15 Best Day Trips From Paris You Can Take by Train

• Spring, from April to June, is the best time to enjoy the natural scenery, as the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is mild. If you are heading to spots like Giverny to see Monet’s gardens, this is the prime time. However, it can be rainy, so keep an umbrella handy.

• During the summer months of July and August, be prepared for large crowds; it’s hot and crowded here, and many locals leave the city to go on vacation. If you don’t mind waiting in line, this is still a good time to visit, but you’ll need to book your train tickets in advance.

• Winter, from November to March, is quieter, with cold and often gloomy weather, but there are still plenty of places to visit around Paris. Plus, if you visit in December, towns like Strasbourg and Colmar turn into winter wonderlands with their world-famous Christmas markets.

Mont Saint-Michel

Although Mont Saint-Michel is quite a distance from Paris, the scenery it offers is truly unparalleled. Perched on a rocky islet in Normandy, it is a medieval abbey surrounded by the bay. It’s easily the best day trip from Paris if you want something truly iconic.

The village itself is a maze of narrow, winding streets filled with shops and tiny restaurants. You’ll want to climb all the way to the top to see the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The architecture is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the views from the ramparts are breathtaking.



How to get there

Take a TGV from Paris Montparnasse station to Rennes. From the Rennes train station, a dedicated shuttle bus (Keolis) timed with the train arrivals will take you directly to the Mont Saint-Michel visitor center. The total journey takes about three to three and a half hours each way.

Giverny

Giverny is usually the most highly recommended day trip destination from Paris. If you’ve ever seen Monet’s paintings, a visit here will give you a deeper understanding of him. This small village was the home of the Impressionist master for 43 years. You can walk through his house, but the real star is the garden.

The "Clos Normand" garden is packed with flowers, while the Water Garden across the road is where you’ll find the famous Japanese bridge and the lily ponds that inspired his most famous works. It’s a peaceful spot, though it gets very busy in the afternoons. Try to arrive as soon as the gates open to get the best photos.



How to get there

Take a regional train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Vernon-Giverny. The ride is about 45 minutes. From the station in Vernon, you can hop on a shuttle bus, a "petit train," or even rent a bike for the short, scenic 4-mile ride to Monet’s house.

Versailles

Versailles tops the list of day trips from Paris; after all, it was once the seat of power for the French monarchy, and the Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most famous attractions. The Hall of Mirrors is the main event, where the sun reflects off 357 mirrors. But don't spend all your time inside. The gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, cover 800 hectares. They are filled with fountains, statues, and the Grand Canal. If you have time, walk over to the Estate of Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, a rustic retreat built for Marie Antoinette



How to get there

Versailles is actually quite close to Paris; just take the RER C line (yellow) from central Paris towards Versailles-Rive Gauche. The ride takes about 40 minutes, and the station is only a 10-minute walk from the palace gates.

Fontainbleu

If the Palace of Versailles epitomizes opulence and grandeur, then Fontainebleau stands as a symbol of elegance and wealth. This palace encapsulates over 800 years of French history. From Francis I to Napoleon Bonaparte, it has been a favorite among rulers.

The palace features incredible Renaissance galleries and the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase. After you’ve seen the interior, head outside to the forest of Fontainebleau. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful forests in France, famous for its unique rock formations and hiking trails. It’s a great way to see some nature without traveling too far.



How to get there

Catch a Transilien train (Line R) from Paris Gare de Lyon heading toward Montargis or Montereau. Get off at the Fontainebleau-Avon station. The trip takes about 40 minutes. From the station, take the Line 1 bus toward Les Lilas and get off at the "Château" stop.

Chenonceau

Chenonceau is often referred to as the “Ladies' Castle” because its history has been shaped by many influential women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici.

Because the castle spans the river directly, its unique arch bridge structure sets it apart from other castles in France. Inside, visitors will find stunning tapestries, a massive kitchen situated on the bridge piers, and well-preserved bedrooms. The gardens on either side of the castle are also a highlight, showcasing a sense of symmetry.



How to get there

Take a TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, which takes about an hour. From there, transfer to a local regional train to the Chenonceaux station. The castle entrance is just a short walk from the platform.

Colmar

Colmar is like a town straight out of a fairy tale; it is located in the Alsace region, near the German border. The town is filled with colorful half-timbered houses and canals lined with flowers. Colmar is also the capital of Alsatian wine, so make sure to stop for a glass of Riesling or Gewürztraminer while you’re there.



How to get there

Colmar is a bit farther away, so it's best to leave early. Take a TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est directly to Colmar. Some trains may require a quick change in Strasbourg. The fastest direct trains take about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Chartres

Chartres is home to Chartres Cathedral, one of France's most important cathedrals and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The most famous feature here is the stained glass. Much of it dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and is famous for a specific, deep shade known as "Chartres Blue."

If you visit between spring and fall, you might be lucky enough to experience Chartres en Lumières. Come nightfall, the city’s historic buildings are illuminated by light projections.



How to get there

Regional trains run frequently from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres. The journey takes about one hour and 15 minutes. Once you arrive, the cathedral is a very short walk from the station, and you’ll see its spires as soon as you step outside.

Strasbourg

You’ve surely heard of Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market, which draws huge crowds every year. Of course, aside from the Christmas market, Strasbourg has plenty more to offer, including Strasbourg Cathedral. Thanks to its blend of French and German cultures, the food here is unlike anywhere else. Think hearty portions of choucroute and flammekueche.



