Paris, the City of Light, is a magnificent destination, but there are many beautiful places nearby that are worth visiting. If you’re looking for a break from the bustling city, consider these day trips from Paris.
Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, located just a short train ride from Paris, is one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe. The palace was once the seat of power for the French monarchy and is now a museum that showcases the grandeur of the French Baroque era. Visitors can stroll through the palace’s opulent rooms, admire the intricate carvings, and gaze at the stunning gardens.
Getting there: To get to Versailles, take the RER C train from the station closest to your location in Paris. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and the palace is a short walk from the train station.
Giverny
Located just an hour outside of Paris, Giverny is the former home of the famous impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Today, visitors can tour the artist’s house and garden, which were his main source of inspiration. Stroll through the vibrant gardens, filled with colorful blooms and tranquil ponds, and imagine Monet painting one of his famous works.
Getting there: To get to Giverny, take a train from the Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, and then transfer to a bus that takes you directly to Giverny. The total journey takes about an hour.
Normandy
Normandy, located in northern France, is a region steeped in history and beauty. From the stunning cliffs of Etretat to the quaint seaside towns of Honfleur and Deauville, there is something for everyone. Visitors can also tour the Normandy beaches, including Omaha Beach, and pay their respects at the American Cemetery.
Getting there: To get to Normandy, take a train from Paris to either Le Havre or Caen, and then transfer to a local bus or train to reach your desired destination. The journey takes about 2 hours.
Chartres
Chartres, located just an hour from Paris, is famous for its stunning cathedral, which is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Visitors can admire the intricate stained glass windows, take a guided tour, and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Getting there: To get to Chartres, take a train from the Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Chartres, which takes about an hour.
Disneyland Paris
For those who are traveling with children or simply have a love for all things Disney, a trip to Disneyland Paris is a must. This magical theme park, located just 30 minutes from Paris, is a fun-filled day of rides, shows, and characters.
Getting there: To get to Disneyland Paris, take the RER A train from the station closest to your location in Paris to Marne-la-Vallée, which takes about 30 minutes.
Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is a magnificent palace located just 50 minutes from Paris by train. This palace was a favorite residence of many French monarchs, including Napoleon Bonaparte, and is considered one of the largest and most beautiful palaces in France. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture, opulent furnishings, and extensive grounds, including the formal French gardens.
Getting there: To get to Château de Fontainebleau, take the train from the Gare de Lyon in Paris to Fontainebleau-Avon, which takes about 50 minutes. From the train station, it is a short walk to the palace.
Reims
Reims, located about an hour and a half from Paris by train, is a city steeped in history and known for its association with the coronations of French kings. Visitors can admire the stunning Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral, which was the site of many royal coronations, and the Palais du Tau, a former bishop’s palace that now houses the Museum of the Palace of Tau. Reims is also famous for its Champagne production, and visitors can take a tour of one of the many champagne houses in the area to learn about the production process and taste some of the famous sparkling wine.
Getting there: To get to Reims, take the TGV train from the Gare de l’Est in Paris to Reims, which takes about an hour and a half.
Leave a Reply