Discover five fascinating cities that are less than 2 hours driving away from Paris! And find recommendations for hotels in case you would like to extend your stay. Plan now with this list of the 5 best day trips from Paris.
Best tips for your one-day trip from Paris:
1. Book your Versailles Palace tickets in advance
2. Book bus and train tickets in advance
Best tours for your one-day trip from Paris:
1. Palace of Versailles private tour
2. Monet’s house in Giverny tour
3. Rouen private tour
4. Reims Winery and Champagne tasting tour
5. Chartres private tour
All the trips recommended include round-trip transportation from Paris.
1. Versailles
Because of its proximity, a trip to Versailles and its palace is considered one of the best day trips from Paris. Did you know that the Versailles Palace is considered the most beautiful palace in the world? And let me tell you, it is huge!
Imagine walking through the opulent apartments and royal chambers where several Kings, Queens and courtesans spent their days. You will be walking through the fabulous Hall of Mirrors where Marie-Antoinette walked through her years in Versailles. The Versailles Palace was the French kings’ main residence from 1682 to 1789.
Inside the palace park, there are several other majestic buildings, such as the Grand Trianon, which was built during Louis XIV’s reign and later served as a residence for Napoleon. Additionally, the Petit Trianon, which was a gift from Louis XVI to Marie-Antoinette. The area’s gardens and fountains are truly gorgeous.
The Palace of Versailles receives over 10 million visitors per year, so make sure to purchase your tickets several months ahead of time.
Paris to Versailles with a tour
With this Palace of Versailles private tour you will avoid navigating the metro system on your own. You will arrive relaxed with easy roundtrip transportation from Paris.
How to Get from Paris to Versailles
Paris to Versailles by Train
Take Line C (RER) to Versailles Château Rive Gauche Station. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Versailles. Trains arrive every 15 min. Book your tickets in advance in order to take it easy and avoid crowds and delays.
Paris to Versalles by Car
You can rent a car for your day trip from Paris.
Accommodation in Versailles
Waldorf Astoria Versailles Trianon Palace is a complex which includes both a 5-star and a 4-star hotel. It is located right by the Park of the Chauteau de Versailles. The location can not be better.
Book a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles Trianon Palace here
Les Versaillaises B&B is located1 km from the Château de Versailles and 600 m from Versailles – Château – Rive Gauche Train Station. Very good location close to the Palace.
Book a stay at Les Versaillaises B&B here
2. Giverny
This enchanting city offers a glimpse into the life and artwork of the famous impressionist artist Claude Monet. The main attraction of Giverny is the house where he lived for 40 years and where he painted his famous Water Lily series.
Tour Monet’s house and gardens. They have been restored to look as they did during his lifetime. The house displays his personal belongings. The gardens feature vibrant flower beds, a tranquil pond filled with water lilies and the bridge that appears in many of his paintings.
Giverny is located only 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Paris. A visit to Giverny is one of the best day trips from Paris.
Paris to Giverny with a Tour
This tour includes a visit to the house of Monet, the Medieval Church Sainte-Radegonde and the graveside where you can visit the final resting of the artist. Round trip transportation from Paris.
This other full day tour makes it possible to see both Versailles and Monet’s Garden in Giverny on the same day. It Includes lunch at a picturesque restaurant on the banks of the Epte River and round trip transportation from Paris.
How to Get from Paris to Giverny
Paris to Giverny by Train
Trains depart from Saint-Lazare Gare (Station) in Paris, arriving to Vernon in 1 hour 4 minutes. There’s no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Vernon. From Vernon, Giverny is accessible via a brief taxi or bus journey. Book your tickets in advance in order to take it easy and avoid crowds and delays.
Paris to Giverny by Car
You can rent here a car for your day trip from Paris.
Accommodation in Giverny
Le Jardin des Plumes is set in a beautiful house with art-deco furniture, a garden, and a terrace. The house and gardens of Monet are just 500 meters from the hotel. It features a one-star Michelin restaurant of the same name, run by Chef David Gallienne. Note that you may need to make reservations for both the hotel and the restaurant well in advance.
Book a stay at Le Jardin des Plumes here.
3. Rouen
Rouen, the capital of Normandy has everything to suit every tourist. Not only streets full of stunning architecture, but also a lively social life.
You can start with a visit to historic sites such as the Gothic Rouen Cathedral, which was depicted in several paintings by Monet. Then, the tower where Joan de Arc was tried for heresy. Don’t forget to look for the Le Gros-Horloge, a 14th century astronomical clock.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen deserves a special mention. Housed in a 19th-century building, it boasts a rich collection of paintings from the 16th to the 20th century. For art enthusiasts, a visit to Rouen could be one of the best day trips from Paris.