How to get there

Take a TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est, and you’ll arrive in Strasbourg in just 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Étretat

Étretat offers a completely different atmosphere from the bustling city life of Paris. Here, you’ll discover the rugged beauty of the French coast, particularly the spectacular white chalk cliffs and natural arches jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Walk along the pebble beach or take the steep path up to the top of the cliffs for a bird’s-eye view of the "Elephant Rock" and the "Needle." The sea air is refreshing, and the views are some of the best in northern France. It’s a great break from the urban environment of Paris.



How to get there

Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Le Havre, which will take about 2 hours. From the Le Havre station, look for the LR 24 bus, which takes you directly to Étretat in about 45 minutes.

Moret-sur-Loing

Moret-sur-Loing is arguably a hidden gem among day trips from Paris; compared to the massive crowds at Versailles, it offers a more tranquil atmosphere steeped in history. To this day, the town still preserves its intact medieval walls, gates, and streets. Walking through the ancient stone gates feels like stepping back in time. You can see the old watermills on the river, visit the Sisley trail to see where he painted his masterpieces, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of a town that many tourists overlook.



How to get there

Take a Transilien train (Line R) from Paris Gare de Lyon toward Montargis or Montereau. Get off at the Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons station. The journey takes about 45 minutes. From there, it’s a pleasant 10-15 minute walk into the center of the old town.

Provins

Provins’ history also dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served as a major hub for international trade. Aside from its city walls, the town’s most striking feature is the iconic octagonal Tour César, from which you can take in a panoramic view of the entire old town.

If you visit in the summer, the town hosts impressive medieval reenactments featuring knights and birds of prey. You can also explore the underground tunnels, which were used centuries ago to store goods and hold secret meetings.



How to get there

Provins is located at the end of the Transilien Line P. Trains leave from Paris Gare de l’Est every hour. The journey takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Since Provins is in the Île-de-France region, you can even use your Navigo travel pass if you have one that covers all zones.

Auvers-sur-Oise

Van Gogh spent the last few months of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, and the Auberge Ravoux, where he died, still preserves the room he lived in. When you visit, you can see the fields depicted in Van Gogh’s paintings. Auvers-sur-Oise is a laid-back destination that doesn’t require much planning.



How to get there

From April to October, there is a direct "Impressionist" train on weekends that runs from Paris Gare du Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise. On other days, take a Transilien train from Gare du Nord or Saint-Lazare and change at Pontoise or Valmondois. The trip takes about an hour.

Honfleur

Located in northern France, where the Seine meets the sea, Honfleur is a coastal town. If you visit, the Vieux Bassin is a must-see, where you can see small fishing boats moored side by side.

Speaking of ships, one cannot help but mention the town’s wooden church, Sainte-Catherine. It is the largest wooden church in France and was built by shipbuilders; this is evident from the ceiling, which resembles an inverted ship’s hull.



How to get there

Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Trouville-Deauville (about 2 hours). From there, you can take a quick 20-minute bus (Line 20) to Honfleur. Alternatively, some people take the train to Le Havre and then a bus across the massive Normandy Bridge.

Senlis

Senlis is an ancient royal town that has served as a residence for French kings for centuries. So you can expect to find plenty of Roman-era ruins and medieval architecture, and best of all, there aren’t many tourists here.  The cobblestone streets are narrow and quiet, lined with beautiful old mansions. The Senlis Cathedral is a masterpiece of early Gothic art, with a spire that dominates the skyline. Since it’s off the beaten path, this is the perfect spot for a day trip outside of Paris to escape the hustle and bustle.


Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to get there

Take a regional train (TER) from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux (25 minutes). From the station, take the bus (Bus 15) for a 20-minute ride to Senlis.

Saint-Germain-en-Laye

If you don’t want to travel too far or are short on time, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a better option. This posh suburb was the birthplace of Louis XIV. The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye now houses the National Museum of Archaeology, which is worth a visit for its prehistoric treasures.

The real draw here, though, is the terrace. Designed by Le Nôtre, the same man who did the gardens at Versailles, the terrace stretches for over two kilometers and offers a stunning panoramic view over the Seine valley toward Paris. You can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance while enjoying the peace of the surrounding forest.



How to get there

This is even easier than Versailles. Just hop on the RER A (red line) heading west to the terminus at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The station is literally right in front of the castle. The ride takes about 25 to 30 minutes from central Paris.

• Book High-Speed Trains Early: For TGVs (to places like Strasbourg or Colmar), prices go up as the date gets closer. Book these as soon as you know your dates. 
• Don't Forget to Validate: If you have a physical paper ticket for a regional train, you must "compost" it in the yellow machines at the entrance to the platforms. Digital tickets on your phone don't need this.
• Use the SNCF Connect App: This is the official app for French trains. It’s great for checking schedules, buying tickets, and seeing which platform your train is on.
• Check for Strikes: France is famous for its strikes (grèves). Check the news or the SNCF app a day before your trip to make sure trains are running as scheduled.
• Navigo Pass: If you are staying in Paris for a week, consider getting a Navigo Decouverte pass for zones 1-5. It covers the RER to Versailles and Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and the trains to Provins and Fontainebleau.

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