Are you currently searching for the best day trips from Paris? Paris is one of our favorite cities in the world, but there is so much to see and do around the city that these day trips from Paris may just inspire you to take a day away! Since the city is so centrally located in Europe, you have so many options for easy day trips from Paris. Whether you love history, fashion, culture, food, or just want to try something new and get out of the big city, there is a day trip from Paris for you!
You can choose to take a day trip from Paris to a nearby town and visit a chateau, hop on the TGV transportation and visit another part of France, or leave France completely and visit another country altogether! Yes, there are even day trips from Paris where you can visit other countries and we have included all the best suggestions below! Whether you want a quick day getaway so you can be back in Paris for dinner, or you want an entire day away, our list of the best day trips from Paris has got you covered!
Best Day Trips From Paris To Inspire You To Leave The City
Mont-Saint-Michel Is One Of The Day Trips From Paris You Have To See To Believe
Suggested by Travel Collecting
Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the best day trips from Paris you have to see to believe! Mont St Michel is a picture-postcard-perfect mound, rimmed by a wall, covered in a grey-roofed medieval village and topped with a dramatic gothic abbey. The tides here are huge, varying as much as 50 feet [15m] and surrounding the island at their peak (36-45 hours after full and new moons, especially in spring.) Most of the time the island is not surrounded by water, but is beautiful nonetheless.
The best thing about Mont St Michel is the view of the island; however, the village and the abbey are both interesting to visit. Enter the village through the original gates, then follow the main street as it winds around the island up past souvenir shops and restaurants. Stop off at the small but interesting historical and maritime museums and explore the narrow corridors of the abbey.
How To Get To Mont-Saint-Michel From Paris:
There are two trains that make sense for a day trip from Paris. The first is the 7:35am train from Paris Montparnasse, arriving in Rennes at 9:25am. This train connects with the 9:45am Keolis bus. Take the north exit (Sortie Nord) from the train station and follow the signs to the nearby bus station (Gare Routiere). You can buy your ticket on the bus, which gets to Mont St Michel at 10:55am. Alternatively, take the 9:52am train from Paris Montparnasse, arriving in Rennes at 11:25am, connecting with the 11:45am bus, and arriving at Mont St Michel at 12:55am. From the bus stop you can catch the free shuttle to the island across the causeway (25 minutes), take a horse-drawn shuttle (for a fee, 35 minutes), or walk (about 45 minutes).
To get back to Paris, the bus leaves Mont St Michel at 6:20pm (6:05 after 8/27/18), arriving in Rennes at 7:30pm (7:15 after 8/27), connecting with the TGV leaving Rennes at 7:52pm (7:35 after 8/27) and getting back into Paris at 10:08pm (9:04pm after 8/27). It’s also possible to take a TGV to Dol de Bretagne and connect with a bus to Mont St Michel, but they are less frequent. And, of course, you can rent a car in Paris and drive. This is a long day, but totally worth it if you are looking for unique day trips from Paris!
Visit London On A Day Trip From Paris And Hit Two Major Cities In One Day
Suggested by A Couple For The Road
If you are looking for day trips from Paris where you can go big and memorable, why not visit London? From Paris, you can connect with another major European superpower in only a few hours via the Eurostar – a high-speed, underground train that helps you travel from Paris to London in only three hours! With day-trips being a way to maximize your time on vacation, and Europe being an ideal location for day trips due to the relative proximity between so many major cities, being able to see both London and Paris in the same day is a dream come true for travelers without a lot of time on their hands.
Additionally, tickets for the Eurostar are relatively cheap (under $100 for a round-trip), and you have access to a full-service bar, comfortable environment, and excellent food on your way! Additionally, there’s an above-ground component to the trip that gives you time to enjoy your high-speed jaunt through the North France countryside before sinking under the depths of the English Channel. Going underneath the English Channel is truly one of the best parts of this day trip from Paris! It is such a unique experience.
Once you arrive at Victoria Station in London, you’re ideally situated to the London Underground System, hundreds of fantastic pubs, and the majority of the “bucket list” attractions you want to see in London within mere minutes. A visit to London is truly one of the best day trips from Paris if you are looking to easily visit another major destination.
