Top Ten Day Trips From Paris
Our Most Popular Day Trips From the City of Light
Paris itself is an endless treasure chest: world-class dining, more than 130 museums, and shopping galore. Every street corner offers its own story—maybe named after a great French writer, or marking the site of a historic turning point. But at least once during your stay, finish that last sip of perfectly brewed coffee, enjoy your flaky croissant, and head out of town. Below is our definitive list of ten day trips from Paris that are sure to inspire, educate, and delight.
1. Normandy D-Day Day Trips From Paris
Tour Options:
- Our Normandy Tour from Paris is our most popular and comprehensive option.
- A highly recommended alternative is our Overnight D-Day Tour, complete with accommodations in Bayeux.
Why Go:
- Walk along Omaha Beach and see the haunting remains of German bunkers.
- Pay your respects at the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, a deeply moving experience.
- Traveling by car or train (arriving in Bayeux) puts history at your fingertips.
Availability:
- Offered year-round, except January 1 and December 25.
- Book well in advance for dates near the June 6 D-Day Anniversary (high demand).

2. Versailles Palace Trip From Paris
Tour Options:
- Choose our Private Versailles Tour for a tailored, in-depth experience.
- Or buy tickets directly from the official Château de Versailles website.
- Reaching Versailles from Paris is easy by RER light rail (around 20 minutes), private van tour, or even taxi.
Why Go:
- The luxurious home of Kings Louis XIV, XV, and XVI is the world’s largest palace, spanning over 700,000 square feet with 230 acres of manicured gardens.
- Step into the famous Hall of Mirrors where pivotal moments in history took shape.
- Explore a masterpiece of French baroque design—exceedingly “fit for a king.”
Availability:
- Year-round, every day except Monday.
- Closed on January 1 and December 25.
3. Mont St. Michel Day Trips From Paris
Tour Options:
- Our day trip covers Mont St. Michel and Brittany in a single adventure.
- Explore the dramatic abbey, rising from the sea, and the rocky coastlines of Brittany.
Why Go:
- Mont St. Michel is France’s second-most-visited site after the Eiffel Tower—a striking, centuries-old marvel perched atop a tidal island.
- Discover the 11th-century monastery and stroll narrow medieval lanes.
- Combine your visit with a stay in Bayeux or Caen if you’re also touring the D-Day Beaches.
Availability:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from March through November.

4. Giverny and Monet’s Garden
Tour Options:
- A Giverny Bike Tour from Paris for those wanting an active, scenic trip.
- A Private Versailles and Giverny Combo Tour if you’d like to see both in a single day.
- Or visit the Normandy tourist website for additional excursion ideas.
Why Go:
- Just 45 minutes from Paris by train or bus, Monet’s home at Giverny is the birthplace of his famed water-lily paintings.
- Wander lush gardens that inspired the Impressionist master.
- Even outside peak blooming season, the vibrantly painted house and tranquil setting are unforgettable.
Availability:
- Daily from April through October (closed from November to March).
5. Disneyland Paris
Tour Options:
- Book tickets directly at the official Disneyland Paris website for the best deals and date selections.
Why Go:
- Only 45 minutes from central Paris via RER A4 train.
- Enjoy the iconic rides and parades with a French twist—“Main Street, U.S.A.” meets Parisian charm!
- Marvel Universe and Pixar favorites come to life at Disney Studios Park.
Availability:
- Open year-round.

6. Lyon Day Trips From Paris
Tour Options:
- We offer a Lyon Day Trip from Paris by high-speed rail, letting you explore this culinary capital with ease.
Why Go:
- Two rivers (the Saône and the Rhône) frame a stunning cityscape brimming with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and excellent eateries.
- Wander secret passageways (traboules) in Old Town and enjoy world-class dining, from rustic bouchons to Michelin-starred spots.
- Chef Paul Bocuse’s legacy makes Lyon the undisputed capital of French gastronomy.
Availability:
- Year-round, closed January 1 and December 25.
7. Fontainebleau Castle
Tour Options:
- Purchase tickets at the official Château de Fontainebleau site or plan a quick train/van trip.
Why Go:
- Built in the 12th century, loved by French royalty through Napoleon III—every opulent room has stories to tell.
- Less crowded than Versailles but equally steeped in grandeur.
- A perfect half-day or full-day escape.
Availability:
- Open every day except Tuesday.
- Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
8. Champagne Day Trips from Paris
Tour Options:
- Our Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour is the ultimate day out for sparkling-wine aficionados.
- Other possibilities include Moët & Chandon, Mumm, Taittinger, and battlefield tours focused on WWI history.
- Explore all options on our dedicated Champagne tours page.
Why Go:
- Sample world-famous Champagne right at the source.
- Venture to Epernay’s Avenue de Champagne or Reims for its grand cathedral and storied cellars.
- Just 45 minutes by high-speed rail or 1 hour by car from Paris.
Availability:
- Most tours run March through October.
- Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

9. Loire Valley Castles Day Trips from Paris
Tour Options:
- We offer multiple Loire Valley Tours visiting highlights such as Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Amboise.
- Speedy TGV rail gets you there in about an hour.
Why Go:
- Breathtaking Renaissance castles line the majestic Loire River.
- Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years at Clos Lucé in Amboise—a must-see for art and invention lovers.
- Taste the region’s crisp whites and light reds, cultivated in its signature chalky soil.
Availability:
- March through October.
- Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
10. Alsace Day Trips from Paris
Tour Options:
- Our Alsace Wine Tour or Alsace Medieval Village Tour via high-speed rail to Strasbourg.
Why Go:
- Half-German, half-French, Alsace is a cultural mosaic of rich food, crisp wines, and idyllic countryside.
- Explore medieval towns, rolling vineyards, and Germany’s influence on local architecture.
- A perfect blend of history, mountain vistas, and excellent Riesling.
Availability:
- March through October.
- Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
For even more possibilities, visit our Full List of Day Trips from Paris or consider an Overnight Tour to delve deeper into each region’s wonders. Whether you choose a palace, a coastline, a vineyard, or a medieval city, your Paris journey becomes even more magical once you step beyond the city limits.
Bon voyage!