Paris is an incredible city, but if you have extra time, taking a day trip can add another layer to your experience. Some of the best day trips from Paris are just a short train ride away, offering history, culture, and incredible scenery. Visiting Versailles is an obvious choice, with its grand palace, famous Hall of Mirrors, and vast gardens. The Chateau de Fontainebleau, another royal residence, is less crowded but just as impressive, surrounded by a beautiful forest. Art lovers will want to visit Giverny, where Claude Monet’s garden and house bring his paintings to life. For those interested in Champagne, the cities of Reims and Épernay offer world-famous champagne houses, underground cellar tours, and the stunning Reims Cathedral. If you are up for a slightly longer journey, Brussels makes for a fascinating day trip, with its historic Grand Place, delicious Belgian waffles, and impressive art museums all waiting to be enjoyed! This guide covers everything you need to know about the best day trips from Paris.
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The Palace of Versailles is located in Versailles, France, approximately 12 miles (20 km) southwest of Paris. Thanks to its close proximity to Paris, visiting Versailles is one of the best day trips from Paris.
Versailles is one of the most iconic landmarks in France and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Paris. Originally a modest hunting lodge built by King Louis XIII in the early 17th century, it was transformed into a sprawling symbol of absolute monarchy under his son, King Louis XIV, famously known as the Sun King. Louis XIV commissioned the expansion of Versailles in the late 1600s, intending to showcase the glory, power, and wealth of his reign. The Sun King imagery is prevalent throughout the palace and gardens, symbolizing Louis XIV’s belief that, like the sun, he was the center of France’s universe.
For over a century, Versailles served as the principal royal residence, housing some of France’s most famous monarchs, including Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, along with their queens, courtiers, and staff. However, the palace’s time as a royal residence was interrupted with the French Revolution in 1789, when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were forced to flee. However, beginning in 1804, Versailles once again became a royal residence - this time to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his household.
Nowadays, Versailles serves as a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcoming millions of visitors each year. It is also occasionally used for official state functions and ceremonies. For those visiting Versailles, the palace’s rich history, opulent architecture, and sprawling gardens provide a captivating journey through France’s royal past, making it an unforgettable experience. Today, visiting Versailles offers a chance to step into the grandeur of "Le Grand Siècle" (or "The Great Century" as it is known in English) of Louis XIV's reign and Napoleonic France.
The Château de Versailles, or the Palace of Versailles as it is known in English, is the main building on the vast Versailles estate and contains a whopping 2,300 rooms. While not all of these rooms are open to the public, plenty are and it easy to become overwhelmed by all that there is to see when visiting Versailles. The main highlights at the Palace of Versailles include:
my favorite room in the King's State Apartment is the Venus Salon which served as the main entrance to the apartment. It features a fantastic marble statue of Louis XIV by Jean Warin. Here, Louis XIV is depicted as a Roman emperor wearing armor, thus crowning Louis XIV as the successor to the glory of ancient Rome.
Visiting Versailles is not complete without exploring its magnificent gardens, which cover approximately 2,000 acres (800 hectares) and stand as a masterpiece of French formal landscaping design. Some of the highlights of the gardens at Versailles include:
The Palace of Versailles is hardly the only palace on the vast grounds of the Versailles estate. If time allows, I highly recommend taking the opportunity while on one of the best day trips from Paris to explore some of the hidden gems at Versailles, including:
Tickets for the Palace of Versailles should be purchased, in-advance online on the Château de Versailles website. Audio guides, guided tours, and various ticket packages can also be purchased online. Tickets can be purchased as early as three months ahead of the date of your visit. Tickets for the Palace of Versailles are known to sell out well in advance, so be sure to book your tickets as soon as you finalize your plans for your Paris trip.
If you do not purchase your tickets online, a ticket office is available on-site at the Palace of Versailles. The ticket office can be found in the South Ministers' Wing (to the left of the Honour Courtyard). However, admission can only be guaranteed if you purchase your ticket online, in-advance due to high demand. You can expect to wait in a lengthy line if you go this route for purchasing your tickets.
