25 Best Day Trips From Paris After 3 Years in France

Paris is always a good idea, but there’s way more to France than its capital. We’ve lived in France for more than three years, based in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the western suburbs of Paris, and have had lots of adventures beyond the city limits.

We explored much of the region by train before buying a car toward the end of our time in the Paris suburbs. (You can watch more about our experience buying a car in France on YouTube.)

Below, I’m sharing our favorite day trips from Paris, from royal châteaux and medieval towns to Champagne tastings and that one theme park. I’ve included driving distances and times, plus train times where applicable, to help you plan your own excursions.

Which of these Paris day trips is best for you?

• For châteaux: Versailles, Fontainebleau, or Chantilly
• For Champagne: Reims or Épernay
• For art lovers: Giverny or Auvers-sur-Oise
• For medieval history: Provins or Rouen
• For foodies: Lyon or Dijon
• For a car-free day trip: Lille, Brussels, or Strasbourg

Day Trips in the Paris Suburbs

Don’t knock the Paris suburbs until you’ve tried ’em! If you’re looking to escape the crowds without committing to a long journey, there are some lovely places to explore beyond the city limits in the western suburbs.

Note: Distances and driving times are approximate and measured from central Paris, using Hôtel de Ville de Paris as the consistent starting point. Public transit times are approximate journeys from the most convenient central Paris departure point to each destination and may include transfers or onward travel. Check current routes and schedules before setting out.

Rueil-Malmaison

Distance: 11 miles (17 km)
Drive Time: ~50 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~15 minutes via the RER A from Châtelet-Les Halles to Rueil-Malmaison, followed by a 10-minute ride on bus 259 or a 35-minute walk

History buffs should make time for Château de Malmaison, the former country residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Joséphine de Beauharnais. Explore the home where the couple escaped the demands of Paris, I guess.

Fun fact: Joséphine was actually born Marie-Josèphe-Rose Tascher de La Pagerie, but Napoleon wasn’t a fan of the name Rose. He started calling her Joséphine, a feminine version of her middle name, and the name stuck.

Admission is relatively inexpensive by château standards, and an audio guide in French or English is included with your ticket.

A memorable exhibit during our visit featured stuff from Napoleon’s final years in exile on Saint Helena, including his shaving kit, hair, and death mask. It was raining that day, but I imagine the gardens are lovely when the roses are blooming.

Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Distance: 14 miles (23 km)
Drive Time: ~45 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~30 minutes via the RER A from Châtelet–Les Halles to Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Obviously, we’re a little biased on this one, but I’d still argue that it’s a lovely place to spend a day away from central Paris. You’ll get a historic château, a huge public park, a pretty town center, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.

The former royal residence now houses the National Archaeological Museum, which you can skip if you’re short on time. (The exhibits are mostly in French, and there’s not much to impress you inside.)

The highlight is outside. The expansive park behind the château offers some of the best views across the western suburbs toward Paris.

The town itself is great for a wander, with independent shops, bakeries, and a market three days per week that gives you a taste of everyday life in France beyond Paris. For more ideas on things to do, check out my guide to Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Le Port-Marly

Distance: 14 miles (23 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Train Time: ~30 minutes via the RER A to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, followed by a 10-minute ride on bus 10 or 259, or a 25-minute walk

Alexandre Dumas fans should put Château de Monte-Cristo on their list. Located in Le Port-Marly, just outside Saint-Germain-en-Laye, this was the home of the French author behind The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.

We have been to this one four times now, as it was always so fun to show visitors.

The main château is surrounded by gardens, and there’s a separate miniature castle where Dumas worked. Apparently, he needed a mini-castle where he could work because his main castle was overrun with partiers.

I’d recommend reading a little about Dumas and his life before you visit to get more out of the experience.

We always walked to this one from Saint-Germain-en-Laye. If you don’t mind some steep sections along the way, you can do so from the main train station!

Read more in our guide to Château de Monte-Cristo, and watch our related video on YouTube.

