Best Day Trips from Paris: 11 Stunning Escapes
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While Paris is a city that could entertain for a lifetime, sometimes the best way to appreciate its magic is to step outside it for a day. Whether you're craving medieval towns, coastal cliffs, royal palaces, or vineyard tastings, France offers an abundance of incredible destinations just a short train or car ride from the capital. Here's a curated list of 11 unforgettable day trips from Paris, each with a blend of culture, nature, and cuisine.
1. Fontainebleau: Royal Splendor & Forest Trails
Travel Time:
Train: ~40 min (from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon + short bus/taxi)
Car: ~1h10 via A6 south
Highlights: A visit to the majestic Château de Fontainebleau offers a deep dive into centuries of royal history, from Renaissance kings to Napoleon. Beyond its gilded halls, the vast Fontainebleau Forest offers a serene escape with walking trails, scenic rock formations, and tranquil woodland perfect for hiking or bouldering.
Where to Eat:
L'Axel (One Michelin ❁): Refined Franco-Japanese cuisine
Le Bistrot 9: Modern French bistronomy just a short walk from the château
L’Écailler du Château : Elegant yet laid-back venue specializing in fresh seafood and shellfish
La Salamandre: Refined and cozy restaurant right in the town center
château de fontainebleau, @carolus
2. Moret-sur-Loing: A Painter's Dream
moret-sur-loing @Kjartan abel
Travel Time:
Train: ~45 min (from Gare de Lyon)
Car: ~1h15 via A6 and D607
Highlights: This picturesque riverside village looks like it's been lifted from a painting — and in fact, it inspired many by Alfred Sisley. Wander cobbled lanes, admire medieval gates, and stroll along the Loing River to soak in the charm that captivated the Impressionists.
Where to Eat:
La Poterne: Charming riverside crêperie serving classic galettes and sweet crêpes.
Le P’tit Moret: Friendly brasserie offering hearty French dishes and flammenkueche.
3. Provins: Step Back to the Middle Ages
Travel Time:
Train: ~1h25 (from Gare de l'Est)
Car: ~1h30 via N4
Highlights: Step into another era in Provins, a beautifully preserved medieval town surrounded by ancient ramparts. Climb the Caesar Tower, explore mysterious underground tunnels, and don’t miss one of the town's famous falconry shows for a truly immersive experience.
Where to Eat:
La Croix d’Or: Historic setting (13th century façade), refined traditional French cuisine in a medieval ambiance.
L’Avant Goût: Contemporary French fare, cozy atmosphere, great value.
L’Appart: Local-favorite spot serving authentic, hearty French food in a friendly, casual setting.
4. Étretat: Cliffs That Inspired Monet
Travel Time:
Train: ~3h30 (Paris to Le Havre + bus/taxi)
Car: ~2h45 via A13
Highlights: The seaside town of Étretat dazzles with its iconic white cliffs and natural stone arches that have long inspired artists like Claude Monet. Whether you hike along the clifftop trails or relax on the beach, the views are nothing short of breathtaking.
Where to Eat:
Le Donjon – Domaine Saint‑Clair (One Michelin ❁): Fine‑dining seafood restaurant with creative seaside‑inspired dishes and a breathtaking cliff‑top setting.
La Marie‑Antoinette: Friendly and fresh seafood-focused brasserie directly opposite the fish market, known for ultra‑fresh oysters, carpaccios, and fish platters.
Le Bel Ami: Mediterranean‑inspired bistro mixing Lebanese‑Italian‑Norman flavors, including mezze, fresh fish, and natural wines in a warm, colorful atmosphere.
@francis cormon
5. Dieppe: Seaside Charm & Seafood
Travel Time:
Train: ~2h15 (via Rouen)
Car: ~2h30 via A13 and A151
Highlights: A favorite coastal escape, Dieppe charms with its pebble beaches, picturesque harbor, and vibrant Saturday market. Visit the Château-Musée perched on a cliff, then stroll along the promenade and soak in the relaxed Normandy vibe.
Where to Eat:
Restaurant Les Voiles d'Or (One Michelin ❁): Modern seafood cuisine with ingredients sourced daily from local fishing ports. Minimalistic elegance, impeccable seasonal tasting menus, and dishes that showcase fresh Normandy flavours with finesse.
Le Turbot: Top-rated seafood restaurant.
