The Best Day Trips You Can Take from Paris

Paris is one of the world's most visited cities for good reason — its iconic landmarks, breathtaking architecture, cultural attractions, and romantic ambience are enough to keep anyone captivated during their time in the City of Lights. But to round out your trip and experience a bit of France outside the capital, you need to slot in a day to escape the city and visit the surrounding areas. Venturing outside the city limits will treat you to rolling vistas, charming towns, historic sites, and a tranquil atmosphere, delivering that extra je ne sais quoi to make your trip complete. The guides on ToursByLocals offer authentic experiences for every destination, taking you to places they love to visit themselves, and making sure transportation is smooth and stress-free. Here are five day trips from Paris they would love to share with you.

The Best Day Trips You Can Take from Paris

Visit the Palace of Versailles

A classic and popular day trip from Paris is a visit to the Palace of Versailles: the quintessential vision of French opulence and grandeur. The former royal residence and centre of government show the living quarters of French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI, featuring attractions such as the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Gallery of Battles. Stroll or take a golf cart ride through the beautiful gardens to witness their manicured walkways and yews adorned with royal fountains, statues, and vases. Enrich your experience with insider knowledge from a guide on a tour such as Skip the line at Versailles Palace and Gardens.

Explore Monet’s Giverny

Located just 80 kilometres from Paris, the beautiful village of Giverny is a picturesque place to meander around, take in the charming backroads, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. While you're here, learn about the life and inspiration of famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet as you stroll through his greatest masterpiece: his gardens. The vibrant colours and flowers of Monet’s gardens and residence come together like a fairytale, featuring water lilies, Japanese bridges, and archways adorned with wisteria. Join a private guide on a tour such as A Day in Giverny: Claude Monet’s House and Gardens to get the most out of your experience.

Soak up the Loire Valley

Immerse yourself in the life and societies of the French Renaissance with a visit to Loire Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this day trip will reveal charming towns, magnificent gardens, stunning vineyards, and grand chateaux. Your guide will pick you up in Paris and bring you to explore the grand fortresses of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise on the One Day Private Guided Tour of Loire Valley Castles. It won’t be difficult to see why Loire Valley got its nickname as the “Garden of France”.

Witness Beauty and History in Normandy

The coastal countryside of Normandy is teeming with fascinating history and culture, beautiful sights to see, and gourmet cuisine to taste. Visit iconic sites such as Mont St. Michel, the charming towns of Honfleur and Deauville, or historic sites such as the D-Day landing beaches and battlefields that were stormed in World War II. Local guides are eager to show you around with a tour such as the D-Day and Landing Beaches Private Tour.

Treat Yourself to a day in Champagne

If you want to treat your taste buds to the real deal bubbly, a visit to the Champagne region is the ideal day trip from Paris. A mere 45-minute train ride will transport you to the picturesque countryside where you can explore vineyards, villages, and Champagne Houses such as Veuve Clicquot or Pommery. Pair your champagne tasting with an exploration of Reims, the capital of the Champagne region where you can see the cathedral and basilica. The guides on ToursbyLocals are more than happy to enhance your time on an experience such as a Champage Private Tour. So, there you have it: five reasons to get yourself a local guide for a day and explore the many delights beyond Paris!