All Articles The best day trips from Paris by train

The best day trips from Paris by train

Charming towns, lush forests, and château after château.

Woman looking out of train window at the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Trains from Paris
Image: agrobacter/Getty Images
By Wendy Ng8 Sept 2024 6 minutes read

Paris may be the heart of France, but to truly experience the country’s diverse beauty and history, you need to venture out of the capital city. It's easy to enjoy day trips from Paris with France’s efficient railway system and high-speed trains. Hop on and in just an hour or two you'll be able to visit remarkable French châteaux, charming towns, and lush forests.

Start planning your French vacation with these insider picks for the best day trips from Paris by train.

1. Versailles

Inside the great hall of Chateau de Versailles, Paris, France
Inside of Chateau de Versailles.
Image: TomOH/Tripadvisor

Best for: Royal palace and gardens

No trip to Paris is complete without a side visit to Versailles. The king of palaces, Château de Versailles features opulent hallways, over 2,000 rooms, and the dazzling Hall of Mirrors. Stroll through the manicured gardens studded with stately statues. In summer and fall, visitors are treated to a spectacular show of dancing fountains and music in the gardens. Trianon Palaces and the queen’s hamlet, traditionally royal getaway spots, are great for a detour.

Versailles is a popular day trip destination so book your tickets in advance. For a hassle-free visit, join a skip-the-line guided tour. Try to avoid visiting during public holidays, weekends, and Tuesdays (the palace is closed on Mondays).

How to get there: Take the RER ‘C’ train from central Paris (stations like Austerlitz, St-Michel, Invalides, and Champ-de-Mars) to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The journey takes about 35 minutes. Then walk for about 10 minutes from the train station to the palace.

Travelers say: The most beautiful palace and gardens in the world. Buy your tickets ahead of time and buy them from the palace directly. Super easy access with the train and a short walk or bus ride. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun screen the lunch spot by the lake was the best make sure you do lunch or afternoon tea there. —@AlanSemsar

2. Reims

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, France
Inside the caves of Veuve Clicquot
From left: People gather outside of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Touring the caves of Veuve Clicquot
Image: From left: Markus Z/Tripadvisor; davidsona9390/Tripadvisor

Best for: Champagne tasting

Indulge in a Champagne-filled day in Reims, the largest city in the Champagne region and an important center for bubbly production. Visit the Champagne cellars, once used for chalk extraction, most of which offer tours that include a guided walk and tasting sessions. Make early reservations, especially for the renowned Champagne houses like Taittinger, Martel, and Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

The city’s skyline is dominated by the magnificent Reims Cathedral (Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims). Stop by the Basilique St-Remi and Palais du Tau, the former palace of the Archbishop of Reims before taking the train back to Paris.

How to get there: Take the 45-minute train ride from Gare de I’Est to Reims station.

Visitors say: Loved this [tour of Veuve Clicquot]! We took a day trip from Paris to Reims and this tour was a highlight! ... The tour guide was very informative and the history of Veuve Clicquot is actually quite interesting! The caves were a very cool experience and we had a tasting at the end of the tour ...If you are considering a day trip to Reims and a visit to Veuve Clicquot, I would absolutely recommend! —@Sunshine114895

3. Giverny

Man rows a boat through the Giverny pond
An empty street of picturesque homes in Rouen.
From left: Monet's Giverny gardens and the quaint city of Rouen
Image: From left: Josiej156/Tripavisor; Danishtravelor/Tripadvisor

Enter the colorful world of Claude Monet at Giverny, the sanctuary where the acclaimed artist spent his most creative years. Begin your visit by exploring Monet’s house and his landscape masterpieces: Walled Garden (Clos Normand) and Water Garden (Jardin d’Eau). Giverny Museum of Impressionism is a must-visit for art lovers.

Open from April to October, the gardens display hundreds of seasonal flowers. Be there early in the morning to soak in the magic of the place before the day trippers arrive. Skip the lines by purchasing your entrance ticket in advance. Extend your day trip by continuing to Rouen, one of the best cities to visit in France that’s just a 40-minute train ride away.

How to get there: Take the 50-minute train ride from Paris Gare St. Lazare to Vernon station. Then hop on a bus, taxi, or bike and you’ll be there in about 20 minutes.

4. Fontainebleau

The garden and pond at Château de Fontainebleau in France
Château de Fontainebleau in France
Image: Cassandra M/Tripadvisor

Best for: Royal palace and forest

Fontainebleau is commonly called the “Versailles without crowds”. The elegant Château de Fontainebleau was the royal headquarters before the rise of Versailles. Lose yourself in the palatial network of chandeliered rooms with sky-high ceilings and extravagant furnishings.

The colossal château is surrounded by the equally massive Forêt de Fontainebleau, where you can immerse yourself in its lush greenery. Choose a walking trail that suits your ability, try out bouldering or even horseback riding.

