Best Day Trips from Paris France

Paris is a city that is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and romantic ambiance. However, there is much more to France than just Paris, and there are many incredible one day tours that you can take from the city to experience the beauty and diversity of the French countryside.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best day trips from Paris, including small group tours, river cruises, walking tours, and train rides.

SMALL GROUP DAY TRIPS FROM PARIS 

If you're looking for a more personalized and intimate experience, consider taking a small group one day tour from Paris. These tours include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a maximum of 8 people.

1. The Palace of Versailles

Versailles is a historic town located just 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, known for its opulent palace and stunning gardens.

A day trip to Versailles is a must-do for any visitor to Paris, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of French royalty and their lavish lifestyle as you visit Château de Versailles.

Visitors can take a tour of the palace and its impressive gardens, which cover over 800 hectares. In this article, we'll explore the best ways to visit Versailles from Paris, what to see and do in Versailles, and provide some tips for making the most of your day trip.

- How to Get to Versailles from Paris

There are several ways to get to Versailles from Paris, including by train, bus, or car. The most popular option is by train, with regular services departing from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station.

The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the station. If you prefer to drive, it's about a 45-minute journey from Paris, depending on traffic. There are also several organized tours that offer transportation and a guided visit to Versailles.

- What to See and Do in Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly the main attraction in Versailles, and a visit to this iconic landmark should be at the top of your list. The palace was built in the 17th century for King Louis XIV and served as the royal residence until the French Revolution.

Visitors can explore inside palace of Versailles ornate rooms, including the famous Hall of Mirrors, and learn about the history of the French monarchy. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

After visiting the palace, take a stroll through the expansive gardens, which cover over 800 hectares and feature fountains, sculptures, and beautiful flower beds. There are several walking paths and bike rentals available for exploring the gardens, and during the summer months, visitors can enjoy musical fountains and gardens shows.

- Tips for Making the Most of Your Day Trip to Versailles

To make the most of your day trip to Versailles, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Book your Palace of Versailles skip the line tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
• Consider visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to avoid crowds and enjoy milder weather.
• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the palace and gardens, as there is a lot of walking involved.

If you're traveling during peak season (June-August), plan to arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the gardens in the cooler morning hours.

Book your small group day trip from Paris to Versailles

2. Giverny: the house & gardens of Claude Monet

Located just an hour outside of Paris, this charming town is known for its stunning gardens and the former home of the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet. In this article, we'll explore some of the best things to do on a day trip from Paris to Giverny, including how to get there, what to see, and what to expect.

- What to See in Giverny

The main attraction in Giverny is the house and gardens of Claude Monet, which are open to the public from April to November.

The gardens are divided into two parts: the Clos Normand, which is a formal garden with colorful flower beds and winding paths, and the Water Garden, which is a more naturalistic garden with a pond, a Japanese bridge, and water lilies.

You can spend hours exploring the gardens and taking in the serene beauty that inspired many of Monet's famous paintings.

Another attraction in Giverny is the Museum of Impressionism, which features rotating exhibitions of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

The museum is located just a few minutes' walk from Monet's house and gardens and is a great way to learn more about the artistic movement that inspired Monet and many other artists of the time.

- What to Expect on a Day Trip to Giverny

A day trip to Giverny is a perfect way to escape the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of the French countryside.

However, it's important to note that Giverny can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid the crowds. This is definitely one of the most popular day trips from Paris.

Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as much of your time in Giverny will be spent outside in the gardens. Finally, consider booking a tour with an expert guide who can provide insights into Monet's life and work and help you make the most of your time in this charming town.

Book your small group day trip from Paris to Giverny

3. Champagne

If you're a wine lover or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris for a day, a day trip to Champagne is the perfect getaway. Located just a short train ride from Paris, the Champagne region is known for its famous sparkling wines and charming vineyards. In this article, we'll explore some of the best things to do on a day trip from Paris to Champagne, including how to get there, what to see, and what to expect.

- What to See in Champagne

The main attraction in Champagne is, of course, the vineyards and wineries that produce some of the world's most famous sparkling wines. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region's best wines.

One of the most famous wineries in Champagne is the Taittinger Champagne House, which offers guided tours of its cellars and a tasting of three of its finest wines. Other notable wineries include the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin House, the Ruinart Champagne House, and the Moët & Chandon Champagne House, all of which offer tours and tastings.

In addition to the wineries, Champagne is also home to several historic landmarks and cultural attractions. The Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture. The Palace of Tau, a former residence of the Archbishop of Reims, is also worth a visit for its stunning Gothic architecture and collection of religious artifacts.

- What to Expect on a Day Trip to Champagne

A day trip to Champagne is a perfect way to escape the city and immerse yourself in the world of wine and vineyards. However, it's important to note that many wineries and attractions in Champagne require advance reservations, so it's a good idea to plan ahead.

