{"id":348,"date":"2019-06-03T15:26:57","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T15:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=172192"},"modified":"2019-06-03T15:26:57","modified_gmt":"2019-06-03T15:26:57","slug":"the-10-best-day-trips-from-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/2019\/06\/03\/the-10-best-day-trips-from-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The
\nPosted<\/strong>: 6\/3\/2019 | June 3rd, 2019<\/p>\n

Paris<\/a> is one of my favorite cities in the world for many reasons. Heck, I love it so much that I’m currently living here! <\/p>\n

This city has it all – and it would take a lifetime to really see. Even after a decade of visiting and months living here, I’m still finding new things to see and do! <\/p>\n

And, while the city itself has a million and one sights to visit, there are also some fantastic day trips from Paris that can help you escape the city – and see what else this incredible country has to offer.<\/p>\n

From historic vineyards to medieval castles to cheesy tourist sites, there’s a lot within a short distance from the city.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the best day trips from Paris (at least in my opinion):<\/p>\n

\n

Table of Contents<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The Palace of Versailles<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Ch\u00e2teau de Fontainebleau<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Ch\u00e2teau de Chantilly<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Reims<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. The D-Day Beaches<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Giverny<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Champagne<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Rouen<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Orl\u00e9ans<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Disneyland<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    1. The Palace of Versailles<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"the
    \nFrom its exquisite gardens to its lavish interiors, the Palace of Versailles is truly a sight to be seen. <\/p>\n

    Located just 20km from Paris, it was the primary residence of the kings of France<\/a> for over 100 years, until the French Revolution. Once just a tiny hunting lodge, it was initially transformed into a proper ch\u00e2teau by Louis XIII, who bought up the surrounding land to extend his park and gardens. Eventually, Louis XIV (aka the Sun King) turned this into lavish country estate as a way to escape Paris and diminish the grip of the French nobility. A massive and decadent symbol of royal power, Versailles offers an incredible insight into French history, highlighting the ostentatious lives of the former monarchs.<\/p>\n

    The Palace of Versailles is one of the most-visited attractions in the vicinity of Paris, with over 10 million people swarming the grounds each year. To avoid the worst crowds, try to visit during the week.<\/p>\n

    Place d\u2019Armes, Versailles, +33 1 30 83 78 00, en.ch\u00e2teauversailles.fr. Open Tuesday\u2013Sunday 9am\u20135:30pm, with the last entry at 5pm (closed Mondays). \u201cThe Passport\u201d ticket will give you admission to all the palace tours (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette\u2019s estate), the Musical Fountain Show, the Musical Gardens, and the exhibitions; it costs 27 EUR (for one day) or 30 EUR (for two days). To get there, take the RER Line C to Versailles Chateau or the SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers.<\/em><\/p>\n

    2. Ch\u00e2teau de Fontainebleau<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:La_cour_du_cheval_blanc_(Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Fontainebleau).jpg\"
    \nLocated about 75km from Paris, this is one of the largest royal estates in the country. Built in the 12th century, it was inhabited continuously for over seven centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a national museum. The origins of the palace also date back to a hunting lodge used by the kings of France, with additions being built throughout the years, the most elaborate of which are from the 14th and 15th centuries. <\/p>\n

    Much like Versailles, there are lavish rooms and apartments here, including a grandiose and ornate ballroom, as well as the throne of Napoleon. The ch\u00e2teau was also used as a NATO base of operations after World War II until 1966, when it was restored, gaining UNESCO status in 1981.<\/p>\n

    77300 Fontainebleau, +33 1 60 71 50 70, ch\u00e2teaudefontainebleau.fr. The ch\u00e2teau itself is open 9:30am-5:30pm (to 6pm in the summer). The parks are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Admission is 12 EUR per person, with discounts available. EU residents under 25, as well as any visitors under 18, can take the Grand Apartments tour free of charge. <\/em><\/p>\n

    3. Ch\u00e2teau de Chantilly<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \nThis historic ch\u00e2teau is located just 60 minutes from Paris by car. It was built in 1560 by the Montmorency family, one of France\u2019s noble families. It is surrounded by some 8,000 hectares of forest and has seen numerous additions over the years, including a major restoration after part of it was destroyed in the French Revolution. When the last owner of the ch\u00e2teau died with no sons, it became a public historic site. <\/p>\n

    There are waterfalls and canals around the property, as well as some fountains, flower gardens, and Chinese-style gardens. You\u2019ll also find lots of sculptures outside, making it a great place to relax and go for a stroll.<\/p>\n

    The ch\u00e2teau is also home to the Mus\u00e9e Cond\u00e9, which opened in 1898. It boasts over 1,000 paintings, 1,500 manuscripts, 2,500 drawings, and 30,000 books in the library! <\/p>\n

    60500 Chantilly, +33 3 44 27 31 80, domainedechantilly.com\/fr. Open daily 10am-6pm in the summer and 10:30am-5pm in the winter. Admission is 8 EUR for just the park, 17 EUR for the park and ch\u00e2teau, and 30 EUR for the park, the ch\u00e2teau, and an equestrian show. By car, the journey is just over an hour via the A1 or A3.<\/em><\/p>\n

