22 Best Day Trips From Paris Within 3 Hours (+ Day Tours!)

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Are you looking for the best day trips from Paris for an upcoming trip? This guide is here to help!

Are you planning your trip to Paris last minute?

Be sure to book your accommodation and tours in Paris ahead of time to ensure availability!

🇫🇷  Most popular day tours from Paris:

  1. Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch (my top pick!)
  2. Giverny Day Trip from Paris (see Monet’s Garden!)
  3. Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour (a Paris day tour favorite)
  4. Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris (extraordinary UNESCO site)

🛌  Top lodging options in Paris (all budgets!):

  1. Ibis Hotel in Clichy (Budget – I stayed here and recommend it)
  2. Tilsitt Etoile (Mid)
  3. La Maison Favart (Luxury option)

🚗  Looking for the best way to get around Paris (and nearby)? Click here to check rental car rates for France!

From Paris day trips to Champagne country to a longer one in Normandy, this guide has an array of unique trips to plan!

Paris is a great base for several places – including a few wine regions, small villages, and even Disneyland Paris!

Best day trips from Paris
Best day trips from Paris

Did we miss any amazing day tours from Paris? Let us know your favorites in the comments!

Which Paris Day Tour is Best for You?

Looking for the best Paris day tours that will get you to some of these amazing destinations listed in this guide? Here are some of our thoughts:

All of these tours offer English options and will take you from Paris to the given destination/attraction! If you are looking to score the best deal on a Paris day trip, you can check current deals here!

Best Day Trips From Paris

1. Versailles

Distance from Paris: 41.4 km (1 hour, 8 minutes)
➡️ CHECK DAY TOUR OPTIONS

Versailles was a new town created by the decree of King Louis XIV and for a century functioned as the center of French political power.

There are numerous areas on the grounds of the palace to see: the main palace, the gardens, the Queen’s Hamlet, and the Trianon Estate.

Prepare to spend at least 2 to 3 hours in the main palace alone, as there are over 2,300 rooms, with one more grandiose than the other!

Some of the room highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Chapel, the King’s Apartments and Royal Bedchamber, and Marie Antoinette’s bedrooms.

Versailles is one of the most popular Paris day trips
Versailles is one of the most popular Paris day trips

The gardens expand over 8 square kilometers and are filled with a vast variety of statues –  especially of classical and mythological figures, numerous ornate fountains, and the Grand Canal, which is a mile-long body of water.

The gardens are illuminated and enhanced with classical music on certain nights with the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens.

The Trianon Estate consists of two smaller châteaus, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet is a small French Village.

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles

>> Click here to check Versailles tour rates and availability

2. Giverny

Distance from Paris: 75.8 km (1 hour, 29 minutes)
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In Normandy, you can find the picturesque village where Claude Monet decided to live the rest of his life in.

Giverny is home to the master of impressionism, where Monet’s famous home and gardens of water lilies are maintained at the Fondation Claude Monet Museum.

It showcases Japanese bridges, impressionist furniture, and a medley of vibrant flowers accentuating the lush green vines and leaves hugging both the house and the enclosing gardens throughout.

The Musée des Impressionism promotes the Impressionist Movement and highlights the works of locals from Giverny and the Seine River Valley.

Giverny is where you can see Monet's beautiful garden
Giverny is where you can see Monet’s beautiful garden

Learn about the history of both impressionism and post-impressionism and more about Monet’s impact on the style.

During the time of Monet, other artists would frequent Giverny to get close to the artist, and the Ancien Hôtel Baudy is notable for being their preferred stop.

Today, it functions as a café and restaurant. The 16th-century Church of Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny is where the Monet family is buried.

Claude’s white marble tombstone in particular is at the front with a cross.

>> Click here to check Giverny tour rates and availability

3. Normandy

Distance from Paris: 222.5 km (3 hours)
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Normandy is the northernmost region of France with an abundance of historical attractions and stunning natural sights to add to your itinerary.

Perhaps the most monumental attraction to visit would be the tidal island and pilgrimage center of Mont Saint-Michel, an abbey 100 meters above the bay.

The capital of the Normandy region is Rouen, a port city on the Seine River notable for its preserved picturesque architecture from the medieval period.

Its signature French cobblestoned streets lead to numerous Gothic churches, such as Saint-Ouen, Saint-Maclou, and the emblematic Cathédrale Notre-Dame.