How to get there: Take the 40-minute train ride from Gare de Lyon to Gare de Fontainebleau-Avon.

5. Lille

 A captivating view of the historic grand place in lille, france, at dusk. prominent flemish architecture surrounds the square, with outdoor cafes and people enjoying the scene. the ornate buildings and vibrant atmosphere
A captivating view of the historic grand place in Lille, France, at dusk.
Image: Dmitri Zelenevski/Getty Images

Best for: Family-friendly sights

Located near the France-Belgium border, Lille is one of the most underrated cities in France. The lively old town showcases impressive buildings with Flemish influences. Stroll through the atmospheric Grande Place and explore Vieille Bourse, the old stock exchange building with 24 Renaissance houses under its antique roof. Join a sightseeing bus tour to see the highlights of Lille.

Marvel at the art collection in Palais des Beaux-Arts, nicknamed “the Louvre of Lille” as its galleries are considered the second-largest in France. A perfect stop for families is the compact and educational Lille Zoo. Shop at Furet du Nord, the sprawling bookstore with a huge children’s book collection and an educational toy library.

How to get there: Take the train from Paris Gare du Nord to Lille-Europe or Lille-Flandres station. The journey is an hour long.

Travelers say: What a surprise to find [Palais de Beaux-Arts] museum. Don’t miss the maps in the lower level. Dog lovers must see Carpeaux’s sculpture of a boy and his dog.—@Ronayers

6. Chantilly

Château de Chantilly
Château de Chantilly
Image: aqua_uomo/Tripadvisor

Best for: Castle and racecourse

Known for its whipped cream, château, and racecourse, Chantilly is an easy day trip from Paris. Surrounded by an artificial moat and gorgeous gardens, the fairytale-like Château de Chantilly is the main attraction. Be awed by the lavish rooms housing ancient manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures.

After a morning at the château, walk to Chantilly’s hippodrome for an equestrian experience. The prestigious racecourse hosts the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) and Prix de Diane in summer and the area is bustling on race days. If you have time before heading back to Paris, hop over to the neighboring Senlis, a quaint town filled with historical buildings.

How to get there: Take the 30-minute train ride from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux station. Then take a bus or taxi, or walk to the château, which is about 1.5 miles away.

Travelers say: We had seen Versailles and a friend recommended seeing Chateau de Chantilly. So glad they did!! This was much more enjoyable than Versailles. Easy train ride from Paris and a lovely walk through the woods to the Chateau. Wonderful art collection here- that alone was worth the price of admission. —@beachlovernc2015

7. Amiens

People outdoors by the water in Amiens, France
Amiens, France
Image: Globetrotteuse/Tripadvisor

Best for: Grand Gothic church and photography

It’s worth the train ride to Amiens for its famed Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Amiens, France’s biggest Gothic cathedral with an intricately-decorated façade and grand interiors. Amiens is nicknamed the “Venice of the North” because of its unique Hortillonnages, water gardens sprinkled throughout the city. Take your best travel photos in this picturesque landscape framed by floating green islands and canals.

Check out the vibrant St-Leu quarter, a medieval craft center that has grown into a buzzing district of shops and restaurants. Visit the home of Jules Verne, an informal museum dedicated to the influential French writer known for his novel Around the World in 80 Days.

How to get there: Take the train from Paris Gare du Nord to Amiens station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

8. Provins

Medieval tower in the distance and gardens in the forground in Provins, France
Medieval rampart in Provins
From left: Medieval architecture and walled city of Provins
Image: From left: Booky/Tripadvisor; Franeczka/Tripadvisor

Best for: Medieval architecture and traditional festivals

Travel in time with an easy day trip to Provins, the town of medieval fairs. The walled town is home to eye-popping medieval structures like the Cesar Tower and the Church of Saint Quiriace.

Walk along parts of the historical ramparts connected by two fortified gates and enjoy spectacular views over the town. Unearth the mysteries of Provins by joining tours that take you down to the underground tunnels. Remember to book the tunnel tours, especially the popular Les Souterrains de Provins, in advance.

The best time to visit Amiens is in summer when you can catch the town’s time-honored festivals. Over two days in June, you’re invited to France’s biggest medieval festival with traditional fairs in Grange aux dîmes and nostalgic events all over the town. Check out our guide to the best times to visit France for more tips for your next French vacation.

How to get there: Take the train from Gare de L’Est to Provins station. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Travelers say: Provins was a discovery for us and [Cesar Tower] was just part of the enjoyment. View from the top is beautiful but that is also a reflection of the village itself.—@AnniS_11

Wendy Ng
Wendy is a content creator who writes about her travel experiences to escape from her city life in Singapore. Her writing journey started when she had the once-in-lifetime opportunity to live and teach in Okinawa and circumvent the world with Peace Boat. A compulsive-obsessive traveler and culture enthusiast, she believes that when we know more, we travel better. Or in true foodie spirit, when we eat more, we travel better.