Top 12 Places to Visit from Paris by Train
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When I first started exploring Paris, I was naturally taken with the City of Lights but even with everything to see, I was excited to get out of the city.
The more I travel the more I love escaping to the countryside or small villages nearby to take a break from busy cities.
Paris is a great home base for some fantastic day trips. For instance, Domaine de Chantilly is packed with history and beautiful gardens, and Disneyland Paris offers a magical escape for all the Disney fans out there. My personal favorite? Bruges, Belgium. I visited at Christmas and it was like stepping back in time.
I’ve curated a list based on personal experience from my trip to Paris and researching the places I wasn’t able to get to.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best day trips from Paris, complete with my tips and experiences to help you make the most of your visit. Let’s check them out!
7 Tips for Taking Day Trips From Paris
Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to explore France. Navigating public transportation from Paris without a car can be a bit complicated at first so here are a few tips to get you going!
1. Plan and Book in Advance
If you’re navigating public transportation for the first time, booking your tickets in advance can make the process easier and help you familiarize yourself with the process.
I tried to book train tickets to Versailles using the ticket stations at the train station, and someone had to help!
The guy was so nice, but it definitely took a local to explain the system.
To be prepared, book your ticket in advance.
2. Know the Stations
If you’re taking a few day trips from Paris, you’ll start to notice the main hubs. Paris has multiple train stations, serving different regions.
Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Saint-Lazare are some of the main hubs.
Knowing which station your train departs from can save you a lot of time and confusion.
4. Use Mobile Apps
Several mobile apps can make your journey way easier and less stressful.
If you aren’t leaving France, the Île-de-France Mobilités app is essential for navigating the local RER network, allowing you to check schedules, plan routes, and receive real-time updates on delays or changes.
Consider purchasing the Navigo Easy pass in the app. Using the pass you can top up and use for unlimited travel.
When planning to travel from France to other countries, make sure to use Rail Europe. Rail Europe also provides detailed information about train services, including high-speed trains like Thalys, Eurostar, and ICE.
6. Bring Snacks and Water
While some trains offer a catering service, the selection can be limited and often pricey. Bring your own snacks and water for longer journeys.
7. Get a Window Seat
One of the best parts of traveling by train is the views. Make sure to grab a window seat if you can, and have your camera ready for pictures of the French countryside.
Day Trips From Paris Within 45 Minutes
1. Domaine de Chantilly
Originally owned by the Duke of Aumale in 1886, Domaine de Chantilly is packed with history.
A 1-day ticket gets you access to the castle, the gardens, and the stables and the castle houses a great collection of art and artifacts.
It can get pretty busy in the afternoon, so it’s a good idea to get there around when it opens to make the most of your visit.
How to Get There | Directions
You’ll take the train from Gare du Nord to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station.
The trip only takes 25 minutes. Once you arrive at the Chantilly-Gouvieux station, it’s just a short bus or taxi ride to the estate. There will be taxis you can grab outside the train station.
Tours to Book
- Private Tour of Domaine de Chantilly Ticket and Transfer
- Château de Chantilly Tour and a Renaissance-Style Meal
2. Disneyland Paris
If you’re a Disney fan and are looking for a magical day trip from Paris, you’ll have to visit Disneyland Paris.
If you want to visit both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, consider staying for two days to do everything and not feel rushed.
There are several hotels at the park, and staying overnight makes the experience even more convenient and fun.
I’d recommend checking out the Disneyland Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from the parks and has even more fun Disney themed activities.
Make sure to download the Disneyland Paris app to navigate the park, find wait times, book restaurant reservations, and more. Don’t miss Disney Village, the area with shops, restaurants, and other entertainment.
How to Get There | Directions
To get to Disneyland Paris by train, take the RER A train from the Gare de Lyon station to the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station.
The train trip takes about 40 minutes, and the station is right at the park entrance, so it’s super convenient.
If you’re staying at a park hotel, there are shuttle services available as well.
Where to book park tickets
- Paris: Disneyland® Tickets and Shuttle Transport
- Disneyland Paris: 1-Day Ticket
- Disneyland® Multi-Day Entry Ticket
3. Château de Versailles
Visiting the Palace of Versailles was my favorite thing I did when visiting Paris. If you’re a bit of a history nerd, this is definitely for you. Even if history isn’t your thing, the palace is truly impressive to experience.