How To Get From Paris To London:
Take The Eurostar from Paris Gare Du Nord for around $100 round trip straight to London’s Victoria Station. With most trains leaving Gare du Nord as early as 6:00, and the latest returning from Victoria Station at 20:00, you truly have a full day to explore London without the hassle of driving, and with the convenience of excellent amenities during your trip to and from London.
Read next: The Best 4 Day London Itinerary For First Time Visitors
Disneyland Paris Is A “Must” With Or Without Kids
One of our favorite day trips from Paris is Disneyland Paris. We love it so much we’ve been several times and it is so easy to get to from anywhere in Paris and much more affordable than Walt Disney World! Disneyland Park is located in Marne-la-Vallée, which is around 20 miles (32km) East from downtown Paris. It is the most visited theme park in Europe receiving 12 million annual visitors, mainly because whilst it’s very popular with the kids, even the big kids like us love it a lot. If you are a Disney lover, we highly recommend this day trip from Paris even if you don’t have any children at all!
The Park itself is huge – around 4,800 acres, which is divided into 2 parks. Our all-time favorite ride is “It’s a Small World” in Fantasyland – a calm, campy fun ride showing how different cultures around the world sing along to this catchy theme song. If you love traveling, you’ll be able to identify with a lot of these – not to mention you’ll be singing this song for the rest of your life! This is also a classic ride that has been there from the start and has become iconic of Disneyland theme parks.
Other top rides not to miss at Disneyland Paris include the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain roller coaster in Discoveryland, the Big Thunder Mountain mine train rollercoaster in Frontierland and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Adventureland. The fastest ride is the Rock n Roller Coaster Aerosmith ride which reaches speeds of 57 mph (92km/h), rising to 79 feet (24 meters). You can either come and stay at one of the hotels here, or visit for a few hours on one of the best day trips from Paris!
How To Get To Disneyland Paris:
Get to Disneyland Paris by the RER A train from Paris, stopping at Marne La Vallee station.It is very easy as there is even a little Mickey Mouse Ear diagram on the train map so you know you are headed in the right direction! There are many trains each hour from downtown Paris, and in addition, a direct Eurostar train from London on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Read next: 5 Reasons Why Disneyland Paris Is Better Than Walt Disney World
A Day Trip To Bayeux Allows You To Experience World War II History
Suggested by Holidays To Europe
With a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years, Bayeux, in northern France, makes a perfect day trip from Paris. When you enter the pretty historic center, which is lined with a mix of half-timbered and stone buildings, the first thing you’ll notice is the magnificent Cathedral. Bayeux Cathedral features two spires and dates back to the 11th-century, having been consecrated in 1077. The huge church, which is built in the Gothic style, also sports some beautifully restored 15th-century frescoes.
Another must-see in town is the Bayeux Tapestry. It’s actually a 70-meter-long embroidery that depicts William the Conqueror’s invasion of England during the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Housed in a purpose-built museum, all fifty scenes of the Tapestry can be viewed through glass panels. An audio guide provides information about each panel.
Bayeux is also a great place to visit to pay your respects to our fallen soldiers that fought in World War II. If you are looking for day trips from Paris that allow you to experience history first hand, this is the place. Numerous WWII landings took place on the Normandy coastline and the town is now home to the Commonwealth War Cemetery and The Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.
Twenty minutes from town, you can visit Omaha Beach and the Normandy American War Cemetery where more than 10,000 American soldiers are honored. It’s worth allowing an hour or two to wander the streets of Bayeux and browse in the shops along rue St-Martin. Be sure to enjoy a glass of the local cider at a café on rue St-Jean before making your way back to Paris. This is one of the more somber day trips from Paris but everyone should visit and pay their respects.
How To Get To Bayeux From Paris:
It takes just over two hours to reach Bayeux by Intercité train from Paris-St-Lazare station. If you prefer to drive, the journey time is around two-and-a-half hours from central Paris. Bayeux can easily be combined with other Normandy-based day trips from Paris if you are looking to visit multiple places in one day. Just be prepared for a lot of driving if you want to do numerous Paris day trips!
