Day Trips from Paris by Train: 12 Awesome Towns Within 2 Hours
Day trips from Paris by train are an awesome way to experience more of France without the hassle of renting a car. I visit Paris every fall to see my family and have taken dozens of train trips over the years. It’s honestly one of my favorite ways to travel. You sit back, eat a ham and butter (yes, butter) sandwich, and watch the French countryside roll by.
The French train system makes it incredibly easy to explore châteaux, medieval towns, and even neighboring countries, all while making it back to Paris in time for a Kir Royale before dinner.
Whether you want to walk through the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, sip champagne where it’s actually made, or stand in front of the water lily pond that inspired Monet’s masterpieces, it’s all an easy train ride away.
I’ll share step-by-step booking instructions, real costs, and exactly how to get around each destination once you arrive.
Day Trips from Paris by Train: Quick Guide
Running short on time? Here’s a quick guide to planning the perfect Paris vacation
My Favorite Day Trips:
- Versailles (#1)
- Vaux-Le-Vicomte (#3)
- Giverny (#4)
- Reims (#8) (for Champagne!)
Where to Stay in Paris:
- Hotel de Londres if you want to be near the Eiffel Tower
- La Chambre du Marais for a trendy, local experience
- Le Meurice for true luxury
What Else to Do in Paris:
- Full guide of my favorite things to do here!
- You should visit the Musée d’Orsay, see Monet’s Lillies at l’Orangerie, or the Louvre (with a skip-the-line ticket)
- Check out the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame
- See Le Crazy Horse Burlesque or a Seine river dinner cruise.
Where to Eat in Paris:
- My 5 favorite restaurants are in this article here, but make a reservation for Bouillon Julien for something classically French and affordable.
- It’s definitely worth making some time for a cooking class or food tour as well!
- Don’t waste your time going to the spots that are famous on Tiktok, just go wherever looks good to you!
Day Trips From Paris By Train: An Interactive Google Map
I lay out all the information on how to get to and from each destination in this article, but I’ve also put together an interactive map for you! Personally, I think it’s helpful to be able to see how far each location is from Paris to make a decision on where to go.
For each destination I’ve marked:
- The train station
- The activities in the town
This will help you get a sense of how walkable it is from the train stop as well. Enter your email below to get a copy sent to you!
Google maps will generally be incredibly helpful for you in general as you plan these day trips from Paris by train. Just type in the name of the site you’re trying to visit, and it’ll show you exactly how to get there.
The 12 Best Day Trips from Paris by Train
No matter which neighborhood you stay in in Paris (I have a guide to my favorites here), it’s pretty easy to get to the major train stations, and then you’re off on a day trip!
My personal favorite day trips from Paris are Versailles (#1), Vaux-Le-Vicomte (#3), Giverny (#4), Reims (#8).
For some of the entry tickets here, you’ll see me recommend Viator or GetYourGuide. You can absolutely book directly on the castle/activity site, but I like that Viator lets me earn rewards I can use on my next activity and both programs have great customer service in English. I do pretty much all of my travel activity bookings this way, but you do you!
Classic Château Escapes
1. The Absolute Must-Do: Versailles
🗺️ Distance: 35-60 minutes depending on your starting point
💰 Cost: €5 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: RER C line from central Paris to Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station. You can use your Paris metro tickets!
🚶♀️Getting Around: The Palace of Versailles is a 10-minute walk from the station, everything else is walkable
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Yep. You can get timed entry tickets online here before you go. The lines can be massive, especially in summer, and you don’t want to waste half your day waiting to get in.
We talk about affordable luxury on Inside the Upgrade quite a bit, so we know we like nice things. But then there’s the kind of luxury that is Versailles.
The opulence is absolutely mind-blowing. I’ve been twice and the Hall of Mirrors still takes my breath away. The sheer scale of the palace, from Louis XIV’s apartments to Marie Antoinette’s “smaller” estate, shows you exactly why the French Revolution happened.
