Paris Day Trips: Explore Beyond the Olympic City

Are you heading to Paris for Olympics 2024?

As well as getting into the Olympic spirit, there’s plenty of attractions to see in Paris. Paris is full of fun things to do, but it’s also a great place to start your adventures elsewhere.

But there are also some fantastic excursions like seeing Giverny, Versailles, and the Normandy D-Day sites nearby.

If you plan to take day trips from Paris between April and October, book early. Places like Versailles, Giverny, and Mont Saint-Michel are very popular and become very touristy. They mix history, culture, and beauty just right.

Explore Versailles or the stunning gardens in Giverny. Maybe even having some Champagne in the Loire Valley. Every traveler can find a memorable day trip. You can even head to London, Bordeaux, or Bruges and be back in Paris for dinner.

The adventures from Paris offer a unique view of France’s culture. They could really make your visit stand out, giving you a taste of the country’s history and beauty.

For more information about exploring Paris:

• Spirit of the Games & Local Attractions
• Explore Paris Attractions
• Paris Photography Hotpots and Spectacular Views
• Paris Hidden Gems: Charming Streets, Parks and More

Giverny: Claude Monet’s Home and Gardens

Giverny

• Location: Normandy, about 75 km northwest of Paris
• Transportation: a 90-minute train ride from Paris to Vernon and then shuttle bus to Giverny
• Unique Features:
  • Claude Monet’s home and gardens, where the impressionist painter created his water lilies series
  • The village itself also offers charming streets and local art galleries

Take a day trip to Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. It’s not far from Paris, Giverny is where you’ll find Monet’s stunning gardens.

These gardens have been kept just like they were when he lived there. They draw about half a million people every year.

At Monet’s place, you can see his gardens and the house where he lived. You’ll learn about his life from 1883 to 1926.

The water garden, designed in the Japanese style, is truly beautiful. You’ll see the best flowers from March through November.

The pond there inspired Monet’s famous Water Lilies paintings. It’s a unique and peaceful place to visit.

For more sightseeing, you can visit Giverny and Versailles in one day.

There are tours that mixes Impressionist art at Giverny with the grandeur of Versailles. It’s great for art lovers and those into history.

The Splendid Versailles Palace & Gardens

The Gardens of Versailles

• Location: Versailles, only 9 km (14 miles) outside of Paris
• Transportation: take the RER C train from Gare St. Lazare or Montparnasse
• Unique Features:
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • While the palace is renowned for its historical significance, the gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design
  • Covering over 800 hectares, they include manicured lawns, elaborate fountains, and extensive walking paths

The Versailles Palace shows off royal luxury, attracting many with its history and design.

It features the famous Hall of Mirrors, beautifully designed State Apartments, and vast gardens.

The gardens cover over 800 hectares (1976 acres).

It’s easy to get to by to but, be ready for long lines because it’s so popular.

Many choose to skip the lines with special tours. These tours let you see more by avoiding the crowds. They often include the Trianon palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.

The French chateaus at Versailles offer unique experiences.

The Trianon Estate opens at different times, depending on the month. It shows off French royal life and design.

The gardens are a big draw, especially during the Musical Fountain Shows. Water shows dazzle visitors.

The gardens are open until 7.00 pm, sometimes with music. The Night Fountains Shows, from June to September, end with a fireworks show.

A full day lets you see everything at Versailles. From the Queen’s Hamlet to the beautiful fountains. It’s a chance to dive into the royal lifestyle.

Notable Village Close by: Montfort-l’Amaury

• Location: About 50 km west of Paris
• Unique Features:
  • Charming hilltop village features ancient ruins, including a 12th-century castle and the Saint Pierre church
  • Offers panoramic views of the surrounding Rambouillet Forest

Exploring the Normandy D-Day Beaches

Étretat Cliffs

• Location: Normandy, about 200 km northwest of Paris
• Transportation: Tour coaches available
• Unique Features:
  • Famous for their dramatic white cliffs and natural arches, the cliffs of Étretat offer stunning seaside views
  • Popular spot for hiking and photography

The Normandy coast is famous for the D-Day landings in World War II.

