15 day trips around Paris
Paris may be full of treasures, but did you know that there are just as many wonders to discover in the surrounding area? Whether you’re looking for a majestic château, a picturesque village or a nature getaway, the Île-de-France and its neighbouring regions offer a host of unforgettable excursions. Easily accessible by train or car, these destinations are perfect for a day out away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Here is our selection of the 15 must-do excursions around Paris.
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1. Versailles, the Château of the Sun King
Just 22 kilometres from Paris, Versailles is a must-see excursion around the capital. This royal city, shaped by Louis XIV, is home to one of the world’s most sumptuous châteaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A tour of the château takes you back to the opulence of the French monarchy: the famous Hall of Mirrors with its 357 mirrors, the King’s Apartments, the Queen’s bedroom… Each room bears witness to the splendour of Versailles. And don’t miss the French gardens designed by Le Nôtre, veritable landscaped masterpieces extending over more than 800 hectares. The Trianon estate and the Queen’s hamlet offer a more intimate, country atmosphere.
Access: RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (about 40 minutes) or Transilien line N/L from Paris Montparnasse.
Recommended duration: A full day to make the most of the château and its gardens.
2. Fontainebleau, residence of the emperors
Situated 60 kilometres south-east of Paris, the Château de Fontainebleau offers an equally majestic alternative to Versailles. Home to French sovereigns for eight centuries, from Francis I to Napoleon III, the château bears witness to the evolution of French architecture and art through the ages.
The château boasts richly decorated flats, a François I gallery adorned with Renaissance frescoes, and the famous horseshoe staircase where Napoleon bade farewell in 1814. The Fontainebleau forest that surrounds the estate is also an ideal playground for hiking and climbing enthusiasts, with its famous rocks and 25,000 hectares of unspoilt nature.
Access: Transilien line R train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (around 40 minutes), then bus 1 direction “Château”.
Recommended duration: Half a day for the castle, a full day if you want to explore the forest.
3. Giverny, in the footsteps of Claude Monet
Just 75 kilometres west of Paris, Giverny is a haven of peace that inspired one of the greatest masters of Impressionism. Claude Monet moved here in 1883 and lived here until his death in 1926, creating his famous Water Lilies series.
The artist’s house, with its pink façade and green shutters, houses a collection of Japanese prints and offers a touching glimpse into his daily life. But it is above all the garden that fascinates: the Clos Normand with its flower beds and, of course, the water garden with its Japanese bridge and its water lilies immortalised in numerous paintings. From April to October, each season offers a different chromatic spectacle.
Access: Train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon (50 minutes), then shuttle bus or 5km bike ride to Giverny.
Recommended duration: Half a day to visit the house and gardens. Note: closed from November to March.
4. Provins, a UNESCO medieval city
Just 90 kilometres south-east of Paris, Provins takes you back to the heart of the Middle Ages. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former trading town of the Champagne fairs has remarkably preserved its medieval architecture.
The upper town, surrounded by ramparts, is home to the majestic Tour César, a 12th-century keep offering exceptional panoramic views, and the collegiate church of Saint-Quiriace. The underground passages of Provins, medieval galleries dug into the chalk, add a mysterious dimension to the visit. In summer, don’t miss the historical shows: Les Aigles des Remparts and La Légende des Chevaliers will immerse you in the atmosphere of the period.
Access: Transilien line P train from Gare de l’Est (1h20).
Recommended duration: One day to enjoy the shows and visit the city.
5. Chantilly, the domain of princes
Just 47 kilometres north of Paris, the Chantilly estate boasts a majestic château, an exceptional museum and sumptuous gardens. Owned by the Princes of Condé, the château is home to the Condé Museum, the second-largest collection of ancient paintings after the Louvre, with works by Raphael, Botticelli and Delacroix.
The Grandes Écuries, an eighteenth-century architectural masterpiece, now houses the Musée du Cheval and offers breathtaking equestrian shows. The gardens designed by Le Nôtre and the English-style park offer splendid walks. And of course, you can’t leave Chantilly without tasting its famous cream, created here in the 17th century!
Access: Train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux (25 minutes), then free shuttle or 15-minute walk.
Recommended duration: A full day to explore the château, museum and gardens.
6. Vaux-le-Vicomte, jewel of the 17th century
Located 55 kilometres south-east of Paris, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a masterpiece of French classicism. Built for Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s superintendent of finance, the château inspired the king to build Versailles, but its owner lost his job because the monarch didn’t like his lavish lifestyle.
The harmony between the château, Le Nôtre’s gardens and Le Brun’s interior decor is striking. The period-furnished flats, lounges with painted ceilings and the majestic cupola of the Grand Salon bear witness to the refinement of the Grand Siècle. On Saturday evenings in summer, the château is lit up by 2,000 candles, offering an unforgettable fairytale experience complete with fireworks and glittering gardens.
Access: Train from Gare de Lyon to Verneuil-l’Étang (35 minutes), then Châteaubus shuttle.
Recommended duration: Half a day, or a full evening for candlelit evenings.
