Paris! Hearing the name makes you pleased, right?
Why wouldn’t it be?
It has the world’s most beautiful spots and everyone loves this city of lights, no matter what age or background they are.
But what about outside of Paris? Well, you’ll be shocked to learn that there are even more great places to visit besides Paris. By reading about some of the best day trips from Paris by train you will get a clearer idea of why I am saying this.
So, let’s not waste any further time and go on an exciting journey in a peaceful and hassle-free way.
Top Day Trip Destinations from Paris by Train: An Overview
Finding the best places near Paris to visit by train is not an easy task. Because most travel guides and blogs teach us about the beautiful sites inside the city.
That’s why here I am sharing the whole trip at a glance so that you get an idea of this exciting trip:
13 Best Day Trips from Paris by Train That Promise Memories
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to explore the beautiful French countryside, there’s something for everyone just a train ride away from the City of Light. They are as follows:
1. Chantilly: A Day in French Elegance
Chantilly is a beautiful town in the north of Paris. This place is famous for its grand Chateau de Chantilly from the 19th century and its beautiful gardens designed by André Le Nôtre.
It is counted among the easy day trips from Paris by train. Because it only takes around 30 minutes by train from Paris to get to Chantilly.
Here you can visit the Condé Museum, which has a huge collection of old paintings. It has many castles, gardens, and large forests. Horse lovers will be amazed by the Great Stables, which were built in the 18th century and look like a palace for horses.
You can get to Chantilly-Gouvieux by train from the Gare du Nord. Take a bus or a cab from the train station to get to the front door. Or else you can walk next to the main road.
Pro Tip:
Consider purchasing a combined ticket that includes access to the château, gardens, and the Living Horse Museum for the best value.
2. Versailles: Royalty and Grandeur Unveiled
One of the most famous day trips from Paris by train is to Versailles, a grand palace built for Louis XIV, the Sun King. It’s about an hour away from Paris by train. Once there, you can explore the lavish palace, its stunning gardens, and even a special estate built for Marie Antoinette.
The palace has over 2,300 rooms, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. You can also visit the Trianon Estate and the National Equestrian Academy for more historical insights. Versailles represents the height of French royal power and luxury but also symbolizes the downfall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.
Take the RER C line to Versailles-Chateau from the Paris metro. The trip will take between 30 minutes, depending on where you are in Paris. The Palace of Versailles is only a short walk away once you get there.
3. Disneyland Paris: A Magical Day Trip
Usually, families with kids are very fond of these types of day trips from Paris in December. During this time, schools and other institutions remain on vacation.
They visit places like the Science Museum in Parc de la Villette or the charming Jardin d’Acclimatation, an old-fashioned amusement park. It has rides like log flumes and mini roller coasters.
Even so, Disneyland Paris, which is only an hour’s train ride from the city, is very appealing. Like Disneyland parks in California and Florida, Disneyland Paris is a beautiful place with popular areas like Fantasyland and Adventureland.
This place also has its own exciting attractions, like an intense version of “Space Mountain” that gives you a rush like nothing else.
From downtown Paris, it’s easy to get to the park. Just take the RER (commuter train) Line A from Chatelet-les-Halles all the way to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy/Disneyland.
The train stops right outside the gates and near where you buy tickets.
4. Fontainebleau: History and Nature Intertwined
Fontainebleau is a charming town, which is known for its large forest and ancient Chateau de Fontainebleau.
About 15,500 people live there, and it has a lot of natural beauty and a rich history. The chateau is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and tourists can look around its fancy rooms and beautiful gardens. If you want to enjoy some short train trips from Paris this one can sure be one.
The Fontainebleau Forest, with its over 1000 square kilometers of lush trees, is perfect for nature lovers. You can take the train from Paris to Fontainebleau in just 40 minutes. It’s a great place to get away for history buffs and nature fans alike, with beautiful scenery for biking, walking, and even bouldering.
To get there, you can take the train from the Gare de Lyon (main line) to either Montargis Sens, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes.
5. Giverny: Inspiring Beauty of Monet’s Gardens
In northern France, Giverny is a peaceful town for a perfect Giverny day trip from Paris, with a rich artistic history that draws people in. This small village is known for being where Claude Monet lived for more than forty years. It is a place of inspiration and natural beauty.
