Once you’ve explored every corner of Paris—the art, the culture, the cafés—it’s time to venture out. Fortunately, thanks to France’s excellent high-speed rail network, you can easily escape the City of Lights and explore enchanting towns, regal châteaux, and scenic landscapes—all within a day. Whether you’re interested in royal history, stunning gardens, or historical battlefields, there’s a train destination that fits your interests.
Here are 10 unforgettable day trips from Paris by train that promise to enrich your French adventure.
1. Giverny – Monet’s Garden Dream
Giverny is a must-visit for art lovers, as it’s the home of Claude Monet, the founder of the Impressionist movement. Here, Monet lived and painted for over 40 years, drawing inspiration from his lush, vibrant gardens. Today, you can visit the iconic Japanese bridge over his lily pond, wander through vibrant flower gardens, and even tour the colorful interior of his two-story house, which is filled with personal artifacts and works of art.
- Don’t Miss: The Musée des Impressionnismes (Museum of Impressionisms), just 200 yards from Monet’s house. This museum showcases works from the Impressionist era and other artists influenced by the movement.
- How to Get There: Take the SNCF train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny (approximately 45 minutes). From Vernon, you’ll need a short shuttle bus or taxi to reach the garden and house.
2. Versailles – Royal Grandeur at Its Peak
A trip to Versailles is perhaps the most popular—and most awe-inspiring—day trip from Paris. The Palace of Versailles, built for King Louis XIV in the 17th century, is one of the grandest palaces in the world. With its magnificent Hall of Mirrors, vast gardens, and regal interiors, Versailles provides a fascinating glimpse into the opulent life of the French monarchy.
- Must-See: The Hall of Mirrors, where treaties were signed, and the Trianon Estates, which includes the Queen’s Hamlet and the private gardens of Marie Antoinette.
- How to Get There: Take the RER C line to Versailles-Château Rive Gauche (about 60-90 minutes, depending on your departure point in Paris). The palace is just a short walk from the station.
3. Chantilly – Horses, Art, and Elegance
The charming town of Chantilly, located just north of Paris, is home to the stunning Château de Chantilly, a 19th-century castle surrounded by water and exquisite gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect behind the gardens at Versailles. Chantilly also boasts the Condé Museum, housing the second-largest collection of antique paintings in France (after the Louvre).
- Don’t Miss: The Living Museum of the Horse, which showcases the region’s long-standing equestrian heritage and provides insights into the world of horses.
- How to Get There: Take the Transilien train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux (about 25 minutes). From the station, you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to the château.
4. Vaux-le-Vicomte – Versailles’ Inspiration
If you love Versailles but prefer a quieter experience, head to Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century chateau that inspired Louis XIV’s Versailles. This magnificent château, surrounded by equally beautiful gardens, was built by Nicolas Fouquet, the superintendent of finances for the king. Vaux-le-Vicomte’s grandeur is unmatched, and during the summer months, you can visit the estate during Candlelight Evenings, where 2,000 candles light up the chateau after dark.
- Must-See: The chateau’s horseshoe-shaped staircase, the Oval Grand Salon, and the breathtaking panoramic views from the dome.
- How to Get There: Take the RER D or a regional train from Gare de Lyon to Melun (around 25 minutes). Then, take a taxi or shuttle bus to the château. The shuttle runs from mid-April to early November.
5. Normandy Beaches – A Moving Tribute
For history buffs, a day trip to Normandy is essential. The beaches of Normandy were the site of the D-Day landings in June 1944, where over 160,000 Allied troops landed to fight Nazi forces. You can visit several historical sites, including the Omaha Beach American Cemetery, the Caen Memorial Museum, and the ruins of the artificial harbor at Arromanches.
- Must-See: Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, which commemorate the bravery of those who fought and died in the area during World War II.
- How to Get There: Take a TGV train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Caen (1h 45m) or Bayeux (2h). Both towns serve as great bases for touring the D-Day sites.
6. Provins – A Living Medieval Village
Step back in time and explore the medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 57 miles southeast of Paris. The town is still surrounded by fortified walls and includes several medieval structures, such as the Tour César and the underground galleries. Provins also hosts reenactments and festivals during the summer months, offering a unique experience for visitors.
- Must-See: Tour César, a 12th-century watchtower, and the beautiful rose garden.
- How to Get There: Take the SNCF Transilien Line P from Gare de l’Est to Provins (about 1 hour 20 minutes). Trains leave roughly every hour.
7. Fontainebleau – A Regal Forest Escape
For a quieter and less touristy alternative to Versailles, head to Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting lodge and residence for French monarchs, including Napoleon. The Château de Fontainebleau has been a royal residence for more than eight centuries, and its beautifully landscaped gardens and surrounding forest make it a peaceful day trip.
- Must-See: The Napoleon I rooms and the majestic Horseshoe Staircase, which are among the most iconic features of the château.
- How to Get There: From Gare de Lyon, take a train to Fontainebleau-Avon (about 45 minutes). Then, catch the Ligne 1 bus to the château.
8. Rouen – Gothic Glory & Joan of Arc
The medieval city of Rouen, located in northern France, offers a charming escape from Paris. Famous for its Gothic cathedral, painted by Monet, and its connections to Joan of Arc, Rouen is rich in history and offers plenty to explore, including the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the Gros Horloge, an astronomical clock built in 1389.
- Must-See: The Rouen Cathedral, Joan of Arc’s last trial sites, and the beautiful half-timbered houses scattered throughout the city.
- How to Get There: Take a SNCF train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Rouen (about 1 hour 10 minutes).
9. Reims – Champagne and Cathedrals
Visit Reims, the capital of France’s Champagne region, to tour the stunning Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned for over a thousand years. You can also visit famous champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot for a taste of the region’s most famous export. For an even more memorable experience, consider a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards.
- Must-See: Reims Cathedral and the champagne cellar tours at Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger.
- How to Get There: Take a TGV train from Gare de l’Est to Reims (approximately 45 minutes).
10. Brussels – A Belgian Treat
If you’re up for crossing into another country, Brussels is a great choice. Only 90 minutes from Paris by train, the capital of Belgium offers a mix of medieval architecture and modern charm. Visit the Grand Place, the Manneken Pis, and indulge in Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer.
- Must-See: The Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and Royal Palace.
- How to Get There: Take the Thalys high-speed train from Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi (about 1 hour 30 minutes).
Final Thoughts
From royal châteaux to breathtaking gardens and historic battlefields, there are countless ways to explore beyond Paris. Whether you want to immerse yourself in art, history, or simply enjoy the French countryside, these day trips offer a perfect escape from the bustling city. With the ease of France’s rail network, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
Start planning your journey today, and don’t forget to check out our vacations to France with air for convenient packages to make your trip even more unforgettable!
