Day Trips from Paris – Best Excursions and Tours 2025

Table of Contents

1. Versailles – Palace & Gardens
2. Giverny – Monet’s Gardens
3. Chartres – Gothic Cathedral & Old Town
4. Fontainebleau – Royal Château and Forest
5. Rouen – Medieval Capital of Normandy
6. Chantilly – Château, Horses & Gardens
7. Disneyland Paris – Theme Park Fun
8. Recommended Combos & Itineraries
9. Tips for Planning Day Trips from Paris
10. Related Travel Blogs

1. Versailles – Palace & Gardens

Versailles is the classic Paris day trip and for good reason. Just under an hour by RER C or a short train ride from Gare Montparnasse, the Château de Versailles and its vast gardens exemplify French royal grandeur. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, the Trianon palaces, and the meticulously designed formal gardens. During spring and summer check for the Musical Fountain Shows and Garden Grandes Eaux — these events add extra magic but also attract crowds. Plan to spend at least half a day here; arrive early to avoid the busiest hours.

2. Giverny – Monet’s Gardens

Giverny, where Claude Monet created many of his most famous works, is a must for art and garden lovers. It’s roughly 75–90 minutes from Paris by train to Vernon plus a short taxi or shuttle to the house and water gardens. The lily pond, Japanese bridge and the flowerbeds are especially spectacular in spring and early summer. Giverny is a relatively small site, so combine it with a short stop in Vernon or return to Paris for an evening in the city.

3. Chartres – Gothic Cathedral & Old Town day trip from Paris.

Chartres is about an hour from Paris by train and is famous for its breathtaking Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for original stained glass and harmonious Gothic architecture. The compact medieval quarter around the cathedral is great for strolling, dining and enjoying small museums. Chartres makes for a calm, culturally rich day away from the urban pace.

4. Fontainebleau – Royal Château and Forest

Fontainebleau (≈40–60 minutes by train from Paris) offers a stunning château that rivals Versailles in historical importance but with a more intimate scale. The château’s richly decorated rooms and the surrounding forest — popular with hikers and rock climbers — make it an appealing destination for nature and history lovers alike. The town itself has pleasant cafés and artisan shops, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

5. Rouen – Medieval Capital of Normandy

Rouen is an hour and a half from Paris by train and showcases medieval timber-framed houses, gothic architecture and strong ties to Joan of Arc. Key sights include Rouen Cathedral, the Gros Horloge (astronomical clock), and the historic market square. Rouen’s mix of history, museums and regional cuisine makes it a rewarding longer day trip or a possible overnight if you want to linger.

6. Chantilly – Château, Horses & Gardens – day trip from Paris.

Chantilly, about 25–40 minutes by train from Paris, is known for the grand Château de Chantilly, its remarkable art collection and its equestrian traditions. The château’s musée Condé houses important paintings and the surrounding gardens are lovely for a stroll. Chantilly is especially appealing for visitors interested in horses, gastronomy (think Chantilly cream) and fine art.

7. Disneyland Paris – Theme Park Fun

For families or anyone seeking a different kind of day trip, Disneyland Paris is roughly 35–45 minutes from central Paris by RER A. The parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios) offer full-day entertainment with rides, parades and themed dining. Weekdays outside school holidays are the best time to visit to avoid long queues. Note that a full day here can be tiring, so plan transport and dining in advance.

8. Recommended Combos & Itineraries

Some destinations pair well for ambitious schedules:

• Versailles + Vaux-le-Vicomte (if you rent a car or join a guided tour) — two palaces in one day for palace enthusiasts.
• Gironde or Giverny + Vernon — Giverny combined with a scenic stop in Vernon works well by train.
• Chartres + nearby villages — Chartres’ cathedral and a quiet village lunch make a peaceful cultural day.
• Fontainebleau + Barbizon — combine the château with the nearby painters’ village of Barbizon for art history lovers.

When combining, always check transport schedules and be realistic about how much walking and visiting you can comfortably do in one day.

9. Tips for Planning Day Trips from Paris

• Start early: Many attractions open mid-morning; getting the first train helps you avoid crowds and gives more time on site.
• Transport: Regional trains (TER, SNCF) and RER lines are usually the best option. Book trains in advance for longer journeys to secure seats.
• Time management: Allocate time for travel, visiting, eating and a short stroll — don’t rush through the main highlights.
• Seasonality: Gardens (Giverny, Versailles) are best in spring and summer; Normandy towns and Rouen shine in shoulder seasons with fewer tourists.
• Accessibility: Some historic sites involve stairs; check accessibility info if needed.
• Guided tours: If you prefer convenience, many day tours depart from Paris and handle transport and skip-the-line arrangements.

10. Related Travel Blogs

• Top 10 Things to Do in Paris
• Paris in 3 Days: Suggested Itinerary
• Day Trips from Barcelona
• Day Trips from Amsterdam

With so many excellent day trips from Paris, you can easily add depth to any city break. Choose one or two destinations that match your interests — history, gardens, art, or seaside — and plan transport and timing in advance to make the most of your day. These excursions are perfect complements to your Paris itinerary and offer a broader taste of French culture and landscapes.