TOP 10 best day trips from Paris
Paris is loved for many reasons, and one of those is the city's location. There are so many opportunities here to leave in the morning and discover the beauty of France: its Gothic towns and royal palaces, picturesque landscapes and artistic heritage, monuments to somber moments of history, and great wines — and you can get back to the capital the same evening. If you're looking for inspiration, scroll through a list of the best day trips from Paris: it will take you up to three hours to get to each of these locations by car or by train.
Versailles
What is it?
A historic part of the coast in Normandy that was used by the Allied forces in the D-Day landings.
Why should you go?
One of the five invasion beaches during the WWII D-Day landings, Omaha Beach is a 5-mile section of the Normandy Coast facing the English Channel. It is overlooked by the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of over 9,000 fallen American soldiers. Omaha Beach Memorial Museum features period weapons and artifacts, and there are a few monuments at the beach, including the impressive metal shards comprising Les Braves. The place offers a sobering and educational experience, as well as great views of Normandy's coastline.
Although getting to Normandy beaches may not be one of the super easy day trips, it is certainly doable in about three hours by car — otherwise, get a guided tour from Paris.
Specialization
Historic site, WWII monument, and cemetery (+ seaside)
Perfect for
WWII history buffs
A historic part of the coast in Normandy that was used by the Allied forces in the D-Day landings.
Why should you go?
One of the five invasion beaches during the WWII D-Day landings, Omaha Beach is a 5-mile section of the Normandy Coast facing the English Channel. It is overlooked by the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of over 9,000 fallen American soldiers. Omaha Beach Memorial Museum features period weapons and artifacts, and there are a few monuments at the beach, including the impressive metal shards comprising Les Braves. The place offers a sobering and educational experience, as well as great views of Normandy's coastline.
Although getting to Normandy beaches may not be one of the super easy day trips, it is certainly doable in about three hours by car — otherwise, get a guided tour from Paris.
Specialization
Historic site, WWII monument, and cemetery (+ seaside)
Perfect for
WWII history buffs
Omaha Beach, Normandy
What is it?
A historic part of the coast in Normandy that was used by the Allied forces in the D-Day landings.
Why should you go?
One of the five invasion beaches during the WWII D-Day landings, Omaha Beach is a 5-mile section of the Normandy Coast facing the English Channel. It is overlooked by the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of over 9,000 fallen American soldiers. Omaha Beach Memorial Museum features period weapons and artifacts, and there are a few monuments at the beach, including the impressive metal shards comprising Les Braves. The place offers a sobering and educational experience, as well as great views of Normandy's coastline.
Although getting to Normandy beaches may not be one of the super easy day trips, it is certainly doable in about three hours by car — otherwise, get a guided tour from Paris.
Specialization
Historic site, WWII monument, and cemetery (+ seaside)
Perfect for
WWII history buffs
A historic part of the coast in Normandy that was used by the Allied forces in the D-Day landings.
Why should you go?
One of the five invasion beaches during the WWII D-Day landings, Omaha Beach is a 5-mile section of the Normandy Coast facing the English Channel. It is overlooked by the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of over 9,000 fallen American soldiers. Omaha Beach Memorial Museum features period weapons and artifacts, and there are a few monuments at the beach, including the impressive metal shards comprising Les Braves. The place offers a sobering and educational experience, as well as great views of Normandy's coastline.
Although getting to Normandy beaches may not be one of the super easy day trips, it is certainly doable in about three hours by car — otherwise, get a guided tour from Paris.
Specialization
Historic site, WWII monument, and cemetery (+ seaside)
Perfect for
WWII history buffs
Orléans
What is it?
A city on the banks of the Loire River famous for its Joan of Arc connection.
Why should you go?
Just a two-hour ride from Paris, Orléans is a charming city that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of France.
