A DAY TRIP FROM PARIS
Our selection, very succinct, considers the most visited cities; some of them included in the list of World Heritage (UNESCO), others labeled "the most beautiful village in France" and our choices that matters especially to children.
You can choose a day trip or, extend your visit. Check it!
If you looking for ideas to visit places near Paris, see below our choices that you might be interested or click on the link on the right to know more about a destination .
We invite you to take a look at the list we´ve prepared with places close to paris. For each place there is a brief reason for our interest in selecting it
Look for our highlighs: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Member of the Association of the most beautiful French villages and Paris with Children.
Next, along the page, there is a brief description of why each place is so visited.
If you prefer, click on the link of each place to go directly to the point you are looking for.
For your best choice it is important to know that:
TGV, THA, EST, IC: they are faster trains and, in general, with less stops
RER, TER: are regional trains, in general, slower with more stops; you can use your ticket for a period of time and do not have to pay to reserve your place. You can also choose any timetables, provided your option has been by regional trains.
2 TO 4 HOURS
FROM PARIS
OUT OF FRANCE
About us:
Friends for over 30 years, both systems analysts, we have in common the interest in art, photography, literature and history. From this comes our interest in travelling.
Difficulties and even mistakes when planning trips with our families, with our children, with friends, or alone, have resulted in very differents experiences and have given us a baggage that we wish to share with you. We would like to help you to prepare your itinerary according to your personal choices. We know that styles and public always vary. Ah and how ... So we selected quite different options, always showing information and images so that you can choose and prepare your trip!
Lilian Posse and
Giselle Mettrau
We recommend, whenever possible, short, straight train trips.
SNCF-public French railway company: http://en.voyages-sncf.com
Rail Europe-Tickets purchase in English: http://www.raileurope-world.com/
TGV, THA, EST, IC: faster trains and, in general, with fewer stop-overs.
RER, TER: regional trains, usually slower with more stop-overs.
Cities near to Paris: the most popular
Imponent and copied worldwide, the Château de Versailles (1) is famous not only by the main castle and its other beautiful buildings, but also by its magnificent woods with plenty of flowers, statues, lakes and fountains.
Château de Versailles - Place d'Armes - 78000 Versailles
There are several options of arrival: bus, train (SNCF), RER.
RER C5 (a thirty-minute trip plus a five-minute walk) - Estaçao Versailles Rive Gauche (nearest stop)
Trem SNCF (a twenty-minute trip plus a twenty-minute walk)
- arrival at Versailles Chantiers leaving Paris Montparnasse
- arrival at Versailles Rive Droite leaving Paris Saint Lazare
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
PARIS WITH CHILDREN
The Château de Fontainebleau (2), inhabited continuously for different centuries, expresses quite a lot of the French history of art and architecture.
Château de Fontainebleau - 77300 Fontainebleau
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Fontainebleau-Avon Station
Train trips lasts for 38 minutes. Direction: Montargis, Montereau ou Laroche-Migennes. Get out at
Fontainebleau-Avon Station. Get on the bus - Line 1 - direction Les Lilas - stop over at Château (about 2 km farther)
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Disneyland Paris (3) is an excellent choice for a trip if one plans to balance culture and entertainment, mainly on a trip with children.
Disneyland Paris - 77777 Marne-la-Vallée, France
RER A4 up to Marne-la-Vallée station (about 45 minutes).
The station accesses the park.
PARIS WITH CHILDREN
Inspired in the famous cartoon, the Parc Astérix (4) surprises with activities for all tastes.
Parc Astérix - 60128 Plailly, France
RER B3 at Gare du Nord towards Charles de Gaulle airport. Stop at terminal 1 or 3 of the airport.
Search the box-office of the park itself and buy the transfer round trip. Departures every 30 minutes, from 9 a.m.
until 7 p.m. or, having the possibility of the shuttle (Paris bus) – departure: Louvre-Palais-Royal station.
9.00 o'clock daily. Return 6.30 p.m.
PARIS WITH CHILDREN
PATRIMÔNIO MUNDIAL
DA HUMANIDADE
UNESCO
In a region where champagne is produced, nowadays, visiting its caves is the main attraction, Reims (5) holds, for a great number of people, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Office de Tourisme de l'Agglomération de Reims
6 Rue Rockefeller, 51100 Reims, France
Paris Est Station <--> Reims Station.