Giverny is only a short train and bus ride from Paris.
You can visit Monet’s house and Japanese-style gardens to experience the scenes that stimulated his Water Lilies series. The Museum of the Impressionists enhances the experience for art lovers.
Take the 45-minute SNCF train from Gare St. Lazare to Vernon-Giverny. You can either take a taxi or a shuttle from the train stop to Monet’s house when you get there.
6. Cergy-Pontoise: Tranquil Escape from Paris
If you want to plan some Paris day trips by train to the northwest side, then select Cergy-Pontoise. It is a lively town known for being modern and culturally diverse.
It is made up of a mix of modern buildings, green areas, and historical sites. This was created by combining several smaller communes.
Cergy-Pontoise’s beautiful waterfront along the Oise River makes it a great place to take long walks and enjoy the view. There are many art galleries, theatres, and music places in the town that cater to a wide range of tastes.
Additionally, Cergy-Pontoise has educational institutions such as the University of Cergy-Pontoise, which adds to its lively and young vibe.
To get there you can get on the RER line A in the middle of Paris. Trains leave from important stations like Gare de Lyon and Chatelet-Les Halles.
The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour and makes it easy to get to this lively town in the Île-de-France area.
7. Reims & Champagne: Sip History in Champagne
Reims is a place with nice weather and pleasant sights. But if you want the best experience, then you should go there between May to September.
It is the busy center of Champagne in northeastern France. It’s only a 50-minute train ride from Paris. Be amazed by the magnificent Reims Cathedral, which has a long history as the place where French kings and queens were crowned. You can taste champagne at well-known houses like Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart.
Or you can also ride in a hot air balloon over fields and enjoy the stunning views. With its rich cultural history, lively city center, and UNESCO-listed champagne caves, Reims is the perfect place to get away to the heart of French champagne country and enjoy history, culture, and delicious food.
From Gare de ‘Est, take the 45-minute TGV train to Reims-Centre to get there. You can also walk or take the Citadine bus or trolley into the old part of town once you get there. So, you can easily plan a day trip to Reims from Paris.
8. Auvers-sur-Oise: Van Gogh’s Artistic Legacy
Auvers-sur-Oise is a town in the hills of France that always looks beautiful. People know the town as the place where Vincent Van Gogh spent his last days. There are great artists’ ideas in the air there. It is one of the most inspirational cities, close to Paris by train.
It has cute flowers and bars all along the streets that are great for walking. Every part of the city reminds you of its Impressionist past. People who like this style will love the Musee Daubigny.
Plus, Auvers-sur-Oise is a wonderful place with a peaceful atmosphere that will carry away all your stress. It is a beautiful place that has been immortalized in the works of great artists.
From Gare du Nord, take a train to Pontoise, and change trains in Pontoise for Persan-Beaumont or Valmondois.
9. Vaux-le-Vicomte: Baroque Splendor Near Paris
Vaux-le-Vicomte is a secret gem in the French countryside. This French architectural gem from the 1600s has its own charm and allure.
Compared to Versailles, its small size makes this place a more harmonious and romantic version of the Louis XIV style. Its formal gardens are a beautiful mix of fountains, parterres, and gravel walks.
They were designed by the famous Le Notre and Le Vau. However, it has a scandalous past. The satirist Voltaire wrote about how Marquis Nicolas Fouquet’s goals and the court’s schemes fought, resulting in the building’s beauty.
Vaux-le-Vicomte is accessible by direct rail from Paris Gare de Lyon to Melun station. From Melun, take a taxi or local bus to Vaux-le-Vicomte, 15 minutes away. This was one of the best train trips from Paris I ever had.
10. Chartres: Gothic Majesty in a Day Trip
Chartres is one of the most stunning places to visit near Paris by train.
Why wouldn’t it be? Its beautiful Gothic church and rich medieval history make it hard to resist.
The town is on the River Eure and has pretty half-timbered houses and nice walks along the river. Its famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which is lit up at night, is just amazing with its intricate Gothic cathedral design and stained glass.
Chartres Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning example of medieval art. Its original features have been carefully kept, and the sculptures that decorate its walls are truly stunning. Going to Chartres is like going back in time because it has so much history, buildings, and natural beauty.
