Curious about what’s beyond Paris? You’ve got the right idea. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and check out my top picks for cultural, historical, and natural destinations near Paris that are easy to reach for a perfect day trip.
First of all, let’s locate these places on a map:
1) Chateau de Versailles
Place d’Armes – 78000 Versailles
Known for its magnificent palace and sumptuous gardens, this former royal residence will enchant you. Don’t miss the Palatine Chapel and the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed.
Explore the city to discover the Jeu de Paume Oath, Saint-Louis Cathedral, and the picturesque districts of Notre-Dame and Montreuil with their beautiful parks. Be amazed by the trompe-l’œil illusions in the streets of Satory and Saint-Julien.
Chateau de Versailles offers a unique experience, blending history and visual magic. An unmissable destination!
Information and Bookings (from €21)
Access
- Distance: 30 km (18.6 miles)
- By car: 1 hour
- Public transport access: Paris – Versailles Château 37 min (with RER C from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame)
- With an organized tour: Amphibious bus tour along the Seine to Versailles (from €49)
2) Disneyland Paris
Boulevard du Parc, 77700 Serris/Coupvray
The Magic Kingdom awaits with more than 50 attractions for all tastes, spread across Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Discoveryland.
Experience Space Mountain, the Mine Train, the Haunted Mansion, and more! Visit Sleeping Beauty’s castle and meet your favorite characters.
Disneyland® Parks, Walt Disney Studios®, and Disney® Village are just a 2-minute walk away.
Information and Bookings (from €72)
Access
- Distance: 40 km (24.9 miles)
- By car: about 1 hour
- Public transport access: Paris Gare de Lyon – Marne la Vallée Chessy station (40 min with RER A)
3) Fontainebleau Castle
Fontainebleau is home to the famous Château de Fontainebleau, continuously inhabited by seven royal dynasties over seven centuries.
The castle is renowned for its rich decor and precious furniture in its apartments, housing four museums for art enthusiasts.
Fontainebleau’s gardens have evolved through three centuries of French landscape artistry, offering surprises such as carriage rides, a miniature train, and hot air balloon rides.
Not to be overlooked is the Fontainebleau Forest, formerly known as the Forest of Bière, covering 25,000 hectares and managed as a state forest of 21,600 hectares.
Regarded as one of France’s largest and most beautiful forests, its diverse environments, varied terrain, and mix of tree species make it a remarkable natural treasure.
Information and Bookings (14 € per person for people aged 18 and more)
Access:
- Distance: 69 km (42.9 miles)
- By car: about 1 hour 20 min from Paris via A6 highway
- By train: Gare de Lyon station – Fontainebleau-Avon station (in 40 min) then take bus 1 going to Les Lilas up to the stop ‘Château’
4) Mont-Saint-Michel
For an unforgettable visit, the rocky islet of Mont-Saint-Michel and its stunning bay await you!
Located at the border of Brittany and Normandy, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for having the largest tidal changes in continental Europe.
Explore the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, a medieval masterpiece with its intimate cloister and rich history.
Book a visit to the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
Access
- Distance: 356 km (221.2 miles)
- By car: about 4 hours via A13 highway
- By train: Paris – Montparnasse –> Granville 3h + Granville –> Pontorson – Mont-Saint-Michel 1h
- With an organized tour: Book a tour from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel ($155/person)
5) D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy
The D-Day beaches in Normandy are iconic historical sites.
Comprised of five main beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword), they feature landscapes marked by war, with bunkers and remnants from 1944.
Don’t miss the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer with its 9,387 graves.
This historic site is complemented by various museums dedicated to D-Day, such as La Batterie de Merville and La Pointe du Hoc.
Access
- Distance: about 260 km (161.6 miles)
- By car: 2 hours 50 min via A13 highway
- By train: Paris Saint-Lazare –> Bayeux 2h10 + Bayeux –> Arromaches-Les-Bains 25 min
- With an organized tour: Book a tour from Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches
6) Giverny
Giverny is immersed in Impressionism.
Known as its birthplace, this picturesque village offers Claude Monet’s house and gardens, renowned for their “remarkable garden” label.
