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- 17 Cities To Visit As A Day Trip From Paris
Known as the City of Light, Paris attracts over 30 million travelers to its magical streets each year. As the capital of France and home to the famous Eiffel Tower, Paris is a quintessential stop on any Europe trip, but it’s not the only city in the region worth visiting. Paris can be the perfect home base for getting to know other fascinating cities, both in France and in neighboring countries in Europe - particularly as train travel to and from Paris is simple and easily available. These cities to visit from Paris are ideal for day trips for those who are short on time but wish to experience more of Western Europe during their stay.
UPDATE: 2023/09/29 17:17 EST BY REENA JAIN
17 Cities To Visit As A Day Trip From Paris
There are many excellent French cities to visit near Paris, each with its own history, culture, and cuisine. We've added two additional best cities to visit from Paris that are only a short drive away and provide a variety of fascinating experiences as well as a fun way to discover France.
17 Versailles, France
For anyone looking for a nearby French location for a day trip from Paris, Versailles is certainly the best choice. It is around a 20-minute train ride from Paris. This World Heritage Site has many historical landmarks, including the Palace of Versailles, as well as fun things to do and discover, making it a fantastic French vacation spot. The city is also a foodie's paradise, where one can gorge on exquisite locally-grown delicacies and royal specialties. It is a gorgeous French suburb with a classy, endearing, and relaxed appeal. It has some of the most opulent European brand stores for shopaholics as well.
- Distance by train: 20 minutes
- Recommended Tour: Full-Day Electric Bike Tour from Paris to Versailles
- Duration: 9 hours
- Cost: From $166.67 USD per adult
16 Provins, France
Provins is just 55 miles to the southwest of Paris and has direct trains from Paris that take just 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it one of the best day trips from Paris. Although a small medieval city, Provins is rich in French history and charm and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! The city is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the Tithe Barn, the Priory, and the ancient city walls. The 11th-century Eglise Saint-Ayoul, which has a number of artifacts and an attractive sanctuary, is Provins' most notable church. The city's renowned annual Medieval Festival, the biggest event of its kind in France, is another major attraction that attracts a multitude of tourists.
- Distance by train: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Recommended Tour: Provins - Medieval City Tour - Private Trip
- Duration: 7 hours
- Cost: From $525.80 USD per adult
15 London, England
For those looking for day trips from Paris to other countries, a popular itinerary is a roundtrip between the two iconic European capitals, Paris and London. Despite being separated by the ocean, England and France's respective capitals are conveniently linked by Eurostar trains that transport passengers between the two capitals in just over 2 hours. There are multiple departures from each city daily, making it easy to plan a single day in London before hopping on the train to return to Paris in the evening. London is a vast city, and it’s impossible to see all it offers in one day. In a single day, travelers can hit some highlights, such as visiting Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.
- Distance by train: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Recommended Tour: Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
- Duration: 1 hour to 3 hours 20 minutes
- Cost: From $44.67 USD per adult
14 Brussels, Belgium
Paris to Belgium day trip is another option that entices travelers looking for unique experiences. It only takes 1 hour and 22 minutes by train from Paris to Brussels, leaving plenty of time to explore Belgium’s capital city and relax at a coffee shop like a local. Besides being the capital of Belgium, Brussels is also the administrative capital of the European Union, making it a worthwhile stop on any European tour. Visit the Grand Place market square or the Brussels Atomium before settling down at a restaurant for some Belgian waffles or Moules Frites.
- Distance by train: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Recommended Tour: Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Cost: From $52.46 USD per adult
13 Bordeaux, France
For travelers who want to see more of France, taking a day trip to Bordeaux in the country's southwest is a wonderful option. Bordeaux is a port city that is well known for its surrounding wine regions, so spending a day touring vineyards is the perfect way to appreciate this part of France. After Paris, Bordeaux is the city with the most registered historical monuments in France and is renowned for its architecture and cultural scene.
- Distance by train: 2 hours
- Recommended Tour: Prestige Commented Cruise with Glass of Wine and Canelé in
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: From $19.94 USD per adult
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Amsterdam is another quintessential destination for backpackers traveling Europe, but for those who are tight on time, it’s possible to spend just a day here when visiting Paris. It’s a slightly longer train journey than other cities near Paris, taking approximately 3 hours to reach Amsterdam. Fortunately, Amsterdam is an extremely walkable city, so once you arrive in the city center, you can easily join a free walking tour, shop in Negen Straatjes, promenade in the stylish Jordaan neighborhood, or rent a bicycle and explore the Dutch capital.
- Distance by train: 3 hours
- Recommended Tour: Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffee Shop Private Tour
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: From $89.19 USD per adult
11 Lille, France
Lille is a city in Northern France, close to the Belgian border. It has a quaint old town center called Vieux Lille, with cobbled pedestrian streets, brick homes, and breathtaking architecture. Visiting Lille from Paris offers travelers a chance to see a different side of the country and appreciate the rich cultural history of France.
- Distance by train: 1 hour
- Recommended Tour: Lille City Sightseeing Tour
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cost: From $14.69 USD per adult
10 Strasbourg, France
A day trip to Strasbourg from Paris offers yet another chance to experience a unique side of France, different from that of Lille or Bordeaux. Strasbourg is located in the Northeast of the country, close to the German border. It’s a beautiful city with canals, incredible architecture, and some of the best cuisine and booze in France. Travelers can spend a full day exploring this cultural hub and return to accommodation in Paris by nightfall.