Maisons-Laffitte

Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Train Time: ~20 minutes via the RER A from Châtelet-Les Halles (or ~30 minutes via Transilien L from Paris Saint-Lazare) to Maisons-Laffitte station

Château de Maisons is sometimes suggested as an alternative to Versailles, particularly if tickets to the Palace of Versailles are sold out. I’m not sure I’d go that far, but we found it lovely and far less crowded than the biggie.

The château is worth about an hour if you like taking your time through the rooms on the basement, ground, and upper floors. The gardens are less formally maintained than Versailles’, but there’s still room to stroll around the grounds.

Don’t rush straight back to Paris after visiting the château. Maisons-Laffitte has a cute town center with shops, restaurants, and a boulevard running through the main commercial area. There’s even a carousel at one end.

We hoped to stop at RockOut, a beer hall with what looked like an excellent selection, but it was closed during our visit.

Marly-le-Roi

Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
Drive Time: ~50 minutes
Train Time: ~40 minutes via Transilien L from Paris Saint-Lazare (or ~45 minutes via the RER A from Châtelet-Les Halles with a transfer at La Défense) to Marly-le-Roi

Marly-le-Roi is another pretty commune west of Paris. You can explore the historic town and its surroundings, but I’m going to make a slightly different recommendation: plan your visit around lunch at Le Village Tomohiro.

This Michelin-starred restaurant serves a tasty blend of French and Japanese flavors from chef Tomohiro Uido, with a focus on seafood from Brittany. One of my favorite bites was the wasabi dinner roll in the bread basket, because carbs.

Reservations are a must. We like going out for lunch in France, so we don’t have to wait until late in the evening to eat. I was raised on Polish dinners at about 3 p.m., people. Some habits stick.

READ MORE: To learn more about Brittany, my favorite region in France, check out this starter guide for why it’s worth the trip!

Versailles

Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
Drive Time: ~30–60 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~40 minutes via the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, and the place deserves the hordes. You can easily spend a full day exploring the palace and grounds. Honestly, we’ve been three times now, and still haven’t seen it all.

Apart from the palace itself and the sprawling gardens, leave time for the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. These smaller palaces on the estate offer a different perspective on royal life, particularly Marie Antoinette’s retreat at the Petit Trianon.

Note: If you’re visiting during the warmer months, check the schedule for the Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens. Seasonal events, including light shows, may require a separate ticket from standard palace admission.

I have a lot more in my guide to the Palace of Versailles.

Auvers-sur-Oise

Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Drive Time: ~40–60 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour via the Transilien H from Paris Gare du Nord (with a transfer at Valmondois) to Auvers-sur-Oise station. (A direct, seasonal “Impressionists’ Train” runs on weekends from April to November, cutting the trip to ~45 minutes.)

Vincent van Gogh spent the final weeks of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, and the village preserves several places connected to his life and paintings.

Start at the Église Notre-Dame d’Auvers, which inspired one of his best-known paintings.

A more macabre stop is the Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent the final weeks of his life and died in July 1890, two days after shooting himself. His tiny attic room has been preserved.

Finish at the village cemetery, where Vincent is buried alongside his younger brother Theo. If you have time, wander the surrounding French countryside, too. The wheatfields and quiet lanes inspired many of Van Gogh’s final paintings.

READ MORE: If you love French destinations with connections to famous artists, learn about Pont-Aven when you’re done here.

Disneyland Paris

Distance: 24 miles (39 km)
Drive Time: ~40 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~40 minutes via the RER A from Châtelet-Les Halles to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy

If you’re visiting Paris with kids or you’re a Disney adult, this one is already on your bucket list.

No judgment on the “Disney adult” thing, by the way. We’ve been three times!

The resort has two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World, formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park is the classic option, but you can spend a day at both.

Don’t expect everything to cater to little ones while you’re here, though. Some of the rides felt pretty scary. Hyperspace Mountain is no joke. You’ve been warned.

