1. Paris to Disneyland
Full of surprises and fun, Disneyland Paris is a great place to take the little with a day park ticket. Sitting on the outskirts of the city, the easiest way to get to Disneyland is on a day trip from Paris by train. This magical resort brings all your favourite characters to life, from Alice in Wonderland to Toy Story and of course Mickey Mouse himself. With over 50 attractions, live shows and meet and greets – it’s the perfect family day for everyone to enjoy. Your only problem will be squeezing it into one visit!
Getting here:
Take the local RER train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Gare de Marne la Vallee in under 45-minutes.
2. Paris to Le Mans
Petrol heads will know it as the starting point for the famous Le Mans 24 Hours car race. Indeed, a day trip from Paris to Le Mans is a great way to learn more about this region and its racing roots. Start off at Le Mans museum, home to its trophies and much more. Take a wander through the town and you’ll notice the old world fusing with the new. You can’t miss the well-preserved Roman Wall of Le Mans, which some say dates back to 270. You may also pass the Cathedral of St Julian - this offers one of the finest collections of stained glass windows, spanning back to the early 4th century. Before leaving, stop off at Le Mans Legend Café for a quick bite to eat. Filled with regalia from the famous event, it’s a temple to racing and mecca for its fans.
Getting here:
The train from Paris Montparnasse to Le Mans takes around an hour.
3. Paris to Palace of Versailles
So enchanting is the Palace of Versailles, it deserves a whole day dedicated to it on a day trip from Paris. Better known as the former royal residence of the country, from the reign of Louis XIV in 1682 to the French Revolution in 1789, it today stands as a World Heritage Site. Widely considered as one of the greatest achievements in 17th century French art, it holds a fascinating rich history that deserves an afternoon to be poured over. Set in 63,154 m2 grounds, it’s worth paying a little extra for the day passport (20€) which includes admission to the whole estate of Versailles and Trianon. There’s also guided tours if you prefer. From the Hall of Mirrors to the State Apartments and its sprawling gardens and fountains, you’ll certainly be getting your 10,000 daily steps in! There’s plenty of grounds to enjoy a picnic, or visit one of its many fine restaurants on site.
Getting here:
Take the RER line C5 to Versailles-Rive Gauche station (Chateau de Versailles is sometimes given) allowing for an hour.
4. Paris to Champagne
Enjoy a glass of bubbly? Then a day trip from Paris to Champagne is a must! Although there’s plenty of organised coach tours, half the fun is the journey. Travel by train through the breath-taking countryside before reaching Épernay – the capital of the Champagne region.
It’s also the best place to tour cellars and sample some of the finest champagne in the world.
Time permitting, nearby Reims is home to the world-famous cellars of Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and many more.
Getting here:
Take the train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Épernay, which takes around 1h 15m.
5. Paris to Loire Valley
Loire valley is quite spread out, and although easily accessible on a day trip from Paris by train, it’s worth planning ahead to organise your visit. The quintessential French countryside boasts incredible mansions to explore, such as Châteaux de Chenonceau a regal home and once estate to Queen Catherine de Medici. If travelling with the kids then opt for Châteaux de Villandry, boasting a labyrinth maze that younger ones will love, as well as grapevines and stunning grounds which are open all year round. Of course, you can’t come to the Loire without trying its produce; you might prefer to plan your day around a visit to Bouvet Ladubay vineyards to quench your thirst. Finally, the gentle town of Amboise is worth a visit if only for La Chateau du Clos Luce. This quaint museum is located on the grounds of Leonardo da Vinci’s former home in his formative years, with displays of his models dotted throughout the grounds.
Getting here:
The train from Paris Montparnasse to Tours takes around 1h 10m. By car it can take up to two-hours.
6. Paris to Provins
Take a day trip from Paris back in time to the medieval town and UNESCO world heritage site of Provins. Intrepid explorers will enjoy the underground tunnels, not for the faint hearted. The highlight for many is a walk around Tour Cesar, which looks like something out of a children’s fairy-tale. Dating back to Roman Times, circa 1140, it’s still possible to walk the stairs of this former watchtower. Before heading back, take time to visit the Old Town, with its timber-framed windows and stone walls, harking back to a bygone era.
Getting here:
It takes two-hours to drive to Provins.
7. Paris to the Giverny
Rich in art and culture, Giverny is a must for anyone with an appreciation for fine art. For this is the home place of impressionist painter Claude Monet, who lived here from 1833 until his death in 1926. Take a day trip from Paris by train between March and November to visit his former residence, preserved in all its glory for the public to explore. Shrouded in beauty, it’s easy to see where the artist took inspiration from, especially for his famed lily collection. This can be followed with a trip to the Musee des Impressionnismes. The hotel restaurant ‘Le Jardin des Plumes’ on site is the perfect place for lunch, in this Michelin star eatery.
Getting here:
The train from Paris St-Lazare to Vernon—Giverny takes around 45-minutes.