Normandy
Normandy

One of the main attractions of the city includes the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses a variety of European masterpieces.

Fécamp is a popular seaside resort, primarily for the affluent, and is located on the Côte d’Albâtre. Its main attractions include the massive 12th-century Sainte-Trinité and Notre-Dame-du-Salut.

Honfleur is another historic seafaring port with the charming medieval architecture of half-timbered houses.

It has three museums to look out for: the Musée de la Marine, the Musée Eugène Boudin, and the Musée Eugène Boudin.

>> Click here to check Normandy tour rates and availability

4. Mont Saint-Michel

Distance from Paris: 356 km (4 hours, 10 minutes)
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Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the best day trips from Paris as you will get to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located on a tidal island in Normandy that is often considered one of the most photogenic places in the world!

Founded in the 8th century, this beautiful site was once a pilgrimage place dedicated to Archangel Michael. Today, it receives over 3 million visitors annually and can be accessed by a causeway.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a long day trip from Paris (but worth it!)
Mont-Saint-Michel is a long day trip from Paris (but worth it!)

This causeway is covered at high tide but revealed at low tide, which makes the location all that more intriguing!

When visiting, you can take a tour there that will guide you to the medieval village at the base, souvenir shops, and on-site museum. 

>> Click here to check Mont-Saint-Michel tour rates and availability

5. Champagne Region

Distance from Paris: 145.7 km (2 hours, 12 minutes)
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Visit the birthplace of Champagne in northern France’s Champagne region.

From visiting cellars and wineries to marveling at the numerous hillsides, there are an abundance of things to do and places to see on your Champagne itinerary.

Start your wandering near the massive the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, which was the place of coronation for many French kings.

There are thousands of statues ornamented on the facade of the old Gothic church.

While in Reims, explore the fascinating Gallo-Roman cultural heritage at the Mars Gate, the archbishop’s Palace of Tau, the Byzantine basilica Sainte-Clotilde, and of course, the many champagne houses– each with its own unique selection of grapes and vintages!

France's Champagne region
France’s Champagne region

Another iconic town in Champagne to visit is Troyes, known for its well-preserved 16th-century medieval old town featuring vibrant, half-timbered houses aligned on the narrow, cobbled streets.

It has numerous Gothic churches: the Troyes Cathedral, the Basilique Saint-Urbain, and the Église Sainte-Madeleine.

Visit the largest fortified castle in Europe at the Château de Sedan, with walls towering 7 meters high and an estate with seven floors. 

Be sure to also make a stop in gorgeous Epernay if you’re visiting independently!

>> Click here to check Champagne tour rates and availability

6. Loire Valley

Distance from Paris: 213.6 km (2 hours, 31 minutes)
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Europe’s longest river extends 1,006 kilometers throughout France and flows past 22 castles.

The Loire Valley is 280 kilometers of gorgeous landscapes highlighted by stunning, historical architecture.

The most notable castle in the valley is the Chambord. It was a hunting palace of Francis with a forest expanding 5,000 hectares around it and holding a rich collection of art.

The rest of the castles, most of which were built during the Renaissance, are all majestic and significant in their own ways: The Château de Chenonceau traverses over the River Cher and was a favorite of many noble ladies.

Loire Valley
Loire Valley

Le Château Royal d’Amboise and Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived as the artist-in-residence and was buried.

The 16th-century Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is unique for being entirely made of tufa stone and is situated on an island in the middle of the River Indre.

Château de Villandry is a 16th-century castle renowned for its decorative gardens of flowers and green maze.

The Château Royal de Blois is fully furnished and decorated and houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

>> Click here to check Loire Valley day trip rates and availability

7. Château de Pierrefonds

Distance from Paris: 98.4 km (1 hour, 49 minutes)
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In the region of Picardy, France at the southeast edge of the Forest of Compiègne is Château de Pierrefonds in a town of the same name.

The castle was constructed in the late 14th century by decree of Duke Louis of Orléans as means of surveillance against rivals.

Over the course of its existence, it fell into the hands of numerous nobles until it became nothing but ruins for two centuries.

Fortunately, Napoleon’s value of art and history lead to the purchase of the property and its restoration of it under the direction of famous architect Viollet-le-Duc.

Château de Pierrefonds
Château de Pierrefonds

Today, the castle serves as a national museum, whilst depicting Medieval architecture attributed with both effective and decorative defensive military characteristics.

There are eight towers embellished with sculptures of eight heroic knights and kings from history.