Chantilly

Distance: 34 miles (54 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~25 minutes via the regional TER train from Paris Gare du Nord (or ~45 minutes via the RER D) to Chantilly-Gouvieux, followed by a 20-to-25-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride to the château

Chantilly is another solid reminder that Versailles isn’t the only château worth visiting near Paris. The Château de Chantilly has an impressive art collection at the Musée Condé, landscaped gardens, and friendly horses at the Great Stables to meet.

Don’t leave without trying crème Chantilly, the sweetened whipped cream associated with the town.

We combined Chantilly with Auvers-sur-Oise on the same day, and it’s easy enough to do if you leave Chantilly after lunch. Read more in my guide to a day trip to Chantilly from Paris.

Château de Courances and Milly-la-Forêt

Distance: 34 miles (54 km) to Courances
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Public Transit Time: ~45 minutes via the RER D from Châtelet-Les Halles to Corbeil-Essonnes, followed by a ~45-minute ride on bus 4346

For a countryside day trip, combine the gardens of Château de Courances with a wander around Milly-la-Forêt. I wouldn’t recommend public transit on this one. Bus Line 4346 operates on a very limited schedule!

The Domaine de Courances is known for its Renaissance water gardens, 17 ponds, and Japanese tea room. Just check seasonal opening dates before visiting, as they do shut down in the winter.

Afterward, head into Milly-la-Forêt. The town has a historic covered market hall dating to the 15th century and a few good cultural stops.

One of the most interesting is the Espace culturel Paul Bédu. The small art museum has a connection to a famous art-world hoax: a painting attributed to an imaginary artist that was actually created by a donkey named Lolo.

Excellent.

You can also visit the Chapelle Saint-Blaise-des-Simples, a 12th-century chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau in the late 1950s. Another option is Le Cyclop, a mirrored sculpture hidden in the woods outside town. You can visit inside on a guided tour.

Meaux

Distance: 34 miles (54 km)
Drive Time: ~55 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~25 minutes via the Transilien Line P direct express train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Meaux

Meaux is famous for Brie de Meaux cheese and mustard, so naturally, I made those priorities during our visit.

The Brie Museum is small but worth a pop-by when cheese tastings are available. The Cheese Factory of Meaux is a good spot if you’d like to take some goodies back with you.

More highlights include Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the gardens of the former Episcopal Palace, now home to the Bossuet Museum. The Vieux-Chapitre, a 13th-century tithe barn connected to the cathedral by a small bridge, is nearby.

If you have more time, the Museum of the Great War is another reason to visit. We didn’t have time for it, as we wanted to visit the Ramparts of Meaux, but it’s large enough to fill up your time through lunch.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Drive Time: ~50 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~25 minutes via the Transilien Line R from Paris Gare de Lyon to Melun, followed by a 20-minute ride on the seasonal Châteaubus shuttle

The Loire Valley is a tough sell for just the day, but you don’t need to do all that for grand estates. This 17th-century stunner helped inspire the later expansion of Versailles.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte slaps extra hard during the holiday season, when its Christmas decorations transform the estate into a festive spectacle. That’s the only time we’ve visited, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re planning a holiday trip.

If you’re not driving, the shuttle requires a reservation. The estate is seasonal, with its regular visiting season running from March 14 through Nov. 1, 2026, followed by its separate Christmas event starting Nov. 14.

Distance: 43 miles (69 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~40 minutes via the Transilien Line R from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station, followed by a 15-minute ride on local bus line 1 (or a 35-minute walk) to the château

I’ve visited the Château de Fontainebleau twice now, and I’m always impressed by its lack of flash. No, really.

Versailles gets most of the attention in these parts, but this one shows off more French royal history over glitz. The former royal residence was home to French monarchs, including Napoleon Bonaparte, and its rooms reflect that range of periods.

The château is the big thing here, but you’ll want time for the gardens and surrounding grounds. You can also explore nearby Forest of Fontainebleau if you have a car. If you need an automatic, book your car well ahead of your trip.

