
Travel Time from Paris: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes when you take the TER from Gare de L’est
Best for Travelers Like This: If you enjoy cities like Arles, Avignon, or other more secluded places in France – you’ll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in Épernay.
Pro Tip: It’s great to pair Épernay with a day trip to Reims from Paris too. I suggest taking the TGV to Reims and then ending the day with champagn tasting in Épernay!
🗺️ Day Trips from Paris FAQ
Looking for more information and Paris and France as you plan your trip?
Click here to discover more, as I have several articles like this to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris and the rest of France.
Additional articles you may find helpful include:
10 Best Neighborhoods in Paris: Where to Stay (A Local’s Guide)
Your Guide to a First Trip to Paris: A Local-Approved 5-Day Itinerary
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Last updated: April 20, 2026