TGV train - Length of trip: 48 minutes
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Considered the european capital of culture, Lille (6) holds singular diversity of styles owing to the historical influences and proximity to Belgium as well.
Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Lille
Palais Rihour - Place Rihour
Paris Nord Station <--> Lille Flandres Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 1 hour
Stations: Gare Lille Flandres and Gare Lille Europe. 400m apart from each other, they're both close to
Lille's center.
PATRIMÔNIO MUNDIAL
DA HUMANIDADE
UNESCO
PATRIMÔNIO MUNDIAL
DA HUMANIDADE
UNESCO
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Precious architecture, museums (including The Musée de Chevel), lovely gardens, besides the delicious cream of the same name, turns Château de Chantilly (7) into an unforgetable trip.
60500 Chantilly, France
Paris Gare du Nord Station <--> Chantilly-Gouvieux Station.
Train TER - Length of trip: 25 minutes. From Chantilly-Gouvieux station it is possible to walk to the castle on foot
(about 20 minutes), by taxi or by DUC (Desserte Urbaine Cantilienne) which is free of charge and goes from the Chantilly-Gouvieux station to the Chantilly stop, Notre-Dame church (it doesn't work on sunday).
Le Mans (8) is famous for the yearly marathon "Les Mans 24 hours", but it has much more to offer. The historical centre is well-preserved and has nice small medieval streets.
Office de Tourisme du Mans
16 Rue de l'Étoile, 72100 Le Mans, France
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> Le Mans Station
TGV Train – Length of trip: 54 minutes
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
A place of peregrination since the Middle Age, the Chartres Cathedral (9) attracts tourists because of its beautiful stained glasses and famous labyrinth.
16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres, France
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> Gare de Chartres Station
TER train – Length of trip: 1 hour
If you know Monet's life story and his works of art as well, mainly "Les Nympheas", you will certainly be willing to visit his house in Giverny (10).
Fondation Claude Monet
84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France
Paris St Lazare Station <--> Gare de Vernon Station
IC train – Length of trip: 45 minutes. Later, at the station, take the shuttle, leaving every 15 minutes.
(Vernon - Giverny – 7 km)
The capital of Normandie, crossed by The Seine, is a city marked by historical facts. Devastated some times, but always preciously rebuilt, in Rouen (11) the heroin Joana d'Arc was imprisoned and burnt alive. The cathedral, portrayed by Monet, is impressive.
Rouen Normandie Tourisme & Congrès
25 Place de la Cathédrale, 76000 Rouen, France
Paris St Lazare Station <--> Rouen-Rive-Droite Station
TER train – Length of trip: 01.39h
IC train – Length of trip: 01.09h
The beaches from Day D (12), on the coast of Normandie, attract those who are interested in the story of the Second World War and in search of museums, memorials and cemeteries.
Esplanade Général Eisenhower, 14050 Caen, France
Paris St Lazare Station <--> Gare de Caen Station
IC train - Length of trip: 01.51h. From the city centre in Caen, bus number 2 towards La Folie - Mémorial
From "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne" to "Centre Pompidou", Metz (13) covers from the ancient to the contemporary styles and doesn't disappoint.
Office de Tourisme de Metz
2 Place d'Armes, 57000 Metz, France
Paris Est Station <--> Metz Ville Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 01.24h
Famous Troyes (14) is both remarkable by the preserved medieval city centre and the well-known outlets.
Office de Tourisme du Grand Troyes
16 Rue Aristide Briand, 10000 Troyes, France
Paris Est Station <--> Gare de Troyes Station
IC train - Length of trip: 01.32h
The medieval Provins (15) has been carefully preserved for centuries. The city has different highlights throughout the year: musical performances, markets and cultural exhibitions.
***
Office de Tourisme de Provins
8 Chemin de Villecran, 77160 Provins, França
Paris Est <--> Gare de Provins
RER. Lenth of trip: 01:24h
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
North of Borgonha, Abbaye de Fontenay (16) was founded by Saint Bernard. It is a quiet location where the serene atmosphere impregnates the visitors with the monks' way of living.