2. Fontainebleau (Napoleon’s Favorite)
🗺️ Distance: 55 minutes
💰 Cost: €18 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: Transilien R from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon, then Line 1 bus to château (€2) or an Uber. You can buy train tickets at SNCF Connect or buy at Gare de Lyon
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Bus drops you at the Château de Fontainebleau entrance, everything walkable from there
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? You do need a ticket for the castle and you can get it here.
Eight centuries of French royalty lived here, from Louis VII through Napoleon. The Renaissance architecture is stunning, and you can actually see Napoleon’s throne and the room where he signed his abdication. The gardens are gorgeous too, especially in fall in Paris.
Fontainebleau itself is also quite beautiful, so spend some time wandering around! It’s a popular climbing destination my sister loves.
3. Vaux-le-Vicomte (The Château That Started It All)
🗺️ Distance: 50 minutes + 15-minute shuttle
💰 Cost: €20 round trip + €8 shuttle
🚞 How to Get There: RER D to Melun, then Châteaubus shuttle (weekends only) or Uber (~€15). You can book train tickets atSNCF Connect, shuttle tickets on-site
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Shuttle drops you at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte entrance, extensive gardens to explore on foot.
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Yes. You can buy tickets for the castle here.
This is the château that made Louis XIV so jealous he built Versailles. Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet threw such a lavish party here in 1661 that the king had him arrested three weeks later.
⭐ Pro tip: The Saturday candlelit evenings (May-October) are absolutely magical – they use 2,000 candles to illuminate the entire château and gardens. But you might not want to take the train back that late, so I’d do a tour instead.
Art & Gardens
4. Giverny (Monet’s Lily Inspiration)
🗺️ Distance: 45 minutes + 15-minute shuttle
💰 Cost: €15 train + €8 shuttle round trip
🚞 How to Get There: Train to Vernon-Giverny from Gare Saint-Lazare, then shuttle bus or bike rental (€14) or Uber. Book tickets for the train at SNCF Connect, shuttle tickets at Vernon station
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Shuttle stops at Monet’s house, village is tiny and walkable
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Yes, and they warn you that it’s needed on the website. You can book a guided tour here or a little walking tour of Giverny that includes skip the line access to Monet’s house here. Or you can get simple entry tickets here.
I love, love, loved my trip to Giverny. I also loved getting out of a museum and into his actual home (there’s something about old kitchens I adore; I had the same reaction at Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City)
Standing in front of the actual water lily pond that inspired Monet’s masterpieces is incredible. The gardens are most beautiful April-October, when everything’s in bloom and you can see why Monet was so obsessed with painting the changing light.
The Musée des Impressionnismes is just down the road and often has excellent temporary exhibitions about Impressionist painters.
5. Chantilly (Art Lovers’ Paradise)
🗺️ Distance: 50 minutes
💰 Cost: €20 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: Direct train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux. Book tickets at SNCF Connect or Gare du Nord ticket counter
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Free shuttle bus from station to château, or 20-minute walk through pretty streets
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Yes. You can book skip-the-line tickets here.
The Musée Condé inside the château has a larger art collection than any museum in France except the Louvre. We’re talking Raphael, Botticelli, and an incredible medieval manuscript collection.
The André Le Nôtre gardens (the same landscape designer who did Versailles) are perfect for a post-museum stroll.
Medieval Towns & UNESCO World Heritage Sites
6. Senlis (Perfectly Preserved Medieval that can be combined with Chantilly)
🗺️ Distance: 45 minutes
💰 Cost: €22 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: From Paris – Gare du Nord -> Stop Chantilly-Gouvieux (25 min) and for Senlis, take the bus no. 645 (Timetable for bus no. 645 (Chantilly-Senlis)
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Once you get to Senlis, everything’s walkable
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Nope!
Senlis is known for its gothic cathedral, cobblestone streets, and ancient ramparts. It’s not very well known to tourists, so it feels like a fairytale without the crowds. If you go on a Friday there are markets in the morning! The royal château here is where French kings were elected for centuries, and the cathedral has some beautiful stained glass windows.
7. Provins (Step Back in Time)
🗺️ Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes
💰 Cost: €25 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: Transilien Line P from Gare de l’Est to Provins (final stop). Book tickets via SNCF Connect or Gare de l’Est
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Everything’s walkable from the station—the medieval city is compact
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Nope!
