The town of affection simply so occurs additionally to be ideally situated within the coronary heart of an incredible vary of magical and exquisite locations, all of which simply match into snug day journeys from Paris. Whether or not you need to head in a foreign country, to the coast of France, or only a quick distance outdoors the town, these locations supply once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unforgettable reminiscences.
20 Day Journeys From Paris
Day Journeys From Paris – Below 1 Hour
1- Chantilly
Chantilly is legendary for its gorgeous 14th-century fort, neighbouring stables and Chantilly Racecourse.
Chantilly and the encircling cities host the biggest racehorse-training neighborhood in France to this present day, one thing that’s simple to see through the Prix de Diane and the Prix du Jockey Membership, each races being held in June every year.
The town is surrounded by a lush and exquisite forest and has a variety of facilities, such because the Le Sylvia restaurant, a neighborhood film theatre and a neighborhood library.
For a day picnic, head to the Petit Pelouse subject in entrance of the Chantilly Hippodrome.
Additionally be sure you strive some Chantilly cream, named after its creation on this metropolis, on the cafe within the fort.
Chantilly is 25 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (TER prepare) and 44 minutes driving (47km/29 miles). As Chantilly is near Paris, it will possibly get fairly busy, so it’s finest to pre-book your tickets and skip the road right here.
2- Château de Malmaison
Château Malmaison was previously the residence of Empress Joséphine and the headquarters of the French authorities from 1800 to 1802.
Emperor Napoleon additionally resided on the château through the Hundred Days (also called the Battle of the Seventh Coalition) in 1815.
Joséphine crammed the château and gardens with unique vegetation and animals, such because the black swans you’ll be able to nonetheless see immediately (although most likely not the very same ones).
Meander via the quiet gardens and marvel on the artistic endeavors throughout the mansion, notably the 2 portraits of Joséphine hung facet by facet, displaying nearly the identical picture however in numerous kinds.
Château de Malmaison is 40 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (RER B or D, then RER A, then Freenow) and 45 minutes driving (22km/14 miles).
3- Disneyland Paris
Launch your interior baby with a visit to the magical Disneyland Paris, probably the most visited theme park in Europe.
The pièce de résistance of the park is the Sleeping Magnificence Fort, however the park can also be house to Golf Disneyland, the leisure district of Disney Village, and points of interest equivalent to It’s a Small World, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The park additionally has a variety of themed motels you’ll be able to ebook in a bundle deal alongside the park entry.
Disneyland Paris is 48 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (RER B or D, then RER A) and 50 minutes driving (46km/29 miles). Or in the event you favor, ebook a ticket that features transfers from Paris right here.
4- Reims
Reims is France’s Twelfth most populated metropolis and was traditionally a serious metropolis within the Roman empire.
This metropolis has additionally been the placement for the coronations of the Kings of France and is called La Cité des Sacres (the Coronation Metropolis).
The royal anointing befell on the breathtaking Cathedral of Reims, which is at present a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Web site that additionally consists of the Palace of Tau and the Abbey of Saint-Remi.
Reims’ location on the sting of the Champagne area is liable for its varied wineries and vineyards, such because the Maison Ruinart and La Maison Mumm.
Reims is one hour from Gare du Nord by public transportation (TGV prepare) and 1 hour and 40 minutes driving (147km/91 miles). Right here’s a tour you’ll love: Reims Taittinger Champagne Morning Tour and Tastings.
5- Senlis
Senlis is near the Chantilly forest, which is why it was house to most of the monarchs of the early French dynasties.
The town can also be well-known for its gothic Senlis cathedral and Gallo-Roman partitions.
For a very distinctive expertise, go to Le Cachot, a medieval-themed restaurant, tea room, and cave museum all rolled into one.
Senlis is one hour from Gare du Nord by public transportation (TER, then Freenow) and 50 minutes driving (49km/30 miles).