If you love World War II stories, visiting the Normandy beaches is a must.

You’ll see important places like Omaha Beach and the Pointe du Hoc memorial.

Normandy is rich in history and natural beauty. You can visit the beaches and the lovely village of Honfleur.

For history enthusiasts, a trip to the D-Day beaches of Normandy, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, is an impactful experience.

Each site you visit tells a story of bravery and loss. Tour coaches make it easy by leaving from Paris. This means no worries about parking.

You’ll be back in Paris around 8 PM after a full day of exploring.

You can stop at local places to eat. This is a great way to try regional dishes. For a detailed look at D-Day history, a tour can be a great choice.

The Majestic Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel

• Location: Normandy, over 350 km west of Paris
• Transportation: take a train just under 4 hours, or a tour
• Unique Features:
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • A breathtaking tidal island with an medieval abbey rising dramatically from the sea

Mont Saint-Michel is an impressive medieval abbey in Normandy that stands majestically in the sea.

It is one of France’s most iconic landmarks.

This place is very popular. More than 3 million people visit it every year to learn about the abbey’s past and see its beautiful design.

Normandy tours and excursions start early from Paris. The trip includes travel, admission, and a guide. And share detailed stories, like Mont Saint-Michel as a prison.

It’s best to book ahead for a well-organized trip.

The change in the sea’s level makes Mont Saint-Michel even more special. This natural event alters the view of the abbey throughout the day.

No matter if you like old streets or sea views, visiting this medieval abbey is unforgettable. You’ll be back in Paris by evening, which leaves time for more sightseeing.

Loire Valley for Champagne Tasting

Reims

• Location: Reims, about 130 km northeast of Paris
• Unique Features:
  • Known for its Gothic cathedral where French kings were once crowned
  • The city is at the heart of the Champagne wine region, offering opportunities to visit numerous champagne houses

Visiting the Loire Valley opens a door to the French countryside.

Tours are perfect for those who love wine, offering an intimate experience in groups of eight.

They include visits to famous places like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.

Private coaches are available with a guide who speaks English, and time to explore Blois on your own. Wine tasting and seeing unique spots are also part of the fun.

Besides the amazing sights, the trip is about making Champagne. Anyone can enjoy learning about it, with the best local wines to taste.  But remember, you need to buy your own lunch.

Chateaux in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley Castles

• Location: Loire Valley, southwest of Paris
• Transportation: starting about two hours’ drive from Paris
• Unique Features:
  • Known for its picturesque landscape and
  • Magnificent Renaissance châteaux such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau

The Chateaux in the Loire Valley show off the elegance of the French Renaissance.

They are a big hit for those exploring cultural heritage. Visitors can pick tours based on what they like historically and architecturally.

This area is full of beautiful castles, each with its own special charm and tale.

There are tours to see Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. These places are well-known for their beautiful French Renaissance style.

Visiting lets you learn about the past and see how French nobles once lived. Walking from castle to castle lets you see lovely gardens, richly decorated rooms, and the Loire Valley’s stunning landscapes.

The tours go all day, getting back to Paris by 8 PM.

Book early, especially during busy months and events like the 2024 Olympics. The tours include famous castles and a fun wine tasting at Château de Chenonceau for adults over 18.

The Magnificent Chartres Cathedral

Chartres

• Location: Chartres, about 90 km southwest of Paris
• Transportation: the train ride is about an hour, from Montparnasse station
• Unique Features:
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cathedral of Notre-Dame is one of the best-preserved Gothic cathedrals in Europe
  • The city is known for its medieval architecture and stained glass workshops

The Chartres Cathedral visit is a window into medieval architecture. It was quickly rebuilt after a fire in 1194, finished in just 30 years.

This fast work shows how important it was and the skills of the builders then.

This cathedral is among the best examples of Gothic masterpieces.

It has detailed doorways that show the shift from Early to High Gothic styles.

