Looking for the perfect escape from Paris? Whether you crave royal palaces, quiet villages, or a glass of champagne among the vines, these day trips from Paris show you how easy it is to explore France beyond the capital. Take a quick train to Versailles for a walk through royal history, or head to Fontainebleau for a peaceful château surrounded by forest. Sip world-class bubbly in Reims, wander the medieval streets of Rouen and Orléans, or admire the stunning cathedral in Chartres. And for something truly magical, visit Giverny, where Monet’s gardens still bloom just as they did in his paintings.
Each of these destinations is just a short train ride from Paris - yet feels like a whole new world. Don't forget to book your tickets on the official train websites.
🚆 Train: 27–30 min from Paris Montparnasse → Versailles-Chantiers (via RER C)
💶 Price: €2.50 one-way (included in Navigo)
⭐ Highlights: The iconic Royal Palace, stunning gardens, and the glittering Hall of Mirrors - a classic royal experience!
🚆 Train: 44–50 min from Paris Gare de Lyon → Fontainebleau-Avon
⭐ Highlights: Elegant château surrounded by forest - peaceful, romantic, and less crowded than Versailles!
🚆 Train: 45–70 min from Paris Gare de l’Est → Reims (via TGV)
💶 Price: €15–35 one-way
⭐ Highlights: Visit the Gothic Cathedral of French kings, tour champagne houses like Moët & Chandon, and taste bubbly straight from the source.
📍 From: Paris Saint-Lazare → Rouen-Rive-Droite
🕒 Time: 1h 15m (direct)
💶 Price: €10–26 one-way
🎯 Why visit: Discover Rouen Cathedral - once the world’s tallest - painted by Monet! Wander the old town’s half-timbered streets, explore Joan of Arc sites, and stroll by the Seine.
📍 From: Paris Austerlitz → Orléans-Centre
🕒 Time: 1h05–1h30
💶 Price: €10–23 one-way
🎯 Why visit: Medieval streets, Joan of Arc heritage, and riverside cafés. A perfect base for Loire Valley château-hopping!
🚆 Train: Paris Montparnasse → Chartres
🕒 Time: 1h–1h15
💶 Price: €10–15
🎯 Why go: Home to the breathtaking Chartres Cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic architecture - plus cobbled medieval lanes and cozy cafés.
🚆 Train: Paris Saint-Lazare → Vernon-Giverny
🕒 Time: 1h
💶 Price: €9–12
🎯 Why go: Visit Monet’s House & Gardens — see the lily ponds and flowers that inspired Impressionism, and stroll through this charming countryside haven.
🚆 Train: Paris → Troyes (from Gare de l’Est)
🕒 Time: 1h22-1h40
💶 Price: €11-34
🎯 Why go: Fairytale-like medieval town with half-timbered houses, colorful streets, and great outlet shopping - easy, relaxed day-trip feel.
🚆 Train: Paris → Metz (from Gare de l’Est)
🕒 Time: 1h26-1h37 (TGV)
💶 Price: €19-87
🎯 Why go: Elegant mix of Gothic and modern - visit Metz Cathedral’s grand stained glass, stroll Place Saint-Louis, and see the striking Centre Pompidou-Metz museum.
💶 Price: €2,50 (included in Navigo)
🎯 Why go: UNESCO medieval town with ramparts & towers. Medieval shows and historic ambiance.
🎯 Why go: One of the first Gothic cathedrals in France. Peaceful old town & gardens. Authentic Burgundy charm.
RAPT, Paris Region tickets (Navigo card), regular ticket price €2,5 SNCF - Train tickets
