Secret Spots: Best Day Trips From Paris For A Perfect Day Out

28 June 2024

Paris, the captivating City of Light, can be both a destination and an excellent base for exploring its surroundings. On the one hand, the French capital boasts iconic landmarks and world-renowned attractions, and on the other, it is a perfect starting point for travelers who want to go beyond city boundaries. Day trips from Paris offer an exciting opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes, rich history, and charming towns beyond the bustling metropolis.

Whatever your interests, be they history, nature, or culture-based interests, Paris day trips cater to all of these. Paris day trips offer immersion into real French countryside life, tasting local cuisine and getting acquainted with its rich heritage. 

As you plan your Paris vacation with Travelodeal, consider including some thrilling day trips from Paris that will make your French vacation truly unforgettable.

Giverny

Giverny is located just 45 miles northwest of Paris. It is a destination to be visited for individuals who are passionate about art and those who enjoy natural beauty. It is known that Giverny was where the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and drew his inspiration from. It is also one of the most popular Paris day trips as it presents a chance to escape from urban hustles and engage with peacefulness’ which inspired some of Monet’s iconic works.

When planning on visiting Paris, consider including Giverny in your list of day trips from Paris. Monet’s house and gardens are the most notable tourist attractions and have been meticulously restored over several decades. Among compelling features are gardens full of flowers blooming throughout different seasons and a water garden with a Japanese bridge and water lilies made prominent by Monet in his paintings.

Palace of Versailles

When it comes to day trips from Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a must-visit. Standing only 12 miles southwest of France’s capital, this magnificent mansion is one of the top places to visit on your Paris day trips. Many people come here to feel the breathtaking architecture, observe opulent interiors, and stroll over vast gardens representing the highest levels of French baroque style.

Within the palace are various parts that make up highlights of Versailles, like the Hall of Mirrors, among others. Just outside are royal gardens, all manicured perfectly, sprawling over two thousand acres, consisting of complicated fountains and sculptures designed symmetrically.

Packaged vacations to Paris through Travelodeal often include guided tours at Versailles for an immersive experience. We recommend you visit Versailles – It’s a must-see destination among other day trips from Paris if you are interested in history, art, or natural beauty.

Lyon

While planning day trips from Paris, most tourists forget about Lyon, one of the best-kept secrets that should be included in your schedule. It blends history, culture, and good eating to offer a perfect combination. By its culinary arts excellence alone, this city is globally recognized as the home of modern French cuisine. The second reason for visiting this town while on a vacation to Paris, France, is its great culinary tradition.

Furthermore, besides being noted for the food industry, Lyon has an interesting past as one of the biggest silk centers during the Renaissance period. This heritage is seen through the city’s remarkable architecture, especially in Vieux Lyon, which stands in the old Lyon district and has been well preserved over many years.

Regarding those interested in day trips from Paris, Lyon, having been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, shows its significance in terms of its historical and cultural background. Notably, the stunning Fourvière Basilica atop the city hill and the Roman amphitheater sets Lyon apart with its unique charm and deep-rooted traditions, making your French adventure memorable while planning places to visit in Paris.

Strasbourg

A fascinating city in the Alsace region of France, Strasbourg is one of the best day trips from Paris. It is located just over two hours by fast train and remains one of the most liked Paris day trips, offering a mixture of French and German cultures. Rich history, beautiful architecture, and being home to European institutions have made Strasbourg famous.

One of the city’s major landmarks is the Gothic cathedral, which dominates the skyline as the epitome of a medieval architectural masterpiece. La Petite France district is ideal for anyone who loves lovely cityscapes. With well-preserved half-timbered houses, pretty canals, and so on, this picturesque neighborhood offers glimpses into its medieval past.

The character of Strasbourg is unique because it lies at the crossroads where German and French influences meet, manifested through food, building designs, and dialect. So far, even among those attractions that bring out an alluring side of France, Strasbourg is one of the best Paris day trips due to its rich historical heritage coupled with cultural enrichment via cuisine.

Étretat

Étretat can be considered a jewel along the Normandy coast, making it a good option for day trips from Paris. A few hours from Paris, it will serve as a great escape from urban commotion. Étretat is known for its dramatic white cliffs made purely from chalk and natural arches; therefore, nature lovers, especially photographers, shouldn’t miss going there.

It’s a famous coastline features three magnificent arches and one needle-shaped rock formation called L’Aiguille. Étretat also offers stunning coastal hiking trails with breathtaking views of the English Channel and its surrounding landscapes. This town is a charming seaside resort where you can relax after a day of wandering around.

For anyone planning Paris day trips, Étretat should not be left out as it will allow you to see another beautiful side of France besides Paris. Many packages for your Paris vacation with Travelodeal include opportunities for excursions to Étretat, enabling you to include this coastal marvel in your Paris itinerary.

In terms of adventure, natural beauty, or serene hideaways, other Paris day trips pale compared to Etretat, which stands apart.

London

London remains one of those thrilling Paris day trips worth taking. London is one of the popular Paris day trips because the Eurostar train moves at high speed, facilitating easy travel between the two cities. This transportation option is very efficient and allows travelers to make the most of their time sampling both sides.

The city has become globally recognized owing to its history, cultural diversity, and well-known landmarks worldwide. The British attractions, such as the prominent Big Ben and royal Buckingham Palace, together with the breathtaking Thames River – represent the quintessence of British heritage.