Etretat Is One Of The Most Magical Day Trips From Paris
If you are looking for the most amazing nature, Etretat is one of the best day trips from Paris for you! Etretat is a small coastal town in the Normandy region of France. The town is popular for the magnificent white chalk cliffs and the pebbled Etretat beach. There are three cliffs on either side of the beach – the Aval Cliff, the Manneporte and the gigantic Amont Cliff.
On the left is the Aval Cliff and the Aiguille Creuse which is a hollow needle rock. Walking further from Aval Cliff you can reach the Manneporte. On the right side of the beach is the Amont Cliff. One can climb the Amont Cliff and visit the Chappelle de la Garde and a monument dedicated to the two missing French pilots last sighted over Etretat.
If you are a photographer, Etretat will be one of the best day trips from Paris for you! The white cliffs are stunning in photographs and even better when moody! Even if you simply love nature and pretty views, this day trip from Paris will be memorable and worth your time!
How To Get To Etretat From Paris:
Etretat from Paris is well connected but with a limited frequency of trains and bus. You need to take a train from Saint Lazare station to the town of Le Havre. Once at Le Havre you need to take a bus which stops at the Etretat town. Take note of the last train to Paris in the evening and make sure you have enough buffer time to reach the station. When we visited we had to take a bus to Caen in the evening and missed it because the bus from Etretat was late due to traffic. In that case, you will have to spend a night in Le Havre or hire a cab back to Paris which can turn out heavy on pockets.
Chartres Is An Easy Day Trip From Paris If You Love Medevil Cathedrals
See the famous “Chartres blue” on one of the easier day trips from Paris! Chartres is just a 90 minute train ride or drive by car from Paris and really shouldn’t be missed. It’s here that you’ll find its famous cathedral, which has been attracting pilgrims since the 12th century! There’s even a remnant of the Virgin Mary’s veil on display. It’s one of the most famous medieval cathedrals in the world, in part due to the brilliant blue stained glass (with a pop of red) known as “Chartres blue.”
If you’re visiting Chartres in summer, don’t miss the light show on the façade of the cathedral! “Chartres en Lumiere” takes place between April and October after sunset and is truly mesmerizing. You can even walk the light’s path through town by following the illuminated monuments. While touring the cathedral, walk the famous labyrinth in the nave (current day pilgrims still travel here just for the privilege) and visit the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Garden. Then take a breather at the café just across from the cathedral for a stunning view while you sip a glass of wine and ponder medieval mysteries.
How To Get To Chartres From Paris:
Trains depart from the Paris Montparnasse station beginning at 00:20 and ending at 20:09. There is an average of 36 trains a day between Paris and Chartres, leaving approximately every 33 minutes. The ease and affordability of this train journey make Chartres a wonderful day trip from Paris for history lovers, Catholics, or anyone who loves medieval architecture.
Skip The Crowds And Head To Chantilly For Chateaus
Suggested by My Travel Scrapbook
Forget the crowds of Versailles and head to quiet Chantilly instead! The palace of Chantilly is just a train ride away to the north of Paris which is why it makes one of the better day trips from Paris if you are short on time. Escape the city of Paris and breathe in the fresh country air of Chantilly. Surrounded by the vast Chantilly forest, the small town is famous for the Chantilly Racecourse and, more importantly, the gorgeous Chateau.
Chateau de Chantilly is an incredible palace, full of lavish interiors, floating upon a lake, set within beautiful gardens. Explore the romantic English gardens, especially the Island of Love. This wonderfully named island used to host garden parties. The Princes of Conde, who lived at Chantilly would invite the gentry during the summer to enjoy the splendor of the island of love. Also make sure you stroll over to the sweet little Hameau at Chantilly, full of quaint cottages, which became the inspiration for Marie Antoinette’s hamlet at Versailles, another popular day trip from Paris.
After exploring the gardens head inside the spectacular chateau. The interior of Chantilly is lovely. Arguably less impressive than that of Versailles, yet the main draw is that you may wonder at your own pace. There are no crowds to battle through and you may linger for as long as you desire which is why Chantilly is one of the best day trips from Paris. This also makes it much easier to get those Instagram worthy photos. Finally, admire the spectacular reflection of the exterior upon the deep blue lake. Chantilly is truly magnificent. Chateau de Chantilly is one of Paris’ best-kept secrets as it does not receive the hordes of tourists that Versailles does. Choose a sunny day, pack a picnic, hop on the train and head to one of France’s prettiest Chateaus for a totally memorable day trip from Paris!
