Even when Paris has endless places to visit to keep you busy for at least a year, it is always a good idea to add an extra day far enough from the city either to enjoy some of the most famous landmarks around Paris or to soak in a different, less geared toward tourists where it would be possible to experience the real French lifestyle.
These day trips from Paris are some of the most interesting excursions for solo travelers in France. You will get to see some incredible places in France and, if you are adventurous enough, some other incredible places abroad!
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In no particular order, these are some of the most popular day trips from Paris.
Versailles Palace
Distance from Paris: 40-60 minutes
Château de Versailles, as locals call it, is an impressive palace now turned museum, dating from the seventeenth century.
The former royal residence that hosted at least two kings of France was conceived by King Louis XIV, and it is a lavish masterpiece of opulence and splendor.
Originally built as a hunting lodge by Louis XIII, it was then transformed into a small château in 1634.
His successor, Louis XIV, enlarged the property and converted it into a palace from 1661 to 1715.
Louis XIV was the French king who moved his court to Versailles, which became the real capital of power in the country.
Versailles remained abandoned during the years of the French Revolution, and it is now partly owned by the French Republic.
During the years of Napoleon I, Versailles was used as the summer residence of the ruler.
Both the palace and its impressive gardens have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Among the halls you should not skip during the visit, don’t overlook the Hall of Mirrors, a long gallery in marble featuring ceiling frescoes and 578 mirrors facing 17 windows.
To get to Versailles, head to the Gare d’Austerlitz or Gare de l’Est and board a train to Versailles.
You can also get there driving your rental car, but traffic can be quite overwhelming in the area.
Alternatively, you can choose to join this Versailles tour from Paris that picks you up from your hotel and includes an informative guide to learn about the past and the secrets of this incredible French landmark.
Normandy and Omaha Beach
Distance from Paris: 2-3 hours
Another day trip from Paris that is especially favorite among American travelers is the excursion to discover the tragic history of D-Day and its battlefields, as well as the beaches and the American War Cemetery in the area.
When visiting Normandy, on the northwestern coast of France, you will be able to witness the places that are part of WWII history.
These include the site of the D-Day landings, such as Omaha Beach, known as the toughest landing in the Normandy area.
Here you can visit the dedicated center for visitors as well as the Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-Sur-Mer, a war cemetery, and memorial where about 10,000 US military soldiers have been laid to rest.
Also in the nearby area, the Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema and 360 Museum of the Landing offer a vivid perception of those tragic events.
To get to Normandy, you will need to board a train to Bayeux.
Since there are dozens of memorial monuments, museums, beaches, and places related to D-Day to explore, we suggest you contact the local tourist office upon arrival at Bayeux to join a tour that includes the places you would want to visit.
Instead, if you want to save time and avoid travel arrangements and train schedules, then join an organized tour that also includes the transfer from Paris to Normandy (and back) on the same day.
Usually, these tours also include entrances to museums, a stop for lunch, and a knowledgeable tour guide that will be happy to share everything about the history of this place.
This Normandy D-Day tour from Paris offers excellent value for money and has top reviews.
For a higher fee, there is also available the Normandy D-Day private tour from Paris for a more personalized experience.
Chambord Castle in the Loire Valley
Distance from Paris: from 90 minutes to 2 hours
If impressive castles and fragrant wine tasting are among your unmissable things to do in France, then a trip to the Loire Valley will be just a perfect option.
One of the most important historical monuments in France, also included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, is Chambord Castle, an impressive French palace built by King Francis I.
Built between 1519 and 1547, it features distinctive architectural traits from medieval times as well as from the classical Renaissance style.
Although the building was never completed, it remains one of the most distinctive examples of hunting lodges and royal residences in the country.
During WWII, the château sheltered important artworks belonging to the collections of the Louvre Museum while Paris was under constant air raids and bombings. You can learn more on the palace’s official website.
You can devote your afternoon in the Loire Valley to visit another incredible palace, the Palace of Chenonceaux, a château completed back in 1522 featuring examples of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Once at the domain, you can taste delicious wines or enjoy a fine meal before traveling back to Paris.
The best way to get to Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, is by train.
Direct rides to Blois Chambord Station depart from Gare de Montparnasse and Gare d’Austerlitz. France’sTrains de Grande Vitesse” (TGV or high-speed trains) will get you to the Loire Valley in about an hour and a half.
To visit both castles and taste some delicious local labels, it is a good idea to join this Chambord and Chenonceau Castles Day Trip that also includes wine tasting and skip-the-line entrance to both sites.
Mont Saint Michel Guided Day Trip from Paris
Distance from Paris: 3-4 hours
Another iconic landmark not so far from Paris that you can easily visit in a day is Mont Saint Michel.
