Day trips from Paris: adventure just beyond the city

The City of Love calls on millions each year to soak up its romantic charm, bustling atmosphere and artistic heritage. But, there’s more to France than Paris. Whether you fancy a break from the busy crowds or you’re just looking to try something new, you’re in the right place. Discover eight of the best day trips from Paris – from the natural landscapes of Étretat to the local produce of Champagne, your next adventure is just around the corner.

If you're looking for a touch of grandeur on your getaway, Versailles offers a certain opulence that's irresistible. Most known for the Palace of Versailles and its immense gardens, this is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. In the palace, you’ll be treated to the famous Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, the Royal Opera House and gardens – featuring sculptures and fountains. Skip the lines and take a guided tour of the palace to explore the adjoining estate at your own pace.

Interested in the opulence but in search of an attraction away from the main crowds? King's Kitchen Garden is your perfect option. Covering nine hectares of land, this kitchen garden was built for Louis XIV. Nowadays, you can enjoy gardening, cooking and theatre here.

Getting there:

• Approximately 20 minutes by train
• Around 40 kilometres by car

Disneyland Paris is a must-visit destination on your holiday if you’re in search of some magic. Admission to Disneyland Paris gives you access to a variety of entertainment. This includes exclusive rides such as Crush's Coaster and live shows, like the drone parade, which features hundreds of coloured lights mimicking fireworks. There are more unique attractions to this park too, including Alice's Curious Labyrinth, where you’ll figure out your way to the Queen of Hearts' Castle, with a visit from the Cheshire Cat along the way.

Looking to extend the magic? There are many hotels in Disneyland Paris to choose from, so if you want to stay overnight, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From the rustic charm of Disney Sequoia Lodge or the Route 66-inspired Disney Hotel Santa Fe, pick an accommodation that feels most like you.

Getting there:

• Approximately 40 minutes by train
• Around 45 kilometres by car

Chantilly is known as an art gallery to tourists and a haven for independent specialist food shops by locals. But arguably the most important of all: it's the recognised home of crème Chantilly.

In search of a local-loved spot in Chantilly? Rue du Connétable is bustling with alluring food-first independent shops. Sweet tooths are sure to enjoy La Passion du Chocolat, offering artisan sweet treats that give insight into the commune’s past. 

If you’re in search of Chantilly’s more popular hotspots, Château de Chantilly is a great place to start. Getting an admission ticket will allow you to explore its historic library, pruned gardens and the Great Stables. Finish your day by diving into the local delicacy of Chantilly cream. And l'Atelier de la Chantilly – a tea room – is the spot to sample the sweet treat.

Getting there:

• Approximately 30 minutes by train
• Around 60 kilometres by car

Meaux is one of the best day trips from Paris for history buffs. Specifically, Meaux Old Town feels like a step back in time, with the cobbled lanes giving a quaint feeling to the commune. Other historical hotspots include Meaux Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. If museums are your thing, make sure to stop by Musée Bossuet, which offers a historical glimpse into the history of Meaux, and Musée de la Grande Guerre, offering a deep dive on World War I.

This commune also has plenty on offer for food lovers, and more specifically, fromage lovers. Meaux has its own type of brie called Brie de Meaux, an unpasteurised take on the dairy classic. This kind of brie can only be produced in Meaux, thanks to the Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP). This is a label to make sure the product is made in the right place, the right way – so rest assured, you’ll be getting the real deal upon your visit.

Getting there:

• Approximately 40 minutes by train
• Around 60 kilometres by car

For lovers of art, Giverny is just the village for you. Stop by Claude Monet's House and Gardens, where the renowned painter once lived. From the waterlily pond to the Japanese bridge, see where the painter lived for 43 years. Each season offers a profoundly unique experience too, with the transitional hues of autumn offering a stark contrast to the vibrancy of the summer colours.

Aside from the art, there’s a culinary landscape waiting to be discovered, and Restaurant le Jardin des Plumes is a great place to start your adventure. Offering French haute, and also making a feature in the Michelin guide, this place boasts Art Deco furnishings and organic, gastronomical dishes. From here, you can visit the Museum of Impressionism, a mere 8-minute walk away.

Getting there:

• Approximately one-and-a-half hours by train
• Around 85 kilometres by car

If you like to think of yourself as a sparkling wine connoisseur, Champagne has to make your list of day trips from Paris. Stop by the UNESCO World Heritage site: Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars, to learn about how champagne is produced while admiring the rolling vineyards and chalk wine cellars. 

Going on a guided tour, such as the Champagne Afternoon Tour with Winery Visits and Tasting, lets you soak in the natural beauty of the vineyards, plus, with a glass or two of fizz thrown in for good measure, you can taste the region’s exports along the way. If you enjoy a spot of exercise on your holidays, the vineyards of Champagne are a great place to do just that. Walk, run or cycle through the sweeping fields and explore the landscapes of France.

Getting there:

• Around 40 minutes by a high-speed TGV train
• Around 150 kilometres by car

Normandy is a place filled with historical richness. From the D-Day landing beaches to the medieval Mont Saint-Michel, many pockets of the region offer a glimpse into the past. You can even go on the Normandy D-day Landing Beaches and Rouen Tour, which takes you directly from Paris to the coast. Upon arrival, you’ll explore historically poignant spots like Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. And when the tour reaches Rouen, you can feast your eyes on the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen.

A stop by the Mont Saint-Michel island abbey is sure to make your day trip from Paris worth it too. Vertically standing tall on the granite rock, the abbey's medieval architecture seems to defy gravity, creating a striking silhouette. This structure features many buildings stacked on the rock, and the church stands at the top, making for a visual spectacle. 

Getting there:

• Around two-and-a-half hours to nearby Bayeux and Caen by train
• Around 220 kilometres by car

For lovers of the outdoors, Étretat is a haven. This coastal commune is most famous for its instantly recognisable white chalk cliffs. Their unique shapes – including natural arches and the towering 'Aiguille' (or 'Needle') formation – make this day trip one of the most dramatically alluring spots on the French coast. In fact, it’s so alluring that it inspired the eponymously named The Cliffs at Étretat by Monet.

If you’re more interested in sightseeing, Étretat’s Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde is unmissable. The modern architecture, gargoyles, stained-glass windows and the surrounding views from the Filelet Damon cliffs make it a real spectacle. 

Getting there:

• Approximately three hours by train, no direct trains available
• Around 220 kilometres by car

Undoubtedly, Paris captures hearts, but your adventure doesn't have to stop there. From regal grandeur to historical richness and classic Disneyland magic, you’re sure to find a day trip suited to your taste. And a glass of champagne or a taste of Chantilly cream is only sure to sweeten your adventures. Your next French escapade is closer than you think.