8 great day trips from Paris

Scott Hartbeck | TravelPulse (TNS)

Paris is enthralling. And there’s a good chance you may never want to leave. But, if your stay in the city lasts long enough, you may want to consider striking out for a day to see something special outside of the city limits.

Thanks to France’s extensive and efficient rail network, all of the following day trips are within easy reach, and all will make your trip to the City of Light even more memorable.

The Loire Valley

Famed for its fanciful fortifications, the allure of the Loire Valley lies less than two hours from Paris. Visit some of the most famous chateaux (Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château d’Amboise among many others) in France and get whisked away into a fairy tale in this romantic region, then be back in time for a nightcap overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

Dijon

Yes, this is where the world-renowned mustard comes from, but there’s much more to Dijon than condiments. Food is a major highlight of this city located less than two hours from Paris though, as the always-buzzing Les Halles farmers market is a great place to start your exploration and pick up a snack or two. The city is also home to some characterful timbered architecture, the Musée des Beaux-Arts (one of the most historic fine art museums in the nation) and a gorgeous Gothic cathedral. Before heading back to the City of Light, swing by the La place Émile-Zola, which is an atmospheric square full of restaurants.

A pond with a statue and the Palace Versailles in France. (Peter Apers /Dreamstime/TNS)

Versailles

A splendid address full of significance in world history and over-the-top opulence, Versailles is one of the most adored palaces on the planet — and only around 30 minutes away by train. Visit to walk in the footsteps of French royals in some of the palace’s thousands of rooms before admiring the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, which is the place where the infamous treaty to end World War I was signed. The gardens are also a delight, featuring seasonal shows with fountains and lights.

Disneyland

Why not? Located less than an hour from the city by train, Disneyland Paris pairs up the quintessential magic of the North American parks with a touch of French panache. Both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park offer familiar attractions (often with slight differences from the ones Americans are used to) and unique features, in addition to the ability to grab a glass of bubbly from one of the signature champagne carts.

The Champagne Region

Speaking of bubbly, why not take a day trip to one of the most famous wine regions in the world? In less than an hour from Paris, you can be in the royal city of Reims, admiring a stunning cathedral before heading out into the regional vineyards. After meeting up with Moët & Chandon, make your way to the nearby town of Épernay to sample the sparkles being poured on the famed Avenue de Champagne.

Giverny

A breezy 45-minute train ride from the city, Giverny is an adorable village home to the setting that inspired the iconic Claude Monet painting Water Lilies. Even if you aren’t an art aficionado, you are sure to be swept away by the beauty of Monet’s House and Gardens, where you will feel like you are stepping through one of his artworks. Flowers and peaceful water gardens set the tone of the atmosphere here, while the Musée des Impressionnismes offers a deeper dive into a multitude of Impressionist masterpieces.

London

Yes, you read that right, London makes for a great day trip from Paris. After a quick 2-hour and 20-minute train trip through the French countryside and Channel Tunnel, you’ll arrive at St. Pancras station in the heart of the U.K. capital. From St. Pancras, it’s just a quick Tube trip to stroll along the South Bank of the Thames or take in Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the rest of the A-list attractions in the city. Or, just take it slow by feasting on some fish & chips for lunch followed by an afternoon session at one of the city’s famed historic pubs.

Normandy

The train will take just over two hours to reach most places in Normandy, but it is well worth it. Visit Bayeux to learn about the Bayeux Tapestry (which tells the tale of the Norman Conquest of England) before striking out on one of the many tours of the D-Day Landing Beaches, museums and cemeteries that set off from the area. Or, take the train to Étretat on the other side of the region, where you will be able to admire some dramatic sea cliffs.

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