When we think of France, the first thing that comes to mind is Paris (or more specifically, the Eiffel Tower). Yes, there are lots of charming places in Paris that are worth the hype, but if you think it’s the only place worth visiting in France, you’re missing out on A LOT. From castles, art museums, and Gothic churches to nature adventures, there are so many amazing spots to explore outside of Paris.
But that leads you to a (good) problem: you find that there are lots of fun things to do near Paris, and now you’re overwhelmed with options! So to help you choose the perfect day trips from Paris, we’ve prepared a list for you.
Day trips from Paris
Ready to take a break from the bustling city and explore the underrated parts of France? We’ve listed down some of the more popular locations and activities that you can do so you can find the best day trips from Paris that suit you!
Normandy
While most people only know Normandy as the site of D-Day and as one of the most important locations in World War II, you’d be surprised to find out that, today, Normandy is a beautiful and picturesque coastal area. An outdoorsy person's dream destination, Normandy is blessed with its breathtaking coastline, many beautiful hills and valleys, and other unforgettable landscapes.
If you want to dig deeper into Normandy's history and culture, we recommend going on a tour to visit Mont Saint Michel! A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont Saint Michel is also the home of the Benedictine Abbey—a three-story Gothic church straight out of a fairy tale.
Giverny
If you love art, nature, and colorful flowers, then Giverny might be the perfect day trip from Paris you’re looking for! If it looks like Giverny came straight out of a painting, it's because this town, which is roughly a 45-minute train ride away from Paris, has inspired so many of them!
It was the home to famous painter and impressionist Claude Monet, and he actually created a garden and waterlily pond at his Giverny home that was the inspiration for many of his paintings. This makes Giverny a must-visit destination for art aficionados and could even be considered an important pilgrimage for those who love the impressionist movement.
You can even tour Monet's actual home and have a personal connection with one of the greatest artists in French history.
Nice
Found along the shores of the majestic French Riviera, it's easy to see why the coastal region of Nice was the preferred vacation spot for many members of royalty and aristocracy for centuries. Aside from kings and queens, Nice has also inspired multiple great works of art and literature throughout the years. Today, Nice is a prime vacation destination that is sure to amaze anyone who visits!
To make the most out of your day trip from Paris, there are lots of nice ways to explore Nice! You can hit your target steps for the day and walk around the city or hop on a 3-wheel vehicle and ride along the coastlines of the French Riviera.
Versailles
While we did say that these would be day trips outside of Paris, we couldn’t resist throwing Versailles in! After all, the Palace of Versailles can be the highlight of any trip to France. Steeped in French history and viewed either as a symbol of the grandeur of royalty or of its excessive opulence, Versailles has established itself as one of the country's (if not the world's) best examples of human creativity, artistry, and architecture.
It's nearly impossible to pick a single favorite when visiting the palace, but some of Versailles' highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the Queen's Hamlet, and the Gardens of Versailles.
If you were hoping to see both Monet’s gardens and the Palace of Versailles, there are tours that you can easily book that will include both of these incredible locations.
Marseille
Historically known for being an important trading center during the times of ancient Greece and Rome, Marseille has transformed into one of France's most beautiful and bustling cities. Often regarded as one of France's "overlooked" or "underrated" destinations, we cannot recommend going to Marseille enough, especially if you love seafood!
Still a fully functioning and busy port, you'll be able to taste the best and freshest seafood that France has to offer. Fun fact: the famous seafood stew bouillabaisse was invented here.
Beyond Marseille’s yummy seafood and busy ports, you can enjoy a deeper appreciation for this proud city by customizing your Marseille experience with guides who will plan your tour around your personal interests and preferences.
Scandola, Girolata, and Calanques de Piana
Discover the simple yet breathtakingly beautiful Mediterranean side of France and explore the areas of Scandola, Girolata, and Calanques de Piana!
Spend the day on the boat and visit the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has incredible views of the local landscape and features a flourishing ecosystem. Then have lunch at Girolata, where you can try out the local flavor at one of their many restaurants or enjoy a more intimate beach picnic. Finally, witness the impressive Calanques de Piana and Capu Rossu with its iconic Genoese Tower of Turghju for yourself before ending your trip in Ajaccio or Porticcio.
Nantes
If you're in search of a French experience that's a little more unique than the usual, then you should definitely consider adding Nantes to your itinerary!
Nantes is home to "Les Machines de l'Ile" (known in English as the "Machine of the Isle of Nantes"), an impressive creative project envisioned by local artists as a wonderful amalgamation of Nantes' history combined with the mechanical aesthetics and wonderful ideas of Leonardo da Vinci and Jules Verne.
Essentials for a day trip from Paris
Now that you’ve got all these day trip ideas, you’re almost ready for that French adventure. One last thing from us—double-check your stuff and make sure that you’re bringing some of these essentials with you:
- Portable charger
- Small umbrella
- Extra clothes/a light jacket
- Eurail Pass - Forget about the hassle of keeping multiple train stubs and travel at your own pace with the Eurail Pass. Applicable to any train under SNCF, Thalys, and RENFE-SNCF operations, you can choose from 1 to 8 non-consecutive days to enjoy your unlimited rides!
- Bottled water - Check with your tour guide if your destination allows visitors to bring in food or drinks, as some (particularly museums) will ask you to throw these away before entering.
Klook tip: Water is safe to drink in Paris and some parts of France, but not all! If you want to be sure it’s safe to drink the tap water in whatever region, you can refer to this website
If you’re the type who likes road trips more than train rides, then worry not, because you can rent a car and have a French road trip! You’ll need an International Driving Permit and a few other requirements, such as a valid ID, a printed voucher, and your credit card.
FAQs
1. What is the best day trip from Paris?
The best day trip from Paris really depends on what kind of traveler you are! If you love art and peaceful gardens, head to Giverny to see Monet’s home and the water lilies that inspired his paintings. Or, if you’re into history, visit the Palace of Versailles for the royal vibes and grand halls.
2. Where else to go in France besides Paris?
Aside from Paris, France has lots of destinations you can explore! You can go and relax along the shores of the French Riviera at Nice, a popular vacation spot for royals and aristocrats. Or, visit Giverny for those painting-like sceneries, also the home of famous painter Claude Monet. If you want to know more about France’s history, check out the beaches of Normandy, where D-Day happened and marked the start of Western Europe’s freedom during World War II.
3. Which country to combine with Paris?
Since you’re visiting Paris, a great country to combine it with is Belgium! In less than 2 hours, you’ll reach Belgium from Paris via train, where you can try Brussels’ famous Belgian waffles! Another fun option is a trip to the Netherlands, where you can go to Amsterdam’s popular museums like the Van Gogh Museum, or unique ones, like a cat-themed museum!
4. What is the best city to visit outside of Paris?
Nice is one of the best cities to visit outside of Paris, but it really depends on your travel style. If you love sunny beaches, ocean views, and a relaxed vibe, Nice is a perfect choice. You can walk along the Promenade des Anglais, visit markets, and enjoy both French and Italian flavors. But if you're into history, art, and royal palaces, Versailles might be more your style. France has something for everyone—it just depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for!
Hopefully, we were able to add a few things France itinerary! Before you go, check out more of our guides for your upcoming trip, like things to do in Paris and other parts of France.
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