After your visit to the main landmarks, enjoy a trendy environment at any of the many terraces. There, you can quench your thirst with a cocktail or beer on sunny days. During winter, warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate inside a cozy coffee shop.
Indulge in exceptional vintages and let yourself be seduced by the wine bars in Rouen and the Seine Valley, which offer a variety of surprises, including red wine, white wine, rosé, champagne, and more.
Rouen is located at 80 miles (130 km) northwest of Paris.
Paris to Rouen by Tour
Consider taking this private tour which takes you to the famous sites of Rouen. It includes round trip transportation from Paris.
How to Get from Paris to Rouen
Paris to Rouen by Train
Trains depart regularly from Paris Gare du Nord to Rouen Rive Droite arriving in Rouen in 50 minutes. Book your tickets in advance in order to take it easy and avoid crowds and delays.
Paris to Rouen by Car
You can rent here a car for your day trip from Paris.
Accommodation
Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection is a boutique hotel located in Rouen’s historic centre and close to several historic places. Hotel chain/brand: Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Autograph Collection.
Book a stay at the Hotel de Bourgtheroulde here
4. Reims
Did you know that Reims is the birthplace of champagne? For oenologists, a visit to Reims can be one of the best day trips from Paris.
In the 17th century, the Benedictine friar Dom Perignon, who lived in Reims, came up with the method of producing champagne as we know it now. Centuries later, his brand is still among the 17 most popular French Champagne brands.
In Reims, you can visit the Abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, where he lived, as well as his tomb.
Another must-see attraction in Reims is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which dates back to the 13th century and stands as a premier example of Gothic architecture.
For oenologists, a visit to Reims can be one of the best day trips from Paris because of its world-renowned champagne houses.
Reims, the capital of Champagne, is located 81 miles (130 km) northeast of Paris.
From Paris to Reims by Tour
This private tour will take you to the cellars and vineyards of an old castle, Notre Dame de Reims and other historical monuments. It includes a lunch at the charming village of Ludes. Round trip transportation from Paris.
How to Get from Paris to Reims
From Paris to Reims by Train
Trains depart from Paris Gare du Nord and reach Reims Ville in 2 hours 7 minutes. Book your tickets in advance in order to take it easy and avoid crowds and delays.
From Paris to Reims by Car
You can rent here a car for your day trip from Paris
Accommodation
La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa boasts an excellent location, next to the Cathedral, Opera House, Saint-Jacques Church, and other attractions. Furthermore, many of the region’s Champagne houses are in close proximity. Additionally, the hotel features a high-end restaurant, La Grande Georgette.
Book a stay at La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection here
5. Chartres
A visit to Chartres is a charming day trip from Paris. The half-timbered houses, picturesque foot bridges, narrow cobbled streets, and fishing boats along the Eure River offer plenty of photo-worthy moments.
The outstanding landmark of this city is the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres, known for its magnificent Gothic architecture. You will be transported to the medieval times mesmerized by the splendor of the almost 200 stained-glass windows dating back to the 13th century.
If you happen to spend a night in Chartres between April and January, don’t miss the Chartres en Lumière show. This impressive free and musical light show lights up the Cathedral and other historical monuments every night.
Chartres is located about 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Paris. Visiting Chartres is another of the best day trips from Paris.
From Paris to Chartres by Tour
This private tour takes you to the main spots of Chartres. It includes round trip transportation from Paris.
How to Get from Paris to Chartres
From Paris to Chartres by Train
Trains depart hourly from Montparnasse station and takes 1 hour and 9 minutes to reach the Chartres station. The walk from the Chartres station to the cathedral takes only 10 minutes. Book your tickets in advance in order to take it easy and avoid crowds and delays.
From Paris to Chartres by Car
You can rent here a car for your day trip from Paris.
Accommodation
Best Western Premier Grand Monarque Hotel & Spa is stunning and elegantly decorated. It is also ideally situated for exploring the town on foot. The Cathedral is 550 meters away, and the train station is just a 5-minute walk away. The hotel’s restaurant, Le Georges Chartres, attended by chef Thomas Parnaud, is a Michelin-starred eatery offering delectable dishes. Have dinner at this restaurant to end one of the best day trips from Paris on a high note.
Book a stay at the Best Western Premier Grand Monarque Hotel & Spa here
None of the locations mentioned in this blog include beaches. However, France has some world-famous beautiful beaches, such as Saint Tropez, Cannes, and in particular Nice, which is also perfect for day trips around its vicinity.
Other destinations
Needless to say, there are several other destinations outside of Paris, many of which can make fantastic train trips.
One of the other interesting day trips from Paris is a visit to Disneyland. And if you have more time available, you can also venture to Mont Saint-Michel and Dordogne.