7. The forest of Fontainebleau, a climber’s paradise
More than just a forest, Fontainebleau is a legendary place for climbing and nature lovers. Covering 25,000 hectares, it is one of the largest state-owned forests in France, renowned the world over for its sandstone boulders sculpted by erosion.
Hundreds of signposted routes allow climbers of all abilities to practise their skills on these legendary rocks. But the forest offers so much more: hiking trails winding between pines and hundred-year-old oaks, the spectacular Apremont gorges, wild ponds for wildlife watching… The Gorges de Franchard and the Trois Pignons site are among the most remarkable. An exceptional natural playground at the gateway to Paris.
Access: Transilien line R train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (40 minutes), then buses to various parts of the forest.
Recommended duration: One day for a good hike or climbing session.
8. Auvers-sur-Oise, Van Gogh’s village
30 kilometres north-west of Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise is inextricably linked with Vincent Van Gogh, who lived here for the last 70 days of his life in 1890. It was here that he painted over 70 canvases, including some of his most famous works.
A visit to Van Gogh’s room at the Auberge Ravoux, the church immortalised in his painting, the cemetery where he is buried alongside his brother Theo… Auvers holds the memory of the Dutch painter dear. The village also attracted other Impressionists such as Pissarro, Cézanne and Daubigny. The Château d’Auvers offers an immersive “Journey to the time of the Impressionists” tour that will delight art lovers.
Access: Transilien train line H from Gare du Nord station to Pontoise, then change for line H to Auvers-sur-Oise (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes in total).
Recommended duration: Half a day to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps.
9. Chartres, the cathedral of light
Just 90 kilometres south-west of Paris, Chartres is well worth a visit if only for its cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 13th-century stained glass windows, some of the best preserved in the world, diffuse a unique coloured light, particularly the famous “Chartres blue”.
The cathedral’s architecture, with its two asymmetrical spires and labyrinthine floor, is as fascinating as its 176 stained-glass windows that tell biblical and medieval stories. The old town of Chartres, with its timber-framed houses, picturesque staircases and banks of the River Eure, is also well worth a stroll. From April to October, the “Chartres en lumières” show illuminates 29 heritage sites at dusk, offering a magical experience.
Access: Train from Paris Montparnasse (1h to 1h20 depending on the train).
Recommended duration: One day, ideally with a visit at the end of the day to enjoy the night-time illuminations.
10. Senlis, the medieval pearl of the Oise region
50 kilometres north of Paris, Senlis is a charming medieval town that has managed to preserve its authenticity. Its Gallo-Roman ramparts, some of the best preserved in France, surround a historic centre where ancient cobblestones and half-timbered houses stand side by side.
Notre-Dame cathedral, with its soaring 78-metre spire, dominates the town. The ruins of the royal castle, where Hugues Capet was proclaimed King of France in 987, bear witness to the town’s historic importance. The town’s museums, in particular the Musée de la Vénerie devoted to hunting with hounds, and the gardens of the castle are a pleasant addition to any visit. Less touristy than other destinations, Senlis makes for a quiet, authentic getaway.
Access: Train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly, then bus to Senlis (approximately 1h15 in total).
Recommended duration: Half a day to discover the historic centre and the cathedral.
11. Reims, capital of champagne
Just 146 kilometres east of Paris, Reims combines an exceptional historical heritage with the art of living in the Champagne region. Notre-Dame cathedral, where the kings of France were crowned for over a thousand years, is a jewel of Gothic art, with its 2,300 statues and stained glass windows by Chagall.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Reims on foot and on your own
Navaway offers you a fun, self-guided audio tour of Reims. Thanks to the app, you can discover the city’s 30 major places of interest, from the cathedral to the champagne houses, via the Place Royale and the Saint-Remi basilica. The 6.3km route takes you on a journey through the royal and wine-making history of the “Cité des Sacres”.
But Reims is also the world capital of champagne! The great houses (Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, Mumm…) open their cellars dug into the chalk for tours followed by tastings. The Basilica of Saint-Remi and the Palais du Tau, both UNESCO sites, complete this remarkable heritage. For those with a sweet tooth, Reims pink biscuits are a traditional accompaniment to champagne.
Access: TGV from Gare de l’Est (45 minutes).
Recommended duration: One day to visit Reims, its cathedral and a champagne house.
12. Disneyland Paris, magic just around the corner
Located 42 kilometres to the east of Paris, Disneyland Paris is the ultimate family outing in the Paris region. Two parks in one: Disneyland, with its five themed worlds and iconic attractions such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, and Walt Disney Studios, dedicated to the world of film and animation.
The shows, fairytale parades and Disney magic will appeal to children and nostalgic adults alike. Regular new additions (Marvel, Star Wars, etc.) keep the interest alive. In the evening, the fireworks show in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle offers a grand finale. Disney Village extends the evening with its restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Access: RER A to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (about 40 minutes from Châtelet).
Recommended duration: One full day per park. Prefer weekdays outside school holidays to avoid crowds.