Versailles started as a hunting lodge for the royal family that King Louis XIII began to rebuild in 1631. Each King Louis after him continued to expand the castle, turning it into a symbol of power and authority in France.
The monarchy officially ended in 1793 with Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette, who were executed by guillotine during the French Revolution.
I visited Paris at Christmas time and it wasn’t overall crowded. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons to skip the crowds!
How to Get There | Directions
The RER C train will take you from central Paris to Versailles-Rive Gauche station in about 40 minutes.
Once you arrive, it’s a short walk to the palace.
Alternatively, there are tours that provide transportation from Paris, so you don’t have to worry about getting there on your own.
Tours to Book
- Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket
- From Paris: Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Bus Transfers
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace with Gardens Access
4. Parc de Sceaux
Parc de Sceaux is just a quick 45-minute day trip from Paris by train. This beautiful park has large grounds that locals often use for walking, running, and other outdoor activities.
It was built in the 17th century, and the park’s stunning gardens were designed by André Le Nôtre, the same mastermind behind the Gardens of Versailles.
It’s a great day trip to get away from the busyness of the city.
How to Get There
To get to Parc de Sceaux, take the RER B train from central Paris to the Robinson station. From there you’ll walk about 15 minutes to the park entrance.
Depending on where you’re coming from in Paris, the trip takes approximately 45 minutes.
Day Trips From Paris Within 1 Hour
5. Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
This home and its land was purchased by Claude Monet in 1890 where he began his work on these amazing gardens.
They are currently being preserved to give visitors a glimpse into artist Claude Monet’s life and inspiration.
The gardens have beautiful ponds and many different types of plants and flowers,
While you’re in Giverny, make sure to stop by Restaurant Baudy, just 5 min away from the garden for lunch and a glass of wine!
How to Get There | Directions
To get to Giverny from Paris, you’ll take the train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon – Giverny, which takes about 50 minutes.
From Vernon, take a bus or taxi ride to the gardens and you’ll get odd at the Prairie station. The bus ride is around 12 minutes, or there are plenty of taxis available at the station.
Tours to Book
- From Paris: Giverny, Monet’s House, & Gardens Half-Day Trip
- Giverny: Monet’s House and Gardens Guided Tour
- From Paris: Giverny and Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip
6. Château de Fontainebleau
Château de Fontainebleau is a beautiful palace that has served as the home for Napoleon and many French kings.
Known as the “family home” for many kings of France, this grand palace has a rich history and detailed architecture.
At the château you’ll be able to roam around four main courtyards, three beautiful gardens, and a large park, giving you plenty of things to explore during your day trip.
How to Get There | Directions
To get to Château de Fontainebleau from Paris, take a train from Gare de Lyon to the Fontainebleau-Avon station, which takes roughly 40 minutes.
Once you arrive, it’s about a 10-minute bus or taxi ride and then a 10-minute walk to the château.
Tours to Book
- Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris
- Private tour to Chateaux of Fontainebleau from Paris
7. Champagne Region
The Champagne Region is a must-visit if you are a wine lover and want to escape to the French countryside for a tasting or two.
This area is famous for its Champagne and different wines. A visit to this region isn’t complete without exploring the beautiful vineyards and taking a winery tour.
When you book a tasting and tour, you’ll get the chance to meet the locals producing the champagne and learn firsthand about the process.
Reims is one of the main cities in the region and is known for its beautiful cathedrals and historic sites, adding an extra layer of interest to your visit.
How to Get There | Directions
To get to the Champagne Region from Paris, take a train from Gare de l’Est to Reims, which takes about 45 minutes.
Once in Reims, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk into the city center.
Many vineyards and wineries are accessible by local transportation or you can book a winery tour that will pick you up in Reims.
Tours to Book
- From Reims: Champagne and Family-Run Wineries Tour
- Champagne: Champagne Tasting Class with Lunch
- From Reims: Morning Champagne Tour and Tastings
Day Trips From Paris Within 2-3 Hours
8. Normandy D-Day Beaches
The Normandy D-Day Beaches are a powerful and moving destination, giving you a look into one of the most significant events of World War II.
On 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched the largest invasion in history, landing on the beaches of Normandy to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
The different beaches, including Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword, each played a crucial role in the operation.
A visit to the Normandy American Cemetery is a solemn and poignant experience, where you can pay respects to the thousands of American soldiers who lost their lives during the D-Day invasion and subsequent battles.