Best known for its links with Joan of Arc, who led the French force to break the siege of the town in 1429, Orléans boasts a rich heritage that can be explored through its numerous museums, monuments, and landmarks. These include the magnificent Gothic Sainte-Croix cathedral with stained glass windows depicting Joan of Arc's story. There's an annual festival held in honor of the Maid of Orléans.
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the city is also famous for its connections to wine: take a stroll through picturesque vineyards or go on a wine-tasting tour and sample some of the world-famous wines of the region.
Specialization
Medieval history and wine
Perfect for
Joan of Arc fans
A city on the banks of the Loire River famous for its Joan of Arc connection.
Why should you go?
Just a two-hour ride from Paris, Orléans is a charming city that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of France.
Best known for its links with Joan of Arc, who led the French force to break the siege of the town in 1429, Orléans boasts a rich heritage that can be explored through its numerous museums, monuments, and landmarks. These include the magnificent Gothic Sainte-Croix cathedral with stained glass windows depicting Joan of Arc's story. There's an annual festival held in honor of the Maid of Orléans.
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the city is also famous for its connections to wine: take a stroll through picturesque vineyards or go on a wine-tasting tour and sample some of the world-famous wines of the region.
Specialization
Medieval history and wine
Perfect for
Joan of Arc fans
Related tours:
Giverny
What is it?
A tranquil village surrounded by scenic landscapes, with Claude Monet's house.
Why should you go?
This picturesque village makes for a perfect half-day trip from Paris: a (cheap and frequent) train to Vernon nearby takes less than one hour. Famous for its connections to the Impressionist painter Claude Monet, Giverny offers the opportunity to experience the artist's gardens, including the water garden and Japanese bridge that inspired his signature paintings. You can also explore Monet's lovely pink house with its green shutters and blue kitchen: the artist designed the place himself, and we just admire the vibrant colors.
The nearby Museum of Impressionism provides insight into the work of Monet and other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, and the village itself is full of quaint shops and cafes where you can indulge in local cuisine and browse through antiques.
Specialization
Nature and art
Perfect for
Art history enthusiasts and nature lovers
A tranquil village surrounded by scenic landscapes, with Claude Monet's house.
Why should you go?
This picturesque village makes for a perfect half-day trip from Paris: a (cheap and frequent) train to Vernon nearby takes less than one hour. Famous for its connections to the Impressionist painter Claude Monet, Giverny offers the opportunity to experience the artist's gardens, including the water garden and Japanese bridge that inspired his signature paintings. You can also explore Monet's lovely pink house with its green shutters and blue kitchen: the artist designed the place himself, and we just admire the vibrant colors.
The nearby Museum of Impressionism provides insight into the work of Monet and other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, and the village itself is full of quaint shops and cafes where you can indulge in local cuisine and browse through antiques.
Specialization
Nature and art
Perfect for
Art history enthusiasts and nature lovers
Auvers-sur-Oise
What is it?
A picturesque small town associated with several notable artists, primarily Van Gogh.
Why should you go?
Another great place that has an art-related background is Auvers-sur-Oise, which was once home to famous artists, including Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Pissarro. Located less than 18 miles from the center of the capital, it is perfect for a day trip from Paris. It was here that Van Gogh spent the most productive months of his life and died. Following in the artist's footsteps, you can see the places that inspired his iconic works, his final residence, and his burial site.
There are cafes, restaurants, and antique shops to explore, along with the 17th-century castle with manicured gardens and a museum, and the unique Musée de l'Absinthe. This vibrant and peaceful location is one of the best options for a relaxed and inspiring day away from Paris.
Specialization
Art and nature
Perfect for
Van Gogh aficionados
A picturesque small town associated with several notable artists, primarily Van Gogh.
Why should you go?
Another great place that has an art-related background is Auvers-sur-Oise, which was once home to famous artists, including Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Pissarro. Located less than 18 miles from the center of the capital, it is perfect for a day trip from Paris. It was here that Van Gogh spent the most productive months of his life and died. Following in the artist's footsteps, you can see the places that inspired his iconic works, his final residence, and his burial site.