This UNESCO world heritage site is like stepping into a medieval movie set. The perfectly preserved ramparts, underground galleries, and Tour César make you feel like you’re in the 13th century. In summer, they host amazing medieval festivals with knights, falconry demonstrations, and period music.
Historic Cities (and Champagne!)
8. Reims (Champagne Capital)
🗺️ Distance: 45 minutes
💰 Cost: €25-70 round trip (book early for cheaper fares)
🚞 How to Get There: TGV from Gare de l’Est to Reims-Centre. Get tickets at SNCF Connect (definitely book in advance)
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Tram A or B from station to city center (€1.60), or 15-minute walk. Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot are walkable from center or short tram ride
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? You don’t need a ticket to visit the church but you should make a reservation for a tasting at Veuve or Pommery. You’ll need an Uber or taxi to get there, so I honestly think doing a tour of multiple wineries is better! This tour leaves from Reims if you want to take the train and this tour leaves from Paris.
The Reims Cathedral where French kings were crowned for centuries is gorgeous, but let’s be honest, you’re here for the champagne. Tasting champagne where it’s actually made is a totally different experience than drinking it anywhere else.
Most of the big champagne houses offer tours and tastings. Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, and Taittinger all have cellars you can visit. The chalk caves where they age the champagne stay at a constant temperature year-round and stretch for miles underground (bring a sweater!).
9. Chartres (Incredible Stained Glass)
🗺️ Distance: 1 hour
💰 Cost: €32 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: Direct train from Gare Montparnasse. Book tickets at SNCF Connect or Gare Montparnasse
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Free Filibus shuttle between upper and lower town (super helpful!), or 10-minute walk to cathedral
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Nope! Free entry
I’m not exaggerating when I say the stained glass windows at Chartres Cathedral are some of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
The cathedral has more than 150 medieval stained glass windows, many dating from the 13th century. The blue glass, called “Chartres blue,” is a color they literally don’t know how to make anymore.
The town has two levels connected by steep streets. The free Filibus shuttle saves your legs if you want to explore the lower town along the river.
10. Rouen (Joan of Arc’s Final Chapter)
🗺️ Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes
💰 Cost: €25 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: Direct train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Rouen-Rive-Droite. Book tickets via SNCF Connect or Gare Saint-Lazare
🚶♀️ Getting Around: 15-minute walk from station to Rouen Cathedral, historic center is pretty compact
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? Nope!
Joan of Arc was executed in Rouen’s old market square in 1431, and you can visit the modern church built where she died. The Gothic cathedral is absolutely stunning. Monet painted it dozens of times, trying to capture how the light changed throughout the day. The old town is full of gorgeous timbered houses that lean at impossible angles.
You can easily combine Rouen with Giverny since they’re on the same train line from Gare Saint-Lazare.
Longer Day Trips (Normandy & Belgium)
Heading this far makes for a long day trip from Paris by train, but they are doable if you’re committed!
11. Normandy Beaches (D-Day History)
🗺️ Distance: 2 hours
💰 Cost: €60 round trip
🚞 How to Get There: TGV to Caen, then local bus to beaches (€2), or TGV to Bayeux with local transportation. Book via SNCF Connect (book in advance for TGV)
🚶♀️ Getting Around: You’ll need a taxi, so this is a bit hard to navigate yourself, but it’s doable!
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? No, but you can book a guided tour from Bayeux here that will leave you time to catch the train home.
It’s a long day, but walking on Omaha Beach and visiting the American Cemetery is incredibly moving. The history feels very real and immediate when you’re standing where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944.
The museum at the cemetery does an excellent job explaining the D-Day landings, and the rows of white crosses overlooking the beach are both beautiful and heartbreaking.
12. Brussels, Belgium (Waffles & Grand Places)
🗺️ Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes
💰 Cost: €35-100 depending on booking timing
🚞 How to Get There: Thalys high-speed train from Gare du Nord to Brussels-Central. SNCF Connect or Eurostar website (book way in advance for best prices)
🚶♀️ Getting Around: Everything’s walkable from Brussels-Central station, or use efficient tram system
🎟️ Entry Tickets Needed? No.