The main courtyard combines Medieval and Renaissance styles with salamander motifs attributed to the Duke, and the colorful Reception Room with bees and eagles for the Napoleons.

The Worthies Room has imperial blue walls with frescoes and the Guard Room is kept simple. The Chateau can be found at Rue Viollet le Duc, 60350 Pierrefonds.

>> Click here to check entrance ticket rates and availability

8. Fontainebleau

Distance from Paris: 69.5 km (1 hour, 25 minutes)
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Fontainebleau is a town with the notable Chateau de Fontainebleau and the Forest of Fontainebleau.

The Chateau dates back to the 12th century but was completely renovated in the French Renaissance style by Francois I in the 16th century.

He intentionally incorporated Roman and Italian Renaissance styles and motifs into the architecture and appointed prominent Renaissance artists to do so, such as Gilles Le Breton and Sebastiano Serlio.

Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau

The interior has a multitude of charming features to exhibit, and some of the most principal rooms include the Francois I Gallery, which is entirely decorated in Renaissance style; the royal apartments; the apartments of the Queen mothers with elegantly embroidered bedrooms and salons; the theater; the large apartments and museum of Napoleon I and Josephine; Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir; the Pope’s apartment, the horseshoe staircase; the Minister’s Wing; and the Trinity Chapel.

The chateau’s garden showcases a classic Renaissance garden with vibrant and decorative flower beds and planting arrangements wrapped around lakes.

The forest surrounding the castle has scenic trails along the countryside featuring granite boulders.

>> Click here to check Fontainebleau tour rates and availability

9. Deauville

Distance from Paris: 200.6 km (2 hours, 39 minutes)
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France’s Normandy region has a popular, upscale seaside resort called Deauville that’s been a national favorite since the 19th century.

It is situated on the Côte Fleurie and has wide, sandy beaches highlighted by the iconic Les Planches, a picturesque boardwalk with bathing cabins facing the sea, in addition to bars and restaurants.

Popular attractions in the France town include the golf courses, like the Golf Barrière de Deauville, Golf Barrière de Deauville, Golf De Deauville Saint-Gatien, and Hôtel Barrière L’Hôtel du Golf Deauville; the Casino Barrière Deauville; the horse racing culture, which can be observed or experienced at the Deauville-La Touques Racecourse, France Galop, and Clairefontaine racecourse; and the American Film Festival, a popular annual event dedicated to American films.

Cliffs near Deauville
Cliffs near Deauville in Normandy

The Les Franciscaines is a museum of old architecture that hosts exhibitions, workshops, and functions as a museum.

The Villa Strassburger is a historic and picturesque building often used as an event venue.

The Église Saint-Augustin de Deauville stands proudly over the city with its stunning stained glass windows and mixed Romanesque and Gothic style architecture.

>> Click here to check Deauville tour rates and availability

10. Abbaye de Royaumont 

Distance from Paris: 52.7 km (1 hour, 12 minutes)

The Cistercian abbey was created nearly 800 years ago and was influential during the Middle Ages.

During the French Revolution, the church was dismantled and turned into a village for workers of the textile factory, in which the abbey was converted to.

For a century, this was the sad fate of the abbey until nuns from the Sainte-Famille de Bordeaux took it upon themselves to restore it to its honor.

They restored the architecture to its neo-Gothic style in addition to restoring the religious order.

Abbaye de Royaumont - Jacky D - Shutterstock
Abbaye de Royaumont – Jacky D – Shutterstock

Then, in 1905, Jules Goüin, the president of the Société de Construction des Batignolles, acquired the abbey and his lineage eventually instilled the protection of the Royaumont Foundation over the abbey.

Now, people are able to visit and experience and learn the layers of history that the abbey has lived through whilst enjoying its current state.

With ponds, streams, and canals, the scenic grounds and vegetable allotments are highlighted against the reflections of the water, and the building complex and sculptures have more beauty to explore on the inside!

Address: 95270 Asnières-sur-Oise

11. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Distance from Paris: 63.4 km (1 hour, 16 minutes)
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Located in Maincy is the French Baroque Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The chateau maintains a near-perfect preservation in its interior, completely furnished with opulent decorations and ornaments.

The central dome grants a panoramic 360° view of both the stunning gardens and the entire chateau. The gardens are exactly as how they were originally prepared in the 17th century.