- Distance by train: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Recommended Tour: 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $57.71 USD per adult
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Crown Princess in Rotterdam Cruise City
Travelers who want to experience Dutch culture on their trip to Paris but don’t have time for the journey into Amsterdam can take a shorter day trip to Rotterdam. Rotterdam, Netherlands, is located south of Amsterdam in the province of South Holland, and it's known as the "Gateway to Europe." It’s a historic city, dating back to the 1200s, yet it is a modern and lively city. Thanks to Erasmus University, it has a significant population of young people, with a vibrant bar and nightlife culture.
- Distance by train: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Recommended Tour: Rotterdam in half a day: All-inclusive, Authentic private Tour of Rotterdam
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Cost: From $124.95 USD per adult
8 Lyon, France
Lyon is an often overlooked destination by travelers despite being one of the largest cities in France - and considered the gastronomical capital of the country. Located in the central-eastern part of France, Lyon was the Capital of the Gauls during the Roman Empire and an important center during the Renaissance, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are various landmarks and historical monuments in the city, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Renaissance streets of the Vieux Lyon (the old city). Lyon is easy to access from Paris by train.
- Distance by train: 2 hours
- Recommended Tour: Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: From $68.20 USD per adult
7 Basel, Switzerland
Travelers can check another country off their bucket lists by visiting Switzerland as a day trip from Paris. Basel, Switzerland, is a city close to French and German borders on the Rhine River. It has historical buildings but a fresh, dynamic art scene and plenty of museums to explore. Paris to Basel takes approximately 3 hours by train each way, so it’s a good idea to book an early morning departure to maximize time in Basel. The city is the oldest university town in Switzerland and features a large market square that travelers will love.
- Distance by train: 3 hours
- Recommended Tour: Basel’s Heritage with a local specialty Private Tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $128.79 USD per adult
6 Saarbrücken, Germany
In a couple of hours by train, travelers can cross over from Paris, France, into Germany by visiting the town of Saarbrücken. Saarbrücken is the capital city of the German state of Saarland and is an international hub of culture, sitting at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Luxembourg. Travelers can visit the Ludwigskirche, an impressive baroque-style church, or do some shopping at Europa Galerie before enjoying some of the region’s unique cuisine.
- Distance by train: 2 hours
- Recommended Tour: Saarbrücken city walk with a professional guide
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $223.95 USD per group (up to 15)
5 Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont-Saint-Michel is a small island village about one kilometer off the coast of Normandy. Cutting an impressive silhouette, the small island houses Saint Michel Abbey, a towering medieval fortress that was used as a prison for centuries during the Ancien Régime. Mont-Saint-Michel is a historical hub with monumental landmarks and a lot of things to do, surrounded by charming shops, stores, and cafés, making for a perfect day trip from Paris.
- Distance by train: 4 hours
- Recommended Tour: Private Mont-Saint-Michel Tour From Paris by Luxury Vehicle
- Duration: 13 hours
- Cost: From $734.47 USD per adult
4 Bruges, Belgium
Known as the "Venice of the North," Belgium's Bruges makes for a charming day trip from Paris. One of the cities in Europe with the most well-preserved Medieval architecture, Bruges' historical center (which is still the city center) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In a day, travelers can see the Belfry of Bruges, join a walking tour, hop into some cities' fascinating museums, and sit down at the colorful, historic central plaza to enjoy some superb Belgian waffles.
- Distance by train: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Recommended Tour: Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $86.56 USD per adult
3 Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is the perfect day trip from Paris for history buffs. The architecture here is impressive, so it's a great idea to take a tour of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise to see it all in a single day. A tour guide provides insight into the history and building of these beautiful structures, plus the tour includes a wine tasting. The Loire Valley is France's third-biggest wine-producing region and the biggest for AOC-based white wine.
- Distance by train: ~1.5 hours
- Recommended Tour: Day Tour of Châteaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia
- Duration: 9 hours
- Cost: From $197.95 USD per adult
2 Champagne, France
Champagne, France, is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and it's easy to reach from Paris. Known for producing the world-famous sparkling wine, Champagne, this region demands travelers to book at least a half-day tour of vineyards and wineries to properly appreciate its magic. Since the train journey from Paris is only an hour each way, travelers have the entire rest of the day to take advantage of full-day excursions to visit some of the region's top Champagne producers.
- Distance by train: 1 hour
- Recommended Tour: Small-Group, Full-Day Tour, Visit 3 Champagne Producers
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: From $240.76 USD per adult
1 Giverny, France
Perhaps best known as the original location of Claude Monet's water lily garden, Giverny is a small commune in Normandy that retains all the charm and artistic sensitivity that will enchant any traveler. Visiting Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny is like being transported into a painting, a spectacle in the spring. An impressionist hub back in the day, it's also worth visiting Giverny's Impressionist Museum and taking a stroll through the scenic paths in the town. Visitors can dine at a café or the historical and beautiful Hotel Baudy before hopping on a train back to Paris.
- Distance by train: 1 hour
- Recommended Tour: Monet's House and Garden & Giverny Village
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: From $251.82 USD per adult