It’s wild that you can have breakfast in Paris and lunch in a completely different country! The Grand Place is absolutely stunning. Victor Hugo called it “the most beautiful square in the world,” and honestly, he might be right.
And yes, the Belgian waffles live up to the hype. Get one from a street vendor, not a restaurant, for the most authentic experience.
When Should You Take Day Trips From Paris by Train vs a Tour
One of the things I love most about Paris is that you have both of these options!
Personally, I love a guided tour, and the farther I’m going, the less I want to think about the hassle of getting back. I like learning from an expert and not worrying about logistics.
But I also love how accessible Paris is, and that you can hop on a train and easily explore a new town. They cost less, you’re in control of your timing, and you can really make the day your own.
France’s train system is honestly incredible. High-speed TGV trains can get you to Reims (where champagne houses are) in 45 minutes, while charming regional trains connect you to medieval villages and royal châteaux.
Most destinations in this article are within 1-2 hours of Paris, making them perfect for day trips.
I’ve noted for each day trip whether or not I think a tour would be worth it (mostly anything farther out or where I’d want to have a guide to explain history) and I have an article on the 5 best day trips from Paris, including recommended tours, right here.
Train Travel Basics: Everything You Need to Know
Types of Trains You’ll Use
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed trains that require advance booking and seat reservations. Perfect for destinations like Reims and Brussels.
Regional trains (TER): Slower but cheaper trains that connect smaller towns. You can often buy tickets day-of, though advance booking sometimes offers small discounts.
RER: Suburban trains that extend the Paris metro system. The RER C line to Versailles is the most useful for day trips.
Intercity trains: Mid-distance trains for destinations like Chartres and Fontainebleau.
Where to Buy Tickets
- SNCF Connect website: Available in English, mobile tickets accepted
- SNCF Connect mobile app: Download before you go for easy access
- Ticket machines at stations: Have English options and accept cards
- Ticket counters: If you need help or have questions. People speak English and are generally nice!
Key Paris Train Stations For Paris Day Trips by Train
Gare du Nord: Northern destinations including Brussels, Chantilly, and some Normandy routes
Gare Saint-Lazare: Normandy, Rouen, and the Vernon station for Giverny
Gare de l’Est: Eastern France including Reims, plus international destinations
Gare de Lyon: Southeast destinations like Fontainebleau
Gare Montparnasse: Southwest destinations including Chartres
All stations are connected to the Paris metro system, so getting there from your hotel is super simple.
How to Plan Your Perfect Day Trip From Paris By Train
First-Timer Recommendations
- Never been on a day trip from Paris? Start with Versailles. It’s iconic, easy to reach, and you’ll understand why it’s so famous.
- Love art? Giverny for Impressionist masterpieces or Chantilly for Old Masters
- History buffs? Reims (kings and champagne) or Chartres (Gothic cathedral)
- Want something different? Brussels for an international adventure
Sample Day Trip By Train Itinerary
8:00 AM: Depart Paris (early start means more time exploring)
9:00-9:30 AM: Arrive at destination
9:30 AM-6:00 PM: Explore (most châteaux and attractions close 5-6 PM)
6:30-7:30 PM: Head back to Paris
8:00-9:00 PM: Back in Paris for dinner
This timeline works for most day trips from Paris, though you might want to start even earlier for places like Normandy or Brussels to maximize your time.
When to Book & Money Tips For Day Trips From Paris By Train
When to Book
- TGV trains (Reims, Brussels, Normandy): Book 1-4 months ahead for best prices. Prices can double if you wait until the last minute.
- Regional trains: You can buy tickets day-of, but advance booking sometimes offers small discounts and guarantees you a seat.
- RER to Versailles: No need to book ahead. Just show up and buy tickets!
