Paris is a fantastic city to visit, but it can be hard to decide where to go and what to see. Here are 15 of the best day trips from Paris, including castles, museums, and other attractions!
The best day trips from Paris are the ones you take on a whim. You know, the ones where you’re just so tired of being in the city that you need to get out and see something different? We get it.
But what if there was a way to make those days more intentional? What if there were some kind of guide that would help you plan out your trip so that every day was exactly what you wanted it to be?
That’s why we wrote this article. We’ve got a whole list of 15 great places that are within an easy day trip from Paris, so it’s easy for you to plan out something fun without having to worry about logistics!
Here are our recommended day trips in Paris:
1. Versailles Castle
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous castles in all of Europe. It was the residence of French kings from 1682 until 1789, and it’s still a popular tourist attraction today.
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most iconic sites in France, and it’s just a short trip from Paris. The palace was built in 1682 by Louis XIV, who wanted to create an opulent home for himself and his courtiers that would rival the palaces of other European monarchs.
The grounds are just as impressive as the palace itself, with beautiful gardens and fountains designed by Le Nôtre, who also designed the gardens at Vaux-le-Vicomte. There are several ways to explore Versailles: you can take a guided audio tour or rent an audioguide (the latter costs €5/day); there is also a free app available on iTunes or Google Play if you prefer not to use paper guides.
If you want to see more than just the palace itself and gardens, be sure to visit the Château de Marly nearby—it’s where Louis XIV kept his private menagerie of exotic animals like camels and elephants!
2. The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is a must-see for art lovers. This famous museum has an enormous collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from all over the world. It’s one of the most visited museums in the world because it houses such an incredible variety of art.
The Louvre Museum is located in Paris’ center, near the river Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral. The museum is open every day except Mondays and certain holidays. Tickets cost €16 for adults and €12 for children aged 18 years or younger (children under 6 years old are free). If you want to see everything without waiting in line or shelling out extra money on tickets, then consider buying a ticket combination voucher at the entrance—it will save you time and money!
3. Disneyland Paris (just an hour away)
Disneyland Paris is just an hour away from the heart of Paris.
This magical park is home to many of your favorite Disney characters and attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. There’s a reason it’s been voted Europe’s most popular tourist attraction for over 20 years in a row!
And what better way to get there than with [company name]’s private transfers? With our luxury vehicles and professional drivers, you can relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about anything.
And when you get there, you’ll be met by one of our friendly guides who will help you through the park so that you don’t miss a thing—and they’ll take care of all your tickets so that you don’t have to worry about waiting in line or paying at each attraction.
4. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a must-see while you’re in Paris. The 18th-century chateau was built by Nicolas Fouquet, the superintendent of finances under Louis XIV.
It’s famous for its elaborate gardens, which are considered to be among the most beautiful in France.
It’s one of the best examples of French Baroque architecture, and it’s also one of the most famous examples of that style of architecture.
The château has been featured in many films and television shows, including Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.
Make sure you visit at least once during your trip!
5. Parc Asterix
Parc Asterix is a theme park based on Asterix comics, which is great for kids who love adventures and action. The park is located in Gosciny-la-Rivière, about an hour from Paris by train.
There are plenty of rides for kids, including one where you shoot arrows at targets as you fly through the air.
The park also has a variety of shows that are fun for both adults and children, including live performances by clowns and acrobats, as well as animal exhibits featuring bears and monkeys. If you’re in need of some snacks or other souvenirs for the kids back home, there are also plenty of shops with games and toys in Parc Asterix.
6. House of Claude Mone
If you’re looking for a day trip from Paris, consider heading to the House of Claude Mone. It’s a beautiful home that was built in the 17th century, and it’s located near the town of Blois in France.
It features stunning architecture, including a stone portal with carved figures and an ornate interior.
The grounds are also beautiful and feature a garden with fountains and statues. If you have time, you can also visit the Orangery of Blois, which is on-site at the House of Claude Mone.
The best way to get to House of Claude Mone is by car or bus; however, if you don’t have either option available to you then it might be best to take a taxi or shuttle service instead since there isn’t much public transportation nearby this area.
7. Palace of Fontainebleau
The Palace of Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage site that can be reached in less than an hour by train from Paris. It was built as a hunting lodge in the early 16th century and later became home to French monarchs.
The palace has been called “one of France’s most magnificent historical monuments” and is full of opulent art and architecture and even has a rose garden!
When you get there, you can tour the palace and visit the gardens, or take a boat ride on one of the lakes that surround it. For a more immersive experience, book a room at Le Grand Hotel or Le Petit Hotel de France—they’re both within walking distance from both the palace and each other!
8. Saint-Germain-en-Laye Castle
Located just outside of Paris, this castle is a medieval wonderland. It was built by Louis XIII in 1624 and has been preserved since then by the same family.
The castle was destroyed during the French Revolution but was rebuilt during the 19th century and opened to visitors in 1877.
Today it houses a museum that focuses on Medieval history and art from that period.
The castle is open year-round and offers guided tours as well as self-guided tours. You’ll see gardens, fountains, and other amazing architectural details throughout this beautiful place.
9. Fontainebleau Forest (a great place for hiking or cycling!)
Located sixty kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Paris, the forest of Fontainebleau is a mixed deciduous wood that covers an area of approximately seventy-one square kilometers.
It’s also known for its beautiful scenery and the abundance of wildlife that you’ll find there. You can go horseback riding, or go for a hike on one of the many trails.
10. Parc Floral de Paris in Vincennes Park (with a lovely greenhouse)
Vincennes Park is a beautiful and expansive park that has everything to offer from a zoo and botanical garden to green spaces, lakes, and even an amusement park! You can easily spend the whole day here exploring the grounds and trying out new activities.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, take a stroll through one of the many gardens or relax by one of the lakes.
For those who want to exercise their bodies, there are also many walking trails throughout the park that lead to different attractions within its borders.
The zoo is also worth visiting because it has over 1,000 animals representing more than 250 species from around the world!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! We hope that you found this post helpful. If you are planning a trip to Paris, or if you’re just thinking about it, don’t worry about where to go or what to do—just pack your bags and go! You’ll have a blast no matter what.