Read more in my guide to a day trip to Fontainebleau from Paris.

Giverny

Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~50 minutes via the TER train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny station, followed by a 10-to-15-minute shuttle bus ride

Giverny is essential for anyone who appreciates Claude Monet. This is where you’ll find the Impressionist painter’s former home and gardens.

While the home is cute, the gardens are the main attraction, with the Japanese bridge, water lily pond, and flowerbeds that inspired some of his most famous paintings.

The village is worth a wander after. Stop at the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny to learn more about the art movement Monet helped define.

Monet’s house and gardens are seasonal, generally open from April 1-November 1. While this place is rarely quiet, spring is extra lovely for the gardens. Read more in my guide to Giverny in April.

Want someone to just…take you there? Check out the guided options below:

Chartres

Distance: 56 miles (90 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes via the regional TER train from Paris Gare de Montparnasse to Chartres

Chartres is best known for its magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Gothic architecture and medieval stained glass. Even if you’re not into churches, it’s worth a stop for its detail alone.

Beyond the cathedral, explore the old town’s narrow streets and the lower town along the Eure River. The historic center has a different feel from Paris, with plenty of small streets to wander.

If you’re driving, you could also look into adding the Château de Rambouillet to your itinerary, depending on how much time you want to spend at each stop.

Provins

Distance: 56 miles (90 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes via the Transilien Line P direct train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Provins

If you’re visiting Paris in December and want a more unique Christmas market experience, put Provins on your list.

Its annual Medieval Christmas Market is a major draw, with artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, costumed performers, and old-timey music. It only runs December 12-13, 2026, though, so your planning would need to be tight. Entry is free.

Provins is worth visiting outside of the market, too. The medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with well-preserved ramparts, historic gates, and impressive medieval architecture.

The underground tunnels are also intriguing if you want to learn more about Provins’ history as a major medieval trading center.

Rouen

Distance: 85 miles (136 km)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes via the TER Nomad train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Rouen-Rive-Droite

Rouen is a great introduction to Normandy if you don’t have time for a longer trip. We spent several nights here on a Normandy road trip, but you can get a good taste of the city on a day trip from Paris.

Start at Rouen Cathedral, famous for its Gothic architecture and for inspiring a series of paintings by Claude Monet. The historic center is full of timber-framed buildings, cobbled streets, and charming squares, so it’s nice to explore on foot.

You’ll also find sites connected to Joan of Arc, who was tried and executed in Rouen in 1431. Learn more in my guide to visiting Rouen.

Épernay

Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes via the regional TER train from Paris Gare de l’Est directly to Épernay

If you want some city things to do alongside your bubbles, pick Reims. If you’re in the Champagne region for bubbles specifically, do Épernay.

I spent a birthday here basically drinking Champagne all day, and it most certainly didn’t suck. You don’t need a complicated itinerary here, either.

Start on the Avenue de Champagne, where grand Champagne houses line one of the town’s most famous streets, then choose a cellar tour or two. Read more in my guide to taking a day trip to Épernay from Paris.

Reims

Distance: 89 miles (144 km)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~45 minutes via the high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims Centre

Reims is where I’d send someone who wants to combine Champagne tasting with a city break. It’s home to the impressive Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned for centuries, and some of Champagne’s most famous producers.

I’ve visited both Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot, and would recommend both if you have time for the classics. Leave time to explore the city center, too, especially if you need a break from all the bubbles. Or don’t.

Book cellar visits in advance, as this is a popular destination for folks. Reims is lovely at Christmas, too. And yes, they have Champagne holiday huts running at that time.

Prefer a guided Champagne experience? Compare a few highly-rated options below:

Lille

Distance: 138 miles (222 km)
Drive Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour via the high-speed TGV from Paris Gare du Nord to Lille Flandres or Lille Europe

Lille is the capital of French Flanders, with a distinct architectural style. You’ll find Flemish-influenced buildings, lively squares, and plenty of places to stop for a meal or a beer. I like to think of it as the cutest almost-Belgian town in France.