Fountains and flower beds are decorated on 40 hectares, and the layout of this garden actually led to the inspiration behind Versailles’ garden.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Unlike other chateaus, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has unique dining opportunities, with three different types of restaurants located on the estate: the Songe de Vaux, which is casual and excellent for drinks and appetizers; the Relais de l’Écureuil, which is great for families; and the Les Charmilles, which is suitable for fine dining.

You can also enjoy free access to the castle grounds and gardens and bring your own food for a picnic.

There is also a carriage museum on display, where the family’s hand-crafted carriages are showcased. The chateau is open until midnight!

>> Click here to check day tour rates and availability

12. Chartres

Distance from Paris: 91.2 km (1 hour, 29 minutes)

On the way to the Loire Valley, just an hour south of Paris is Chartes. If you’re visiting Paris in winter, this is also a great place to add to your itinerary!

It is the ideal day trip and is also a great day excursion for those visiting Paris as a solo traveler because it is smaller and offers a quiet alternative to the French capital!

The Eure River elegantly cuts through the village showcasing both ancient and contemporary architecture.

Its tremendous Cathédrale Notre-Dame is the star of the show, however, and the tourism to see it actually drives the economy of the locals.

Chartres
Chartres

The Gothic cathedral was completed in the early 13th century and is notable for its two contrasting and towering spires in its west end, three great facades decorated with Romanesque sculptures, and large flying buttresses supporting the upper walls that enabled the expansion of the cathedral’s window sizes.

In the center of the nave is the signature Gothic pavement labyrinth, to the side is the high ornamental choir wall stone screen with detailed embellishments and statues, the High Altar is decorated in precious stones and metals with an elegant marble statue, the three large, elaborate rose windows highlight the interior’s blue-tinted stained glass.

The old gate entrance of the town directs you along scenic views of the traditional architecture on the riverbanks.

13. Disneyland Paris

Distance from Paris: 43.6 km (56 minutes)
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Just a bit more than 30 kilometers to the east of Paris is Disneyland.

Slightly more magical than the other castles in France, the Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant stands as the emblem of this particular park, and underneath the castle, you can find Maleficent, the life-sized dragon from the famous story of Sleeping Beauty.

Meet your favorite princesses whilst dining at the Auberge de Cendrillon – it is a must for anyone spending one day at Disneyland Paris.

At Walt Disney Studios Park, you’ll encounter characters from other franchises, such as the Marvel Avengers, particularly at the Hero Training Center in the Marvel Avengers Campus.

At Fantasyland or the Production Courtyard, you’ll encounter classic characters like Micky and Minnie Mouse!

Disneyland Paris - Ferreiro - Shutterstock
Disneyland Paris – Ferreiro – Shutterstock

Catch a Disney Stars on Parade, where there will be music, dancing, and other popular characters, like Elsa, Simba, and Woody, on their own floats.

Enjoy the classic thrills of Disney at Big Thunder Mountain and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, or head over to the Twilight Zone for the Tower of Terror.

Every night, a light show illuminates the park with iconic scenes from favorite Disney movies.

Address: Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray.

>> Click here to check Disneyland ticket rates and availability

14. Chablis

Distance from Paris: 186.4 km (2 hours, 23 minutes)
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Chablis is a renowned wine region in France and also has a town of the same name. It is easily one of the best French weekend getaways for wine lovers!

It’s one of the smallest wine districts in the country and is surrounded entirely by vineyards of Chardonnay grapes within a radius of 5 kilometers.

Chablis wine is the only wine from Chablis and it is divided into four areas: Chablis, Petit Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru, and Chablis Premier Cru.

The most expensive and valuable wine out of the four regions comes from Chablis Grand Cru. The wine is notable for its perfect combination with fish– especially shellfish– and is very dry.

Chablis in autumn
Chablis in autumn

Take a wine tour at one or more of the dozen wineries in Chablis, such as Albert Bichot, Vincent Dauvissat Earl, Domaine Jean Collet et Fils, and Domaine de la Meulière.

Enjoy the picturesque scenery of the combed land of vineyards with a walk or bike ride. There are electric bike wine tours in Chablis you can look into!

Take a leisurely stroll through the winding streets of the medieval town and enjoy the sights of the small shops, boutiques, and hotels.

>> Click here to check winery tour rates and availability

15. Gâtinais Français Natural Regional Park

Distance from Paris: 62.8 km (1 hour, 9 minutes)

Gâtinais Français Natural Regional Park expands over 63,560 hectares of land and is renowned for its variety of contrasting landscapes.