Abbaye de Fontenay
21500 Montbard, France
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Montbard TGV Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 01.03h
From Montbard to the Abbaye de Fontenay: 5 km. Taxis and bicycles available at the Station.
Besides being very well-known for its delicious mustard, Dijon (17) is also the birth place of kir and the producer of the famous "liqueur" de cassis. For those interested in exploring the area on foot, a walk along "the owl's way" is a good hint.
Office de Tourisme
11 Rue des Forges, 21000 Dijon, France
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Dijon Ville Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 1.40h
Picturesque village in Bourgogne, the hill of Vezelay (18) is famous for the "Basilique St Marie-Madeleine". Marie Madeleine's ashes make the basilica a centre of pilgrimage.
Office de tourisme de Vézelay
12 Rue Saint-Etienne, 89450 Vézelay, France
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Montbard Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 02.46h
From Montbard to Vezelay - bus (shuttlle) or taxi
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
ASSOCIATION OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FRENCH VILLAGES
PATRIMÔNIO MUNDIAL
DA HUMANIDADE
UNESCO
The largest castle in the "Vallée de la Loire", Le Château de Chambord (19), with its great architecture from Renaissance, has had several owners until lately being bought and artistically restored. Notice the well-known staircase in the middle of the palace.
Château de Chambord
41250 Chambord, France
Paris Austerlitz Station <--> Gare de Blois Station
IC train – Length of trip: 01.42h
From Blois a twenty-five minute ride by bus up to Le Château de Chambord.
Blois (20) is located in the centre region of the Valley of Loire and has witnessed several historical episodes. "Le Château de Blois" shows the French architecture in four different phases and is a special spot to start the visit to the castles.
Office de Tourisme Blois Chambord
23 Place du Château, 41000 Blois, France
Paris Austerlitz Station <--> Gare de Blois Station
IC train - Length of trip: 01.42h
Le Château de Chenonceau (21), known as the Dame's castle, stands out of the water of the river Cher, in the Valley of Loire. The history of the castle fascinates the visitors and also the elegant gardens and the maze are worthy.
Château de Chenonceau
37150 Chenonceaux, France
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> St-Pierre-des-Corps Station (Train towards Arcachon; stop at St-Pierre-des- Corps)
TGV train - Length of trip: 1.04h
St-Pierre-des-Corps Station <--> Chenonceaux Chisseau Station
TER train - Length of trip: 20 min
Being located in the centre, Tours (22), that has already been capital of the country, plays an important role in the French history. It is known as "The Garden of France" and the entrance for the Valley of Loire. It is partially modern and also medieval.
Office de Tourisme Tours Val de Loire
78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours, France
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> St-Pierre-des-Corps Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 1 hour
St-Pierre-des-Corps Station <--> Gare de Tours Station
TER train - Lenght of trip: 5 minutos
In Villandry (23), the impeccable gardens and vegetable gardens of the castle are the greatest highlights.
Office de Tourisme de Villandry
11 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
www.tours-tourisme.fr/destinations/villandry
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> St-Pierre-des-Corps Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 1 hour
St-Pierre-des-Corps Station <--> Gare de Tours Station
TER train - Length of trip: 5 min
Bus – (Fil Bleu) from July to October, daily
Changing its exhibitions each year, Futuroscope (24) is always interesting. Image, technology and notions of sustainability make a difference and add futuristic appearance to the park.
Futuroscope - Parc d'attractions et de spectacles
Avenue René Monory - 86360, Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> Gare du Futuroscope Station
TGV train- Length of trip: 01.42
PATRIMÔNIO MUNDIAL
DA HUMANIDADE
UNESCO
PARIS WITH CHILDREN
With more than 2.000 years of history, Lyon (25) fascinates with its medieval neighbourhood, gastronomy and the hill from where one can admire an amazing view of the city with its real walls ("les trompe-l'oeil") painted throughout the city.
Office du Tourisme et des Congrès du Grand Lyon
Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France
www.lyon-france.com/L-Office-du-Tourisme
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Lyon Part Dieu Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 01.57h
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Strasbourg (26) is a meeting point of two cultures – the German and the French and is considered one of the greatest cities in the world. Its amazing architecture made it known as “the European capital” and “the crossing of Europe” also because of the strategic position.
