5 Best Day Trips from Paris: Complete Travel Guide (2025)

Why Take a Day Trip from Paris?

Paris captivates with endless attractions, but just beyond the city limits lie extraordinary destinations that showcase different facets of French history, culture, and landscapes. Having lived in Paris and explored extensively throughout the region, I'm sharing the five most rewarding day trips that offer a perfect complement to your Paris experience—all easily accessible within an hour or two of the city.

These carefully selected destinations allow you to experience regal palaces, impressionist gardens, medieval cathedrals, and world-famous wine regions—all while returning to your Paris accommodation by evening. Let's explore these magnificent escapes from the capital.

1. Versailles: The Ultimate Royal Palace Experience

No day trip from Paris is more iconic than Versailles, Louis XIV's monumental palace that set the standard for royal residences throughout Europe.

Quick Facts

• Distance from Paris: 20 km (12 miles)

• Travel Time: 35-45 minutes

• Best Transport Option: RER C train

• Opening Hours: 9:00-18:30 (closed Mondays)

• Ideal Visit Duration: 6-8 hours

Why It's Worth Visiting

Versailles offers an unparalleled glimpse into French royal history and excess. The Palace features 700 rooms filled with priceless artwork and period furnishings, including the famous Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. The meticulously manicured gardens span 800 hectares with spectacular fountains, while Marie Antoinette's Estate provides a more intimate look at royal life.

Must-See Highlights

• Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces)

• King's and Queen's State Apartments

• Gardens and Fountains (check fountain show schedule)

• Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon

• Marie-Antoinette's Estate and Hamlet

Insider Tips

• Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues

• Visit Tuesday or Wednesday for smallest crowds

• Arrive early (8:30am) to beat tour groups

• Bring comfortable walking shoes for the extensive gardens

• Consider renting bicycles or golf carts for garden exploration

• Visit during Musical Fountains Shows (April-October, weekends)

Getting There

Take RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château - Rive Gauche station (€3.65 each way). The palace entrance is a 10-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, guided tours with transportation from Paris are widely available.

2. Giverny: Monet's Enchanting Garden Paradise

Art lovers and garden enthusiasts alike will be enchanted by Giverny, where Claude Monet created the magnificent gardens that inspired his most famous works.

Quick Facts

• Distance from Paris: 75 km (47 miles)

• Travel Time: 45-60 minutes

• Best Transport Option: Train to Vernon + shuttle

• Opening Hours: 9:30-18:00 (late March to early November)

• Ideal Visit Duration: 5-6 hours

Why It's Worth Visiting

Walking through Monet's gardens feels like stepping directly into his paintings. The property comprises two distinct parts: the flower garden with its famous Grande Allée, and the Japanese-inspired water garden with the iconic lily pond and wisteria-covered bridges. Monet's house retains its vibrant yellow dining room and blue kitchen, while his studio has been converted into a gift shop.

Must-See Highlights

• Water Garden with Japanese Bridge and Water Lilies

• Flower Garden (Grande Allée)

• Monet's House and Studio

• Museum of Impressionisms Giverny

• Village Church and Cemetery (where Monet is buried)

Insider Tips

• Visit in late April/May for spectacular wisteria, June for water lilies

• Arrive early (9:15am) or late (after 3:30pm) to avoid midday crowds

• Combine with Vernon for a fuller day trip

• Bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas

• Photography is permitted, but tripods are not allowed

• Gardens are seasonal (closes in winter)

Getting There

Take SNCF train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny (€9-15 each way), then take the shuttle bus (€10 round-trip) or rent a bicycle to travel the 7km to the gardens. Direct shuttle buses from Paris are also available through companies like Tootbus.

3. Champagne Region: Reims and Épernay Wine Experience

Venture into the rolling hills of the Champagne region to discover the birthplace of the world's most celebrated sparkling wine and explore impressive Gothic architecture.

Quick Facts

• Distance from Paris: 130-150 km (80-93 miles)

• Travel Time: 45 minutes (high-speed train) or 2 hours (regular)

• Best Transport Option: TGV to Reims or train to Épernay

• Opening Hours: Champagne houses vary (10:00-17:00 typical)

• Ideal Visit Duration: Full day (8-10 hours)

Why It's Worth Visiting

The Champagne region offers a perfect blend of gastronomy, culture, and history. Visit world-famous champagne houses to learn about the méthode champenoise while exploring underground chalk cellars storing millions of bottles. Between tastings, marvel at Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned for over 1,000 years.

Must-See Highlights

In Reims:

• Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims)

• Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger Champagne tours

• Palace of Tau Museum

In Épernay:

• Avenue de Champagne (UNESCO World Heritage site)

• Moët & Chandon or Mercier Champagne cellars

• Regional Champagne village visits (if driving)

Insider Tips

• Book champagne house tours well in advance

• Choose between Reims (cathedral + champagne) or Épernay (more champagne-focused)

• Most houses require reservations for tours and tastings

• Consider smaller producers for more personal experiences

• For lunch, try regional specialties like jambon de Reims

• Designate a driver or book an organized tour if visiting multiple houses

Getting There

For Reims, take the TGV from Gare de l'Est (45 minutes, €45 round trip). For Épernay, take a train from Gare de l'Est (75-90 minutes, €35 round trip). Organized tours from Paris are plentiful and eliminate logistics if you plan to visit multiple champagne houses.

