Paris Day-Trips
It may be hard to imagine giving up one of your precious days in Paris for an excursion outside the city - whether only a half-day or full day-trip - but there are few places that are definitely worth the sacrifice. In fact, some are so charming, they hardly feel like a sacrifice at all, and will only add to your vacation, enriching your time in France.
Below is a list of some of the top day-trips you can take from Paris - by yourself or with a tour group - that will add something special to your trip. For further information on the suggestions below (such as how to get there, hours and admission, highlights of what to see), or for more day-trip suggestions, click HERE.
Versailles - Epernay & Reims - Giverny - Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte - Château de Fontainbleau - La Vallée Village - Château de Chantilly - Loire Valley - Mont St Michel
VERSAILLES
The Château de Versailles tends to be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a trip outside Paris, and it is definitely worth the visit. When the first words that come to mind are 'opulent' and 'grandeur', it's hardly a wonder why the French revolted against the monarchy. It's a majestic marvel to explore, rich with history. And while the palace itself provides plenty to keep you distracted, most of your visit will be spent wandering the gardens. If you think you've seen them all, think again and keep walking.
A former hunting lodge, King Louis XIV – also known as the sun king – turned this small escape into the epicenter of French court, officially set up in 1682. Inside his palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take in the King and Queen’s private apartments, as well as the King’s State Apartments - all still excessively adorned. In Marie Antoinette’s bedroom, look out for the secret side door which allowed her to escape when the revolutionaries came for the monarchy in 1789. Of course, it only helped her for so long.
When you have finished exploring inside the palace, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vast grounds which sprawl across 800 hectares. Many tend to skip the Trianon Estate which is towards the back of the gardens/palace grounds. It may seem like a far walk but it's definitely worth visiting these mini palaces, which acted as private homes and hunting lodges.
EPERNAY & REIMS
While France is famous for its wine, differing in style and grape throughout the country, there is only one place to go when looking for bubbly - Epernay, the capital of the champagne region. Here you can visit the house of Moet & Chandon (and Dom Perignon) and Perrier-Jouet, with tours and tastings inside. From vineyards to cellars, learn about the process of making champagne and the rich history associated with it. What makes a bottle of champagne a vintage? What's the difference between a demi-sec, brut, rose, etc.? How does champagne differ from a cremant, prosecco, or a cava?
Visiting the various champagne houses will prove both fascinating and tasty, though make sure to have some bread in between visits as the bubbles can go straight to your head. Especially if you're buying a bottle or two. Stroll along the Avenue of Champagne and visit the varying champagne houses - there's more than enough to keep you entertained and tipsy.
Other champagne houses in Epernay to visit include Mercier, The Castellane House (which also includes a museum of vintage labels and bottles), Pierre Mignon, Michel Gonet (don't be surprised if Mr. Michel Gonet himself is on the premises), Boizel, Canard-Duchene and de Venoge.
You may choose to skip Epernay and go straight to Reims, another town at the epicentre of the Champagne region, with plenty to see and - more importantly - taste. However, if you have the time or want to spend a night, it's lovely to do both Epernay and Reims, especially because Reims has plenty to offer. If you are looking to taste champagne but don't want to be overwhelmed with it, Reims may be your preferred choice as it has lots of historical sights well worth the visit that extend beyond the 'nectar of the gods'.
For further information or a more extensive list of of cellars you can visit in the region, look here.
GIVERNY
When thinking of Giverny, most conjure up Monet's waterlilies, which is undoubtedly why tourists flock there in the spring and summer months, whether on their own or with tour companies. Less than an hour from Paris and only 4km from Vernon, this charming little town makes for a colourful and picturesque escape from the city; the Museum of Impressionists to Claude Monet's house make it an art lover's dream.
If visiting Giverny independently, some important sights worth visiting include the Giverny Museum of Impressionists, La Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet, and Chateau de Bizy.
Giverny Museum of Impressionists: A museum featuring various works from key impressionist artists, including a permanent collection of Monet, and prominent works from Wendel, Luce, and Denis.
Claude Monet House and Gardens: One of the most famous artists in the world, Monet was a leader of the impressionist movement. Here in Giverny you can explore his home and gardens, known to the world through his works. Explore his studio and see where and how this master lived. Further, treat yourself to lunch at the restaurant on site, which makes local dishes and recipes from Monet's own cookbook.
Chateau de Bizy: This famous chateau near Vernon was owned by Louis XV, followed by a series of dukes. While the castle tour is only offered in French, there are English pamphlets available to help explain the castle and its history.
CHÂTEAU DE VAUX-LE-VICOMTE
France is hardly short on castles and palaces worth visiting, each more grand than the next. However, when looking for breathtaking gardens, this castle should not be skipped - these gardens were designed by Andre Le Notre, the same man who designed the gardens at Versailles. In fact, the gardens of Versailles were inspired by Vaux-le-Vicomte. Beyond breathtaking gardens, this castle offers an ornately decorated home straight from the 17th century, with a permanent exhxibition dedicated to Andre Le Notre. There is also a carriage museum to explore with a large collection of antique carriages to drool over. Think Marie Antoinette.
While open daily from 10am-7pm, you can take your visit a step further with one of their offered Candelit Saturdays. Requiring a special ticket (you can't just go on a Saturday afternoon and stay for the evening spectacle), these Saturday evenings allow you to explore the castle and gardens with thousands of candles lit to offer lighting and ambiance.