How To Get To Chantilly From Paris:
From Gare du Nord it takes just 25 minutes on the TER and costs around 6 euros (2018). There are 35 direct trains from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly—Gouvieux. It truly couldn’t be easier to get from Paris to Chantilly and the cost is next to nothing making Chantilly one of the best day trips from Paris to beat the crowds and still have a wonderful and memorable day!
The Loire Valley Is One Of The Best Day Trips From Paris For Castle Lovers
Suggested by Phila Travel Girl
Are you a castle lover on the hunt for the best day trips from Paris? Did you know that there is an entire castle region right by Paris? You can choose to take a Loire Valley Tour, or take the train yourself, or rent a car and drive! When I decided to take the Loire Valley tour from Paris, I expected to sleep on the way to the castles and wine region, about two hours and a bit from the city. What I didn’t expect was a thrilling history lesson by the entertaining tour guides who had me engrossed in the details of the royal soap opera at the Chateaus and life in the Loire Valley. I was typing like crazy in my phone to get the details correct while others slept around me.
If you want to go on this day trip from Paris, you must visit two popular chateaus – Chateau Chambord (often referred to as the “Beauty and the Beast” castle) and Chateau de Chenonceau (familiar from the movie “Ever After”). If you take a guided tour, the day would also include a wine tasting at Chateau de Chenonceau and lunch at a winery. It was a long twelve hour day but allowed ample time to discover the many fascinating details at the Loire Valley castles – inside, outside on the grounds and in the gardens.
On the drive back to Paris, I was happy to have chosen the bus tour because the commentary brought the Loire Valley to life in a way I would not have learned otherwise. Now to find the Netflix movies to catch up on all the royal intrigue. The Loire Valley is one of the more interesting day trips from Paris because there is so much to see and do during your time out of the city!
How To Get To The Loire Valley From Paris:
From Paris you have a few options to the Loire Valley castles – a tour with one of many vendors from Paris (often 7am – 7pm), drive yourself (2hrs each way) or take the train (about 1-1.5 hrs each way) to a taxi (25-30 mins) or seasonal shuttle from the train station. Train tickets for a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley are around $15. The first train leaving Paris is at 05:53, the last at 23:08. There is an average of 38 trains a day between Paris and Tours, leaving approximately every 18 minutes.
Honfleur Is One Of Our Favorite Day Trips From Paris
Suggested by Wanderlust Storytellers
Honfleur is one of our favorite day trips from Paris which is why it has to be included on this list! Honfleur is such a cute town, and if you have never heard of it until now, you are in for a real treat! Honfleur’s major attraction is the LeVieux Bassin (Pord de Honfleur). The port itself is surrounded by rows of colorful 17th and 18th-century narrow houses which provide a perfect backdrop for hundreds of photos taken here on a daily basis so if you are a photographer looking for great day trips from Paris, put Honfleur on your list! Yes, it is a popular tourist spot, but not only for the port’s picture-perfect scenery.
Honfleur is home to delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine, pretty Harry-Potter-like alleys and extraordinary architecture. This place is a haven for painters and artists from all around the world. Saying that, some of the artwork created here is displayed at many of the art galleries, which are scattered around town. Monet even visited Honfleur multiple times and painted many photos of this lovely day trip from Paris. Seriously! Google Monet’s paintings of Honfluer!
Some of the best places to check out in Honfleur include the famous Saint Catherine’s Church, Saint-Leonard’s Church, Notre-Dame de Grace, Normandy Bridge and the amazing Jardin des Personalities, just to name a few here. Alternatively, you can lose yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets and explore the town till the heart is content. And if you get a little hungry, make sure the check out some of the local patisseries. You will be delightfully surprised on the charm this day trip from Paris has to offer!