For extra about France, learn:
Day Journeys From Paris – Below 2 Hours
6- Château de Versailles
A brief journey by prepare from the centre of Paris sits probably the most breathtaking castles in all of France.
Famed for its stunning corridor of mirrors, Versailles can also be house to rolling gardens that stretch additional than the attention can see.
The property hosts a light-weight and music exhibits all year long, so examine the palace calendar forward of time as you could pay for entry into the gardens along with the common palace entry on the dates of those particular occasions, which aren’t to be missed.
Château de Versailles is 1 hour and 5 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (metro line 4, then TER prepare) and 50 minutes driving (25km/16 miles). Take a look at this one in the event you favor a tour the place you’ll be able to skip the road and consists of transfers.
7- Abbaye de Royaumont
A number of members of the French royal household are buried on this abbey, equivalent to two kids and three grandchildren of Louis IX.
The abbey was partially destroyed in 1791 through the French revolution as its stones had been used to assemble a manufacturing unit, however the vestry, cloister, and refectory weren’t broken.
One enjoyable reality about this abbey is that Pink Floyd performed right here in 1971.
Abbaye de Royaumont is 1 hour and 10 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (TER prepare, then Freenow) and 50 minutes driving (50km/31 miles).
8- Château Fontainebleau
This fort is likely one of the largest French royal castles and has been house to a few of the most well-known and spectacular monarchs, equivalent to Louis VII and Napoleon III.
The fort turned a nationwide museum in 1927 and have become a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1981 attributable to its structure and historic significance.
The oval courtyard within the centre of the fort is assured to move you into the previous and go away you shocked.
Château Fontainebleau is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transport (RER D, then RER R, then bus 1) and 1 hour and 20 minutes driving (71 km/44 miles). In the event you’d somewhat sit again and let another person drive, you may wish to go on this present day tour from Paris to Fontainebleau and Vax-le-Vicomte Chateaux.
9- Brussels
One of many incredible issues about Paris (and Europe usually) is which you could journey to a completely completely different nation and again in simply sooner or later.
In case you are craving superb Belgium waffles, hop on one of many many Flix buses out to Belgium, take pleasure in your tasty deal with, and head again house.
The journey takes the identical time as a current-day film (three hours by bus and 1.5 hours by prepare) and offers you nice countryside views alongside the best way.
Be sure you go to the beer museum in the principle metropolis sq. for a style of a few of the world’s finest beers.
Brussels is 1 hour and half-hour from Gare du Nord by prepare (Thalys after which IC or S2) and three hours and 40 minutes driving (304km/189 miles).
10- Provins
The town of Provins is finest recognized for its medieval structure and historical past as an financial buying and selling centre of France as a result of it was situated on the crossroads of two main regional routes inside Roman-ruled Gaul.
The town’s unique fortifications (from the Twelfth century) stay intact and embody sights such because the Caesar Tower and the town partitions.
Comply with within the Roman Empire’s footsteps as you stroll round this historic city.
Provins is 1 hour and 35 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (RER P) and 1 hour and half-hour driving (95km/59 miles).
11- Épernay
The champagne homes of Épernay are world-renowned, notably Moët and Chandon, so don’t miss a cellar tour and a style of this spectacular champagne throughout your go to to this metropolis.
In the event you’re travelling with kids, the Mercier champagne cellars embody a mini prepare that takes you in your journey via the tunnels.
The mansion of the late Charles Perrier, director of Perrier-Jouët champagne home and former mayor of Épernay, as soon as functioned because the headquarters of not solely the British but in addition German and United States armies through the Second World Battle.
This miraculous constructing is now a museum that features many texts about champagne-making.
Épernay is 1 hour and 35 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (TER prepare) and 1 hour and 40 minutes driving (145km/90 miles). For a full day of champagne tasting, right here’s a incredible day journey to Epernay and Champagne with eight tastings and lunch.