4. Château de Fontainebleau: The Hidden Royal Gem

![Fontainebleau Palace grand courtyard and facade]

Less crowded than Versailles but equally splendid, Fontainebleau offers an authentic royal palace experience spanning eight centuries of French monarchy.

Quick Facts

• Distance from Paris: 55 km (34 miles)

• Travel Time: 40 minutes

• Best Transport Option: Train + bus

• Opening Hours: 9:30-18:00 (closed Tuesdays)

• Ideal Visit Duration: 5-7 hours

Why It's Worth Visiting

Fontainebleau served as a royal residence for 34 kings and emperors over 800 years, resulting in a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Napoleon Bonaparte called it "the true home of kings," and his presence is strongly felt throughout. Unlike Versailles, Fontainebleau retains more original furnishings and feels more intimate despite its 1,500 rooms. The surrounding forest offers beautiful walks and was a former royal hunting ground.

Must-See Highlights

• François I Gallery (Renaissance masterpiece)

• Napoleon's Throne Room

• Marie Antoinette's Turkish Boudoir

• Grand Apartments

• Diana's Garden and English Garden

• Grand Parterre (formal gardens)

• Horseshoe Staircase where Napoleon bid farewell

Insider Tips

• Visit on weekdays to have parts of the palace almost to yourself

• Take the audio guide for historical context

• Bring a picnic for the extensive gardens

• Combine with a walk in the Fontainebleau Forest

• English-language guided tours available at 11:30am

• Much less crowded than Versailles with more authentic atmosphere

Getting There

Take the Transilien R train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station (€8.85 each way), then the #1 bus "Château" stop (€2). Alternatively, organized tours from Paris combine transportation with guided visits.

5. Chartres: Medieval Cathedral Masterpiece

Home to perhaps the finest Gothic cathedral in Europe, Chartres offers a perfect day trip for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and spiritual seekers.

Quick Facts

• Distance from Paris: 90 km (56 miles)

• Travel Time: 60-75 minutes

• Best Transport Option: Direct train from Montparnasse

• Opening Hours: Cathedral 8:30-19:30, Museums 10:00-18:00

• Ideal Visit Duration: 5-6 hours

Why It's Worth Visiting

Chartres Cathedral stands as the best-preserved medieval cathedral in Europe, featuring 176 stunning stained glass windows dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. The mismatched spires, labyrinth floor, and extraordinary sculptures make this UNESCO World Heritage site a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The charming medieval town surrounding the cathedral offers picturesque streets, half-timbered houses, and excellent restaurants.

Must-See Highlights

• Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres

• Famous stained glass windows (blue Chartres glass)

• Medieval labyrinth (visible when chairs are removed on Fridays)

• Crypt (largest in France)

• Old Town with half-timbered houses

• International Stained Glass Center

• Eau Claire light show (summer evenings)

Insider Tips

• Visit on Friday when the labyrinth is uncovered

• Bring binoculars to appreciate stained glass details

• Take the 90-minute cathedral tour with Malcolm Miller (if available)

• Explore the lower town along the Eure River

• Climb the north tower for city views (April-October)

• Stay after dark in summer for the light show illuminating buildings

Getting There

Take a direct train from Gare Montparnasse to Chartres (€16 each way, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). The cathedral is a 10-15 minute walk uphill from the station through the charming old town.

Planning Your Day Trip: Practical Tips

Best Seasons for Day Trips

• Spring (April-June): Ideal for Giverny gardens and less crowded palace visits

• Summer (July-August): Best for Champagne vineyards but busiest season

• Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds

• Winter (November-March): Best for indoor-focused trips like Chartres Cathedral or château interiors

Transportation Advice

• Train: Most reliable and stress-free option for most destinations

• Guided Tours: Convenient but less flexible; best for complicated itineraries

• Rental Car: Offers maximum flexibility but involves parking challenges and French driving

• Public Transport: Most economical but requires more planning

Time-Saving Tips

1. Purchase attraction tickets online in advance

2. Check first/last train times before departing

3. Consider weekday visits to avoid weekend crowds

4. Pack light with just essentials for the day

5. Download offline maps and transport apps

Comparison Chart: Which Day Trip Is Right for You?

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Popular Options

While these five destinations represent the most rewarding day trips from Paris, don't overlook other possibilities like medieval Provins, the artistic village of Barbizon, or the magnificent château of Chantilly. The beauty of Paris's central location is the remarkable diversity of experiences within easy reach.

Whether you choose the grandeur of Versailles, the artistic inspiration of Giverny, the refined pleasures of Champagne, the authenticity of Fontainebleau, or the spiritual majesty of Chartres, these day trips offer perfect counterpoints to your Paris experience—providing broader perspectives on French culture, history, and landscapes.

Which of these remarkable destinations would complement your Paris itinerary? Share your plans in the comments below!