The Palace of Versailles can be crowded! For the most enjoyable visitor experience, I recommend visiting the Palace of Versailles during the week, if possible, as weekends are the busiest days to visit. Tuesdays are also busy since the Louvre Museum in Paris is closed on Tuesdays.
To visit the Estate of Trianon, you must purchase either the Passport ticket, which provides access to entire Versailles estate (including the main palace and gardens), or a ticket specifically for the Estate of Trianon. Regular admission to the Palace of Versailles does not include access to the Estate of Trianon. Furthermore, if you are looking to visit the Estate of Trianon on your visit to Versailles, note that the Estate of Trianon does not open until 12:00 PM. However, the Palace of Versailles and its gardens open at 9:00 AM and 8:00 AM, respectively.
You are not permitted to bring bags larger than 21.6 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches (55x35x20 cm) with you when visiting Versailles. Food and drinks, animals, flash photography, selfie sticks, and tripods are also not permitted inside the Palace of Versailles and the Estate of Trianon. Luggage storage is not available when visiting Versailles.
The easiest way to reach the Palace of Versailles, from Paris, is by train. The nearest train station is Versailles Château Rive Gauche which is a 10-minute walk from the Palace. The train station is part of the RER network, servicing RER Line C. This station can be reached from the center of Paris (Champs de Mars, Invalides, and Musée d'Orsay).
On our visit to Versailles in September 2024, we took the RER C from the Musée d'Orsay Station. The train ride was 33 minutes and Versailles Château Rive Gauche was the last stop on the line. Upon exiting the station, you will want to make a right and head down Avenue du Général de Gaulle. After walking about a block, you will make a left onto Avenue de Paris and Versailles should be within view.
Since the Versailles Château Rive Gauche Station is busy, it is highly recommended that you purchase a return ticket when buying your initial RER ticket to Versailles, so you do not have to wait in line to purchase a ticket when you depart Versailles.
If you are looking for a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles that includes round-trip transportation from Paris, there are also a number of options available to you. These tours also include your admission into the Palace of Versailles. A few that come highly recommended from our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are below:
Looking for additional information about one of the best day trips from Paris? Check out our guide on Visiting Versailles to learn more about this incredible palace!
Located only 40 miles (64 kilometers) south-southeast of Paris, visiting the Chateau de Fontainebleau from Paris is straightforward and easy, making it one of the best day trips from Paris.
The Chateau de Fontainebleau was a royal residence for eight centuries, making it one of France’s most historically significant palaces. The Chateau de Fontainebleau was first documented in a charter issued by Louis VII in 1137, at the age of 17, though it likely existed before his time. Initially a modest, medieval hunting lodge, it was transformed into the opulent palace we see today under the reign of François I in the 16th century.
Subsequent monarchs, including Henri IV, Louis XIV, and Napoleon Bonaparte, added their own touches, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance to Neoclassical. Napoleon famously referred to Fontainebleau as "the true home of kings" and made significant changes during his time there, including the grand throne room.
The Chateau de Fontainebleau is open daily, with the exception of Tuesdays. The palace is also closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25, annually. The palace is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entrance at 4:15 PM from October through March. Throughout the rest of the year, April through September, the palace is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entrance at 5:15 PM.
You can purchase tickets online ahead of your visit, or you can purchase your tickets once you arrive at the palace. The tickets, if purchased online for the Chateau de Fontainebleau, are valid for the entire day and not for a specific time slot. This can be a bit confusing because the online ticketing platform states the tickets are for 9:30 AM, but they can in fact be used at any time on the specified date. If you want to purchase your tickets in advance of your visit, please visit the Chateau de Fontainebleau website.
A room with lockers is available on-site for you to use if you are traveling to the Chateau de Fontainebleau with large bags or heavy coats. The lockers are available near the ticket office. Clear signs are posted to direct you to this area upon entering the Chateau de Fontainebleau.