Start in the Grand Place and wander through Vieux-Lille, the old town. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is worth it if you have time for a museum.

Foodies should seek out carbonnade flamande, a slow-cooked beef stew made with beer that is a real hit in my belly in the cold months. Read more in my guide to spending one day in Lille.

Dunkirk

Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
Drive Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~2 hours via the high-speed TGV from Paris Gare du Nord to Dunkerque

We visited Dunkirk on an overnight trip from Lille, but you can also make it a day trip if you’re interested in World War II history.

The city played a major role in Operation Dynamo in 1940, when more than 338,000 Allied troops were evacuated to Britain during the Battle of Dunkirk. It’s a good way to learn about the evacuation beyond Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk.

We visited the Dunkirk 1940 – Operation Dynamo Museum, housed in a former military fortification that served as a command post during the battle. We also stopped at Blockhaus WN Darmstad, one of the German bunkers that remain along the coas.

For a different perspective, head up the Risban Lighthouse. If you have extra time, walk along the broad sandy beach at Malo-les-Bains, where the history of the evacuation meets Dunkirk’s modern seaside vibes.

Brussels

Distance: 194 miles (312 km)
Drive Time: ~3 hours 45 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes via the high-speed Eurostar train from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels-Midi

Brussels is an easy train trip from Paris if you want to leave France altogether. While it isn’t my favorite Belgian city, I’m not going to deny that we’ve had a good time there.

Start at the Grand-Place, one of the city’s standout squares, then wander through the surrounding streets for waffles, fries, and chocolate. The city also has plenty of museums and Art Nouveau architecture if you want to look beyond the tourist sights.

Read more in my guide to things to do in Brussels.

I’d save Bruges for a separate trip or an overnight from Brussels. My guide to visiting Bruges from Brussels has more details. For a longer trip to Belgium, use my week-long itinerary.

Dijon

Distance: 196 miles (315 km)
Drive Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes via the high-speed TGV Lyria or TGV InOui from Paris Gare de Lyon to Dijon-Ville

We’re getting to longer drive times at this point, but France’s high-speed trains still make this one doable as a Paris day trip.

Dijon is more than a name on a mustard jar. The historic capital of Burgundy has a beautiful old town, elegant architecture, and a food culture that, again, is more than its namesake.

Start at the Maille mustard shop, where I sampled different varieties and picked up some classic Dijon mustard and a jar of honey to take with me. From there, explore Darcy Square and its garden, then follow the Owl Trail through the historic center.

The route connects many of Dijon’s main sights, and finding the small carved owl on those historic spots is a cute way to spend a morning. Local tradition says rubbing it brings good luck.

Lyon

Distance: 288 miles (463 km)
Drive Time: ~5 hours
Public Transit Time: ~2 hours via the high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu or Lyon Perrache

Lyon deserves more than this from me, but I’m including it here because it’s such a frequent ask.

France’s third-largest city has a fantastic food scene, a historic old town, Roman ruins, and enough museums and neighborhoods to keep you busy for a long weekend. It took us a while to visit ourselves, but when we did, we spent four nights here.

If you’re really just here for the day, steal my Lyon itinerary. You can explore Vieux Lyon, the city’s Renaissance-era old town, and the Presqu’île between the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Most importantly, you’ll want time to eat. It’s the country’s foodie capital for a reason. Lyon is famous for its bouchons, traditional restaurants serving hearty Lyonnaise specialties.

Read more in my guide to why I’ve fallen in love with Lyon.

Strasbourg

Distance: 305 miles (491 km)
Drive Time: ~5 hours
Public Transit Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes via the high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg Gare Centrale

I’m not sure I’d suggest this one as a day trip from Paris outside of the holiday season, but it becomes very tempting during Christmas. That’s when Strasbourg becomes the “Capital of Christmas.”

Fun fact: While I think they named themselves that, it tracks. Their Christkindelsmärik is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1570.

