If you’re staying in Paris and thinking of adding a few more stamps to your travel memories without straying too far, this list will help you plan the perfect quick escape. The capital may be a destination in its own right, but there’s a whole world just beyond its borders — and many of these spots are less than two hours away by train or car. Let’s look at the best day trips you can plan, how to get there, and what you’ll find once you arrive.

Versailles: A Royal Retreat Just Outside Paris

A day trip to Versailles is a classic choice — and for good reason. If you’re interested in history, art, or just a good walk through grand surroundings, this is the one to start with. The Château de Versailles, a former royal residence, offers you a glimpse into the opulence of pre-revolutionary France.

What makes Versailles stand out isn’t just the palace. The gardens stretch endlessly, and they’re perfectly sculpted. When the fountains are on, the atmosphere feels almost unreal. You’ll find little cafés tucked behind tree-lined paths and spots where you can sit and relax by the Grand Canal.

How to get there: From Gare Saint-Lazare or Gare Montparnasse, take an SNCF train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. The journey takes about 35–45 minutes.
The best time to go is from Spring through early fall. Arrive early to avoid the mid-morning crowds.
What to take with you: Comfortable shoes for walking, a reusable water bottle, and if you plan to picnic, bring snacks — food options inside the palace grounds are limited and pricey.

Giverny: Where Monet’s Gardens Bloom Year-Round

If you’ve ever admired Monet’s water lilies, this place will feel like walking into one of his paintings. Giverny is where the artist lived and worked, and it’s still home to the gardens that inspired some of his most famous works.

When you visit, you’ll get to explore the flower gardens in full bloom (seasonal, of course), and cross that famous green bridge covered in wisteria. The house itself is modest, but packed with charm — every room is painted in bold colors and filled with light.

Getting there: From Gare Saint-Lazare, take a train to Vernon. From Vernon, a shuttle bus runs to Giverny, taking around 20 minutes. The total trip time is about 1.5 hours.
The best time to visit is from April to October. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid large tour groups.
Tip from a traveler: Buy your entry ticket online in advance to avoid waiting in line at the garden gate. The ticket usually includes access to both the house and the gardens.

Chartres: Gothic Architecture and Hidden Alleys

This is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Paris for those interested in medieval history or architecture. Chartres Cathedral is the main attraction, renowned for its towering spires and stunning stained-glass windows. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the detail in the sculpture work is extraordinary — you’ll notice something new each time you look.

But Chartres isn’t just the cathedral. The old town has quiet corners, narrow alleys, and places to sit with coffee while you look over the rooftops of the city. It’s calm, even in summer. And sometimes, that’s precisely what you need after a busy few days in Paris.

How to get there: From Gare Montparnasse, take a direct train to Chartres. It usually takes just over an hour.
When to go: It’s open year-round, but if you can plan for a weekday, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful visit.
What you’ll need: A light jacket, even in summer — the cathedral is cool inside. And if you’re into photography, bring your camera. The light through the stained glass is something you’ll want to capture.

Fontainebleau: A Forest and a Château

Fontainebleau is often compared to Versailles, but it feels more personal, less overwhelming. The château was used by French royalty for over 700 years, and its mix of Renaissance and classical architecture is fascinating. If you want to avoid the large tour groups, this is the place for you.

Beyond the château itself, the surrounding forest is a favorite among hikers, climbers, and even Parisians looking for a weekend escape. When the weather’s good, pack a lunch and wander the marked trails. It’s an ideal spot for a day of art and nature combined.

How to get there: Take a train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon. From there, it’s a quick bus or walk to the château.
The best seasons to visit are spring or fall. Summer is beautiful, but it can get warm and crowded.
Take with you: A picnic blanket and water if you plan to walk in the forest. If you’re visiting during the cooler months, wear layers — it can get breezy in the open park.

Reims: Champagne Capital and Cathedral Majesty

This one is a bit longer, but it’s worth it if you’re curious about France’s Champagne region. Reims is not only home to major champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger, but it’s also steeped in French royal history. The Reims Cathedral is where many kings were crowned, and you can walk through that history in less than two hours from Paris.

What you’ll notice in Reims is the blend of tradition and modern quiet life. You can tour underground cellars, then have a pastry at a calm sidewalk café — all before catching your train back.

How to get there: From Gare de l’Est, hop on a TGV (high-speed train) to Reims. Travel time is around 45 minutes.
The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn. If you would like to take a cellar tour, please book it in advance.
Don’t forget: Bring a jacket or shawl — even in summer, the cellars are chilly. And wear shoes that can handle a little moisture underground.

Provins: A Medieval Town Frozen in Time

If you’re fascinated by medieval fairs, knights, and cobblestone streets, then Provins will feel like a step back in time. This UNESCO-listed town is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture in France. It’s small enough to explore in a day and rich enough to make you want to stay longer.

You can walk along the fortified walls, explore the underground passages, and even catch a falconry show depending on the season. The town comes alive in June during the “Medieval Festival,” when locals dress in full costume and reenact life from centuries past. But even outside of festival season, it offers a quiet charm you won’t find in Paris.

