The City of Light dazzles, but some of the most enchanting places near Paris are tucked away in the countryside just beyond the city limits. Within an hour or two of the capital, you’ll find quaint medieval towns, opulent chateaus, world-class vineyards, and natural wonders. For a taste of la belle vie in rural France, Escape the City: 5 Breathtaking Day Trips Near Paris you can’t miss and explore some of the picturesque towns and historic attractions just a short trip away. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture in a charming, unhurried setting.
Paris is a magical city, but historic towns and picturesque villages are just a short distance away, making perfect day trips. Within an hour or two of the City of Light, you can wander cobblestone streets and sip wine or have coffee. Here are 5 of the best day trips from Paris to add to your itinerary.
Day Trip Near Paris 1: Versailles Palace and Gardens
Things to see and do:
- The magnificent Chateau de Versailles, once home to King Louis XIV
- Explore the opulent palace rooms and halls
- Stroll through the extensive gardens and fountains
Versailles awaits with its grand Palace and gardens, a must-see for any first-time visitor to Paris.
| Admission Cost | 13 € – 108 € (depending on access type) |
| Operating Hours | 9 AM – 5:30 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) |
| Transportation | Train from Paris RER C5 line |
| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes each way |
Some of the top highlights of Versailles include:
- The Hall of Mirrors – This opulent ballroom features 17 mirrored arches reflecting gilt decor. It’s the most famous room in the Palace.
- The King and Queen’s Grand Apartments – See the lavish living quarters of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette—Marvel at room after room decorated stunningly.
- The Gardens – Versailles’ gardens span over 800 hectares and are filled with fountains, sculptures, flowerbeds and more. Don’t miss the Grand Canal and Orangerie.
- The Petit Trianon – This small château on the grounds was built for Louis XV and became a favourite retreat for Marie Antoinette.
- Versailles offers a glimpse into the pinnacle of French aristocracy and opulence. Wandering its manicured gardens and ornate halls transports you to the kings’ and queens’ era. Visiting Versailles makes for an unforgettable day trip from Paris.
Day Trip Near Paris 2: Giverny and Monet’s Garden
Things to see and do:
- Visit the picturesque village of Giverny, the home of Claude Monet
- Tour Monet’s house and see his famous water lily pond that inspired his paintings
- Walk through the colourful flower gardens that Monet cultivated colourful.
Travel back to Monet’s inspiration at Giverny and its colourful gardens. The village of Giverny is a must-visit for any art lover, as it was the home of the famous painter Claude Monet for over 40 years. The artist fell in love with the quaint village and tranquil landscape, which became the subject of his iconic “Water Lilies” series and other paintings. Learn more through our post, A Day Trip to Giverny from Paris.
Inside Monet’s home, you’ll glimpse the artist’s private life, with faithfully preserved interiors, Japanese prints, and some of his paintings. The jewel is Monet’s flower garden, featuring the famous Japanese bridge and water lily pond, rose trellises and other blooms that inspired his works.
| Admission Cost | Entrance ticket: 11 € |
| Operating Hours | March 29 to November 1, 9:30 AM to 6 PM, last admission 5:30 PM |
| Transportation | Train from Paris Gare St. Lazare to Vernon, then shuttle bus or taxi to Giverny |
| Duration | Approximately 45 minutes to Vernon, 15 minutes to Giverny |
Tips for visiting Giverny and Monet’s Garden
Take your time strolling the grounds and snap photos from different vantage points. Don’t forget to visit the gardens across the road, with walking paths leading through even more flowers. Stop at the gift shop before you leave for Monet-themed souvenirs.
To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday or in the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October. Any time of year, allow 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore and immerse yourself in the beauty that inspired Monet’s masterpieces.
Day Trip Near Paris 3: Reims and the Champagne Region
Things to see and do:
- Take a tour of the historic Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned
- Visit some of the major Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger
- Sample bubbly at different Champagne cellars and learn how it’s made
Visit Reims, the champagne capital of France, for a behind-the-scenes look at champagne making and tastings. The Champagne region, located about 1.5 hours northeast of Paris, offers a delightful day trip opportunity to explore charming French villages and tour magnificent champagne houses. Reims provides easy access to many of the most renowned champagne producers.
| Mode of Transport | Duration | Cost |
| Direct TGV Train (from Paris Gare de L’Est station) | 45 mins | 18€ – 65€ |
| Bus (Flixbus) | 1 hr 45 mins | 3,99€ – 19,99€ |
| Driving from Paris | 1.5 – 2 hrs |
Tips for visiting Reims and the Champagne Region
I enjoyed visiting during Christmas and was in awe of the Christmas market. We couldn’t make it to Strasbourg for their renowned Christmas village and markets, so seeing Champagne instead was a good compromise.