    4. Reims<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \n\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Centre-Ville,_51100_Reims,_France_-_panoramio_(1).jpg\"
    \nThis small city is located just 140 kilometers from Paris and has played a significant role in French history. Reims grew to prominence during the Roman Empire, and when the Cath\u00e9drale Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims Cathedral) was completed in the 15th century, it became the place where every king of     France<\/a> was crowned (with a few exceptions). Much like Notre-Dame in Paris, this Gothic cathedral boasts two large towers. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. While in town, don\u2019t miss seeing the city\u2019s fortifications; a number of them, including Fort de la Pompelle, saw combat in World War I.<\/p>\n

    You can reach Reims by car via the A4. The journey will take around 95 minutes. There is also a train from Gare de l\u2019Est run by SNCF that takes 50-90 minutes; tickets cost around 30 EUR per person.<\/p>\n

    5. The D-Day Beaches<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"One
    \nOn June 6, 1944, the Allied forces invaded Normandy, in what is known as Operation Overlord. Almost 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel that day. Today, you can visit some of the remaining fortifications and bunkers, as well as several cemeteries and museums.<\/p>\n

    The beaches are located just under three hours from Paris by car, which is the best way to explore the region, as you\u2019ll have more freedom and flexibility with your schedule. If you\u2019d rather not drive, you can book an organized tour from Paris that will take you to the main sites over the course of the day; expect to pay around 150 EUR per person.<\/p>\n

    6. Giverny<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \nThis picturesque village is 80km from Paris and is famous for being the home of renowned painter Claude Monet, the founder of the impressionist movement. On a stroll through the famous gardens, you\u2019ll recognize scenes from some of his most famous works. It\u2019s like walking through art history itself. Be sure to visit Monet\u2019s home as well as the art museum!<\/p>\n

    Many other impressionist artists also moved to Giverny, making it a great day trip for anyone interested in art or art history. <\/p>\n

    The journey to Giverny will take around 80 minutes by car via the A14 and A13. If you don\u2019t have a vehicle, you can take a train to Poissy and then take the bus, but the journey will take almost three hours and cost around 35 EUR per person. <\/p>\n

    7. Champagne<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/myneur\/26987572407\"
    \nThe Champagne region is known for \u2014 you guessed it \u2014 producing champagne. Only wines that come from this region are technically allowed to be called \u201cChampagne,\u201d which makes this the epicenter of all things champagne. Though a long day trip from Paris, it\u2019s possible to tour vineyards and sample the region\u2019s wines in a day. If you don\u2019t have a car, you can take a tour with Walks of Paris, which runs trips to the area. <\/p>\n

    The Champagne region is located east of Paris. You can get there in just over two hours with a car via the A11. The trip can take around where between 1 hour 45 minutes and 4 hours via train; expect to pay 25-50 EUR for a train ticket.<\/p>\n

    8. Rouen<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/zigazou76\/16005253298\"
    \nLike Reims, Rouen has its own gorgeous cathedral. Built in the 11th century, it towers over most of the city (much like Notre-Dame in Paris). Rouen itself is most noteworthy as the place where Joan of Arc was martyred, and you can visit her memorial, not to mention other historic sites (such as Ch\u00e2teau Bouvreuil). <\/p>\n

    Rouen can be reached by car in just under two hours via the A13. Direct trains will take around 90 minutes and cost around 30 EUR per person.<\/p>\n

    9. Orl\u00e9ans <\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"https:\/\/sv.m.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fil:France_Orleans_Cathedrale_Pont_Georges_V_01.JPG\"
    \nThis gorgeous city is located on the Loire River about 2 hours from Paris. You\u2019ll find gorgeous medieval half-timber houses that really give Orl\u00e9ans a traditional European feel. There are tons of medieval buildings still in use, many dating back to the 14th and 15th century. There are some incredible museums here too, including the sobering Mus\u00e9e M\u00e9morial des enfants du Vel d\u2019Hiv, which highlights the deportation of Jews and Roma to concentration camps during World War II and the Joan of Arc museum. <\/p>\n

    Orl\u00e9ans can be reached by car in around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A10 or N20. A direct train will take around the same amount of time and cost around 20 EUR per person.<\/p>\n

    10. Disneyland<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \nSure, this isn\u2019t the most adventurous of travel experiences, but it\u2019s definitely a fun one! Disneyland Paris (45km east of the city) gives you a look at an American experience from a French perspective. Lose yourself in a world that\u2019s not quite American and not quite French \u2014 but all parts that over-the-top Disney goodness that you love. <\/p>\n

    Whether you\u2019re traveling with kids or you just want to just relax and have a touristy good time, Disney offers a great escape from day-to-day Parisian life. Don\u2019t miss the nightly fireworks show over the Sleeping Beauty Castle too \u2014 it\u2019s pretty epic! <\/p>\n

    Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, +33 825 30 05 00, disneylandparis.com. Open Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-9pm. A single-day adult pass for one park will cost around 100 EUR per person, while a three-day adult pass for both parks will cost 215 EUR.<\/em>
    \n

    ***<\/center><\/p>\n

    Whether you\u2019re looking for a relaxing escape, a lesson in history, or a touristy getaway, you\u2019ll be able to find what you\u2019re looking for on a day trip from Paris<\/a>. With so many scenic towns, historic cathedrals, and stunning landscapes to choose from, you\u2019ll be able to have an amazing experience that will round out your time in one of my favorite cities.<\/p>\n