12- Chevreuse
One among Chevreuse’s uncontested most iconic views is the “Promenade des Petits Ponts” or the stroll of little bridges.
You may stroll alongside the river in peaceable serenity and see stunning bridges of many various kinds and designs.
The Eleventh-century medieval fort, the Château de la Madeleine, overlooks the town and entry to its grounds is free for guests.
Chevreuse is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (metro line 4, then TGV prepare, then RER B, then bus 39-17) and 1-hour driving (47.3km/29 miles).
13- Chartres
Chartres is finest recognized for its Twelfth-century medieval cathedral, which homes breathtaking stained glass home windows and permits guests to climb the North bell tower (all 70 meters).
For the artwork lovers amongst you, the Maison Picassiette is an absolute must-see as this curious little home has an exterior completely fabricated from mosaiced partitions.
The furnishings inside can also be lined with mosaics.
If the Chartres cathedral hasn’t glad your want for stunning structure, contemplate visiting the Église Saint-Pierre, house to a monastery courting again to the seventh century.
Chartres is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (metro line 4, then TER) and 1 hour and 40 minutes driving (93km/58 miles).
14- Strasbourg
Though Strasbourg is an excellent metropolis year-round, you could go to through the Christmas market season on the finish of the 12 months.
Strasbourg is world well-known for these markets, and all the metropolis is reworked right into a winter wonderland with glowing lights, large Christmas bushes, and sizzling wine all the time inside attain.
If Santa had a vacation house, I believe you’ll discover that it will be right here.
To flee the crowds, contemplate taking a 20-minute prepare to the close by metropolis of Colmar for quieter markets and the attractive row of riverside rainbow homes.
Strasbourg is 2 hours from Gare du Nord by public transportation (TGV prepare) and 4 hours and half-hour driving (494km/307 miles).
Day Journeys From Paris – Below 3 Hours
15- Giverny
The well-known impressionist painter, Claude Monet, lived and painted within the quaint city of Giverny.
Right here you could find the painter’s home and the backyard with the residing water lilies that his most well-known works embody.
In the event you take the prepare from the St. Lazare station in Paris to the Vernon-Giverny station (a 45-minute journey), be sure you go to the Musée de Vernon, the place you’ll be able to see a real Monet Nymphéas portray.
Giverny is house to The Museum of Impressionism and Monet’s tomb at Sainte-Radegonde Church.
Giverny is 2 hours and quarter-hour from Gare du Nord by public transportation (RER D, then RER A, and native bus providers), and 1 hour and 20 minutes driving (75km/47 miles). Or be part of this half-day journey to Giverny, which incorporates your entrance ticket and a guided tour.
16- Bruges
Simply as with Brussels, Bruges is one other fast journey throughout the Belgium border that seemingly transports you into a completely completely different world, all in much less time than your common superhero film.
Right here you could find an entire vary of well-known Belgium breweries, such because the De Halve Maan brewery and the Bruges beer museum.
After grabbing a pint, head to the historic centre of Bruges and soak in views of the charming structure throughout the river.
No go to to Bruges could be full with no calm stroll via Burg Sq., the guts of the town with undeniably awe-inspiring structure.
A ship tour is an ideal and stress-free approach to actually soak in the fantastic thing about this metropolis.
Bruges is 2 hours and 35 minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (Thalys prepare, then IC prepare) and three hours and 20 minutes driving (290km/180 miles). Right here’s a superb full-day journey to Bruges that features a canal cruise and transportation in an air-conditioned coach.
17- Château de Chambord
The French renaissance structure of this fort is well recognizable and actually appears to be like like one thing out of a fairytale.
The constructing was constructed by Francis I to be a searching lodge however was by no means accomplished.
Even unfinished, this fort is likely one of the most stunning in the entire of France and likewise performed an essential function in France’s cultural and creative historical past as works from the Louvre and the Château de Compiègne had been moved into this fort for safekeeping through the Second World Battle.