If that is not enough to make your visit special, consider going for holidays (think Easter egg hunts in the gardens and lavishly decorated Christmas trees), their fountain water shows (every 2nd and last Saturday of the month, from 3pm-6pm, the fountains are turned on for a special show), or the 'Grand Siecle Experience' - one day where the castle turns into a 17th century costumed extravaganza.
FONTAINEBLEAU
Another grand castle, with ornate decorations and opulence to leave your mouth hanging open in awe, the Château de Fontainebleau was inhabited by royalty throughout the centuries, having seen the likes of Francis I, Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, Marie de Medici, and Napoleon Bonaparte. With over 100 rooms to explore, you'll find yourself getting lost in French history, from the Renaissance to the French Revolution. Find tapestries, paintings, Aside from touring the palace, enjoy the gardens, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, go hot air ballooning, or enjoy some tennis.
After exploring the chateau, consider walking around the town of Fontainebleau, if not just for something to eat. Perhaps just a macaron from Daronville (be prepared for queues), something light and sweet from the Patisserie Chocolaterie Frédérick Cassell - either taken to go or enjoyed at the Salon de Thé - or indulge in a fine dining experience at Michelin-starred L'Axel. If you enjoy a great open-air market, the marché in Fontainebleau is a great place to visit, with delicious seasonal fruit and fresh baguettes to be enjoyed. Find other local specialties to sample here; the market runs Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.
LA VALLÉE VILLAGE
La Vallée Village is a good half-day (or full depending on who you are) escape from the city for those who love to shop and want a to find a potentially good deal. An elegant outdoor outlet mall, one in a family of outlet malls across Europe, you will find countless designer stores with prices slashed, from contemporary fashion to ultimate luxury. While a lot of French brands are available here, you'll also find international designers with outlet stores scattered throughout, allowing shoppers to have real diversity when looking for something fun and fabulous to bring home. That said, just because it's an outlet mall doesn't mean it's not pricey - it's still designer after all. But, if you're looking for something from one of these high end brands - think Dior, Celine, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana - this is the place for you. It's a fun outing for those who love to shop and are looking to save a little, or even get a great deal. And with the contemporary designers available - think Sandro, Maje, The Kooples - you can find some fun fashion pieces to spice up your wardrobe or elevate it with Parisian flair.
There are some cafes within the outlet mall where you can grab a bite to eat to refuel, but if you're not looking for pastries, Starbucks or another Pret A Manger, consider going to the big mall right beside the outlet mall (you'll likely walk through this mall to get to La Vallée Village), where you will find restaurants, a very established food court with good options, and a grocery store. Needless to say, you don't have to worry about what you're going to eat.
For a full store directory for this outlet mall, check here. For mall hours, which are subject to change, and direction/transportation options, check here.
CHÂTEAU DE CHANTILLY
The Chateau de Chantilly is one of the many grand castles in France and easily accessible from Paris. Made up of the Petite Castle and the New Castle, you can enjoy gardens and museums in one. The gardens were designed be Andre Le Notre (the same designer of the gardens at Versailles) and are a pleasure to stroll through. Within the castle, enjoy the works of Delacroix and Corot in the Musée Conde. If art isn't your thing, visit the Grand Stables, which is home to the Living Museum of the Horse and still puts on horse shows and spectacles.
Refresh at one of the two restaurants on site, including Le Capitainerie, which is in the castle's old famous kitchens, or Le Hameau in the hamlet kitchens which offers lunch and afternoon tea.
THE LOIRE VALLEY
While I wouldn't necessarily recommend attempting to see the Loire Valley in a just one day, if short on time and desperate to see some of this famous region full of chateaux (which is actually not too far from the city), then know that it is extremely accessible. From Paris you can train to Tours in approximately just one hour. Tours itself is a lovely town, full of charm, timbered buildings, a great market, and some delicious restaurants where you can taste local wines. From Tours, the rest of the Loire Valley is quite accessible. Or perhaps you'd like to go straight to Orleans or Amboise - both possible as well.
If only going for a day, it's best to know what you're going for and plan accordingly. Do you want wine tours or castles? Quaint towns or palaces surrounded by fields? Perhaps you're looking to bike the Loire Valley, which is quite common as well. There is plenty to see and do, and if only venturing there for a day it's best to know what your priorities are and try and choose a starting point that's not too far away by train, such as the town Tours. It may also be worth considering booking a tour for the day, either one that starts in Paris or in one of the bigger cities/towns in the Loire, this way you may be able to see more in one day without worrying about transportation.
Again, while it is definitely possible to make a day-trip out of it, I highly recommend you reconsider and spend at least a couple of days in this region, so as to best experience it and not feel rushed or cheated.
A few of the most popular castles to visit in the region include:
MONT ST MICHEL
Worthy of the pictures, this abbey is actually more than just that. Yes, there is an abbey that you should visit while in Mont Saint-Michel, but there is also a town with cafes and boutiques, squares, and museums all worthy of your attention.
While it can be achieved in one day, it is a bit of a commitment to go there and may be more enjoyable if you spend a night in the area - perhaps Rennes or St. Malo? The whole process of getting there from Paris can take 3 hours, so if you have the energy to do it one day, have at it. Alternatively, if you want to only use one day of your vacation to visit this historic sight, consider taking an organized bus tour. This will save you a lot of time with transportation (no transfers!) and will provide you some historical context on your ride there.
There are lots of stairs at Mont Saint-Michel, as well as a day full of walking - consider if you feel physically capable of this trip because it can be taxing, and skip the heels or flimsy sandals. You definitely want to be wearing comfortable shoes and clothing for this visit.