Saving Money
- Travel off-peak: Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday evenings when Parisians are traveling
- Book early morning or late evening TGV trains: Often 30-50% cheaper than midday departures
- Student discounts: Many destinations offer reduced rates with valid student ID
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking, often on cobblestones
- Portable phone charger: Essential for maps, tickets, and photos, of course
- Light jacket: French weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall
- Umbrella: Particularly important in winter and spring
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated!
Essential Train Travel Tips
Ticket Validation
Regional train tickets need to be validated before boarding (look for the yellow machines on platforms). TGV and international tickets don’t need validation.
Platform Information
French train stations announce platform numbers 20-30 minutes before departure. Check the departure boards (marked “Départs”) when you arrive.
Seat Reservations
TGV trains require seat reservations. Regional trains don’t, but booking in advance can sometimes get you a guaranteed seat.
Language
Train stations have English signage, and the SNCF Connect website works in English. Download the app before you go for mobile tickets and real-time updates.
Day Trips from Paris by Train: FAQs
For first-timers, I always recommend Versailles. It’s iconic, easy to reach, and you’ll understand why it’s so famous. If you want something less crowded, Giverny (Monet’s house) is absolutely magical, especially in spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.
You can reach dozens of destinations within 2 hours: classic châteaux like Versailles and Fontainebleau, medieval towns like Provins, art destinations like Giverny and Chantilly, historic cities like Reims and Chartres, and even other countries like Belgium. The French train system connects almost everywhere.
From Paris, the route to Giverny through the Seine Valley is gorgeous, especially in spring when everything’s green and blooming. The TGV to Reims also offers lovely countryside views of Champagne vineyards. But honestly, the destinations are so beautiful that the journey flies by!
If you’re determined to go to another country, Belgium is pretty easy—just 1.5 hours on the Eurostar high-speed train to Brussels. You’ll go through passport control at the Paris station, then it’s just like taking a flight. Perfect for first-time international train travel.
Regional destinations range from €5 (Versailles) to €32 (Chartres). High-speed TGV destinations cost €25-50 if booked in advance, up to €100 for last-minute Brussels tickets. Most day trips cost €15-35 total for transportation.
Only for Versailles, which is covered by the Navigo weekly pass since it’s technically still within the Île-de-France region. All other destinations require separate tickets. However, if you have a Navigo pass, you sometimes get small discounts on regional trains.
Regional trains run frequently (every 30-60 minutes), so missing one isn’t a disaster—just catch the next one. TGV trains have specific seat reservations, so you’d need to buy a new ticket or pay a change fee. Always check the last train times when you arrive at your destination.
Not at all! Most tourist sites have English information and train stations have English signage. That said, a simple “bonjour” when you enter a shop and “merci” when you leave go a long way with locals.
Making the Most of Your Day Trip
Arrive Early
Most attractions open around 9-9:30 AM. Getting there early means smaller crowds and better photos, plus you’ll have more time to explore before heading back to Paris.
Check Closing Times
Many châteaux and museums close by 5-6 PM, especially in winter. Plan your day backwards from the last train to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
Buy Attraction Tickets in Advance
Popular sites like Versailles, Giverny, and major champagne houses in Reims can sell out, especially in summer. Buying timed entry tickets online saves time and guarantees you get in.
Consider the Season
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are ideal—good weather, smaller crowds, and beautiful scenery. Summer is busiest but also when gardens and outdoor sites look their best. Winter can be charming but some attractions have limited hours.
Day Trips From Paris By Train: Final Thoughts
France’s incredible train system makes it super easy to explore beyond Paris. Whether you’re interested in royal history at Versailles, Impressionist art at Giverny, or champagne tasting in Reims, you’re just a train ride away from your next adventure.
The key is booking the right type of ticket for your destination and giving yourself enough time to actually enjoy where you’re going. After taking dozens of these trips over the years, I can say the memories you’ll make are absolutely worth the early morning departure.
If you’re planning a longer stay in Paris, check out my guide to the best arrondissement to stay in Paris and my 3 days in Paris itinerary for more inspiration. And if you want help navigating the metro system, my Paris metro tickets guide covers everything you need to know.
France is waiting just outside your train window. All you have to do is buy a ticket and go!
Cheers to your next adventure 🇫🇷🚂