How To Get To Honfleur From Paris:
FlixBus operates a bus from Paris to Honfleur 4 times a week. Tickets cost $10 – $18 and the journey takes 2 h 10 min each way. Alternatively, SNCF operates a train from Paris to Honfleur hourly. Tickets cost $35 – $55 and the journey takes 2 h 13 min. If you want to visit Honfleur on a day trip from Paris, we highly recommend considering renting a car and driving yourself. It is a quick and easy drive and you can stop at other sites on this list of the best day trips from Paris that are also located in Normandy all in the same day if you want!
Visit Brussels And Skip Out Of France Completely For The Day
Suggested by Mum’s Little Explorers
Once you have seen the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and other highlights of the City Of Lights why not take a day trip from Paris to explore nearby Brussels. In as little as half an hour and 20 minutes by train you can be enjoying some Belgium delights. Famous for its history, the baroque architecture, and of course some of the world’s best chocolate, Brussels offers a range of things to do and see for any type of traveler. Paris to Brussels is a one of the day trips from Paris on this list that gets you out of France completely and allows you to check another country off your bucket list!
Start at the Grand Palace, one of Europe’s most breathtaking squares where you can admire some of Brussels famous baroque architecture. Make sure you check out The Notre Dam Du Sablon which is a 14th Century Gothic cathedral and visit the Palais Royal which remains the official residence of the royal family. Don’t miss the Manneken Pis, the small bronze sculpture of a naked boy peeing into a fountain which has now become a national symbol. Try some of the local cuisines including Fries, mussels, and of course, you can’t leave before trying some of the local beer. Visiting Brussels is an unforgettable day trip from Paris you won’t want to miss!
How To Get To Brussels From Paris:
The Thalys high-speed trains depart approximately every half an hour from Paris Nord to Bruxelles Midi daily. Prices start at around 30Euro. This day trip from Paris couldn’t be any easier and more enjoyable!
Fountainbleu Is Home To A Palace From The 17th Century
Fontainebleau is a small city just to the south of Paris. You can get there in about one hour by car and 40 minutes by train making it one of the closer day trips from Paris on this list! The town is mainly famous for its stunning palace: Château de Fontainebleau. The palace, first a medieval castle and later rebuilt as a palace, served as a residence for French Kings and Napoleon. Both the interior and exterior of the palace are absolutely stunning. The famous horseshoe-shaped staircase and Renaissance facade greet you when you enter the castle.
Inside the palace, you’ll be amazed by all the luxury and the decorations of the many rooms you can visit. Visiting Fontainebleau is certainly the best day trip from Paris if you love palaces and history! Don’t forget to visit the room in which you can see the table where Napoleon signed his abdication before he was exiled to Elba. My favorite room in the palace was probably the Francis I gallery.
This gallery predates the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles and has a warm feeling, because of the use of wood. If you’d like to visit a French palace, but don’t want to visit a castle that’s overwhelmed by tourists (such as Versailles), Fontainebleau is a perfect choice for a wonderful day trip from Paris. I’ve visited the castle two times and on both occasions, there were only a few tourists visiting the palace. Besides the palace, there isn’t much to do in Fontainebleau so understand that this is one of the day trips from Paris you take if you have a purpose to visit one amazing spot. That being said, you can easily combine Fontainebleau with Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century castle in baroque style.
How to get to Fontainebleau from Paris:
To get to Fontainebleau from Paris take a Transilien train from Paris-Gare de Lyon to station Fontainebleau-Avon. This train journey takes about 40 minutes and couldn’t be easier to do.
Epernay Is The Best Day Trip From Paris If You Love Champagne
Epernay is the Champagne capital of the world and there are really no other day trips from Paris that will get you up close and personal with this popular drink! Located in the Champagne region of France, just a quick 1.5 h drive, Epernay is the perfect day-trip from Paris if you are a fan of the bubbly beverage. Stroll down the Avenue de Champagne, where some of the most famous Champagne Houses, like Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mumm & Co. have their home. Or you can head to one of the many tasting rooms to indulge in a glass or two of deliciousness.
If you want to learn more about Champagne production, taste some great Champagne AND want a gorgeous view from above, go to De Castellane to tour their Champagne cellars and climb their tower for a fantastic view of Epernay. But don’t just spend all day in town. Get out and stroll through the magnificent vineyards or along the Marne river, stop at a local restaurant and try some authentic French country cuisine accompanied with – yes, you guessed it – more Champagne.