Paris Montparnasse station has direct trains to Chartres. The one-hour drive to this medieval town is scenic and convenient. Chartres station is within walking distance of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame and ancient streets.
11. Provins: Medieval Marvels Near Paris
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Provins is southeast of Paris and is known for its medieval charm and well-preserved defenses.
Along with the beautiful rose garden, you can visit the town’s fortified gates, underground tunnels, and famous Tour Cesar. Provins comes to life in the summer with lively reenactments and shows set in the Middle Ages. Moreover, this is one of the cheapest day trips from Paris.
These give tourists a chance to learn about the town’s long history and cultural heritage with its interesting buildings and tasty treats like the Niflette pastry.
The last stop on the SNCF Transilien Line P is Provins. Take a train from Gare de l’Est to get there. Every hour, a train leaves for the trip, which lasts for about two hours.
12. Beaune & Burgundy: Wine and History Combined
As a traveler, I fell in love with Beaune and Burgundy because of their classic charm and long past.
The old-world charm of Beaune comes from its cobblestone streets and colorful medieval buildings. In Burgundy, vibrant farms make for memorable wine-tasting experiences.
Visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune and the beautiful countryside of Burgundy, which is full of cute towns and castles.
Afterward, enjoy Burgundy’s famous wines, like the smooth Pinot Noirs and crisp Chardonnays, and tasty foods from the area, like boeuf bourguignon.
Beaune and Burgundy are lovely places to visit in French wine country, whether for roaming around vineyards or eating local gastronomy.
You can take a direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Beaune station to see Burgundy. Beaune and Burgundy are the best day trips from Paris due to their accessibility and attractions.
13. Normandy Beaches: WWII History and Serenity
People who saw the famous Normandy Beaches will always remember what they gave up and how brave they were.
The Allied D-Day landings in World War II happened on the windswept beaches of Normandy. These operations changed the course of the war. Today, people can remember the dead at somber places like the Normandy American Cemetery and Omaha Beach.
Take a trip to Normandy from Paris by train and see some famous spots like Pointe du Hoc and Arromanches-les-Bains to see what’s left of the Mulberry harbors. People who fought for freedom were brave and strong, as shown by the beautiful and quiet Juno Beach and the haunting war relics.
From Gare St. Lazare, take a TGV train to either Caen or Bayeux. Paris is two hours away from Bayeux and Caen is one hour and a half away.
Things to Consider Upon Arrival
- Make a list of the places you want to visit first, prioritizing based on distance, opening hours, and personal preferences.
- Visit visitor centers, museums, or information booths for insights and guidance. It will help you in planning some perfect weekend trips from Paris by train.
- Plan your itinerary to include key attractions or landmarks, considering opening hours and potential booking requirements.
- Pack essential items such as medicines, sunscreen, water, and necessary documents like identification and travel insurance.
- Keep emergency contact numbers in hand and share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member for safety purposes.
- While taking train rides from Paris to other countries, bring snacks and water, especially if visiting remote areas where amenities may be limited.
- Consider wearing comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking or exploring outdoor attractions.
- Respect local customs, laws, and regulations, including photography restrictions or dress codes at religious sites.
Concluding Words
You may find a lot of the best day trips from Paris by train on the Internet as references, but in the end, it’s up to you and what you like.
However, you don’t have to worry much, as each of the above-mentioned places near Paris has something different to amaze you. And the best part is that you will be able to visit these locations without breaking your wallet.
So, whenever you get free time or want a refreshment tour at an affordable price, make sure to go on these trips without thinking twice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most popular day trip from Paris?
Giverny, Versailles, Chantilly, etc. are some of the most popular day trips from Paris.
What is the closest country to visit from Paris by train?
Chantilly is the closest city to visit from Paris by train.
What is a short train ride from Paris?
A train from Paris to Chantilly is the shortest ride by train.
How many days do you really need in Paris?
It totally depends on your trip plan and the places you want to go. However, 7 days would be good enough.
Is Mont St Michel a day trip from Paris?
Mont Saint-Michel is possible as a day trip from Paris, but it’s a long journey, approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour train ride from Paris.
What cities are 3 hours from Paris?
Reims and Normandy are 3 hours from Paris.
