It is undeniable that there is always something to do in Paris. I’ve visited a number of times and still haven’t managed to tick everything off my massive bucketlist. But, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner city, I’ve put together a list of suggestions of great day trips from Paris.
Day Trips from Paris: Exploring Paris’ Outskirts
Within 30 minutes
St Denis (11 minutes) – Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica and the Royal Necropolis
Just to the north of Paris is the suburb of Saint-Denis. Whilst it is home to the famous Stade de France it also had an older (and in my opinion) much more impressive place to visit during your trip to Paris. A short walk from the metro station takes you to the impressive Basilica of Saint-Denis. This grand cathedral has a close association to French history as it was here that the French Kings were once coronated and later buried. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Basilica, along with the royal necropolis. All but three of the Kings and Queens of France (from the 10th to 18th centuries) are buried here.
Reach Saint-Denis by taking the métro line 13 to Saint-Denis Université.
The Basilica is open from 10am – 6.15 pm Monday – Saturday and, Sunday 12noon – 6:15pm (April to September) and closes one hour earlier during winter months (October to March). Entry is €9.50.
Boulogne-Billancourt (18 minutes)
Another of Paris’ suburbs worth visiting is Boulogne-Billancourt, best known for its impressive 865 hectare park the Bois de Boulogne. You could easily spend half a day enjoying the vast parkland which was once royal hunting grounds. The landscaped parkland features artificial grottoes, waterfalls and a large lake, as well as the beautifully Jardin de Bagatelle filled with roses, water lillies and daffodils in the Spring. There is even an amusement park for children (Jardin d’Acclimatation), offering its visitor a ride on the miniature train and a trip to the (small) farm. After a morning in the fresh air, head to one (or all) of its three museums. If you’re into Art Deco check out the Musée des Années 30, for sculptures the Musée Paul-Belmondo, and for sculpted gardens and 19th century photography, the Musée Albert-Kahn.
Reach Boulogne-Billancourt by taking métro lines 9 and 10, west of the centre.
Vitry-sur-Seine (19 minutes)
If you’re looking for something a bit different head out to Vitry-sur-Seine. This part of Paris used to be famed for its riots and social unrest but nowadays makes for a fun day out for art lovers, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre-ville. Vitry-sur-Seine has a cool street art collective (c.215) as well as huge pieces of art such as the ‘Chaufferie avec Chiminée’ (at the Carrefour de la Libération). You can also visit the MAC/VAL, contemporary art museum, and also the Jean Vilar theatre.
Take RER C from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame to Les Ardoines, or take metro line 7.
Vincennes (23 minutes)
At the end of metro line 1, Vincennes is home to the picture-perfect Château de Vincennes. The impressive Château is a former fortress and was the second favourite royal residence of the French Kings in the 14th to 16th centuries. The Château is best known for its keep, containing Europe’s tallest medieval dungeon, and the flamboyant gothic chapel. In Vincennes you’ll also find the Bois de Vincennes which is home to Paris Zoological Park.
Take the RER A from Châtelet les Halles or ride to the end of metro line 1.
Domaine de Chantilly (25 minutes)
If you want to escape the city, why not hop on the train and head out the Chantilly. The journey takes less than 30 minutes and will take you the home of Henri d’Orléans, who during his life amassed an impressive collection of books, paintings and decorative objects. The Château and its grounds are well worth a visit and to end your trip, make sure enjoy a Chantilly cream-based dessert.
Trains depart from the Gare du Nord.
Parc de Sceaux (30 minutes)
A short trip on the train delivers you to the gorgeous Parc de Sceaux. This relatively undiscovered gem is a perfect escape from the city and is home to the prettiest château and formal gardens. The gardens were actually designed by the same man who landscaped the gardens of Versailles! If you plan to visit the château be aware that it is open only in the afternoons.
Take the RER B from Gare du Nord.
Under an hour
Disneyland Paris (37 minutes)
Of course Disneyland has to feature on my list. An ideal fun day out for all ages, Disneyland Paris can be easily reached from the city centre. The theme park has plenty of rides to keep you occupied and ends each day with a wonderful firework display.
Trains (RER A) depart Châtelet les Halles regularly. Disembark at Marne-la-Vallée Chessy.
Palace of Versailles (37 minutes)
It is indisputable that Versailles is one of the most impressive royal palaces Europe and this is a must for a trip to Paris! It’s hard to believe that this lavish palace started as a hunting lodge but the hard work of over 30,000 craftsmen and labourers transformed it into the King Louis XIV dreamed of. You can easily spend a day at Versailles. The palace itself is huge – and you will need to book yourself a time slot to visit – and the grounds are even bigger! Make sure you also visit Marie Antoinette’s fairytale village hidden away in the grounds – it’s like something out of a Disney film!
Trains (RER C) depart regularly from Montparnasse. Alternatively take metro line 9 to Pont de Sèvres and then change onto the RATP bus line 171 which runs every 15-20 minutes.
