Our 10 Favorite Day Trips From Paris by Train
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world (over 23 million international visitors last year), and with good reason. The City of Lights has been charming visitors for centuries, who flock eagerly to get a personal glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Louvre Museum, and countless street cafes and restaurants. However, Paris is surrounded by some stunning destinations that are worth visiting if you stay more than two or three days in the French capital. In this article, we are sharing some of our favorite day trips from Paris by train.
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What Are the Best Day Trips from Paris by Train?
The best day trips from Paris by train include Versailles, Giverny, Chartres, Fontainebleau, the Champagne region, Provins, Normandy, Disneyland Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise, and the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis.
Most are reachable in under 1.5 hours, with the Normandy D-Day beaches requiring roughly 2.5 hours from Gare Saint-Lazare. Paris is surrounded by some stunning destinations that are worth a day trip if you are staying more than two or three days in the French capital.
10 Day Trips from Paris by Train
From enchanting villages and medieval towns to magnificent castles and churches, an easy day tour will enrich your Parisian experience. Keep reading for a list of the best day trips from Paris that let you see more of France while allowing you to escape from the city crowds. To save money on multiple trips, consider investing in a Eurail pass.
1. Auvers-Sur-Oise
This pretty French village on the banks of the Oise River is known as the village where Vincent Van Gogh spent his last 70 days creating 70 works before ending his life. He produced some of his most renowned masterpieces here, including On the Banks of the Oise and Wheatfield with Crows, among others.
This is one of the easiest day trips from Paris by train. An hour’s train ride will take you to the quintessential town the artist described as “gravely beautiful” in a letter to his brother Theo. It has managed to preserve its somewhat nostalgic charm and beauty over the years.
Surrounded by wheat fields, Auvers-Sur-Oise is the perfect place to experience the French impressionist era.
Van Gogh was not the only master to be inspired here. Charles-François Daubigny’s house and workshop, the Daubigny Museum, the Absinthe Museum, and the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, which was immortalized by Vincent van Gogh in The Church at Auvers, are some of the must-see highlights besides Van Gogh’s grave.
How to reach Auvers-Sur-Oise from Paris by Train
A direct train runs from Paris Gare du Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise. You’ll need to change at Pontoise for Persan-Beaumont and get off at Auvers. It will take roughly one hour.
2. Champagne Region
The Champagne Region is an incredible area to visit and one of the best day trips from Paris.
Best known for its delicious sparkling bubbly, the area also offers splendid landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Even though the entire region of Champagne is quite extensive and worth exploring for two or three days, you can certainly get an idea of what it has to offer by spending a few hours in Reims (88 miles), Épernay (87 miles), or Troyes (110 miles).
The easiest way to reach these destinations is by train, and they all offer beautiful landscapes with rolling vineyards and champagne tastings while maintaining their own style and attractions.
Épernay is home to Champagne Moët & Chandon, Champagne Mercier, and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte houses. Other highlights are Dom Pérignon’s final resting place and the impressive Abbey of Hautvillers.
In Reims, visit the Champagne G.H. Martel and Champagne Pol Couronne houses, as well as the Reims Cathedral, which was the coronation site for the Kings of France.
If you prefer to explore a medieval fair town with smaller champagne houses, Troyes is the place to go.
How to reach the Champagne Region from Paris by Train
To take the train from Paris to the Champagne region, expect it to take roughly an hour and a half. The RER C train will take you to both the major points of the region: Reims and Épernay.
3. Château de Versailles
Even though many people think of the Palace of Versailles and its formal gardens as being in Paris, they are actually 12 miles away from the city and best visited as a day trip from the French capital. Be sure to head out early to avoid the crowds. We recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket or tour to save time.
One of the main attractions and impressive royal dwellings in all of Europe, Versailles spans a little over 3 square miles. It can easily take an entire day to explore properly. Day trips from Paris to Versailles are quite popular, and rightfully so given the historical treasures that await you.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or you are simply curious to see the lavish lifestyle of Louise XIV, XV, XVI, Marie Antoinette, and other iconic French monarchs, you’ll love wandering around the grounds.
Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments, and the perfectly manicured gardens, which you can explore on foot or by renting a bike. If you have time, be sure to rent a rowboat and head out on the lake because this was the highlight of our visit.
How to reach Versailles from Paris by Train
The most common and easy way to get to Versailles is to take the RER C train. This train will take you to Château Rive Gauche train station at Versailles. We picked it up at the Saint-Michel – Notre Dame stop, and it was a direct train to Versailles.
4. Chartres
If you’re into Gothic architecture, you’ll be very happy in Chartres, which translates to “stone” or “rock”.
The highlight here is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres. Though this is not the one in Paris, it is just as beautiful and just as Gothic. The cathedral has been granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO due to its stunning stained glass windows, many of which are preserved from the 12th century when it was originally built.