As previously mentioned, getting to the Chateau de Fontainebleau from Paris is straightforward and easy, making it one of the best day trips from Paris. From the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris, hop on a direct Transilien train (Line R) bound for Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes. The journey takes about 40 minutes and trains typically run twice an hour. The cost of the journey is €2.50 per person and can be paid with a Navigo card or Navigo pass for zones 1-5.
Once you arrive at the Fontainebleau-Avon station (Gare de Fontainebleau-Avon as it is known in French), it is a short 10-minute bus ride on the #3401 Bus to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. The bus is clearly identifiable from the train station with plenty of signage. The bus runs in conjunction with the train schedule, so it should be ready for you to board upon your arrival at Fontainebleau-Avon. You can pay the driver directly for a bus ticket. The cost of the bus is €2.50 per person; however, payment to the driver is only accepted in cash. You will get off the bus at the "Chateau" bus stop which is directly opposite the street from the Garden of Diana entrance to the palace. The buses have digital screens that identify the upcoming stops to make it easy for first-time visitors.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely 30-minute walk through the charming town of Fontainebleau to the palace.
Our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, offers a few tours of the Chateau de Fontainebleau, which include transportation from Paris and other incredible sites nearby. Some of the highest rated tours for the Chateau de Fontainebleau on GetYourGuide are below:
Looking for even more information about one of the best day trips from Paris? Check out our guide to exploring the Chateau de Fontainebleau!
Located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Paris, Giverny is a breathtaking retreat where Claude Monet, the father of Impressionism, brought his artistic vision to life. Unlike any of the other destinations on this list of the best day trips from Paris, a visit to Monet’s garden offers you a chance to step into a living painting.
Visiting Giverny from Paris offers a peaceful escape to the French countryside, where art and nature come together in perfect harmony. This quiet village, best known as the home of Claude Monet, allows you to visit the very landscapes that inspired his most famous paintings. Strolling through Monet’s gardens and house, you will see the iconic water lilies and Japanese bridge come to life. Beyond the gardens, Giverny provides a chance to experience a different side of France—one that is slower-paced, rich in natural beauty, and deeply connected to the country’s artistic heritage.
The highlight of any trip to Giverny is undoubtedly Monet's garden and a day trip to Monet's garden gives you the opportunity to step into a living canvas bursting with vibrant colors and beauty, much like the paintings that made Monet famous. Monet's garden is divided into two sections: the Clos Normand Flower Garden and the Japanese Water Garden. On the estate is also Claude Monet's home which offers additional insight into the daily life of the artist.
Giverny is a small village in Normandy and the main draw, of course, is Monet's garden and house. However, with that being said, there are two additional sites worth seeing if you have time to spare during your Paris day trip to Giverny.
Monet's garden and house in Giverny are only open to the public from April 1st to November 1st, annually. Monet's garden and house are otherwise open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:30 PM. When Monet's garden and house are not open to visitors, Giverny takes on a quiet, almost deserted atmosphere. During this period, you will find that most of the restaurants and the Museum of Impressionism Giverny are also closed.
Tickets for Monet's garden and house can be purchased both online and in-person. However, purchasing your tickets online, in advance of your visit, will save you time waiting in line at the ticket office after your arrival in Giverny. To purchase tickets online, please visit the Academy of Fine Arts website.
Giverny is located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Paris, making it an easy and popular day trip from Paris. To travel between Paris and Giverny, you have a few options: a guided tour and public transportation.
To travel to Giverny by train, start your journey at Paris Saint-Lazare Station, one of the city’s major railway hubs. From here, take a SNCF TER regional train to the town of Vernon (the station is called Vernon - Giverny), the nearest train station to Giverny. The train ride takes approximately 50 minutes, with departures running regularly throughout the day.
Once you arrive in Vernon, you have a few options to complete the final 3.7 mile (6 kilometer) journey to Monet's garden.
While traveling between Paris and Giverny is easy enough to manage on your own, there are some benefits to booking a guided tour with transportation between Paris and Giverny. For starters, you do not have to worry about getting your tickets to Monet's garden and house on your own as they are included with tour packages. Some of the highest rated tours to Giverny with transportation are below. For full disclosure, I took the tour that is listed first when I visited Monet's garden back in September!
