Day Trips from Paris: Versailles, Giverny & More

 Paris is a city you could spend weeks exploring — but sometimes the best way to experience France is to step just beyond its borders. Luckily, the French capital is surrounded by charming towns, palaces, vineyards, and countryside escapes that make for perfect day trips from Paris.

From the grandeur of Versailles to the artistic haven of Giverny, here’s your guide to the best excursions, travel times, and insider tips.

  1. Versailles – The Royal Escape

• Travel Time: ~30–40 minutes by train from Paris (RER C).

• Highlights: The Palace of Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors, sprawling gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate.

• Best For: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by royal grandeur.

• Tip: Buy a skip-the-line ticket — Versailles is one of the most visited attractions in France.

 2. Giverny – Monet’s Garden

• Travel Time: ~45 minutes by train + short shuttle from Vernon.

• Highlights: Claude Monet’s house and gardens, the Japanese bridge, and the water lily ponds that inspired his most famous works.

• Best For: Art lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

• Tip: Best visited in spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.

 3. Champagne Region (Reims & Épernay)

• Travel Time: ~45 minutes–1 hour by TGV train.

• Highlights: Tour world-famous champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. Visit the Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Best For: Wine lovers, foodies, and couples.

• Tip: Many champagne houses require reservations — book ahead!

 4. Loire Valley Castles

• Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours by train.

• Highlights: Stunning châteaux like Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise.

• Best For: History buffs, families, and fairytale seekers.

• Tip: Consider a guided tour to see multiple castles in one day.

 5. Normandy – D-Day Beaches & Rouen

• Travel Time: ~2 hours by train or car.

• Highlights: The historic D-Day landing beaches, American Cemetery, and the medieval city of Rouen (home to Joan of Arc’s legacy).

• Best For: History lovers and culture travelers.

• Tip: Normandy is vast — if short on time, focus on either the beaches or Rouen.

6. Mont Saint-Michel – The Island Abbey

• Travel Time: ~3.5–4 hours (longer, but worth it for a full-day trip).

• Highlights: The breathtaking abbey perched on a tidal island, cobbled streets, and stunning sea views.

• Best For: Adventure seekers, photographers, and history lovers.

• Tip: Go early to avoid crowds — or join an organized day tour from Paris.

 How to Get Around

• Train: SNCF and TGV trains connect Paris with most destinations.

• Bus/Coach: Affordable and convenient for longer trips.

• Guided Tours: Best if you want to maximize time and skip planning.

• Car Rental: Ideal for flexible road trips (especially to Normandy & Loire Valley).

If Paris is the heart of France, its surroundings are the soul. Whether you want royal palaces, Impressionist gardens, vineyards, or medieval towns, there’s a day trip for every traveler.

For a classic first trip, choose Versailles or Giverny. For wine lovers, head to Champagne. For history, Normandy and the Loire Valley castles are unforgettable.