Paris is one of our favourite cities in the world and each time we return we discover something new. We also love to visit the enchanting destinations that are easily reachable from the city. Whether you’re looking to sip world-class Champagne, step into a medieval fairytale, or have an action packed day of fun and magic at Disneyland Paris, there’s a perfect Paris day trip for everyone.
We’ve personally visited each of these day trip destinations from Paris and all are possible in a single day – there’s no need to pack up and move hotels. With high-speed trains, scenic drives, and even RER connections, it’s surprisingly easy to escape the city for a day and be back in Paris to enjoy your evening.
Disneyland Paris
For an action-packed day, Disneyland Paris is an easy and magical day trip from Paris. There are two parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, and both are filled with amazing rides, character meet-and-greets and plenty of dining options. As annual pass holders, we’ve been to Disneyland Paris countless times and have so much fun every time we visit.
From classic rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Pirates of the Caribbean to the incredible shows like Mickey and the Magician and TOGETHER: a Pixar Musical Adventure, Disneyland Paris is an iconic day trip from Paris.
Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance as it is not possible to purchase tickets when you arrive at the park entrance. Tickets can be purchased directly on the Disneyland Paris website. Dated tickets can be cancelled and are 100% refundable up to 3 days before your visit, while undated tickets give flexibility and are valid for one year.
Buy your Disneyland Paris tickets now
How to get there
Take the RER A train from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station (approx. 45 minutes). The RER station is right at the entrance to Disneyland Paris making it a very easy trip.
The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is an absolute must for anyone interested in French history, architecture, or royal grandeur. Just under an hour from central Paris by train, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the opulent residence of Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” and later monarchs.
We’ve visited the Palace of Versailles numerous times from Paris. Highlights include the famous Hall of Mirrors, ornate royal apartments, and sprawling gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. We highly recommend renting one of the golf buggies to explore the gardens as it is a long walk
Day trip from Paris tip: We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance and arriving early at the palace. The Palace at Versailles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, crowds and queues can get long during peak summer and weekend periods. We usually aim to be at the entrance around 30 minutes prior to opening to get the best experience.
How to get there
Take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (approx. 1 hour).
Monet’s Gardens at Giverny
The gardens at Giverny, where Claude Monet lived and painted his famous water lilies are one of the most beautiful places in France. Monet fell in love with Giverny when he caught a glimpse as his train passed by in 1883 and eventually lived there for 43 years. Monet’s Gardens are home to the artist’s house, the stunning flower gardens and the infamous water lily pond, which Monet painted so often.
The artist’s home and gardens are beautifully preserved, both of which are open for visitors to explore. We recommend visiting between April and October when the gardens are in full bloom – read about our trip to Monet’s Gardens here.
The highlight for us is the waterlily pond and Japanese bridge located in the lower garden section of the property. Monet fans should also check out the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris which is home to a number of Monet’s waterlily paintings.
How to get there
Train from Paris to Vernon (approx. 45 minutes), then a shuttle or taxi to Giverny (10–15 minutes).
Château de Fontainebleau
Although less well known than the Palace of Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau is a stunning alternative that offers similar grandeur but without the crowds of Versailles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Château de Fontainebleau has over 800 years of history and was home to almost all French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III.
The richly decorated Renaissance interiors and, in particular, the ornate Throne Room of Napoleon, make Château de Fontainebleau truly special.
The grounds of Fontainebleau are beautiful and perfect for a forest walk or a post-palace picnic. We love to arrange a picnic to enjoy in the Château gardens after our visit.
How to get there
Direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (approx. 45 minutes), then a short bus ride or 30-minute walk to the entrance of the château.
Auvers-sur-Oise
Just 30 kilometres from Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise is a peaceful village synonymous with Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh spent the last months of his life here, creating over 80 works inspired by the town’s landscapes and surrounding countryside.
Visitors can explore Auberge Ravoux, where he lived during his time in Auvers. You can see the room where van Gogh stayed and visit the Église d’Auvers, featured in one of his most famous paintings. The highlight for us is the walking trail that passes key locations from his final works, ending at the cemetery where Van Gogh and his brother Theo are buried. Auvers is a really charming place and is a must for any Van Gogh fans.
How to get there
Train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Auvers-sur-Oise (approx. 1 hour).
Épernay – The Champagne Capital
Located just east of Paris in the heart of Champagne country, Épernay is home to some of the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon and Mercier.
Épernay is a must-visit for champagne lovers. The main street, appropriately named Avenue de Champagne, is lined with grand mansions, many of which offer cellar tours and tastings for interested visitors.
We enjoyed strolling along the Avenue de Champagne and exploring the various Champagne houses, with Moët & Chandon being our favourite to visit. The best time to visit is during the harvest season in late summer or early autumn.
How to get there
Train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Épernay (approx. 1.5 hours).
Provins – Step into Medieval France
The UNESCO-listed medieval town of Provins is a great day trip for history buffs or lovers of quaint towns. With ramparts, watchtowers, and medieval reenactments, Provins feels like stepping into a storybook.
Day trips from Paris tip: Make sure to check the Provins tourism website for up-to-date information on the medieval festivals and reenactments that take place each year.
How to get there
Direct train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Provins (approx. 1.5 hours).
Mont Saint-Michel – A Fairytale Island Escape
Another fairytale day trip from Paris is Mont Saint Michel. The iconic abbey that rises out of the sea in Normandy is one of the most beautiful places in France. While quite a distance from Paris, it is doable as a long day trip and is worth the effort. We’ve visited Mont Saint-Michel numerous times over the years, and it remains one of our favourite places in France.
Wander the narrow cobbled streets, explore centuries-old ramparts, and climb to the abbey at the top for epic views. One of our favourite things to do at Mont Saint Michel is to watch the tide sweep in and cut the islands off from the mainland as the sun sets. The bridge installed in 2014 means the island is accessible throughout the day.
Day trips from Paris tip: We recommend walking to the island on the walkway/bridge and take the free shuttle bus back to the car park. The views of Mont Saint Michel on the walk over are increible.
How to get there
Train from Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson (approx. 3.5 hours), then a shuttle bus/walk to the island. Guided day tours are also available.
