The 7 Best Day Trips from Paris: History, Wine, and Grandeur

Looking for the best day trips from Paris?

Without a doubt, the French capital hides a ton of attractions and activities for any traveler. But what about the countryside?

Leave the hustle of the big city and venture outside its limits to explore more of France.

Take a few epic day tours from Paris and learn about places and events, which changed modern history.

Explore the gardens, which inspired famous painters.

And seduce your palate with exquisite wines. 

Wondering how? By joining the best day trips from Paris!

Let’s explore!

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1. Versailles: Dive into the Grandeur of the French Classicism

Visiting Versailles Palace is one of the easiest day trips from Paris.

One of the largest and most famous palaces in the world invites you to explore its 700+ rooms. The State Apartments, the King’s Bedroom, and the Hall of Mirrors are just some of the architectural highlights of the Versailles Palace.

The Palace was used by Louis XIII. His son, Louis XIV, transformed and expanded it. He then moved the royal court and the government of France to Versailles in 1682.

Versailles Palace grew from a simple hunting lodge to the center of the French monarchy within a few decades.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage monument and journey back to the pre-French Revolution days. See how the French royalties bathed in opulence before the people overthrew them. After you’ve marveled at the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and the splendid State Apartments, follow in the footsteps of Louis XIV by strolling in the spectacular gardens of The Sun King.

With the pre-booked Paris tours of Versailles, you’ll be able to breeze through security and avoid the lines. Still, keep in mind that all those queueing people will eventually get in and fill the rooms of the palace. Therefore, come to Versailles as early as possible in the morning.

The palace’s opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The gardens open half an hour earlier and close half an hour later.

Some of the tours include a guide while others offer you an interactive multimedia solution.

Keep in mind that not all day trips from Paris include transportation to the Versailles Palace. However, it is easy to hop on a train and reach the majestic palace in about 30 minutes.

Tip: visit Versailles Palace on a Tuesday or during the weekend. The spectacular musical fountain show happens on these days from April to October.

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2. Giverny: Walk Through Gardens Which Inspired Famous Masterpieces

Giverny is a small town just about an hour and a half away from Paris. Leave the buzzing capital behind and enjoy a scenic drive to Normandy. Discover the home of the Father of Impressionism, Claude Monet.

The famous gardens, which inspired Monet’s paintings, invite you to take a stroll.

Weeping willows shade the water garden. Vibrant wisterias, azaleas, and small ponds full of waterlilies make you forget the outside world. You would feel like walking inside Monet’s incredible world of color and joy.

Stand on the famous Japanese bridge before stepping into the quaint charm of Monet’s home. Inside, you can admire the precious collection of Japanese engravings.

On the way out, stop at the Studio Nympheas, home to the Foundation’s Shop, and pick up a souvenir.

Afterwards, wander around the Giverny village. It attracted many American artists between 1883 and 1920, and they formed an important artists’ colony.

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3. Mont-Saint-Michel: Marvel at Ancient Fortifications

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting this mind-boggling place is one of the most epic day trips from Paris.

The worship of Saint Michel on the holy mount started in 708. Soon it became one of the most important places of pilgrimage. Benedictine monks began the construction of the abbey in the 10^th century.

Mont-Saint-Michel survived the assaults of man, time, and nature. The heroic resistance to the English attacks during the Hundred Years’ War in the 14^th and 15^th centuries made it a symbol of French national identity.

Monks left the abbey in 1790. It became a historic monument a century later. Continuous restoration works aim to return the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey to its former glory.

On a day trip from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, you can explore the site at your own pace. An information booklet will help you learn the fascinating history of the abbey.

Tip: due to the location of Mont-Saint-Michel abbey on an island, the high tides might affect the opening hours.

Furthermore, according to a fellow blogger, it’s best to visit Mont St. Michel before 10 AM – or not at all!

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4. Normandy D-Day Beaches: Visit Places Where Europe’s History Was Written

This glorious day trip from Paris will take you to several places where the face of modern Europe is shaped.

Explore the beautiful Normandy countryside and tour the D-Day landing sites. Discover the rich traditions of Normandy and tease your taste buds at a typical cider and calvados farm.

This day trip will lead you to the historical battlefields and landing beaches along the Atlantic coast.  A stop at the Utah Beach Landing Museum is a must for any history buff. It is housed in an original German bunker on the beach where the first American troops landed.

Learn about the complicated planning behind Operation Overlord. Hear the touching stories of ordinary men and women whose actions shaped the face of Europe. Admire unparalleled views over Utah Beach from the museum. Then explore one of the few remaining B-26 aircrafts in the world.

Afterward, stop at a traditional cider-making orchard. Seduce your palate with exquisite ciders and apple brandies, calvados. Next, enjoy a Normandy-style lunch of freshly prepared seasonal produce in a restaurant overlooking the port of Grandcamp Maisy.