There are cafes, restaurants, and antique shops to explore, along with the 17th-century castle with manicured gardens and a museum, and the unique Musée de l'Absinthe. This vibrant and peaceful location is one of the best options for a relaxed and inspiring day away from Paris.
Specialization
Art and nature
Perfect for
Van Gogh aficionados
Fontainebleau
What is it?
A town southeast of Paris, famous for the Fontainebleau Palace and a scenic forest.
Why should you go?
Less than one hour by train — et voilà, you're in Fontainebleau. The town is best known for its magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a residence for the French monarchs. It was here that Napoleon spent the last days of his reign before abdicating in 1814 and going into exile. The opulent rooms of the castle, its impressive collections of art, and its expansive gardens are all yours to explore.
Fontainebleau also is a popular location for 1-day trips from Paris for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its vast forest that has inspired numerous artists and is home to unique prehistoric rock art.
Specialization
Royal residence + woodland
Perfect for
Fans of royal history + hikers and boulderers
A town southeast of Paris, famous for the Fontainebleau Palace and a scenic forest.
Why should you go?
Less than one hour by train — et voilà, you're in Fontainebleau. The town is best known for its magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a residence for the French monarchs. It was here that Napoleon spent the last days of his reign before abdicating in 1814 and going into exile. The opulent rooms of the castle, its impressive collections of art, and its expansive gardens are all yours to explore.
Fontainebleau also is a popular location for 1-day trips from Paris for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its vast forest that has inspired numerous artists and is home to unique prehistoric rock art.
Specialization
Royal residence + woodland
Perfect for
Fans of royal history + hikers and boulderers
Reims
What is it?
The unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region.
Why should you go?
You can't possibly visit France and not do your best to discover some of the greatest wines in the world. The city houses the headquarters of many famous Champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot and G.H.Mumm, that offer tours of their cellars and tastings. The wine is aged in the complex network of caves, rooms, and tunnels carved in chalk underneath the streets of Reims.
Among other landmarks are the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site where French kings were crowned. Reims is also home to several museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Porte de Mars, a Roman triumphal arch.
Specialization
Day drinking + architecture
Perfect for
Champagne connoisseurs
The unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region.
Why should you go?
You can't possibly visit France and not do your best to discover some of the greatest wines in the world. The city houses the headquarters of many famous Champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot and G.H.Mumm, that offer tours of their cellars and tastings. The wine is aged in the complex network of caves, rooms, and tunnels carved in chalk underneath the streets of Reims.
Among other landmarks are the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site where French kings were crowned. Reims is also home to several museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Porte de Mars, a Roman triumphal arch.
Specialization
Day drinking + architecture
Perfect for
Champagne connoisseurs
Verdun
What is it?
The city in northeastern France that gave its name to the longest battle of WWI.
Why should you go?
Sitting on the banks of the river Meuse, Verdun is best known for the role it played in World War I, being the site of the eponymous battle that lasted 11 months. Today, it is a city of remembrance that honors the memory of those who fought and died in the conflict, with its somber cemeteries and memorials. The largest is the French National Cemetery and Douaumont Ossuary: the remains of over 130,000 unidentified soldiers rest in the ossuary's crypt.
Verdun also boasts stunning landscapes and natural beauty: hike through the Verdun Forest, bike along the Meuse River, or take a scenic drive through the Argonne region. It will take you about three hours to get here, but it's surely one of the great day trips from Paris.
Specialization
WWI history and landscapes
Perfect for
European military history buffs
The city in northeastern France that gave its name to the longest battle of WWI.
Why should you go?
Sitting on the banks of the river Meuse, Verdun is best known for the role it played in World War I, being the site of the eponymous battle that lasted 11 months. Today, it is a city of remembrance that honors the memory of those who fought and died in the conflict, with its somber cemeteries and memorials. The largest is the French National Cemetery and Douaumont Ossuary: the remains of over 130,000 unidentified soldiers rest in the ossuary's crypt.