Inside, it keeps the Sancta Camisa, which people think is the Virgin Mary’s robe. This robe survived the 1194 fire, adding to the cathedral’s awe and mystery.

You can also see the labyrinth, which is a big mystery from around 1200. It shows the Cathedral’s role as a key Gothic masterpiece.

Chartres Cathedral is in the beautiful Chartres town. There, you find old paths, cozy places to eat, and more to see, like Saint Aignan and Saint Pierre’s churches.

It’s a great spot for a day out, easy to reach from Paris by train.

One highlight of the cathedral is its stained-glass windows. It has most of its original windows, with 152 out of 176 still there since the early 13th century.

They are a true medieval marvel, kept beautifully through the years.

In some seasons, there are amazing light shows. These shows make visiting the Chartres Cathedral an unforgettable experience.

Paris Day Trips to Chateau de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau

• Location: Fontainebleau, about 55 km southeast of Paris
• Transportation: The train is just under an hour with three stops
• Unique Features:
  • A UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Palace with centuries of French history and  a sovereign residence for eight centuries
  • Fontainebleau offers breathtaking interiors and extensive grounds and much less crowded than Versailles

Château de Fontainebleau mixes history with beautiful scenery. This grand palace has 1,500 rooms and lets you step into French royal history.

Just under an hour from the city, Château de Fontainebleau is a gem.

It was once a home to French kings and an Italian pope. Inside, you’ll find elegant rooms and outside, vast gardens wait to be explored.

The best way to enjoy it is with a whole day set aside. You should plan to spend about six hours there.

Outside the palace, Fontainebleau Forest is perfect for a walk. It’s the second-largest national forest in France.

It has over 1,500 kilometers of paths and more than 200 climbing spots.

It’s a beautiful place with amazing views. It’s a peaceful escape from the grand palaces.

The château is open most days, from morning until evening.

Wine Tasting Adventures in Bordeaux

• Transportation: Trains from Paris to Bordeaux are fast and take between 2 to 2.5 hours
• Unique Features:
  • Famous wine tours

Bordeaux is loved all over for its amazing wine. The city is perfect for those who love wine and food.

This makes a day trip to the vineyards and wine regions very doable.

If you leave Paris in the morning, you’ll reach Bordeaux by 9.15am. This leaves you with the whole day for food and wine adventures.

Walking to the city center from the train station takes about 40 minutes. But if you prefer, you can hop on a tram.

Bordeaux is full of old buildings and history. You should see the Saint-André Cathedral, which was built in the 11th century.

It’s seen important historical moments.

For a special wine tasting, you can ride in a Mercedes Minivan that fits up to 8 people. They offer unique wine tasting trips.

There’s more to see outside of Bordeaux. You can visit a top Chateau or check out Saint Emilion with Pomerol.

These places are famous for their wines. Tours like these let you learn a lot about French wine and taste amazing wines.

For a hassle-free trip, buy your train tickets early, at least three weeks in advance. This saves you money.

It also makes your day of wine tasting more enjoyable. So, with a bit of planning, you can have a great time exploring Bordeaux and tasting wonderful wines.

A Charming Escape to Bruges, Belgium

• Location: Bruges, Belguim, about 270 km northeast of Paris
• Transportation: trains takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours
• Unique Features:
  • Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North” for its canals and historic buildings
  • Old streets, Gothic style churches

It’s a perfect day trip from Paris to experience a different culture. You can enjoy the calm away from Paris’ busy streets without a long journey.

This hidden gem in Europe mixes peaceful views with a rich history. Bruges is known for its old streets, Gothic style churches, and friendly markets.

When you get to Bruges, there’s a lot to see and do.

Stroll its cozy streets, see the Belfry of Bruges, or visit Minnewater Park.

Its preserved old buildings and canals make it perfect for photos. And, don’t miss trying Belgian food at a café by the water.

A visit to Bruges turns your Paris trip into something truly special.

Its peaceful canals and storybook vibe are unforgettable. You’ll love its history and the charm of its streets. Bruges is waiting for you, ready to surprise and delight.