How to Get There | Directions
To visit the Normandy D-Day Beaches from Paris, take the train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Caen or Bayeux, which takes about 2 hours.
From there, it’s an additional 30 minutes to the beaches. You can rent a car in Bayeux, take a taxi, or join a guided tour to reach the various beaches and historical sites.
If you rent a car, I recommend visiting Mont Saint Michel in the same visit. It’s about an hour’s drive from Bayeux.
Tours to Book
9. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Paris, known for its world-class wine and beautiful architecture.
Bordeaux is one of the most important wine-producing regions in the world. The city has been a major trading port since Roman times, and its wine has been celebrated for centuries.
Bordeaux’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with well-preserved 18th-century architecture and landmarks like the Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre.
How to Get There | Directions
To reach Bordeaux from Paris, take a high-speed train from Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux-Saint-Jean.
This trip to take the train and get to the city center will take about 2.5 hours.
Once you arrive at the Bordeaux-Saint-Jean station, the city is easy to navigate to on foot or by using public transportation.
Tours to Book
- Bordeaux: River Garonne Cruise with Glass of Wine
- Bordeaux: Historic Center & Chartrons District Bicycle Tour
10. Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel might be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see.
The history of Mont Saint Michel dates back to the early 8th century when Bishop Aubert of Avranches claimed that Archangel Michael appeared to him, telling him to build a church on the island.
This event marked the beginning of its development as an important Christian pilgrimage site.
In 966, the dukes of Normandy and other French kings began working on the Abbey on the island.
As I said in the previous section, if you’re already heading to the Normandy D-Day Beaches, I’d recommend trying to visit Mont Saint Michel on the same-day trip since they are booth 2+ hours from Paris. It will be a long day but worth it!
How to Get There | Directions
To get to Mont Saint Michel from Paris, take a train from Gare Montparnasse to Pontorson, which is about a 3-hour ride.
From Pontorson, there’s a shuttle bus that takes you right to the island. It’s a long day trip, so dress comfortably and be ready for some walking.
Tours to Book
- Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris
- From Paris: Mont Saint Michel Day Trip with a Guide
11. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium is a charming town that’s perfect for a day trip from Paris, especially if you need a break from the city.
I visited Bruges at Christmas time, and it was beautifully decorated for the holidays Unlike sprawling Paris, you can cross Bruges on foot in less than 10 minutes.
Its location where the River Reie meets the North Sea made it an important medieval trading hub. The city’s origins date back to Roman times, and it became a significant settlement in the 9th century with a fortress built to defend against Viking attacks. The name Bruges likely comes from Old Norse or Germanic words meaning ‘pier’ or ‘landing point’.
The town thrived from the 12th to 15th centuries as a major commercial hub due to its strategic location and network of canals.
Make sure you take a boat tour on the canals!
How to Get There | Directions
To get to Bruges from Paris, take the train from Gare du Nord to Bruges with a transfer in Brussels.
The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. When I arrived in Bruges, I took a taxi into the city center which I recommend if you have luggage but it is walkable from the station.
Tours to Book
- Bruges: Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting
- Bruges: Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour
- Bruges: Guided Retro Bike Tour of Highlights and Hidden Gems
12. London
London is an exciting and vibrant city that makes for an incredible day trip from Paris. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, there’s no shortage of things to do. Just remember, London is not in the EU, so you’ll need your passport for the trip.
When you take the train to London, you’ll go through security at Gare du Nord. There’s a specific area for travelers heading to the UK, which I noticed when I was taking the train to Bruges. Make sure to arrive early to allow time for passport control and security checks.
How to Get There | Directions
To reach London from Paris, take the Eurostar train from Gare du Nord to London St. Pancras.
The trip takes about 2.5 hours. The Eurostar is fast and very comfortable. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to take public transportation to wherever you’re wanting to visit.
Tours to Book
- London: Buckingham Palace Entry & Changing of the Guard Tour
- London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Tour
- From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
Wrapping Up
When visiting Europe, I always try to fit in some day trips or even other countries into my itinerary because train travel is so easy and convenient.
Taking a day trip from Paris opens up the opportunity to experience more of France on your trip and gives you an escape from the busy city.
I hope this list helps you pick a few memorable day trips. Remember to dress comfortably for the longer journeys and download the transportation apps ahead of time!
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