Epernay and its surrounding area live and breath Champagne and it is an integral part of the local culture. If you want to try some of the most iconic beverage right where it is produced, you should definitely add Epernay to your list of day trips from Paris! You really can’t go wrong, especially if you love champagne.
How To Get To Epernay From Paris:
There are 5 trains a day that leave from Paris Est and go to Epernay. The trains leave every 2 hours and 3 minutes. The first train leaves Paris at 06:36, the last leaves Paris at 22:36. Travel time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. The proximity of Epernay makes it one of the best day trips from Paris if you don’t want a long travel day.
Versailles Is One Of The Most Popular Day Trips From Paris You Shouldn’t Miss
Suggested by My Toronto My World
Located a short 30-45 minutes train ride west of Paris you’ll find Versailles, one of the most popular day trips from Paris! Depending on where in Paris you’re coming from you may only be one quick train ride away so definitely ask at the closest train station how to get there. Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris because of its proximity and because of the hugely popular Palace of Versailles.
By far, the most popular thing to do in Versailles is to visit the Palace of Versailles and its gardens and you can easily spend an entire day roaming around the palace, the gardens and the multiple associated buildings. Make sure not to miss the incredibly well-known Hall of Mirrors which I’m sure you’ve seen hundreds of pictures of! While the Palace and the Gardens are absolutely stunning and an absolute must-do in Versailles they’re not the only thing to do in town on this day trip from Paris.
There’s a great food market with a ton of options like wine, fish, fruits, cheeses and so much more to spend some time at. With 4 buildings and an outdoor portion, it’s a giant market and a great option for breakfast or lunch during your visit. It’s open Tuesdays-Saturdays so if you’re interested in adding this to your Versailles itinerary do keep that in mind when planning your day trips from Paris. In addition to the market and the palace, Versailles also has a stunning opera house to offer and a super interesting new addition in the court of scents where you can learn all about perfumes and their history.
How To Get To Versailles From Paris:
Depending on where you are coming from in Paris, it will take you about 1-1.5 hours to get to the city. Round-trip tickets are about 7 euros and can be purchased at any Paris metro station. Public transport is easy but you need to find your way to RER C and head toward Versailles. This is one of the most popular day trips from Paris so we can assure you it is quite easy to visit.
Giverny Is A Wonderful Day Trip From Paris For Art Lovers
Suggested by Travel With Little One
The village of Giverny was the home of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926 so if you love art, this will be one of the best day trips from Paris for you! He bought a house with a small garden and later bought more land across the road. He painted these gardens many times, and the fame of these paintings is what draws half a million visitors a year to his house and gardens.
Monet’s house feels like he was there yesterday, with everything much as it was during his lifetime which is why Giverny is a truly intriguing day trip from Paris. You can visit his first studio, which has several reproductions of his paintings, his bedroom, sitting room and bright yellow dining room. The property’s original garden is called the Clos Normand, and in summer is a blaze of bright color, with geraniums, roses, dahlias and foxgloves blooming in abundance.
An underpass leads from here to the iconic Japanese Garden, which has the famous water lily ponds and Japanese Bridge. Depending on how keen you are to wait for photos, it normally takes around two hours to see everything. If you are a photographer looking for day trips from Paris, Monet’s house and gardens will not disappoint!
How To Get To Giverny From Paris:
You can easily reach Giverny from Paris. It’s 75 km – 50 miles – away, and the easiest way to get there is by train from Gare St- Lazare to Vernon SNCF station, 4 km away. A regular road train then takes you to Giverny.
Reims’s Notre Dame Cathedral Rivals The One In Paris
Suggested by Two Restless Homebodies
If you’re shopping for a day trip from Paris, you can’t miss a visit to Reims. At only about 45 minutes from the City of Light by train (perhaps an hour by car), the capital of the Champagne region is a must for any lover of wine and history. The city’s Notre Dame easily rivals Notre Dame de Paris, with twice as many statues on its exterior and stunning stained glass windows by both original Middle Ages artisans and modern artists of note, like Marc Chagall. And don’t miss the cathedral’s Joan of Arc tribute – after all, this famous woman did free the city from British capture.