Office de tourisme de Strasbourg
17 Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Paris Est Station <--> Gare de Strasbourg-Ville Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 02.19h
The medieval city of Pérouges (27) is precious and walking on its small cobble-stoned streets is like travelling back in time. The small village has been the location for several films.
Office de tourisme de Pérouges
Route de la Cité, 01800 Pérouges, France
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Lyon Part Dieu Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 01.57h
Lyon Part Dieu Station <--> Meximieux-Pérouges Station
TER train - Length of trip: 33min
ASSOCIATION OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FRENCH VILLAGES
The charming and small Annecy (28), in the Alps, has been called “the French Venice” and has one of the most transparent lakes in the world.
Office de tourisme de Annecy
1 Rue Jean Jaurès, 74000 Annecy, France
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Gare de Annecy Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 03.40h
PARIS WITH CHILDREN
Surrounded by mountains, at the bottom of the Alps, Grenoble (29) has an interesting cable car, from where you can enjoy wonderful views.
Office de tourisme de Grenoble
R14 Rue de la République, 38000 Grenoble, France
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Gare de Grenoble Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 03.01h
Avignon (30) in the South of France, doesn’t only shelter the colourful and perfumed scents of Provence lands. It has a historical centre surrounded by walls; the Popes’ Palace and the most important festival of French theatre (in July) also attracts tourists every year.
Office de tourisme de Avignon
41 Cours Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon, France
Paris Gare de Lyon Station <--> Avignon Centre Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 03.37h
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
An important wine producer, Bordeaux (31) is also known as “Little Paris” because of its charming surroundings alongside the river.
Office de tourisme de Bordeaux
12 Cours du 30 Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> Bordeaux-St-Jean Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 03.14h
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Mont St Michel (32) is the main attraction in Normandy. The abbey, on the top of the medieval village, former residence of the Benedictine monks, is the climax of the visit. The tide movement will let or not the Mount accessible to visitors.
Office du tourisme de Mont Saint Michel
Boulevard Avancée, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/index.htm
Paris Montparnasse Station <--> Gare de Rennes Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 02.12h
From Rennes to Mont-Saint-Michel - the bus takes approximately 1h.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
London (33) has a cosmopolitan status due to the culture diversity, art, fashion and gastronomy. Ancient buildings stand together with modern skyscrapers in perfect harmony. Strolling along the Thames River, crossing the famous bridges, visiting some monuments, the London Eye and the traditional Buckingham Palace where there is the Change of the Guard of the city, anxiously expected by hundreds of tourists are all delightful outings.
London Tourist information
www.tourist-information-uk.com
Official visit London
Paris Nord Eurostar Station <--> London St. Pancras International Station
EST train - Length of trip: 02. 31 hours
A privileged location in the European map, close to several capitals, Brussels (34) is an important economic centre.
The “Grand Place” and “Manneken Pis” are the greatest highlights. Don’t think it is only this. The constant interest in gastronomy is fully justifiable by the several options offered, such as the diversity of beers, chocolates and waffles that enchant all tastes.
Brussels tourist information
Paris Nord Eurostar Station <--> Bruxelles Midi Station
THA train - Length of trip: 01.27 hours.
From Paris to Amsterdam (35) by train is quite practical. Getting to the main dutch station, the Centraal, the tour can start by tram, bike or even a nice walk. Canals, museums, squares, markets and typical food are only examples of the whole that await for us in this wonderful city.
Tourist office Amsterdam
VVV I amsterdam Visitor Centre Stationspleine
Stationsplein 10, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Holland
Paris Nord Station <--> Amsterdam Centraal Station
THA train - Length of trip: 03.22h
Luxembourg (36) holds pleasant surprises. Its asymmetric topography makes a beautiful setting with squares, medieval buildings, bridges and much green. You should visit it on foot. The tour provided by the centre of tourism of the city is very well accepted among travellers.
Tourist office Luxembourg
68-70, boulevard de la Pétrusse L-2320 Luxembourg
www.visitluxembourg.com/en/contact-us
Paris Est Station <--> Luxembourg Station
TGV train - Length of trip: 02.08 hours.