Located also in the Normandy area of France, Mont Saint Michel is a small tidal island (although part of Mont Saint Michel is also on the mainland, a few hundred meters from the island).
Low tides make it possible for visitors to reach the ancient citadel and the impressive abbey.
Mont Saint Michel is famous for remaining unconquered during the Hundred Years’ War, while the place also served as a prison during the rule of King Louis XI.
This is one more French landmark that has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
To get to Mont Saint Michel, you can take the direct train from Gare de Montparnasse to Gare Pontorson. Once there, it will be necessary to take a shuttle bus (or public transport) to reach the foothills of the mountain.
There are also several daily excursions to Mont Saint Michel that depart from Paris by bus or small shuttle and often include an entrance ticket and an audio guide.
This Mount Saint Michel tour also includes plenty of free time to explore this ancient settlement.
Brussels Day Trip from Paris
Distance: 2-4 hours, depending on the transport
Capital of Belgium and an exquisite European destination, Brussels is an amazing day trip option for those who want to experience a different country and still remain within a relatively short distance from Paris.
Some of the highlights that you can experience in Brussels in a day include a visit to the remarkable Grand Place, often described as the most important square in Belgium.
This complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site features the house of the King and the town hall, while it is also home to a really beautiful garden.
This is the best place to explore Belgium’s Christmas markets in winter or to enjoy live music and concerts in summer.
During your visit to Brussels, do not miss the local fries (which you should avoid calling “French fries”) and the delicious local chocolate.
Trains are the most efficient means of transport to get from the center of Paris to the capital of Belgium.
The high-speed Thalys train line takes only 1.30 hours to connect the Parisian Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi train station. The journey by bus is at least 3 hours.
Bruges Day Trip from Paris
Distance: 3-3.5 hours
One more international day trip from Paris, quite easy to plan on your own, is Bruges.
If you love mysterious medieval streets, charming squares, atmospheric canals, and curious street markets, then Bruges (Brugge) is one of those European villages that won’t disappoint you.
You will be able to taste some of the best beers in Europe as well as explore the well-known Minnewater Lake (or Lake of Love), right between the Old Town and Bruges’ train station.
To get to Bruges, the train is the most comfortable option; the average ride is about 3.5 hours on a regular train, while Intercity and Thalys trains can get you there in 2.5 hours.
Trains leave from Gare du Nord, and there are several connections each day.
If you prefer to forget everything about planning your train trip, then joining an organized tour like this one offers a good alternative. For a fixed fee, tours include the bus transfer, guided activities, and a safe ride back to Paris at the end of the day.
Giverny
Distance: 45-60 minutes
Also in the Normandy region, north France, you have a chance to visit one of the most picturesque places in France, Giverny.
The village is famous for being home to one of the most important impressionist painters in history, Claude Monet, who lived and painted in Giverny from 1883 until 1926, when he passed away.
A popular visit in town is Claude Monet’s home and gardens, which inspired one of his most admired series of paintings, the water lilies (currently to be seen at the Claude Monet museum in Paris).
Also in Giverny, you can check out the exhibitions at the Impressionist Museum (Musée des Impressionnismes).
The best way to get to Giverny on your own is by train, which leaves from Gare Saint Lazare. You will need to purchase a ticket to the closest station to Giverny, which is Vernon.
Giverny is only 7 km from Vernon station, and you can easily get there riding a bus or shuttle, by taxi, or walking across the bridge over the Seine (about 45 minutes on foot).
To avoid the train ride, check out this Giverny tour by bus, which also includes an audio-guided tour of Monet’s House.
Fontainebleau
Distance: 45-60 minutes
Fontainebleau is home to another one of those spectacular French castles, the Vaux le Vicomte Castle.
This amazing Baroque chateau that, according to several sources, allegedly inspired the design of the Palace of Versailles was built by Nicholas Fouquet, King Louis XIV’s minister of finance.
There’s a curious story behind the construction of the building, which says that the king threw his minister in jail after commissioning the palace as he felt upstaged by the magnificent building.
And maybe he was right? In fact, you will be amazed at the impressive Baroque facade and stunningly lavish interiors and vaulted cellars, but also at the castle’s 99 acres of grounds made up of fountains, flowerbeds, and sprawling lawns.
Head to the Gare de Lyon to get to Fontainbleu from Paris. There are about 10 direct train connections each day.
Or, if you prefer, you can book a Fontainbleu and Vaux le Vicomte Chateaux Day Trip that also includes transport from and to Paris.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—some of the best Paris day trips you can think of. Are you visiting France soon? Then jump on a train and embrace one of these incredible adventures to enjoy a fantastic day trip from Paris.
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About the Author
Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.