You’ll find just about everything from valleys, rivers, glades, wood forests, sandstone, and blockfields.

The sandstone is characteristic of the dozens of villages connected by the regional park, and you’ll find an abundance of cresson and peppermint due to the sandy soil.

Explore the biodiversity of the natural regional park at the Conservatoire National des Plantes à Parfum and Médicinales et Aromatiques de Milly-la-Forêt.

Gâtinais Français Natural Regional Park
Gâtinais Français Natural Regional Park

There are dozens of trails to choose from, each with its own ideal outdoor activities, including mountain biking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, and even archery.

Some of the best trails include the Forêt des Grands Avaux, the Dame Jouanne – Le Maunoury – Mont Simonet trail, and the Massif de la Dame Jouanne.

Throughout some of the trails, you’ll have chances to stop by the villages and taste the local delicacies and gastronomic specialties, some of which include the Gâtinais honey and Milly-la-Forêt peppermint.

There are also water activities at the rivers.

Address: 20 Bd du Maréchal Lyautey, 91490 Milly-la-Forêt

16. Senlis

Distance from Paris: 51.5 km (1 hour, 7 minutes)

For an authentic medieval French experience, wander through the narrow, cobblestoned alleyways of Senlis and discover the home of the earliest French royal dynasties.

It is renowned for its 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis, an imposing Gothic cathedral of massive proportions with impressive and elaborate artwork.

Its tower overlooks the town at 78 meters high. There is also the Eglise Saint-Pierre, another impressive church of great beauty.

Senlis
Senlis

Facing the cathedral from the opposite end are ancient castle ruins that are now transformed into a public garden for locals to enjoy.

The Arena of Senlis is a first-century amphitheater that is free to visit, as well. The cozy town actually has a few museums to offer to history enthusiasts: the Museum of Spahis, the Museum of Art and Archaeology, and the Musée de la Vénerie.

The medieval cellar La Cachot has historical tours that will take you back in time, and even has Medieval-themed evenings and dinners!

For local cuisine, the town is famous for its use of endives and beets and its orange chocolate.

17. Château de Chantilly

Distance from Paris: 48.1 km (1 hour, 10 minutes)
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The amount of art within the Château de Chantilly will make you forget you’re there to see the castle!

This is thanks to Henri d’Orléans, a passionate collector that showcased the abundance of masterpieces and valuable manuscripts in the castle.

The Art Galleries in the Chateau are the second largest in France after the Louvre Museum. Its museography has been maintained since the 19th century, and the art galleries collectively are called the Musée Condé.

The Rotunda room is in the center of the Condé Museum and holds prominent paintings such as The Madonna of Loreto by Raphael and The Massacre of the Innocents.

Chateau de Chantilly
Chateau de Chantilly

Other art galleries include The Santuario Room, The Tribune, The Clouet Room, The Giotto Room, The Psyche Gallery, and Stag Gallery.

Take a walk through the three historic gardens: André Le Nôtre’s formal French garden, the Anglo-Chinese garden, and the English garden.

Then, head over to the Great Stables and catch an Equestrian Show of costumed figures, or perhaps take a curious stroll through the Museum of the Horse.

Address: 60500 Chantilly

>> Click here to check skip-the-line ticket rates and availability

18. Provins

Distance from Paris: 87.9 km (1 hour, 31 minutes)

Provins is a historic town full of well-preserved medieval architecture at every corner. Just taking a walk through the town’s cobbled alleyway for a journey back in time.

Tour Cesar is the 12th-century medieval tower seen from anywhere within the town. You can enter and climb the steps to the top for free for a view over Provins.

Learn about the town’s history at the Musée de Provins et du Provinois. Walk past other quaint medieval sights, such as the Grange aux Dîmes, or walk along the fortified ramparts of the walls wrapped around the town.

Provins
Provins

There are only two gateways and a few kilometers preserved from its original structure, however, the views are just as enchanting from the top– granting some of the best visuals over Provins in town.

The Les Souterrains de Provins is perhaps the most fascinating attraction, with two sets of tunnels interconnecting a maze of underground paths below the signature cobbled streets.

Attend the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church, a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century, where Joan of Arc attended mass.

19. Auvers-sur-Oise

Distance from Paris: 34.1 km (1 hour, 10 minutes)
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Visit the picturesque village of Auvers-sur-Oise that the prominent artist Vincent van Gogh fell in love with.