Visiting in the Fall is an excellent time to avoid crowds and participate in seasonal events like the Fête de Vendanges harvest festival. Call to inquire about tours and availability since many are by appointment only, especially if visiting on a weekend. With its beautiful cathedral, medieval architecture, and champagne houses, Reims makes for an unforgettable day trip from Paris!
Day Trip Near Paris 4: Disneyland Paris
Things to see and do:
- A magical kingdom for both kids and adults alike (OK, not exactly a rural setting, but it is one of the most visited places/attractions in France)
- Experience exciting rides like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Star Tours
- Watch parades and fireworks shows and meet your favourite Disney characters
- Escape from reality and immerse yourself in the beautiful world of Disney
Disneyland Paris is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, just 32 km east of Paris. Spread across two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, this Disney wonderland brings the magic of Disney to Europe.
With over 50 rides and attractions based on Disney franchises and characters, it offers something for visitors of all ages. Families with kids and Disney fans will especially enjoy the immersive theming and Disney charm throughout the parks.
| Admission Cost | 1-day 1-park dated pass: €56 1 day undated 105€ |
| Operating Hours | Disneyland Park 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM |
| Walt Disney Studios Park 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM | |
| Transportation | RER A, TGV or shuttle buses from Paris |
| Duration | 30 mins by RER A or TGV |
Tips for families
Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented to help navigate the large parks. Children swap and pass, and adults take turns waiting in lines. Disneyland Paris has many kid-friendly dining options and baby care facilities. Staying on-site provides early park entry and lets you return to your hotel for breaks. Download the app to check wait times and plan your day.
Day Trip Near Paris 5: Chantilly Castle and Forest
Things to see and do:
- Explore the Chateau de Chantilly, surrounded by a moat and lavish gardens
- See priceless artworks, books and manuscripts in the Chantilly Library
- Go for a hike or horseback ride in the scenic Forêt de Chantilly
- Relax by the shores of the lake or rent a boat for a leisurely paddle
Tour the elegant Chantilly chateau surrounded by lush forest. Located 25 miles north of Paris, Chantilly Castle is one of the most beautiful chateaus in France. The estate’s history dates back over a thousand years, with the current chateau built in 1875 by Henri d’Orléans after the previous one was destroyed during the French Revolution.
The highlights of Chantilly Castle include the art gallery with an impressive collection of paintings, the library housing over 1500 manuscripts, and the luxurious private apartments that give a glimpse into castle life. The French formal gardens, spanning over 115 acres, are considered some of the most beautiful in France.
Other attractions on the grounds are the Grandes Ecuries (Grand Stables), which houses an equestrian museum and horse shows; the Petites Ecuries (Lesser Stables), which has a car museum; and the Anglo-Chinese garden, which features English and Chinese garden styles.
Check out our 7 Reasons to Visit Château de Chantilly in France.
Tips for visiting Chantilly:
- Get the combo ticket for the best value.
- Visit early in the day before crowds arrive.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the vast grounds and gardens.
- Stop for a meal or tea at Le Hameau restaurant next to the Anglo-Chinese garden.
- Check ahead for special events like the fireworks shows over the lake.
How to Plan Your Day Trip
- Purchase tickets ahead of time when possible to avoid long ticket lines at attractions.
- Review transportation options to the destination and plan your route—factor in time for travel when building your itinerary.
- Pack a picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks to enjoy during your day and save on dining costs.
- Plan a mix of activities, like a museum visit, meal, and nature walks. Build in breaks to recharge.
- Look into city passes, which can offer discounted or bundled admission to multiple sites around Paris.
- Share your itinerary with companions so everyone agrees in advance on the plan for the day.
- Recheck the opening hours before you go and have backup options if needed. Weather or unexpected closures can permanently affect your plans.
Wherever you choose, allow plenty of time to enjoy each destination fully. Purchase tickets in advance whenever possible to save time from queueing. Consider pairing destinations near each other, like Reims and Chantilly, to maximise your time. Pack a picnic lunch or go out for a leisurely French meal there. End your days early enough to catch the train back to Paris.
These amazing day trips make it easy to get a taste of France outside of Paris. With high-speed trains and organised tours available, planning a magical escape from the city is simple. The options are endless, whether you seek history, nature, food, or family fun. Add one or more of these destinations to your Paris itinerary to Escape the City with 5 breathtaking day trips near Paris.
