Paris deserves every traveler’s praise, and yet, locals will be the first to sing the praises of their neighbors.
Between the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, you’ll fill up an itinerary that hardly reaches city limits.
But what if we told you that you could hop a train in the morning, see one of the most impressive sights in the country, then be back in town with plenty of time to live out that Emily In Paris fanfic you wrote?
You heard that right – and you can even check two countries off of your list and still be back in Paris for supper.
Looking for the best day trip from Paris by train? We’ve got you covered with trips ranging from 5-hours each way to just over an hour round-trip.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pakin Songmor. Image Location: Champagne, France.
Beyond City Limits
Venture just a oui bit away from Paris proper to play at these nearby places.
Champagne & Châteaux de Versailles
Both less than 1 hour by train from Paris
Let’s uncork the greatest hits early. One of the best day trips is to Champagne from Paris, rivaled only by an equally convenient trip to Versailles. Your friends have already recommended strolling the vineyards and touring the grand royal residence, so take the opportunity to get the obligatory – though far from ordinary – photos at these iconic destinations.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Adrian Pope. Image Location: Fontainebleau Chateau, Fontainebleau, France.
Fontainebleau
1 hour by train from Paris
Should you want to fill your feed with more fabulous French chateaus, Fontainebleau has you covered. Humble forests surround a grandiose mansion in which eight centuries of monarchs caught their winks. Fontainebleau lets you get in touch with nature while giving into your lavish desires.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alsace. Colmar. Image Location: Strasbourg, France.
Half-Day Hauls
From long layovers to random adventures, these half-day trips from Paris are ideal for short yet sweet train trips.
Strasbourg
2 hours by train from Paris
Staring at Germany from across the Rhine River, Strasbourg has everything you could want for a short visit. The Gothic architecture alone is worth the trip, though foodies will be just as satiated as architecture admirers. Gastronomic goodies include Alsatian wine, traditional choucroute, and enough Michelin-starred restaurants to satiate even the diehard Parisian palate.
Saint-Louis
3 hours by train from Paris
Speaking of border crossings, country counters will want to pencil Saint-Louis into their travel plans. Use tickets to a matinee at the Forum Jean-Marie Zoelle or as your cover story for your real reason to visit: running across the Three Countries Bridge into both Switzerland and Germany.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tuul & Bruno Morandi. Image Location: Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France.
All-Day Affairs
You’ve got the time, France has got the place. Scope out the best full-day trips from Paris in the summer, winter, spring and fall.
Mont Saint-Michel
4 hours by train (plus bus transfer) from Paris
Visit a French island without hardly stepping foot off of the mainland at Mont Saint-Michel. This tidal island near Normandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks as if it hasn’t aged a day since the Middle Ages. Its historical 10th-century abbey is the obvious focal point, but you’ll be just as awestruck to learn that a handful of people actually call this small town home.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Esperanza33. Image Location: Sarlat-la-Caneda, France.
Sarlat-la-Caneda
5 hours by train from Paris
Envision foie gras and wine in the southwest countryside. Sarlat-la-Caneda is the popular medieval town you’ve never heard of and will never want to leave. And you won’t need to. Enjoy tons of overnight options like glamping at La Borie du Cambord or pretending the 19th-century Domaine de Rochebois is your personal estate.
The best day trips from Paris with the best train times
These options lacking a little je ne sais quoi? Find inspiration in the Trainline app. Whether you’ve got a free day and want to purchase a last-minute ticket or if you’ve already got the best day trip from Paris by train in mind, the Trainline app is just a tap away.
Pack us in your pocket for any trip to France so you can instantly search for seats on outgoing trains, find a cheap train ticket to tons of remarkable French towns, and book e-tickets that you can use directly from your smartphone.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, wilatlak villette. Image Location: Strasbourg, France.