Auvers-sur-Oise is the last place van Gogh lived and was a powerful place of inspiration for his creativity, where he completed 80 paintings!

Other prominent artists, such as Camille Pissarro and Paul Cézanne found the village to be important in their artistic venture.

Thus, Auvers-sur-Oise offers an artistic pathway trail for visitors to follow labeled panels through the cultural and historical heritage of the town.

You’ll find yourself standing in the exact same spots as certain artists while they created or brainstormed some of their masterpieces.

Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the best places to visit near Paris
Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the best places to visit near Paris

The Mairie d’Auvers is a great stop along the way, where you can find a private collection of van Gogh’s works.

Otherwise, tour the tiny room of van Gogh at the Auberge Ravoux, where he lived and died.

Walk along the River Oise or through the narrow laneways, passing by the charming shuttered homes decorated with flowers and flower beds.

The église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is also admired in one of van Gogh’s works.

>> Click here to check small group tour rates and availability

20. Laon

Distance from Paris: 143.2 km (2 hours, 9 minutes)

In Picardy, you can explore Laon, a hidden gem with authentic, local culture. The city itself is situated on a massive limestone rock and is enclosed by medieval walls with gateways.

You’ll be sent back in time as you cross the entrance of Porte d’Ardonthe, a 14th-century turreted entrance to the medieval town.

Rue Châtelain is a street you can’t miss in the medieval old town; it is full of signs and is a pedestrian-only area.

You’ll find just about anything on its streets: antique and artisan shops, boutiques, hidden hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Laon
Laon

The Cathédrale Notre Dame de Laon is the emblem of the city and one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in the country, dating back to 1160.

It is notable for its six towers and is a popular stop along numerous pilgrimage routes. Explore the Chapelle des Templiers nearby, dating back to 1180.

Next, head over to the two millennia-old underground passageways and tunnels at Laon Souterrain. Take a stroll through Ruelle des Neufliers for medieval street art and graffiti.

21. Château de Rambouillet 

Distance from Paris: 67.3 km (1 hour, 16 minutes)

Château de Rambouillet has seen numerous owners and refurbishments throughout its time and was an important castle in the First and Second French Empires.

The old fortress combines most prominently wood paneling in the Rococo style and other features in the Romantic, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles.

It has two gardens: a French formal garden that consists of numerous canals and six islands, and a typical English landscaped garden.

Its extensive gardens are surrounded by the Forest of Yvelines and are a popular place for picnics.

Château de Rambouillet
Château de Rambouillet

If visiting the castle, only two rooms are available for tours, the dining room and the Marble Hall, in addition to the gardens, as the structure is still used today for official meetings and purposes.

You will also be granted access to two other buildings on the grounds: the Cottage of Shells, which has fine, inlaid shell and pearl patterns in its interior, and the Queen’s Dairy, with masterpieces and artwork painted by prominent artists of the time ornamenting the interior, which include Pierre Julien’s “Amalthea and the Nymph” group statue.

Address: 78120 Rambouillet

22. Rouen

Distance from Paris: 62.8 km (2 hours, 4 minutes)
➡️ CHECK DAY TOUR OPTIONS

Rouen is a port city on the Seine River and is renowned for its medieval architecture. Its 12th-century Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame is the emblem of the city, with three different towers and life-sized sculptures of notable figures on the inside.

Saint-Ouen and Saint-Maclou are two other impressive Gothic churches at various corners of the city, the former a Benedictine monastic abbey and the latter a model of the Flamboyant style of Gothic architecture.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts was established by Napolean and houses a variety of European masterpieces, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and objets d’art.

There are numerous gardens dispersed around the city, the best being Jardin des Plantes de Rouen which hosts biodiversity from five continents.

Rouen
Rouen

There are numerous Jeanne d’Arc monuments around Rouen, with a multimedia experience available in the Episcopal Palace, a museum dedicated to her.

The vibrant Gros Horloge was built in 1389 and is located just a stone’s throw away from the Palais de Justice. The astronomical clock represents the sun and the 24-hour day division with its rays.

>> Click here to check city tour rates and availability

Where to Stay in Paris

If you’re looking for some of the best places to stay in Paris (for any budget!), here are some recommendations:

Did we miss any of the best day trips from Paris?

Let us know your favorite Paris day trips in the comments. Thanks!

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