If you are looking for additional information about visiting Claude Monet's home and garden in Giverny, be sure to check out our comprehensive Guide to Visiting Monet's Garden in Giverny!
Located in the heart of the Champagne region, Reims is located 90 miles (145 kilometers) east-northeast of Paris. However, thanks to the high-speed TGV train connecting Paris to Reims in just 46 minutes, Reims is one of the best day trips from Paris.
Reims is a city rich in history, known as the traditional coronation site of French kings for nearly a thousand years. From the 11th to the 19th century, monarchs were crowned in the stunning Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Beyond its royal past, Reims is also the heart of the Champagne region, home to prestigious houses that have perfected the art of sparkling wine production in its ancient chalk caves. The city played a crucial role in both World Wars—heavily damaged in WWI, it was later the site where Nazi Germany officially surrendered on May 7, 1945, marking the end of WWII in Europe. Today, Reims blends its deep historical significance with a vibrant culture of Champagne-making, making it one of the best day trips from Paris.
A number of champagne houses in Reims close to the public during the winter months, however, there are still plenty that remain open and are worth visiting during the slower tourist season. For example, when I visited Reims in January of this year, I was able to visit four houses: Vranken-Pommery, G.H. Mumm, Pol Couronne, and Lanson. Just be sure to check the opening hours and schedules of each individual champagne house before planning your trip from Paris to Reims. I also recommend booking your tours and tastings in advance of your visit as spots are limited, especially for English language tours. Tours can be booked through each champagne house directly.
The Museum of the Surrender is closed on Tuesdays. However, please note that the museum will be closing for renovations beginning on Monday, May 12, 2025 until March 2026.
The high-speed TGV train whisks you from Paris to Reims in just 46 minutes, making it one of the easiest (and quickest) day trips you can take from Paris. Trains frequently depart from Paris's Gare de l'Est (Paris Est), so there is plenty of flexibility whether you want to leave early in the morning, opt for a later start, or spend an overnight in the heart of Champagne.
Driving from Paris to Reims is also an option. It takes approximately 90 minutes by car and can be an excellent option if you are hoping to visit some of the smaller villages and champagne houses in the region. Just please do not drink and drive!
If you are looking for a guided tour to take you from Paris to Reims (and the greater Champagne region), that is also an option! While all of these tours visit Reims, some take additional stops throughout the Champagne region, allowing you the opportunity to see more of the beautiful French countryside and taste the exquisite champagnes from multiple producers in the area. Some of the highest-rated tours with our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below.
Looking for more information to help you plan one of the best day trips from Paris to Reims? Check out our Guide to the Ultimate Champagne-Filled Getaway in Reims, France!
Located 88 miles (141 kilometers) northeast of Paris in the Champagne region, Épernay is another one of the best day trips from Paris! While technically closer in terms of distance, the train from Paris to Épernay is longer than that to Reims, taking about 80 minutes, but still close enough to visit Épernay for the day.
While Reims is the historic and cultural center of the Champagne region, Épernay is often considered the true capital of Champagne, as it is home to some of the most prestigious champagne houses. Épernay is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, L'Avenue de Champagne (Avenue de Champagne), on which every champagne house in Épernay has a presence. L'Avenue de Champagne is less than a 10-minute walk from Épernay's train station. Beneath your feet, more than 68 miles (110 kilometers) of underground cellars hold millions of bottles of champagne.
Spoiler alert! 🚨 The top sites in Épernay are of course its iconic champagne houses. While not every champagne house in Épernay is open to the public, many are and three of the top houses to visit along the Avenue de Champagne include:
Like in Reims, not all Champagne houses in Épernay are open for tastings and tours during the slow season, which typically runs from November to March. Many houses reduce their hours or close entirely for maintenance and rest periods. To avoid disappointment, be sure to book your tours and tastings in advance and verify each champagne house’s opening hours before setting out on your day trip from Paris to Épernay. Additionally, not all Champagne houses offer English-language tours every day, so check the availability when making your reservation.