13. Pierrefonds Castle, a medieval fortress
Just 80 kilometres north of Paris, Château de Pierrefonds looks like something out of a fairytale. This imposing 14th-century medieval fortress was completely restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc for Napoleon III, creating a romantic and theatrical vision of the Middle Ages.
The eight massive towers, drawbridge, battlements and machicolations recreate the ideal image of a fortified castle. The interior is a blend of medieval authenticity and neo-Gothic fantasy, with rooms featuring sumptuous sculpted decorations. The castle overlooks the charming village of Pierrefonds and the forest of Compiègne, offering great walking opportunities. Its fairytale appearance has made it a popular film location (Merlin, Les Visiteurs, The Last Duel…).
Access: Train from Gare du Nord to Compiègne (50 minutes), then bus to Pierrefonds (20 minutes).
Recommended duration: Half a day to visit the castle and the village.
14. La Roche-Guyon, troglodyte village
65 kilometres north-west of Paris, nestling in a loop of the Seine, La Roche-Guyon is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Dominated by its castle set against the white chalk cliffs and topped by a perched medieval keep, the village is astonishing for its troglodyte dwellings carved out of the rock.
The château, home of the Dukes of La Rochefoucauld, combines classical elegance with medieval defences. A staircase of 127 steps carved into the cliff face leads up to the keep, from where the view over the Seine valley is breathtaking. The château’s kitchen garden, which has been awarded the “Remarkable Garden” label, is a delight for garden lovers. The village is part of the French Vexin Regional Nature Park, offering numerous hiking trails along the Seine and in the surrounding hillsides.
Access: Train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Mantes-la-Jolie, then bus or taxi (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes in total).
Recommended duration: Half a day for the castle and village, a day with a hike in the Vexin.
15. Asterix park, Gallic style!
Just 46 kilometres north of Paris, Parc Asterix offers a 100% French alternative to Disneyland. Inspired by the world of the famous comic strip, this theme park stands out for its humour and thrilling attractions that will delight teenagers and adults alike.
From spectacular rollercoasters like Tonnerre de Zeus (Europe’s tallest and fastest wooden rollercoaster), Toutatis and Oz’Iris to crazy shows featuring France’s favourite Gauls, the atmosphere is decidedly festive and offbeat. The themed worlds (Gaul, the Roman Empire, the Vikings, Ancient Greece and Egypt) offer over 40 attractions to suit all ages. A park that relies on French humour and thrills to appeal to the whole family.
Access: Direct bus from Roissy CDG airport, Gare du Nord or La Défense. Train to CDG airport, then shuttle bus.
Recommended duration: A full day. Favour weekdays for less waiting at the attractions.
In conclusion, the Paris region is full of varied excursions that allow you to get away for a day without going too far from the capital. Whether you’re a history and architecture buff with the châteaux of Versailles, Fontainebleau or Chantilly, an art enthusiast following in the footsteps of Monet at Giverny or Van Gogh at Auvers-sur-Oise, looking for a medieval change of scenery at Provins or Senlis, or simply looking for a family day out at Disneyland or Parc Astérix, you’re bound to find something to suit you. Most of these destinations are within easy reach by train or car, so you can make the most of a rejuvenating break away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Don’t hesitate to explore these marvels, which make the Île-de-France one of the most culturally rich regions in France. To help you organise your visits, take a look at the Navaway audio-guided tours, which will help you discover these heritage treasures.
FAQ : Excursions around Paris
What’s the best day out around Paris?
The Château de Versailles remains the most emblematic and complete excursion around Paris. Easily accessible by RER C (40 minutes), it offers château, majestic gardens and the Trianon estate for a memorable day out. For art lovers, Giverny and Monet’s house are a wonderful alternative, especially in spring and summer.
Is it possible to do several excursions in the same day?
Some destinations can be combined: Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte are around 30 kilometres apart, and Chantilly and Senlis are close together. However, to make the most of each place, it’s better to devote a whole day to one main destination rather than running between several sites.
Which excursions are accessible by public transport?
Most of the above excursions are accessible by train: Versailles (RER C), Fontainebleau (Transilien R), Giverny (train + shuttle from Vernon), Provins (Transilien P), Chantilly (train from Gare du Nord), Reims (TGV), Chartres (train from Montparnasse), and Disneyland Paris (RER A). Only a few destinations, such as Vaux-le-Vicomte or La Roche-Guyon, require an additional bus or taxi, or are more convenient by car.
When is the best time to go on these excursions?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best conditions: pleasant weather, fewer people than in summer, gardens in bloom or with autumnal colours. For Giverny, opt for May-June for the water lilies in bloom. Summer is still ideal for the châteaux and their extension into the parks. Winter allows you to enjoy the monuments with fewer tourists, although some gardens are less attractive.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For popular sites such as Versailles, Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, online booking is highly recommended, especially in high season and at weekends. You can avoid queues and sometimes benefit from reduced rates. Booking is compulsory for Vaux-le-Vicomte Candlelight Tours. Other sites such as Fontainebleau, Chantilly and Provins are generally accessible without booking, but booking is recommended at busy weekends.
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