Provins and Other Historical Villages

Provins

• Location: Provins, about 90 km southeast of Paris
• Unique Features:
  • A UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Known for its well-preserved walls and structures like the Tour César and underground tunnels.
  • Famous for its medieval fairs and reenactments.

This medieval town brings the Middle Ages to life. It stands out for its medieval architecture and historical events, such as the famous medieval fairs that used to attract merchants from all over Europe.

Today, Provins offers visitors a chance to step back in time with its well-preserved walls, towers, and underground passages. One of the main attractions is the Tower of Caesar, which offers a panoramic view of the entire town and surrounding countryside.

Provins also hosts exciting reenactments and shows, including jousting tournaments that bring medieval history to life.

Montfort-l’Amaury is another historic site less than an hour’s drive from the city and is rich with heritage and charm.

The village features narrow cobbled streets lined with old houses and a striking Gothic church.  Its serene forest surroundings is perfect for walking and enjoying nature.

Barbizon draws artists and visitors with its scenic beauty. Known as the village of painters, Barbizon was a center for landscape painting in the 19th century.

The town still retains a bohemian charm with many art studios and galleries.

Moret-sur-Loing is a medieval walled town that inspired the paintings of Alfred Sisley.

It features a picturesque setting with the Loing River running through it. This village captivates with its serene waterways and vibrant history.

Vaux-le-Vicomte impresses with its magnificent chateau.

The baroque French château that was an important precursor to the Palace of Versailles. The château and its gardens are prime examples of 17th-century French art and architecture.

Other Charming Towns

Crécy-la-Chapelle, often called the “Venise de la Brie,” captivates visitors with its charming canals and medieval architecture.

This picturesque village features quaint bridges and beautiful old houses. You’ll discover serene waterways and colorful gardens that add to its fairy-tale ambiance. It’s a wonderful place for photographers and anyone looking to escape into a peaceful, scenic setting not far from the hustle of Paris.

Meaux is a city near Paris known for its rich history and the nearby Great War Battlefields.

Explore the Museum of the Great War, which offers insights into World War I through interactive exhibits and artifacts. The battlefields around Meaux also serve as a somber reminder of the past, with preserved trenches and memorials.

It’s an educational site that helps people understand the impact of the war on France and the world.

Senlis charms visitors with its medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets.

This historic town features an impressive Gothic cathedral and ancient ruins. Located north of Paris, Senlis offers a glimpse into France’s royal past with its old royal château.

The town also hosts lively markets where you can experience local culture and cuisine. The medieval town of Senlis is surrounded by lush forests perfect for woodland walks and discovering ancient ruins.

It’s a great day trip for anyone interested in history and the beauty of old-world France.

Lyons-la-Forêt captivates visitors with its quaint market square and half-timbered houses.

Nestled within a dense forest, it offers tranquil nature trails for exploring.

The village boasts charming shops and traditional cafes, providing a peaceful escape.

Here, you can enjoy the slow pace of rural life and the beauty of well-preserved architecture.

Lyons-la-Forêt serves as a picturesque retreat, perfect for those seeking quiet and inspiration.

Conclusion

Paris vacation planning is made better with unique day trips nearby. You can visit Claude Monet’s gardens, the grand Versailles, or the touching Normandy beaches.

Each place shows a different part of French culture and history. Enjoy the natural beauty and excitement of Fontainebleau.

It’s the second-largest national forest in France. It has over 1,500 kilometers of paths and more than 200 climbing spots.

You can also visit Chateau de Fontainebleau for very little. Or explore Abbaye de Chaalis’ rose garden and medieval chapel.

For a complete Paris trip, take the “Paris in a Day” tour with a small group. This way, you’ll see the city’s best highlights closely. Adding these day trips to your plans lets you see more of France’s beauty and history.

From art to royal stories, nature, and historical tales, these day trips offer a mix of adventure and culture. With good planning and knowing what you like, you’ll find Paris and its surroundings full of amazing places. Your vacation will be unforgettable.