7 Unforgettable Day Trips from Paris: Hidden Gems and Tips from a Local

We all know Paris is beautiful, there’s no doubt about that. But France is not Paris, and Paris is not France, if you know what I mean. Only staying in Paris while visiting France should almost be considered a crime! There are so many beautiful places to explore near the capital. Plus, Paris is relatively small, and you can visit all the must-see spots in just three or four days of intensive sightseeing.

On top of that, Paris is officially recognized as the second most expensive city in Europe to live in and travel to. So, if you’re looking to cut costs a little, consider these fantastic alternatives. Here’s a list of the best day trips from Paris, so you can make the most of your stay, create unforgettable memories, and experience more of France beyond the capital.

1. Day Trip from Paris to Versailles

Palace of Versailles is an absolute must-see for everybody who comes to Paris and France in general. Take a day trip from Paris to the legendary and history-infused place. Just a quick 30-40 minute train ride from the city, Versailles is one of the most spectacular royal residences in the world, known for its breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, sprawling gardens, and lavish décor. Getting there is incredibly easy, making it the perfect escape from Paris for a day.

With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll have the chance to explore everything—from the stunning gardens to the palace’s most famous rooms, you don’t need to wait in a line with this particular tour I’m reffering to, though, you can always come to see the palace by yourself, if you want to.

If you book the 1:45 PM slot, you’ll also get exclusive access to the King’s Private Apartments—a rare treat that most visitors never get to see. This trip includes a roundtrip train ticket, so after being in the splendor of Versailles at your own pace, you can easily take the train and be back in Paris in no time.

2. Mont Saint Michel

Just a 4-hour journey from Paris, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most stunning UNESCO sites. Perched on a rocky island off the Normandy coast, this medieval village and its iconic Gothic abbey feel like something straight out of a fairy tale.

You can visit on your own by taking a train to Rennes, then a bus to Mont-Saint-Michel—but booking a guided tour with a direct air-conditioned coach makes the trip much easier. Plus, you’ll learn fascinating stories about the island’s history along the way!

Once there, wander through cobblestone streets, walk the ramparts with panoramic views, and explore the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, a 13th-century masterpiece. Choose a guided tour, audio guide, or self-paced visit with an included Abbey ticket. After a day of exploring, relax on the return trip to Paris, arriving in the evening.

3. Reims

Just 1.5 hours from Paris, the Champagne region offers an amazing trip for wine and history lovers. On this guided day trip, you’ll explore the city of Reims, home to the stunning Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned, and visit some of the most famous champagne houses in Épernay, the heart of the region. If you are interest buy a guided tour, you will be able to have a Champagne tastings and a 3-course lunch that’s included in the price of your tour. Also, the coolest thing, in my opinion, is that you are going to have a Vineyard tour & blind tasting and you will learn to recognize different champaignes but the tiniest details. Cool, ha?

While it’s possible to go on your own by taking a train from Paris to Reims (about 45 minutes) and arranging tastings separately, a tour ensures seamless transport, exclusive access, and expert insights, all without the hassle of planning. After a day of indulgence, relax on the ride back to Paris, arriving in the evening.

4. Rouen, Honfleur and Etretat

Normandy is one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions of France, and it’s pretty easy to visit from Paris. Just a couple of hours away, you’ll find stunning coastal cliffs, charming port towns, and cities full of medieval history.

One of the highlights is Étretat, famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs that have inspired countless artists, including Monet. It’s a great spot to take in breathtaking ocean views and wander along the beach. Then there’s Honfleur, a postcard-perfect harbor town with colorful old buildings, cobbled streets, and a lively arts scene. Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is packed with history—its impressive cathedral and the square where Joan of Arc was executed make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

If you want to go on your own, you can take a train to Rouen from Paris in about 1.5 hours, then use buses or rent a car to reach Honfleur and Étretat. It’s doable, but a bit tricky since public transport isn’t super direct between these spots.

That’s why a guided tour can be a great option—you don’t have to worry about train schedules, renting a car, or figuring out routes. Everything is planned for you, and you get extra insights from a guide. Plus, you can just sit back, enjoy the scenery, and make the most of your day without stressing about logistics.

5. Châteaux de la Loire

The Loire Valley is like stepping into a fairy tale—rolling vineyards, charming villages, and some of the most breathtaking castles in France. And the best part? It’s just a two-hour trip from Paris, making it perfect for a day escape from the city.

Two must-see castles are Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Chambord is massive, almost unreal, with its intricate turrets and a double-helix staircase said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It was originally built as a hunting lodge, but let’s be honest—it looks more like a palace straight out of Beauty and the Beast.

Then there’s Chenonceau, often called the “Ladies’ Château” because of the powerful women who shaped its history. It’s elegant, stretching right over the Cher River, with beautifully furnished rooms and stunning gardens. Plus, you get to enjoy a wine tasting in its historic cellar—because what’s a trip to the Loire without some good French wine?

You can get there on your own by train from Paris to Blois (about 1.5 hours), but visiting multiple castles in one day without a car is tricky. That’s why a guided tour is a great choice—you get hassle-free transportation, interesting history along the way, and enough free time to explore at your own pace. It’s the perfect mix of storybook castles, French history, and great wine—all in one unforgettable day!

6. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a stunning blend of French and German culture, famous for its beautiful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral. This charming city, located in the Alsace region, is a perfect mix of history, culture, and modernity, with a unique European flair due to its position on the border of France and Germany.

The best way to get there from Paris is by taking the TGV (high-speed train), which takes just around 2 hours—it’s super quick and comfortable! The train ride is scenic, passing through the beautiful French countryside, and drops you right in the heart of Strasbourg.

Once you’re there, explore the La Petite France district, stroll along the Ill River, or visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Strasbourg is also famous for its Christmas market (if you’re visiting during the winter) and its rich culinary scene, with hearty Alsace specialties like choucroute (sauerkraut) and tarte flambée. I wrote a bunch of tips for Strasbourg in this article, so if you are interested, you can check that out.

Going by train is one of the most convenient ways to reach Strasbourg from Paris—it’s fast, easy, and offers a glimpse of the picturesque French countryside along the way!

7. Lille

Lille is a vibrant city in northern France, known for its rich history, culture, and art scene. It’s a wonderful mix of French and Flemish influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and local traditions. The city is home to beautiful grand squares, charming cobblestone streets, and impressive landmarks like the Grand Place and the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum).

Lille is also famous for its lively atmosphere, especially in the Vieux-Lille district, with its quaint cafes, boutiques, and stunning Baroque-style buildings. The city has a buzzing food scene, known for moules-frites (mussels and fries) and the famous Lille waffles.

To get to Lille from Paris, the best way is by taking the TGV (high-speed train), which takes about 1 hour. It’s a quick and easy ride, making Lille an ideal day trip or weekend getaway from the French capital. The TGV departs regularly from Paris Gare du Nord and arrives at Lille Europe station—super convenient for exploring the city right away.

Whether you’re wandering through its historical center, visiting museums, or enjoying some delicious local food, Lille offers a charming, energetic vibe that’s definitely worth experiencing.