If you want to extend your stay, Travelodeal offers vacation packages, including a London Paris multi-center holiday guide. Consequently, tourists visiting London as day trips from Paris are guaranteed a lifetime experience and unforgettable memories.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a gem in the French wine industry, and it attracts wine lovers as well as those who have an interest in history. Many people think about day trips from Paris to Bordeaux to explore this famous wine region in France. Bordeaux is well-known for its world-class wines, amazing architecture, and deep cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of Bordeaux is wine tours and visiting vineyards. There are remarkable attractions such as the magnificent Place de la Bourse with its iconic water mirror or La Cité du Vin – a contemporary museum dedicated to everything related to wine. A walk along the Garonne River reveals breathtaking views and takes back into the century past when Bordeaux was primarily a maritime city. For those who like day trips from Paris, Bordeaux is an ideal place away from the hustling capital city.

Day trips from Paris to this wine lover’s paradise have a perfect blend of food, history, and natural beauty that go well with the Parisian experience.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and an ideal location for day trips from Paris. It is just a few hours away by train and a delightful place that mixes culture, history, and great cuisine. Brussels remains an outstanding choice for any tourist looking for Paris day trips due to its unique attractions and European charm.

Brussels has gained popularity because of its amazing chocolates and world-class beers, and it is the headquarters of the EU. The Grand Place in Brussels is one perfect example of a site that demonstrates Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. It is surrounded by guild halls, including the impressive Town Hall.

Whenever people plan their day trips from Paris, they think about sightseeing, food, or European ambiance, making Brussels top the list. Paris day trips to Brussels allow one to experience its essence in a day.

Fontainebleau

Visiting Fontainebleau is one of the best day trips from Paris, packed with history, stunning architecture, and beautiful nature. It is located 35 miles southeast of the capital city of France, among other Paris day trips, and it is one of the best day trips in Paris for both locals and international travelers alike. It is home to a magnificent castle and expansive forest, an ideal escape from the city’s hustle.

The main attraction here is the Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its French Renaissance architecture. Beyond the château lies the Forest of Fontainebleau, which offers all outdoor adventurers an excellent playground. This huge woodland provides fantastic opportunities for hiking trails, rock climbing areas, and horse rides.

Turning Fontainebleau into your Paris day trip itinerary makes sense because this city’s surroundings are so lovely. Travelodeal will help you plan your next vacation to Paris, with Fontainebleau in its packages, which embodies royalty and incredible geography.

Château de Chantilly

Château de Chantilly is one of the most popular day trips from Paris to be included in your Paris Travel Guide without fail because it represents the magnificence of French aristocracy. It is located 25 miles north of the capital city, allowing you to live in history, art, and equestrian culture.

One reason to visit Chantilly is its great art collection, which comes second to the Louvre in France.  The Living Museum of the Horse depicts what Chantilly stands for – horse heritage. This unique place helps visitors understand how people have always been connected with horses on this planet. And do not miss out on the Great Stables, a work of art constructed within the castle.

No trip to Chantilly would be complete without tasting Chantilly cream, a local delicacy named after the town. (whipped cream was first produced here in the 17th century, thus adding extravagance to every vacation in Paris)

Its close proximity to Paris means that people seeking day trips from Paris can have a worthwhile experience exploring beyond the main landmark of France’s legacy.

Mont Saint-Michel

This day trip to Mont St Michel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is very popular among tourists who want to experience what medieval France looked like. This famous tidal island off the coast of Normandy has a beautiful Gothic abbey and well-preserved medieval buildings. As one of the must-do day trips from Paris, millions of people visit Mont Saint-Michel annually.

The jewel in its crown remains its abbey placed at the peak of a rocky outcrop. This architectural masterpiece speaks volumes about the ingenuity of medieval builders. One interesting thing about Mont Saint-Michel is how it relates to the water around it. Every day, the water gets high, creating high tides every 12 hours, making it look stunning. The high tides cause the causeway to go under waves.

Mont Saint-Michel provides a good mixture of history, spirituality, and natural beauty for those taking Paris day trips. Although you can visit Mont Saint-Michel within a full day, many visitors choose to stay overnight to enjoy the serene atmosphere left after a touristy day- trippers are gone back home.

Those looking for extensive adventures can book Paris vacation packages with Travelodeal, which includes guided tours to this part of Normandy. The visitors can learn more about the rich historical heritage associated with the area. Above all, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most romantic and inspirational Paris day trips.

Champagne Region

The Champagne region, located close to the capital, has been named after a drink called champagne. Therefore, when you visit it, you will see several remarkable places, including Reims and Épernay, among the popular day trips from Paris.

Reims is home to famous champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger, where visitors can tour extensive underground cellars holding wine bottles and get some briefing on how they make champagnes. Epernay has many luxurious mansions that serve as premises for leading producers of sparkling wine worldwide. 

On top of that, vineyard excursions around these neighboring areas give insight into grape farming plus harvests. Visitors can avail detailed information about such practices through guided visits. These trips would benefit any wine lover who is unsatisfied with other basic day trips from Paris.

The champagne region makes one of the richest Paris day trips, thanks to its combination of natural attractiveness, good food, and cultural relevance.

Day trips from Paris are an ideal way to diversify your French experience. These outings are a mix of history, culture, and the beauty of nature that compliments your stay in Paris.  These lovely one day trips from Paris will enable you to explore France in its multiple dimensions, from beautiful landscapes to historic sites.

Contact Travelodeal for all-inclusive Paris vacations from the USA if you want an unforgettable vacation with no worries while exploring the best places in Paris. They can assist in crafting a perfect Paris itinerary that lets you dive deep into the Parisian atmosphere and its suburbs.

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