The Best Day Trips from Paris: Easy Escapes Within Two Hours
- lifehasitsquirks
- Nov 16
- 4 min read
Paris dazzles with world-class museums, romantic cafés, and iconic monuments—but sometimes you need a break from the city buzz. The great news? Many of France’s most enchanting towns, castles, and gardens are less than two hours away by train or car. Whether you crave royal palaces, colorful gardens, or medieval villages, there’s a perfect day trip from Paris for you.
This guide explores the best nearby destinations, complete with travel times, highlights, and tips for making the most of your excursion.
Why Take a Day Trip from Paris?
Paris is captivating, but a short escape has its perks:
Variety in your trip. Swap crowded boulevards for serene countryside or historic towns.
Convenience. Thanks to France’s efficient train system, you can get to many highlights in under 90 minutes.
Cultural depth. From Gothic cathedrals to Impressionist gardens, day trips give you a richer view of France.
The Top Day Trips from Paris (Under Two Hours)
1. Versailles: Royal Splendor on the City’s Edge
The Palace of Versailles is the most famous day trip from Paris—and for good reason. This lavish estate showcases the peak of royal extravagance under Louis XIV.
Travel time: 30–40 minutes by RER C train.
Highlights:
The glittering Hall of Mirrors, lined with chandeliers.
Expansive Gardens of Versailles, complete with fountains and sculptures.
The intimate Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s retreat.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid lines, and don’t skip the gardens, especially during summer fountain shows.
2. Giverny: Monet’s World in Bloom
Step into an Impressionist painting in Giverny, the village where Claude Monet lived and worked.
Travel time: 45 minutes by train to Vernon, then a short shuttle or bike ride.
Highlights:
Monet’s house and gardens, featuring the lily pond and Japanese bridge.
The Museum of Impressionism, spotlighting Monet and his contemporaries.
Strolling through Giverny’s charming lanes and cafés.
Best time to go: Spring and summer, when the gardens burst with color.
3. Champagne Region: Bubbly Bliss in Reims or Épernay
Love sparkling wine? A trip to the Champagne region is a must. With its grand cellars and lush vineyards, it’s a paradise for wine enthusiasts.
Travel time: 45 minutes by train to Reims; about 1 hour 20 minutes to Épernay.
Highlights:
Tastings at prestigious Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot.
The stunning Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned.
Vineyard tours and countryside views.
Pro tip: Book Champagne tastings in advance—they fill up quickly during peak season.
4. Disneyland Paris: Family Fun and Fairy-Tale Magic
For a whimsical day out, head to Disneyland Paris. It’s an easy trip that adds a magical twist to your itinerary and is definitely one of the best day trips from Paris.
Travel time: 40 minutes by RER A train.
Highlights:
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, a Paris-exclusive Disney icon.
Classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World.
Movie-themed rides at Walt Disney Studios Park.
Tip: Buy tickets in advance to save time at the gates.
5. Fontainebleau: A Regal Escape in Nature
Just beyond Paris lies Château de Fontainebleau, a royal residence that rivals Versailles—without the heavy crowds.
Travel time: 40 minutes by train to Fontainebleau-Avon, then a short bus ride.
Highlights:
Lavish royal apartments used for centuries.
The vast Fontainebleau Forest, ideal for hiking or picnicking.
Elegant Renaissance and Baroque art collections.
Fun fact: Napoleon famously abdicated here in 1814.
6. Chartres: A Gothic Masterpiece
If you love architecture, Chartres Cathedral is a must-see. This UNESCO-listed gem is one of Europe’s greatest Gothic cathedrals.
Travel time: About 1 hour by train.
Highlights:
Remarkable stained-glass windows, some dating to the 12th century.
The cathedral’s crypt and detailed sculptures.
A charming old town with half-timbered houses.
Best visit: Summer evenings during Chartres en Lumières, when the cathedral is lit up with dazzling projections.
7. Provins: A Step into the Middle Ages
For a trip back in time, head to Provins, a beautifully preserved medieval town southeast of Paris.
Travel time: 1.5 hours by train.
Highlights:
The medieval ramparts and fortified towers.
The underground galleries once used for trade.
Seasonal medieval festivals with jousts and parades.
Tip: Provins is especially fun for families and history buffs.
Tips for Smooth Day Trips from Paris
Book ahead. Train tickets, château entries, and Champagne tastings often sell out.
Start early. Leaving Paris in the morning gives you the most sightseeing time.
Travel light. A day bag with water, snacks, and sunscreen is enough.
Use trains when possible. They’re faster and easier than driving for most routes, but check return times.
Book a guided tour. If you want ease in transportation and more in-depth discovery, hire a local guide.
Which Paris Day Trip Is Best for You?
Art lovers: Giverny or Chartres.
History fans: Versailles, Fontainebleau, or Provins.
Wine enthusiasts: Champagne region.
Families: Disneyland Paris or Versailles.
Nature seekers: Giverny gardens or Fontainebleau forest.
Final Thoughts
Paris is endlessly fascinating, but some of France’s most memorable experiences lie just outside the city. From sipping Champagne in Reims to marveling at Gothic stained glass in Chartres, these day trips from Paris add incredible depth to your journey—without the hassle of an overnight stay.
So, hop on a train, pack your curiosity, and let these nearby treasures show you a whole new side of France.
Looking to plan your next trip to Paris with a travel expert? We've got you covered for day trips and city activities to suit your travel style.