If you are visiting in December, allow extra time to get from place to place. The town is VERY popular during that time. I have a guide to Strasbourg’s Christmas markets to help you plan.

Strasbourg is worth the trip the rest of the year, too. It’s just best as an overnight in that case. The city blends French and German influences, from its food to its architecture, so it’s very photogenic.

If you have extra time in Alsace, consider visiting Colmar, too. That one’s just a bit far for a day trip.

More Paris Day Trips

Even after three years in the region, we still haven’t seen it all. Paris is lousy with fun day trip adventures. Here are a few more in case my list wasn’t good enough for you:

• Sceaux (10 miles/16 km): Visit the château and its expansive formal park, particularly appealing when the gardens are in bloom.
• Enghien-les-Bains (11 miles/18 km): This lakeside town has a spa and casino, offering a different kind of break from sightseeing.
• Château de Champs-sur-Marne (15 miles/24 km): This one was used as a filming location for Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie-Antoinette.
• Senlis (36 miles/58 km): This historic town boasts medieval lanes, an old cathedral, and remnants of its Gallo-Roman past.
• Barbizon (37 miles/60 km): This is an artists’ village associated with the Barbizon school of landscape painting, near the Forest of Fontainebleau.
• Moret-sur-Loing (51 miles/82 km): This is a picturesque medieval town on the Loing River, with old gates, historic streets, and riverside views.
• Pierrefonds (59 miles/96 km): Combine the fairytale Château de Pierrefonds with nearby Compiègne or Chaalis Abbey if you’re driving.
• Orléans (76 miles/123 km): This is a city with a historic center and strong connections to Joan of Arc, easily reachable by train from Paris.
• Troyes (111 miles/179 km): This city is known for its timber-framed houses, historic center, and factory outlets, in case that does something for you.

Day Trips to Skip From Paris

These destinations aren’t places you should skip altogether. I’ve just seen them on these day-trip-from-Paris lists, and I VERY much disagree with some of the advice out there. Here’s why:

• Deauville: This charming town is more than two hours from Paris by train. Stay overnight and make a proper Normandy coast getaway out of it.
• Bordeaux: It’s just too far for a worthwhile day trip, especially if you’re visiting for the wine. Spend a few nights exploring the city and vineyards. October is great!
• London: Come on now. Even with the Eurostar, London deserves more than a few rushed hours between train rides, no matter what day tours tell you.
• Mont-Saint-Michel: Stay overnight nearby so you have time to explore the abbey and medieval village. Use my Mont-Saint-Michel guide to plan.
• D-Day beaches and Étretat: Both deserve more time, and they’re in different parts of Normandy. Pick one area or spend a few nights exploring the region.
• Loire Valley: Base yourself in Amboise, Blois, or near Villandry and enjoy some proper château-hopping. Use my three-day Loire guide.

Where to Stay in Paris

We lived in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, so we didn’t need accommodations at the end of the day post-day trip. I’d recommend central Paris on quick trips, no matter how touristy that sounds.

It’s best if sightseeing in the city is your priority and you’re only taking one or two day trips. You can reach the main stations by Metro. Use the map below to help you:

Paris is great, but its day trips are worth making time for, too.

If you’re planning a trip to France, Paris is likely already at the top of your list. With more time in the city, you have lots of options for fun getaways outside of Paris.

This guide isn’t meant to give you FOMO, though. Pick one or two to prioritize, but only if you have at least three full days dedicated to Paris itself. I’ll never run out of things to do there!

Need for France inspo? Check out these guides:

• Should You Plan a Stop in Annecy?
• Why You Need to See the Dordogne
• Is This Really the Worst Area in Paris?
• Play at the Best Golf Course Near Paris
• Plan a Day Trip to Monaco From Nice

Bonus posts about our life in France:

• Moving to France: How We Did It
• Things That Surprised Us About France
• Renting Apartments in France: Expat Guide
• What’s It Cost to Live in France…Really??
• French Food vs. American Food: Real Talk

Want to see more?