How to get there: Take a direct train from Gare de l’Est to Provins. It usually takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
The best time to go is from Spring through early autumn. If you’re coming for the festival, check the schedule in advance.
Travel tip: Bring cash. Some of the local shops and cafés don’t accept cards, especially in the older part of town.

Rouen: Gothic Grandeur and a Taste of Normandy

Rouen feels different from most French cities. It has a unique rhythm, thanks to its half-timbered houses, wide pedestrian streets, and the quiet flow of the Seine through town. You’ll find history on every corner — this is where Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake, and her presence is still felt in the church named after her.

Rouen Cathedral is a must-see, not just for its beauty, but also because Claude Monet painted it more than 30 times under different lighting conditions. When you stand in front of it, you’ll understand why. The rest of the old town is filled with small museums, market squares, and easy walking paths.

How to get there: From Gare Saint-Lazare, take a direct train to Rouen Rive Droite. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Best time to visit: Any season. December brings a beautiful Christmas market.
What to take: A small umbrella or rain jacket — Normandy weather can change fast. And don’t miss the local cheeses at lunchtime.

Chantilly: Castles, Horses, and Cream

Chantilly is elegant in a quiet, understated way. The Château de Chantilly appears to be something out of a storybook, surrounded by reflective water and a sprawling park designed by the same landscape artist who worked on the Palace of Versailles. Inside the château, you’ll find the Musée Condé, home to one of the largest collections of antique paintings in France, second only to the Louvre.

If you’re a fan of horses, you’ll want to visit the Great Stables and the Living Horse Museum nearby. The equestrian shows are world-class, and they’re set inside a building so grand it feels like a palace for horses. Don’t leave without trying real Chantilly cream — yes, the whipped kind — it was invented here.

How to get there: Take a train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux. From the station, it’s a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride to the château.
The best times to visit are spring and summer, when the gardens are at their most vibrant.
Tip for travelers: You can buy a combined ticket for the château and stables. It’s cheaper and saves time.

Auvers-sur-Oise: Following Van Gogh’s Final Steps

This small village isn’t just another pretty town near Paris. It’s where Vincent van Gogh spent his final months and painted more than 70 works in just 90 days. If you’ve ever been moved by his paintings, walking the same streets and fields he did will have a different impact.

You can visit the house where he stayed, the church he painted, and the cemetery where he now rests beside his brother Theo. The town is quiet, creative, and deeply connected to the art world. Many artists still live and work here, and you’ll feel it in the atmosphere.

How to get there: Take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Auvers-sur-Oise, usually with a change at Pontoise. The total travel time is approximately one hour.
The best time to go is late spring to early fall. The scenery matches the mood of his most famous paintings during this time.
Pro tip: Bring a printed walking map or download the self-guided Van Gogh route before you go. It’s the best way to connect the town to his work.

Disneyland Paris: A Magical Escape for All Ages

Not every day trip from Paris has to be steeped in history or filled with art. Sometimes, what you need is a bit of pure fun. Disneyland Paris is just outside the city, and it’s more than just a theme park — it’s two parks in one: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

It’s easy to spend a whole day here, whether you’re riding roller coasters, catching a parade, or just soaking in the nostalgic feeling of Main Street. The food options are varied, and the experience is just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids. If you time it right, you’ll end your day with a fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

How to get there: From central Paris, take the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station. The park is right outside the station entrance. It takes about 40–45 minutes.
When to go: Weekdays outside of school holidays are less crowded. Spring and early autumn have the best weather.
What to take: Snacks, water, and a portable charger. You’ll be using your phone all day — for photos, showtimes, and the app.

FAQs

How far in advance should I book tickets for these day trips?

It depends on the destination. For train travel to places like Reims or Rouen, booking a few days in advance is enough. However, if you’re visiting Versailles or Disneyland Paris, it’s advisable to book at least a week in advance, especially during peak season.

Can I visit more than one of these locations in a single day?

In most cases, no — each destination deserves a whole day. However, Chantilly and Auvers-sur-Oise are small enough that combining them is possible if you start early and plan efficiently.

Is a rental car better than taking the train for day trips?

Not usually. Most of these places are easily accessible by direct train from Paris. Trains are faster, more reliable, and cheaper than renting a car for short trips. If you plan to visit rural areas or travel during the off-season, having a vehicle can provide added flexibility.

Are these trips suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

Yes. Most of these locations are family-friendly and easily accessible on foot, with numerous spots to rest. Disneyland Paris, Versailles, and Giverny are especially suitable for all ages. For older travelers, Chartres and Rouen offer gentle walking paths and accessible train stations.

What apps or tools help with planning these trips?

Use the SNCF Connect or Trainline app to check train schedules and book tickets. Google Maps works well for walking routes and shuttle timings. For museums and châteaux, please check their official websites for ticketing information, opening hours, and seasonal updates.

Do I need to know French to enjoy these places?

Not necessarily. At the same time, it helps to know a few basic phrases; most tourist sites offer English signs or audio guides. Larger towns, such as Reims and Rouen, also have English-speaking staff at their main attractions.

Can I bring luggage on these day trips?

Yes, but pack light. If you’re taking a train, consider using a smaller backpack or tote bag for easier management. Some train stations offer lockers or baggage services for storing items while you explore.