Nomad's Picks: 6 Day Trips from Paris not to be missed

Paris, with its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant culture, is undoubtedly a destination in itself. However, the regions surrounding the French capital are equally captivating and offer a diverse array of experiences. Here are some of the best day trips from Paris that will allow you to explore charming towns, historic sites, and stunning landscapes.

1. Versailles

Travel Time: 30-40 minutes by train

If you think of day trips from Paris, the first thing that comes to mind is likely going to be a visit to the iconic Palace of Versailles.

Originally a hunting lodge, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous and opulent palaces in the world today. Visitors can tour the lavishly decorated State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the beautifully landscaped gardens. Don’t miss the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate for a more intimate glimpse into royal life.

It is highly recommended to book your tickets to the Palace of Versailles in advance as the ticketing queues could get rather long. If you are unable to get a ticket in advance, consider joining a guided tour with skip-the-line options so that you don’t waste the day in line.

2. Disneyland Paris

Travel Time: 35-40 minutes by train

Paris is known for iconic sights and artistic museums. But, it also has its fair share of fun; and if you are traveling with kids and looking for a day out so that the kids can exhaust their energy, you probably wouldn’t want to miss Disneyland. And well, we suppose Disneyland needs no further introduction.

While it is known as Disneyland Paris, the resort isn’t actually in Paris. But, it is very easily accessible from Paris and you can get there by train. The resort includes two theme parks: Disneyland Park, with its fairy tale castles and classic attractions, and Walt Disney Studios Park, focused on movie-making and entertainment. Both parks offer a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

3. Giverny

Travel Time: 45-60 minutes by train

Visiting Versailles and Disneyland require some sort of planning and advanced purchase of tickets. But, if you are already in Paris and you’re looking for some last-minute alternatives, Giverny is a great option.

Giverny, the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, is a haven for art enthusiasts. And one of the main reasons for visiting Giverny is definitely the famous Monet Garden.

The artist’s house and gardens, immortalized in his famous water lily series, are open to the public. Stroll through the vibrant flower gardens and the Japanese-inspired water garden, which provide a tranquil escape and a chance to see the scenes that inspired some of Monet’s greatest works.

There are many visitors to Giverny and the Monet Garden, but compared to Versailles and Disneyland Paris, crowds are often much more manageable and you are more likely to be able to get same-day tickets without too much of a queue.

4. Chartres

Travel Time: 1 hour by train

Chartres is another great option for a last-minute day trip from Paris.

Chartres is a small town, and its main sight is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres. The stunning Gothic cathedral is a UENSCO World Heritage site that boasts exquisite stained glass windows, intricate sculptures, and a labyrinth that pilgrims have walked for centuries.

If you are looking for attractions, there probably isn’t much. But, the town itself is charming, with medieval streets, half-timbered houses, and a picturesque riverfront and it is easy to spend an entire day simply checking out what the town has to offer.

5. Rouen

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by train

Like Chartres, Rouen is another small town that makes an easy day trip from Paris.

Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is a city rich in history and culture. Its stunning Gothic cathedral, immortalized by Monet, and the half-timbered houses of the old town are highlights. The city is also famous as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed. The Historial Jeanne d’Arc museum offers an engaging recount of her life and legacy.

The truth is there isn’t a whole lot to see in Rouen, but it is a great option if you are looking to explore somewhere much less touristy than Paris. In fact, it is one of our favourite destinations for a day trip from Paris!

6. Strasbourg

Travel Time: 2 hours by high-speed train (TGV)

Strasbourg, located in the Alsace region near the German border, is a city that beautifully blends French and German influences. It is perhaps best known for its Christmas markets, but even when it isn’t Christmas, Strasbourg is a great option for a day trip away from Paris.

Its historic center, Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral with its intricate astronomical clock, and the charming district of La Petite France, with its half-timbered houses and canals.

If time permits, you could consider staying a night and make it a weekend trip; otherwise, a day trip to Strasbourg is definitely possible.

Stay Connected in Paris and beyond with a Nomad eSIM for France

No matter where you decide to go for your day trip out of Paris, stay connected with a France travel eSIM from Nomad. Nomad also offers affordable data eSIMs in other European destinations.

Choose from a variety of local, regional, and global data plans, buy and install your travel eSIM before you fly, and get connected to a local network the moment you land. Running out of data mid-trip? Simply purchase an add-on in the Nomad app.

Planning a trip to Paris? Get an France eSIM to stay connected during your trip.