Fontainebleau (40 minutes)
If you’ve already visited Versailles, the medieval Palace of Fontainebleau needs to be on your Paris visit list. This Palace was home to a number of notable Frenchmen and was known as the ‘Second Rome’ due to the fact that a number of suites were decorated especially for an Italian Pope. The forest of Fontainebleau is also nice to explore and offers some beautiful views!
Trains depart two times per hour from Gare du Lyon.
Baroque Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (40 minutes)
If you’re travelling by car, you could also tie in a visit to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte before or after Fontainebleau. If not, it’s a little more difficult/ time consuming to reach by public transport, but still possible. This impressive baroque château is another whose gardens were landscaped by the same architect who worked on the Palace of Versailles.
Trains depart hourly from Gare du Lyon and you will have to change at Melun. From here take bus T towards Eco quartier Woodi.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye (40 minutes)
Saint Germain en Laye is a fabulous place to escape the city to. It is known for being the birthplace of the composer Debussy, as well as for its royal palace, vast woodlands and great views across Paris. A good half day (or even longer) will allow you to visit the palace, which now houses the National Archaeology Museum for France, explore the Place des Marchés at the heart of the town, and enjoy a wander through the park to enjoy the views across to La Defense.
Another gem is close by and if you have enough time hop on bus number 10, just a few stops down to visit the Château de Monte-Cristo, the home and park of Alexandre Dumas. You can spend a good hour hear strolling through the grounds and peeking into the famous writer’s world inside the Château.
Trains (RER A) depart regularly from Châtelet les Halles. When you get to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, take bus number 10 towards Les lampes and get off the bus at Avenue Kennedy. Take the first right (Chemin des Montferrand) and follow the footpath to the Château.
Champagne Region – Reims (45 minutes)
Once you’ve seen the sights of Paris, consider a short journey into the Champagne region. There are plenty of vineyards and Champagne houses to visit, as well as lots of champagne to be sampled. You could check out the Moët & Chandon cellars in Epernay or visit Reims, where several French Kings were once crowned. Reims also has a beautiful cathedral to see, impressive architecture (especially the Palais de Tau) and don’t forget to pick up some Pink Biscuits from Maison Fossier!
Trains (TGV) to Reims depart roughly once per hour from Paris Est.
An hour or more
Chartres (60 minutes)
One of my favourite days out from Paris is to the historical town Chartres. The 12th century cathedral is especially impressive and has amazing, well preserved stained-glass windows. The town is filled with more examples of gothic architecture, but it also has beautiful, cobbled streets to explore as well as some great eateries. If your visit stretches into the evening, you may be able to catch one of the light shows that takes place between July and January.
Trains depart hourly from Montparnasse.
Giverny (60 minutes)
Any art lovers should definitely take a trip out to Giverny, once the home of Claude Monet and where he created some of his most famous masterpieces. You can visit Monet’s home and garden, which you may recognise from his paintings, and also visit the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes. The town itself is also lovely to visit. There are lots of nice walks, pretty buildings to see and restaurants offering good food. The Ancien Hôtel Baudy, now a café and restaurant, once accommodated the likes of Cézanne and Rodin who also came to Giverny to marvel at Monet’s work!
Trains depart roughly once every 2 hours from Montparnasse.
Auvers-sur-Oise (60 minutes)
The charming hamlet of Auvers-sur-Oise is only an hour from Paris and was also a popular place for artists. In a letter to his brother Vincent van Gogh described it as ‘seriously beautiful’ and he was not wrong. As well as a leisurely stroll around the pretty place, you could pop into some of the museums (pick between the museum of Van Gogh or the Absinth Museum) and be sure to spend some time at the Château.
Trains depart roughly twice per hour from Gare du Nord and require a change at Beaumont-sur-Oise.
Lille (60 minutes)
The ancient city of Lille is an essential day trip for history lovers. Combining French and Flemish architecture, excellent museums, beautiful cathedrals and located just a stone’s throw away from the World War I battlefields, you will have plenty to do! Particular highlights are the view from the top of the Belfry tower, the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) and you cannot leave without tasting one of the ‘merveillieux’ – a pastry with merengue, lashings of whipped cream and chocolate. So delicious!
Trains depart roughly twice per hour from Gare du Nord.
Provins (1h30 minutes)
Another day trip from Paris is the remarkably well preserved, fortified medieval town of Provins. Stroll along the winding streets and admire the half-timbered houses. Head up the Tour César which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can head underground into the network of 13th century tunnels and if you’re visit happens to be in June you should visit the best medieval festival in France!
Trains depart hourly from Gare de l’Est train station.
Cover image Source: domaine-de-sceaux
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Thank you for reading and I hope I have inspired you by sharing suggestions for day trips out of Paris . If you have any questions about the destination in general, please do get in touch in the comments below.
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