Directly next door, you’ll find the Palace of Tau, which played host to France’s kings-in-waiting for centuries and now houses an exquisite, comprehensive collection of French crown jewels, art, and other treasures. If wine and food are more your speed, take your pick of famous champagne houses to tour and taste on this day trip from Paris.
From Veuve Cliquot to Mumm and beyond, tour the Roman chalk mines – which are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage site – these legendary houses use to age their wines, then follow your taste buds to learn about each of their many offerings. And before you leave, be sure to pick up a packet of famed rose biscuits from Maison Fossier when you head downtown – they go quite well with a couple of local brut bubbly!
How To Get To Reims From Paris:
The train from Paris to Reims leaves from the Paris Est station and there are 22 departures per day that leave every 37 minutes. The first train leaves Paris at 06:36 and the last at 22:36. This Paris day trip couldn’t be any easier or convenient!
Brittany Is One Of The Best Paris Day Trips If You’re After An Old-World Feel
Brittany is perhaps the best and most well preserved old-world town of all making it one of the best day trips from Paris! Wandering through the streets of Dinan feels like a trip back in time, a place where life moves at a much slower and quieter pace. Since Brittany is quiet and simple, it is a great antidote to the ever busy and buzzing streets of the capital! If you are looking for a Paris day trip that is more relaxing than rushed, Brittany will do the trick.
The cobbled streets surrounded by rows of half-timbered houses provide the perfect backdrop for tasting some of France’s best crepes. Once the site of a grand fortress, an essential addition to your Dinan to-do list would have to be a walk round the city walls and visiting what still remains of the Chateau de Dinan. The most atmospheric place of all is probably the Rue du Jerzual stretching on to the Rue du Petit Fort. It is narrow, winding and very calming as you head towards the river for some of the best photo spots. Just a little note, try not to confuse Dinan with the nearby coastal town of Dinard. They sound similar but are two different places and both make for wonderful day trips from Paris!
How to Get To Brittany From Paris:
From Paris Montparnasse, allow 2 hours to get to Rennes and 4 hours for Brest or Quimper by TGV (high-speed train). There are also direct train routes that allow you to travel to Brittany without having to go through the capital city. This day trip from Paris is a bit further away from the big city, but it is worth it!
Rennes Is The Pearl Of Brittany And Can Be Combined With Other Day Trips From Paris
Suggested by Constant Traveller
If you are already heading to the Brittany region of France above, these two wonderful day trips from Paris can be combined into a lovely day of exploring! This predominantly student city is the diva of Brittany in France. She is, after all, the capital city of Brittany and like her English counterpart, her main feature is her unpredictable weather. You should consider yourself lucky if you see two sunny days in a row or a day when the cold wind doesn’t bite you at night.
Considering all these, you might well wonder why go to Rennes at all on a day trip from Paris. Well, because like all divas, Rennes is beautiful. It is also much less crowded by tourists as it doesn’t fall under most places to go to. Strolling through its main square, the Place de la Republique, and getting lost in its winding cobblestone streets just behind, is actually something you’ll enjoy rather than jostle for pictures and selfies with.
Being a student city, Rennes has a vibrant nightlife as well. In fact, if you stroll through Rue Saint Michel, the only establishment you’ll see on both sides are bars! Locals actually call it the ‘Thirst Street’. If you’ve encountered the so-called rude tourists in Paris, then Rennes will be a welcome change. At its local market, vendors called me into their shops to try their fruits and cheese before seeing me off. The gray weather outside is perfectly complemented by the warmness of Rennes’ locals making the city one of the best day trips from Paris!
How To Get To Rennes From Paris:
Getting here is fairly easy. There are direct trains from Charles de Gaulle to Rennes station with a journey time of three hours. From Paris, you can catch the TGV at Gare Montparnasse to Rennes. There is a train every 30 minutes with a journey time of two hours one way.
There are so many wonderful day trips from Paris for every type of travel style! Whether you want to see World War II history, visit palaces for Instagram, or escape the country entirely, these Paris day trips will get you started on planning your dream trip!
Pin this post:
The Most Romantic Cities In Europe Every Couple Should Visit