Also, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as much of your time in Champagne will be spent walking through vineyards and cellars. Finally, consider booking a tour with an expert guide who can provide insights into the winemaking process and help you make the most of your time in this charming region.

Book your small group day trip from Paris to Champagne

4. Normandy

A day trip from Paris to Normandy is an unforgettable experience that takes you back in time to one of the most important events in modern history. The beaches of Normandy are where the Allies landed on June 6, 1944, in a pivotal moment that changed the course of World War II.

But Normandy is more than just its war history - it's also a region of stunning natural beauty, charming towns, and delicious cuisine. In this article, we'll explore some of the best things to do on a day trip from Paris to Normandy, including how to get there, what to see, and what to expect.

- What to See in Normandy

The main attraction in Normandy is, of course, the D-Day landing beaches, which are a must-see for anyone interested in history. The beaches of Omaha, Utah, Juno, Gold, and Sword are all accessible by car or bus and offer a moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought there.

In addition to the beaches, Normandy is home to several charming towns and cultural attractions. The town of Bayeux is famous for its stunning 11th-century tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England. The town of Honfleur is a picturesque port town with narrow streets and historic buildings, while the town of Rouen is famous for its Gothic cathedral and connections to Joan of Arc.

- What to Expect on a Day Trip to Normandy

A day trip to Normandy is a sobering and humbling experience that pays tribute to the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought there. It's important to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as much of your time in Normandy will be spent walking through the beaches and towns.

Also, consider booking a tour with an expert guide who can provide insights into the history and significance of the D-Day landing beaches. Finally, be sure to take the time to enjoy the region's delicious cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, cheese, and cider.

Book your small group day trip to Normandy

5. Mont Saint Michel

A day trip from Paris to Mont Saint Michel is a unique and unforgettable experience that takes you to one of France's most iconic landmarks. This historic island is situated off the coast of Normandy and is famous for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and stunning architecture. In this article, we'll explore some of the best things to do on a day trip from Paris to Mont Saint Michel, including how to get there, what to see, and what to expect.

- What to See in Mont Saint Michel

Mont St Michel is famous for its stunning Gothic abbey, which is perched on top of a rocky island and dates back to the 8th century. The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see for anyone visiting the island. Be sure to take a guided tour of the abbey to learn about its rich history and architecture.

In addition to the abbey, Mont Saint Michel is home to several charming streets and buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. Take a stroll through the town's narrow streets and enjoy its shops, cafes, and restaurants. Don't miss the chance to sample the local specialties, including seafood, crepes, and cider.

- What to Expect on a Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel

A day trip to Mont Saint Michel is a unique and exciting experience that offers a glimpse into France's rich history and culture. It's important to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as much of your time on the island will be spent walking up and down stairs.

Consider booking a tour with an expert guide who can provide insights into the history and significance of Mont Saint Michel. Finally, be sure to take the time to enjoy the island's stunning views and unique atmosphere, which has inspired writers, artists, and travelers for centuries.

Easy Day Trips from Paris

If you're short on time, or want to take things slow, there are several ideal day trips from Paris. These trips are perfect for a leisurely day out. One option is to visit the charming town of Vaux-le-Vicomte, and to visit Château de Vaux le Vicomte, which is known for its stunning gardens and palace.

Another easy day trip is to combine the visit of Château de Chantilly and the Palace of Fontainebleau, a beautiful castle that was once the residence of Marie Antoinette.

Loire Valley Day Trip from Paris

France is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and there are many incredible day trips from Paris that will allow you to experience the best of France. One great option is to visit the stunning Loire Valley, which is home to many beautiful castles and vineyards.

Located south of Paris, the Loire Valley region is dotted with Renaissance Châteaux of which the most famous include Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Blois.

Loire Valley red and white wines are also a treat especially in the appellations of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Vouvray, Chinon or Bourgueil. There are also a number of charming small towns such as Amboise, Saumur and Tours which offer visitors a glimpse of traditional French life.

Book your small group day trip from Paris to Loire Valley

Day Trips from Paris in December

If you're visiting Paris in December, there are still many incredible day trips to enjoy. One of the best day tours from Paris in winter is to visit the town of Colmar. Located in Alsace, the region is known for its stunning Christmas markets and charming small towns. Another great option is to take a full day tour to the Loire Valley, where you can visit the beautiful castles and vineyards of the region.

In conclusion, there are many incredible day trips from Paris, whether you're looking for a small group tour, an easy day trip, or an adventure outside of the city. From Auvers sur Oise to the Chateau de Versailles and the Loire Valley castles to river cruises and walking tours, there is something for everyone.

Be sure to plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and make the most of your time exploring by booking France countryside tours from Paris.