Verdun also boasts stunning landscapes and natural beauty: hike through the Verdun Forest, bike along the Meuse River, or take a scenic drive through the Argonne region. It will take you about three hours to get here, but it's surely one of the great day trips from Paris.
Specialization
WWI history and landscapes
Perfect for
European military history buffs
Deauville
What is it?
An upscale seaside resort and the closest seaside destination to Paris.
Why should you go?
Don't have enough time for a day trip to Nice from Paris? No problem: Deauville, the Parisian Riviera, is much closer, just over two hours by train or by car. A popular seaside destination for the upper classes since the 19th century, it remains a high-profile resort and is more accessible these days.
We love the golden sands and seafront promenade, the signature colorful parasols, and the Promenade des Planches, an Art Deco wooden boardwalk lined with huts adorned with the names of the actors and directors who have frequented the Deauville American Film Festival. Glamorous events such as horse races and polo matches, luxury hotels, and the iconic Casino Barrière that likely inspired the fictional casino in Ian Fleming's Casino Royale — all make Deauville an impressive holiday destination, even if just for a day trip from Paris!
Specialization
Seaside resort
Perfect for
Hedonists and bon vivants
An upscale seaside resort and the closest seaside destination to Paris.
Why should you go?
Don't have enough time for a day trip to Nice from Paris? No problem: Deauville, the Parisian Riviera, is much closer, just over two hours by train or by car. A popular seaside destination for the upper classes since the 19th century, it remains a high-profile resort and is more accessible these days.
We love the golden sands and seafront promenade, the signature colorful parasols, and the Promenade des Planches, an Art Deco wooden boardwalk lined with huts adorned with the names of the actors and directors who have frequented the Deauville American Film Festival. Glamorous events such as horse races and polo matches, luxury hotels, and the iconic Casino Barrière that likely inspired the fictional casino in Ian Fleming's Casino Royale — all make Deauville an impressive holiday destination, even if just for a day trip from Paris!
Specialization
Seaside resort
Perfect for
Hedonists and bon vivants
Bruges, Belgium
What is it?
The capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium known for its beautiful canals.
Why should you go?
Europe is great because you can often go to the neighboring country, experience something quite different, and get back before midnight. That's why we've included a jaunt from Paris to Bruges — it's close enough for a day trip by car, coach, or train.
Bruges is a charming city in Belgium dubbed "Venice of the North" due to its network of canals that run through the medieval city center. Here, you'll come across stunning architecture, sample some of the world's best chocolates and beers, or climb the 366 steps of the 13th-century Belfry for panoramic city views. Attractions include the historic Markt, the beautiful Basilica of the Holy Blood, art museums, and restaurants and cafes serving classic Belgian dishes.
And, of course, if you're a fan of McDonagh's In Bruges, a trip here would be an exceptional treat!
Specialization
Historic sites and canals
Perfect for
Adventurers and vagabonds + chocolate lovers
The capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium known for its beautiful canals.
Why should you go?
Europe is great because you can often go to the neighboring country, experience something quite different, and get back before midnight. That's why we've included a jaunt from Paris to Bruges — it's close enough for a day trip by car, coach, or train.
Bruges is a charming city in Belgium dubbed "Venice of the North" due to its network of canals that run through the medieval city center. Here, you'll come across stunning architecture, sample some of the world's best chocolates and beers, or climb the 366 steps of the 13th-century Belfry for panoramic city views. Attractions include the historic Markt, the beautiful Basilica of the Holy Blood, art museums, and restaurants and cafes serving classic Belgian dishes.
And, of course, if you're a fan of McDonagh's In Bruges, a trip here would be an exceptional treat!
Specialization
Historic sites and canals
Perfect for
Adventurers and vagabonds + chocolate lovers
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