One of many many spectacular components of this fort is the double-spiral staircase, which is rumoured, Leonardo Da Vinci himself designed.
Château de Chambord is 3 hours from Gare du Nord by public transportation (metro line 5, U P600 prepare, then TER) and a couple of hours driving (180km/112 miles). Skip the road and ebook your tickets right here or chances are you’ll need to take a look at this day tour to go to a number of Loire Valley castles and style wine alongside the best way.
Day Journeys From Paris – Below 4 Hours
18- Étretat
Though France is broadly recognized for its unbelievable structure and artwork, this nation can also be house to a few of the world’s most gorgeous pure places.
The cliffs of Étretat are one in every of these such locations, and their pure magnificence and energy merely can’t be described; they need to be skilled.
Essentially the most well-known view from these cliffs is the archway that juts out from the mainland and nearly looks like a portal into paradise with miles of clear blue water stretching past it.
Whereas visiting this metropolis, take the time to walk round the gardens of Étretat and look out over the ocean past.
Étretat is 4 hours from Gare du Nord by public transportation (metro line 4, then bus 341, then FlixBus) and a couple of hours and 20 minutes driving (209km/130 miles). You may additionally like this present day tour to Etretat and Le Havre (together with skip-the-line tickets to the Museum of Trendy Artwork).
19- Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand, you’ll be able to see what makes this metropolis so particular.
Rising above the town and reaching into the heavens past is the cathedral fabricated from black volcanic rock, not like another cathedral in France and even the world.
There’s a small sq. outdoors of the church the place you’ll be able to sit and drink wine while taking on this surreal sight.
The gorgeous however much less intense Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica is only a quick stroll throughout the town from the cathedral and can also be created from volcanic rock however consists of stones of sandstone for a a lot hotter, sandy colouring.
Throughout the hotter months, pay a go to to the Jardin Lecoq and benefit from the botanical gardens and pond full with geese.
Clermont-Ferrand is 4 hours from Gare du Nord by public transportation (metro traces 4 and 6, then Intercités prepare) and 4 hours and half-hour driving (426km/265 miles).
20- Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is a fort straight out of a fairytale and a sight past your wildest goals.
It sits atop a tidal island and is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
As of 2019, the island had a tiny inhabitants of official residents numbering solely 29.
The island additionally boasts the victory of remaining unconquered through the Hundred Years’ Battle and was used as a jail through the Ancien Régime.
Within the 2003 film, The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Peter Jackson designed the capital metropolis of Gondor, Minas Tirith, after this very fort.
The city and chateau in Disney’s hit film Tangled had been additionally designed primarily based on the Mont-Saint-Michel.
The archways within the abbey surrounding a grassy courtyard additionally resemble these discovered within the Hogwarts Fort of the Harry Potter universe.
Mont-Saint-Michel is 5 hours and so minutes from Gare du Nord by public transportation (metro traces 5 and three, and FlixBus) and 4 hours and 10 minutes driving (361km/224 miles). The best approach to go to on a day journey is to be part of this guided tour.
BONUS: Lisieux
Tucked away on this tiny city in Normandy, you can find the gargantuan Basilica of Saint Theresa.
This church is France’s second-most visited pilgrimage web site, behind Lourdes.
As with many French church buildings, this basilica additionally has an essential historic hyperlink to the Second World Battle because the locals sheltered right here through the Allied bombing in 1944.
The Jardin de l’Évêché was designed by André Le Nôtre, the identical man who designed the gardens of Versailles, and you’ll see his masterful affect within the gorgeous magnificence of those peaceable grounds.
If you end up in Lisieux, take the time to take the quick drive out to the coast and take in the solar and seaside air.
Lisieux is 4 hours from Gare du Nord by public transportation (RER D, then RER A, then BlaBlaCar Bus, then TER) and a couple of hours and 10 minutes driving (207km/129 miles).