Other must-see attractions are the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which is built in a former bishop’s mansion, the International Stained-Glass Center, and Marché aux Légumes, a pretty supermarket preserved from the 19th century. Amid the Gothic architecture, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés on the medieval cobblestone streets.
How to reach Chartres from Paris by Train
To reach Chartres from Paris, there is a direct train route that takes about an hour and a half. Typically, it leaves Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 and arrives at Chartres Cathedral. Though it runs weekly, make sure to check the schedule, especially if a holiday is involved.
5. Normandy
The beaches of Normandy are located 126 miles west of Paris, which means a 2.5-hour high-speed train ride. Normandy day trips from Paris can be quite long, but if you’re short on time, they’re a great option for seeing this beautiful destination.
Best known for the role the area played during World War II, this coastal region is well worth an early start, especially if you’re a history aficionado. Beyond the war’s legacy, which is very present here, the area also offers great seaside views, seafood, cheese, and cider.
The world-famous D-Day beaches, Omaha Beach, the Caen Memorial Museum, and the American Cemetery, with its rows of white crosses honoring the soldiers who died there, are some of the historic sites worth exploring.
Note: It is possible to book a guided tour that will cover Normandy and Mont Saint-Michel. However, it is typically a 2-day tour.
How to reach Normandy from Paris by Train
Not all trains from Paris to Normandy are direct. You’ll want to take the train from Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris to Bayeux train station. However, you may need to change at Caen depending on the schedule.
6. Giverny
One of the most enjoyable day trips from Paris is Giverny, a tranquil town 47 miles northwest of Paris. This is where Claude Monet lived and created some of his best works from 1883 until 1926, including his masterpiece Les Nymphéas water lily series.
The best reason to visit the picturesque town is the artist’s family home’s beautiful gardens. These gardens are open to the public, as is the interior.
Try to make some time to explore this charming town too, either on your way or back. It has a small museum dedicated just to the French Impressionists. There is also a 13th-century castle that sits by the Old Mill on the banks of the Seine.
The Old Mill and the Collégiale Notre-Dame were painted by Monet, a frequent visitor in town. A great way to cap off an easy day trip is to have a picnic by the Seine before heading back to Paris.
How to reach Giverny from Paris by Train
You’ll want to hop on the train at Gare Saint-Lazare train station. Giverny can be reached on a day trip from Paris by train via Vernon. From there, a bus will take you the rest of the way. It takes roughly 45 minutes to get there.
7. Fontainebleau
A day trip from central Paris involving a castle and a scenic forest? Yes, please!
Fontainebleau offers that and more. Renowned for the medieval architecture of the Château de Fontainebleau, home to Napoleon III and Louis VII, the place is surrounded by a forest filled with large boulders, majestic vistas, and thousands of varieties of mushrooms.
Built before Versailles was even conceived, Napoleon I liked to say that Château de Fontainebleau was a “true residence of kings, a house of centuries”. He decorated a suite of rooms for Pope Pius VII, which earned the royal castle the nickname of “Second Rome”.
The area also houses INSEAD, one of the world’s elite business schools, and several bistros and cafes. A mere forty-three miles from the City of Lights, Fontainebleau makes one of the nicest day trips from Paris by train. It’s a great opportunity to escape the large crowds while getting a splendid dose of history and the French countryside.
How to reach Fontainebleau from Paris by Train
To take the train to the Fontainebleau-Avon station, you’ll want to get on from Paris Gare de Lyon and head toward Montargis. Expect about a 45-minute ride for your day trip.
8. Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is a mere 6 miles from the city center, making it a very easy day trip.
This masterpiece of early Gothic architecture was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. It became an important place of pilgrimage because it stands over the grave of Saint-Denis, the patron saint of France.
The sanctuary’s vaulted nave and fabulous stained-glass windows give this house of worship an air of spaciousness and peace. The cathedral also houses the tombs of 32 French queens and 43 kings.
How to reach Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis from Paris by Train
To reach the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis, you’ll want the Metro Line 13 from the Gare du Nord station. Make sure to take the RER D or Train H line. It is only a 25-minute train ride.
9. Disneyland Paris
Of course, Disneyland Park is one of the best day trips from Paris by train. It offers a fun and exciting option for the perfect day trip on the outskirts of Paris. This is a favorite day trip from Paris, especially for those – but not limited to – traveling with kids.
The beloved characters wander around the same way as in Disney theme parks in the US. Of course, you’ll find many of your favorite rides too, as well as a few attractions only found in Disneyland Paris. All in all, it’s a great experience and a must for Disney fans.
How to reach Disneyland Paris from Paris by Train
The most common and easy way to get to Disneyland Paris is to take the RER C train. Line A of the RER system stops right at Marne-la-Vallee station, which is next to the front gates of Disney Village and only a 40-minute trip.
10. Provins
Only 57 miles from Paris, Provins is an astoundingly well-preserved walled medieval small village that used to be a bustling trade center.