Explore the Museum of Impressionism for a deep dive into this artistic movement.
Information and Bookings (€13 for an adult ticket)
Access:
- Distance: 100 km (62.1 miles)
- By car: 1h20
- By train: Paris Saint-Lazare –> Vernon – Giverny 50 min
7) Parc Astérix
Parc Naturel régional Oise – Pays de France, 60128 Plailly
The Parc Asterix showcases the adventures of the famous comic “Asterix le Gaulois”.
Inspired by six different worlds closely linked to Asterix, you can try out the forty or so blood-churning rides such as the “Trace du Hourra”, the “Tonnerre de Zeus”, the flying chairs, “Romulus and Rapidus”, the “Forêt des Druides” and many more…
There are attractions for all tastes! There even is an exact replica of Asterix’s village as depicted in the comic.
Information and Bookings (from €54)
Access
- Distance: 46 km (28.6 miles)
- By car: about 50 minutes
- Public Transport access: Take the RER B up to the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 station (30 min) and get to the Parc Astérix desk and you will be directed to the shuttles that go to the park (every 30 min).
8) Domaine de Chantilly
Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
The Domaine de Chantilly includes the Château, the Musée Condé, the park, the Grandes Écuries, and the Musée du Cheval.
The Musée Condé holds the second-largest collection of old paintings after the Louvre, and the French-style gardens are the work of Le Nôtre.
The Grandes Écuries house the Musée du Cheval with equestrian shows.
The 115-hectare park offers an exceptional view of Western garden art, featuring an 18th-century Anglo-Chinese garden and a 19th-century English garden.
Finally, the Château de Chantilly, a jewel of French heritage, is the creation of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of King Louis-Philippe.
Information and Bookings (from €9)
Access
- Distance: 54 km (33.6 miles)
- By car: about 1 hour
- Public transport access: Gare du Nord station – Chantilly-Gouvieux station with TER (30 min) or with RER D (45 min)
9) Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle
Built in the 17th century, this impressive castle was home to many historical events. Designed by architect Louis le Vau, painter Charles le Brun and landscape expert André le Nôtre, this chateau is now the most important private property in France.
The private chambers of both Sir and Madam Nicolas Fouquet are located on the second floor as well as all of their favorite masterpieces. The ground floor, on the other hand, has many impressive baroque-style decorations.
Information and Bookings (from €17)
Access
- Distance: 51 km (31.7 miles)
- By car: about 1 hour
- Public transport access: Paris Gare de l’Est – Verneuil l’Etang in 35 min (P line train towards Provins) then take the Châteaubus shuttle which is situated at the exit of the station.
10) Rouen
Rouen, a historic French city, will charm you with its timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and delightful atmosphere.
Known for the martyrdom of Joan of Arc in 1431 at Place du Vieux Marché, it boasts a rich heritage.
Don’t miss the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece standing 151 meters tall.
Enjoy a stroll in the Jardin des Plantes and explore the Château de Rouen, a 13th-century fortress where Joan of Arc was imprisoned.
Finally, experience the Panorama XXL, an immersive exhibition showcasing Rouen in 1431.
Access:
- Distance: 135 km (83.9 miles)
- By train: Intercités lines Paris Saint-Lazare – Rouen Rive Droite
- By car: around 2 hours
11) Orléans
Orléans is known as one of the most active towns in France. It’s both a comfortable and modern town with all the usual transportation.
Famous for both its Art and its History, this city is loved with an ever-growing, everlasting passion by anyone who so much as appreciates nature and/or history.
Don’t be afraid to visit the Sainte-Croix Cathedral. This Gothic monument was built from 1601 to 1829.
You can also walk around the Floral Park; full of gardens with both animals and spectacular greenery. If you have the heart to, you can also visit the Vélodrome d’Hiver memorial testifying the confinement and deportation of 16,000 Jews and 1,200 Romani.
Access
- Distance: around 130 km (80.8 miles)
- By car: 1 hour 37 min via A10 highway.
- By train: 1 hour via Intercité trains
12) Reims
Nicknamed “the City of Coronations”, Reims is home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, witness to the baptism of Clovis and many royal coronations.