6. Reims: Champagne & Cathedrals
Travel Time:
Train: ~45 min (from Gare de l'Est)
Car: ~1h30 via A4
Highlights: Reims offers a taste of grandeur with its soaring Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were crowned for centuries. Tour prestigious Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger, and admire the blend of Gothic splendor and bubbly indulgence.
Where to Eat:
Le Foch (One Michelin ❁): Inventive and refined seafood‑focused cuisine with seasonal flair, elegant plating, and a strong Champagne wine list—all in a polished, contemporary setting.
Brasserie du Boulingrin: Belle Époque decor and local favorites.
7. Chartres: A Gothic Masterpiece
Travel Time:
Train: ~1h15 (from Gare Montparnasse)
Car: ~1h30 via A10
Highlights: Chartres is home to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, one of the most celebrated Gothic cathedrals in Europe, famed for its stained glass and soaring spires. Beyond the cathedral, the old town offers quiet charm, especially during the magical Chartres en Lumières light festival.
Where to Eat:
Le Molière: Fine local cuisine steps from the cathedral.
Brasserie La Cour: Casual, well-rated spot with outdoor seating.
8. Bayeux: Tapestry & Tranquility
Travel Time:
Train: ~2h20 (via Caen)
Car: ~2h45 via A13
Highlights: The quaint town of Bayeux is best known for the Bayeux Tapestry, a stunning 70-meter-long embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England. Stroll its peaceful streets, admire the majestic Bayeux Cathedral and enjoy a moment of calm in this historic gem.
Where to Eat:
L'Angle Saint-Laurent: Michelin Bib Gourmand spot offering refined modern French cuisine using local Normandy ingredients —think Bayeux pork, oysters, Carrouges cheese—in a cozy, stylish dining room with exposed beams and warm lighting.
Le Pommier Restaurant: Regional Normandy dishes, with a view on the cathedral.
9. D-Day Beaches: History in the Sand
Travel Time:
Operation Overlord, @J. A. Hampton
Train: ~2h30 to Bayeux + car to beaches
Car: ~3h via A13
Highlights: The D-Day landing beaches of Normandy are both moving and awe-inspiring. Visit Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and historic sites like Pointe du Hoc and Arromanches. This coastal region offers a powerful connection to modern history.
Where to Eat:
La Marine (Arromanches): Great food with sea views.
Le Roosevelt (Sainte-Mère-Église): Atmospheric bistro near Utah Beach.
10. Giverny: Monet's Garden in Bloom
Travel Time:
Train: ~45 min to Vernon + shuttle/taxi
Car: ~1h15 via A13
Highlights: Step into an Impressionist painting in Giverny, where Claude Monet's House and Gardens bloom from spring through fall. The Museum of Impressionism deepens the artistic experience, all nestled in a tranquil village that seems suspended in time.
Where to Eat:
Le Jardin des Plumes: Chic and creative.
Restaurant Baudy: Former artist hangout with historic charm.
@maison et jardins de claude monet
11. Strasbourg: Alsatian Elegance
Travel Time:
Train: ~1h45 (TGV from Gare de l'Est)
Car: ~4h30 via A4, a scenic drive through eastern France, passing Reims and Metz
Highlights: Strasbourg is a city where French and German culture meet, offering timber-framed houses, winding canals, and world-class architecture. Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral with its astronomical clock, then get lost in the charming Petite France district filled with postcard-perfect views.
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, beautifully blends French and German heritage. Begin your day in the picture-perfect Petite France, with its cobbled streets, canals, and timber-framed houses. Don’t miss the stunning Strasbourg Notre-Dame Cathedral, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views. Strasbourg is also a European capital, home to institutions like the European Parliament, which offers guided tours.
For a more relaxed experience, take a bateau-mouche river cruise on the Ill to admire Strasbourg’s historic districts from the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re just a short drive from the famed Alsace Wine Route, with its charming villages and local wineries. And if you’re craving nature, the nearby Vosges Mountains offer hiking trails with breathtaking scenery.
Where to Eat:
Au Crocodile (One Michelin ❁): Michelin-starred icon in Strasbourg, known for its elegant, innovative and modern French cuisine (think scallop ravioli or Dover sole with buddha’s hand) served in a refined, historic atmosphere.
Maison Kammerzell: Legendary brasserie housed in a stunning 15th-century Renaissance building beside the cathedral. Traditional Alsatian classics—most famously its signature Choucroute aux Trois Poissons.
Selection of restaurants having the finest wine list: “Les restos avec les plus belles cartes de vins à Strasbourg”