Stepping inside its walls is like taking a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. This feeling multiplies as you walk the winding cobblestone streets, spacious public squares, and half-timbered houses.
This fascinating medieval town was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status, with more than 50 historic monuments. Make sure to visit the Tour de César while there. It is a tower that was used as a fortress under Henry I, Count of Champagne. Make time to walk the Ramparts along the defensive walls. And don’t miss out on climbing the stairs by the fortified gate of Porte Saint-Jean. Here you’ll find spectacular views, and then you can wander down to the moat area.
When you’re ready for a break, grab something to eat and a glass of champagne and sit in Place du Châtel to enjoy. The eleventh-century Prieuré Saint-Ayoul church and the magnificent rose garden – La Rosaie de Provins – are other popular day trips.
How to reach Provins from Paris by Train
To take the train to Provins, you’ll need to depart from Gare de l’Est. Though the train runs frequently, double-check the Holiday schedule. The trip will take you roughly ninety minutes.
Paris Day Trips by Train: Grouped by Travel Time
Not all day trips from Paris by train take the same amount of time, so here is a quick breakdown to help you plan.
Under 1 hour
- Auvers-sur-Oise (roughly 1 hour, the closest art-history escape)
- Fontainebleau (roughly 45 minutes from Gare de Lyon)
- Disneyland Paris (roughly 40 minutes on the RER A)
- Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis (roughly 25 minutes on Metro Line 13 or RER D)
- Versailles (direct on the RER C from Saint-Michel, Notre-Dame)
- Chartres (roughly 1.5 hours from Gare Montparnasse)
- Champagne Region / Reims (roughly 1.5 hours by train)
- Giverny (roughly 45 minutes to Vernon, then a short bus)
- Provins (roughly 90 minutes from Gare de l’Est)
Around 2.5 hours
- Normandy D-Day beaches (roughly 2.5 hours from Gare Saint-Lazare)
Closer destinations are easy half-day options if you want to keep an evening in Paris free. The Normandy coast is best covered with an early start and ideally a full day out.
| Destination | Approx. Travel Time | Paris Departure Station | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basilique Saint-Denis | 25 min | Gare du Nord (Métro Line 13 / RER D) | Gothic architecture, French royal history |
| Disneyland Paris | 40 min | Any RER A stop | Families, Disney fans |
| Fontainebleau | ~45 min | Gare de Lyon | Castle, forest, nature |
| Giverny (Vernon) | ~45 min | Gare Saint-Lazare | Monet’s gardens, Impressionist art |
| Versailles | ~1 hr | Saint-Michel, Notre-Dame (RER C) | Royal palace, manicured gardens |
| Auvers-sur-Oise | ~1 hr | Gare du Nord | Van Gogh history, village charm |
| Chartres | ~1.5 hrs | Gare Montparnasse | Gothic cathedral, stained glass |
| Champagne Region | ~1.5 hrs | Gare de l’Est | Champagne tastings, cathedral |
| Provins | ~90 min | Gare de l’Est | Medieval walled village, UNESCO site |
| Normandy | ~2.5 hrs | Gare Saint-Lazare | D-Day beaches, WWII history |
Tips for Booking Paris Day Trips by Train
A few practical pointers before you head to the ticket counter.
Book ahead when you can. High-speed and intercity trains to destinations like Reims and the Normandy coast sell out quickly in summer, and booking a week or two in advance can save you money over walk-up fares. We use OMIO for tickets.
Consider a rail pass for multiple trips. If you are planning three or more day trips from Paris by train, a multi-day rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets each time. Check the current pass options on the SNCF (French national rail) website before you travel.
Always double-check holiday schedules. Several destinations in this guide run reduced services on French public holidays. Chartres and Provins in particular are flagged in the guide above as worth verifying before you go.
Arrive at the station early. Paris train stations are busy.
Key Takeaways
- Closest trips from Paris: Saint-Denis (25 min), Disneyland Paris (40 min).
- Farthest: Normandy D-Day beaches (~2.5 hours).
- Versailles: direct RER C from Saint-Michel, Notre-Dame.
- Book intercity trains to Reims and Normandy in advance.
- A rail pass saves money on three or more day trips.
- Check holiday schedules for Chartres and Provins.
What cities are close to Paris and reachable by train for a day trip?
Several cities sit within easy train reach of Paris. Reims in the Champagne region is roughly 1.5 hours away. Chartres is about 1.5 hours from Gare Montparnasse. Versailles is a direct RER C ride of under an hour. Provins is roughly 90 minutes from Gare de l’Est. All are comfortable day trips from Paris by train with plenty to fill a full day.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance for day trips from Paris?
For shorter suburban routes such as the RER to Versailles or Disneyland Paris, tickets are available at station machines on the day. For longer intercity journeys to Reims, Chartres, or Normandy, booking in advance is advisable, especially in summer, as high-speed trains sell out and advance fares are cheaper than walk-up prices. Always check the SNCF website for the latest schedules and holiday timetable changes.