I also invite you to visit the Palais du Tau, the former residence of archbishops, and the Basilica of Saint-Remi, famous for its relics and miracles.
Don’t miss the Porte de Mars, a classified Roman monument, and the Villa Demoiselle, an architectural masterpiece combining Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
Access:
- Distance: 144 km (89.5 miles)
- By car: 1 hour 35 min via A4 highway.
- By train: 50 min by TGV
13) Honfleur
Honfleur is a charming and popular tourist town known for its picturesque streets, half-timbered houses, and the Vieux Bassin.
Explore the Saint-Léonard district with its 6th-century church, and the Enclos district with its historic salt warehouses.
Climb the Côte de Grâce for a panoramic view of the Normandy coast, visit the Maritime Museum, and enjoy the local market to savor regional products.
Access:
- Distance: 185 km (114.9 miles)
- By car: 2 hours 33 min via A13 highway
- By train: Paris Saint-Lazare –> Trouville – Deauville 2h10 Train NOMAD + Trouville – Deauville–>Honfleur 40 min CAR NOMAD
14) Deauville
Deauville welcomes you with its racetracks, beach, and palaces.
Visit the International Center, the racetrack built in 1864, and the house of Eugène Boudin, “La Breloque.”
Explore the villa Strassburger, a historic monument, and enjoy the Casino Barrière. Finish at the Seaside Baths with its beach, Olympic pool, and numerous activities.
Access:
- Distance: 220 km (136.7 miles)
- By car: 2 hours 43 min via A13 highway
- By train: Paris Saint-Lazare –> Trouville – Deauville 2h10 Train NOMAD
15) The Loire Valley Castles
Looking to dive into the history and majesty of the French kings? Head to the Loire Valley for an unforgettable day. The Loire Valley is dotted with magnificent castles, each with its own charm and unique history.
Start with the Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture with its stunning design and French gardens. Don’t miss the Château de Chenonceau, renowned for its elegance and fascinating history, especially its gardens that seem to float on water.
Next, tour the Château de Villandry, famous for its spectacular gardens that change with the seasons. For a more intimate experience, the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau will charm you with its idyllic setting by the Indre River.
And that’s not all. The Château d’Amboise, a favorite residence of several French kings, offers a breathtaking view of the Loire Valley. Finally, end your visit at the Château de Blois, which houses a fine arts museum and features architecture that spans several centuries.
The Loire Valley castles are a true immersion into French history, offering magnificent landscapes and captivating stories at every turn. Get ready to be amazed!
Access:
- Distance: About 200 km (124.3 miles)
- By car: 2.5 to 3 hours via A10 highway or A11 highway depending on your specific destination
- By train: Paris Gare d’Austerlitz –> Tours (about 1.5 hours) then take a regional train to the various towns in the Loire
- With a guided tour: Guided tour of the Loire Valley Castles: Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny – transport included from Paris
16) Épernay
Épernay, located in the heart of the Champagne region, is a prime destination for wine and culture enthusiasts.
The famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with prestigious houses like Moët & Chandon, attracts visitors for tastings in historic cellars.
Beyond its viticultural heritage, Épernay offers architectural treasures such as the Notre-Dame church and the Gabrielle-Dorziat theater.
Strolls through the surrounding vineyards provide spectacular views of the Marne Valley, while the Town Hall park offers a peaceful retreat in the city center. Épernay epitomizes the French art of living.
Access
- Distance: 142 km (88.2 miles)
- By car: around 2 hours
- By train: Paris Est –> Épernay 1h15 TER
17) Château de Pierrefonds
Rue Viollet le Duc, 60350 Pierrefonds
The Château de Pierrefonds, located in the Oise region, is a 19th-century architectural marvel restored by Viollet-le-Duc.
This medieval castle combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, with its imposing towers, deep moats, and ornate interior decorations.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forest and scenic walks. Pierrefonds also hosts exhibitions and cultural events, making each visit unique.
Access
- Distance: 96 km (59.7 miles)
- By car: 1 hour 40 min via A1 highway
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