The train from Paris to Épernay takes about 80 minutes. Trains to Épernay depart from Paris's Gare de l'Est (Paris Est), with multiple trains throughout the day linking the two cities, but make sure you book a train that is direct (aka zero changes). Once you arrive in Épernay, L'Avenue de Champagne is less than a 10-minute walk from the station, making it one of the best day trips from Paris.
Many of the guided tours to Champagne, make stops in Épernay, as well as nearby Reims. Some of the highest-rated tours to Épernay with our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below.
Did you know that you can reach Brussels from Paris in as little as 82 minutes on the Eurostar? If you are looking to check another country off of your list, Brussels can be one of the best day trips from Paris.
Just a short journey away by train, Brussels offers gorgeous architecture, rich history, and some of the best food in Europe! As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is a hub of international politics and culture. The city is officially bilingual, with French and Dutch as its main languages, though English is widely spoken. Additionally, Belgium uses the Euro (€), making it easy for travelers from Paris to visit the city without needing to exchange currency.
Once you arrive in Brussels, you will have a full day to explore its highlights. Here are some top things to do in Brussels, Belgium.
The majority of the museums in Brussels are closed on Mondays (the main exception is the Atomium which is open daily). As such, I would highly recommend planning a different day of the week to visit this incredible city on one of the best day trips from Paris!
Consider purchasing the Brussels Card. The Brussels Card which includes free entry into select attractions (including popular attractions like the Atomium, Musée Magritte, and Autoworld) and free transportation around the city. The Brussels Card is available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour increments, making it an option for those visiting the city on a Paris to Brussels day trip. For additional information about purchasing the Brussels Card, as well as pricing and a list of the included attractions, please visit the Visit Brussels website.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel between Paris and Brussels is by train. The Eurostar high-speed train connects Gare du Nord in Paris to Bruxelles Midi Station/Brussel-Zuid (also called Gare du Midi) in as little as 1 hour and 22 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
I recommend booking your train tickets directly with Eurostar online, in advance of your planned visit. Eurostar tickets can be fairly expensive, so I recommend booking as far in advance as possible for the best deals. If you do not see any Eurostar tickets that fit within your budget, but you are flexible on train times, you can also check OuiGo. OuiGo is an alternative train service that runs the same Paris to Brussels route as Eurostar, but with fewer daily departures and generally more affordable fares. OuiGo trains are slower than Eurostar, so your journey will take a bit longer, but may be worthwhile for the price savings if you are traveling on a budget!
For budget travelers, buses operated by FlixBus provide a more affordable, albeit slower, option, with travel times ranging from 3.5 to 5 hours. Driving is also an option, with a journey time of around 3 hours by car.
Looking for more information about a Paris to Brussels day trip? Be sure to check out our guide to a perfect Paris to Brussels Day Trip for additional information regarding public transportation in Brussels, restaurant recommendations, and more!
Taking a day trip from Paris is a great way to see more of France—and even beyond—without venturing too far from the city or needing to switch hotel rooms. Whether you are drawn to history, art, or champagne, each of these destinations offers something unique. Versailles stuns with its opulent palace and gardens, while Fontainebleau provides a quieter yet equally impressive royal palace. Giverny immerses visitors in the world of Claude Monet, where his house and gardens bring his paintings to life. In Reims and Épernay, champagne lovers can explore historic cellars, tour renowned houses, and taste some of the world’s finest sparkling wine. For those looking to spend a day exploring beyond France, Brussels offers stunning architecture, rich history, and incredible food, from Belgian waffles to world-class chocolate and, of course, Belgian beer. No matter which destination you choose, the best day trips from Paris offer a chance to step beyond the city and experience the rich history, art, and flavors that make this part of Europe so special.
Looking for additional information to help you plan your trip to Paris? Do not miss our Paris Travel Guide for hotel recommendations, restaurants suggestions, our favorite museums, and more!
In your opinion, what are the best day trips from Paris? Have you visited any of these cities? We would love to hear from you!
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