After lunch, travel to Pointe du Hoc to see the German cliff-top defence that US Rangers heroically took during the D-Day landings. Overlooking the English Channel, the site remains much as it was over half a century ago. You can still see the original German fortifications and the crater scars, made by the bombs.

Pay your respects to the fallen at the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach. It is the last home of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., son of President Roosevelt. The Medal of Honour recipient is buried here, along with almost 10,000 brave fellow soldiers.

Last but not least, enter the Omaha Beach Visitor Centre to learn what went wrong during the Omaha Beach landings.

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5. Loire Valley Castles: Become a Royalty for a Day

A tour of the Loire Valley is like wandering in a fairytale land. This is one of the most romantic day trips from Paris.

The tours usually show you three different castles before taking you back. Have in mind, that Loire Valley is home to more castles than you can ever see on a day trip from Paris!

Tip: to fully appreciate the valley’s beauty, you’ll definitely need more than a day to explore the castles. If your schedule allows it, plan how to spend a couple of days with this Loire Valley itinerary.

Walk in the flower gardens of the Château de Chenonceau, and gaze at the delicate arches that cross the Cher River. The palace is also known as the Chateau des Dames because several extraordinary women played major roles in its history.

The castle was built in 1513 by Catherine Briconnet, embellished by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, and saved from destruction during the French Revolution by Madame Dupin.

Continue to Chambord to explore the largest castle of the Loire Valley.

Marvel at the extravagant architecture and double-spiralled staircase of the royal Château de Chambord. The most majestic castle of the Loire Valley features 365 chimneys, 440 rooms, 14 staircases, and 800 turrets. They all reflect the extravagant architecture of the French Renaissance.

Additionally, hundreds of columns and spires adorn its roof. The elaborate roofline resembles the skyline of a big city. The castle also features an intricate stone staircase, designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

End the day at the former home of King François I. See the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci in the Amboise village and the Château d’Amboise. Confiscated by the monarchy in the 15^th century, it was a favorite royal residence.

Alternatively, visit Château de Cheverny. This castle will enchant you with its elegant décor. 17^th-century furniture and Old Master paintings prove the sophisticated taste of its owners. The countless rooms of the chateau reflect a highly refined style, particularly the King’s Chamber, the Dining Room, and the Arms Room.

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6. Champagne Wine Tour: Seduce Your Palate with Exquisite Tastings

300 years ago, Dom Perignon pioneered the production methods, which made champagne the world-renowned drink it is today. Spend your time on a day trip to the Benedictine Abbey in Hautvillers and explore the famous winemaker’s workshop.

Visit the abbey and see where he worked. Learn about the dangers of exploding wine bottles. The search to stop this phenomenon inspired many of Perignon’s innovations.

Stop at a family-run winery. Discover how they have been making champagne for three generations. After lunch, step into the cave of Moët et Chandon beneath the famous Avenue de Champagne. Enjoy a tour and tastings.

Alternatively, you can discover the history of French sparkling wine on a full-day e-bike tour of the Champagne region from Paris.

Arrive by train in Epernay. The commercial capital of the Champagne wine region is located on the banks of the Marne River. Explore the city’s narrow streets, before riding into the charming Champagne countryside.

Pass by historic vineyards and villages. Pedal through the beautiful countryside while learning the region’s fascinating history. See how Champagne is made and meet local producers at some of the best Champagne houses.

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7. Disneyland: Provoke Your Inner Child

Enter the fairy-tale land of Disney’s characters, excellent entertainment, and attractions for the whole family. Strikingly close to Paris, Disneyland invites you to awaken your inner child and enjoy an unforgettable ride.

The Magical Kingdom of Disney offers endless fun in five magical lands. Experience your favorite stories from classic Disney films. Here’s where fairy tales come true.

The thrills at Disneyland Park, Paris come in all shapes and sizes. Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain Mission 2 offer a rush for grown-ups. The little ones can sail around the globe at It’s a Small World. Find extraordinary family fun in every corner of the Park, from the Pirates of the Caribbean to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups.

Don’t miss the main attraction, a meet and greet with beloved Disney characters. On top of all the wonderful attractions and characters, there are lots of spectacular family parades and shows to enjoy all year round.

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Explore France on the Best Day Trips From Paris

Although Paris offers a myriad of (unusual) things to do, leaving the French capital for a day trip or two should be on your travel list as well.

Whether you’re a history buff, interested in the opulent Renaissance architecture or the World War II battles, an art or champagne aficionado, or a Peter Pan searching for a thrill rollercoaster ride, these day trips from Paris will show you a different and amazing side of France.

So, tell me:

Which of the best tours from Paris inspired you the most?

Let me know in the comments below!