Are you travelling to Paris and staying more than a couple of days? The City of lights is undoubtably one of Europe’s most iconic and special destinations. I have lived there for a while and know very well that it will take you weeks to truly discover its cultural richness and complexity – its great buildings, its museums, its unexpected corners, and its delicious food.
If you travel in high season and are not really a cr0wd-person, or simply realise that big cities are not thing, you may fancy exploring something different, and slightly quieter. Rest assured, the rest of France is not far behind Paris when it comes to wonderful attractions.
France is also incredibly well-connected by train. A network of fast trains called TGV puts a lot of the country within easy reach from the capital. So if you want to escape the crowds and discover some other historical gems, here is a list of recommendations to get you started!
10 stunning destinations you can visit from Paris by train on a day trip
To make the day trip enjoyable and not too tiring, I have kept to a strict criteria. All destinations below are between 1 and 2 hours from Paris, so you will not be spending a half of your day on the train, and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the destination of your day trip.
Now, without further ado, here is the actual list:
1. Auxerre – A Historical gem for Chablis lovers
Auxerre is a former Roman settlement and one of the most ancient and historical cities in France. It also has a beautiful setting along the Saone, and a relaxed pace.
How to get there: Auxerre is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Paris Bercy. Book through SNCF.
In the historic centre, the abbey of abbey of St Germain is magnificent; its stone is blistering white, even more so in a sunny day. Built on the site of the Roman house of the martyr German, it became one of France’s most revered sites in the dark ages. Today it lies in a peaceful city square.
There are other beautiful churches in the centre such as the Gothic cathedral of St Etienne, whose outline sits on top a hill, dominating the city.
Cobbled streets and Burgundian architecture makes it a pleasure to wander around, and the river banks are luxuriant. You can walk along them, including with your dog, or cycle along the Yonne river towards parks on the outskirt of town and the stunning burgundian countryside.
Another highlight is in the terroir. North of Auxerre, the vineyards are planted to Chardonnay to produce Chablis. So, Auxerre it is a great day out for wine lovers too!
2. Rouen – the city of a Thousand Spires
The grand boulevards and 19th century beige stone mansions of Paris feel like a world away from the half-timbered houses of Normandy’s atmospheric capital Rouen.
Yet Rouen is an easy day trip from Paris.
How to get there: Rouen is less than 1 and and a half hours from Paris Saint Lazare. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
The one thing the capital of France and the capital of Normandy have in common is a stunning Gothic cathedral dedicated to Notre Dame.
The cathedral of Notre Dame de Rouen is one of the most iconic sites of a city whose centre is dominated by Gothic churches. the presence in close proximity of Saint-Ouen, Saint-Maclou, and Notre Dame Cathedral is the reason Rouen is known as the ‘city of a hundred spires.’ The cobbled streets and half-timbered houses will whisk you back in time. Another highlight is the Astronomical clock, city,
To plan your day in Rouen Browse the Tourist Board website.
3. Chenonceaux – the most iconic Loire valley chateaux
Do you prefer the Renaissance to Norman Gothic? here is another fairy tale destination escape from Paris. The chateau de Chenonceau is undoubtedly the most photographed – and visited – corner of the Loire valley. So, the site will be busy, But the village next door to to the site, Chenonceaux – with a final ‘x’ – is delightful and peaceful.
How to get there: Chenonceaux is between 1 hours 40 and 2 hours from Paris Montparnasse, depending on the connection time. You will change at St Pierre des Corps.Book through Trainline or SNCF.
I have revisited Chenonceaux last summer and have fallen in love once more. The history of the the castle, a gift from King Henry II to his lover Diane de Poitiers. Diane, a highly educated and intelligent woman, who became an advisor to the king, Diane oversaw the radical modification of Chenonceau. Her architects designed the unique bridge-like structure that supports the chateau today. The castle was considered so beautiful that when the king died his widow, Catherine de Medici, sent Diane to live somewhere else and moved in! A walk through the castle and its gardens is a journey through the history, personality and taste of these two incredible women.
You can read more about the chateau and plan your visit here. A visit to the chateau takes a few hours, and if you decide to spend time in the gardens, tackle the maze, and visit the Flower and vegetable gardens, you may spend the best part of a day there. It will feel like time well spent!
The village is on the opposite side of the small train station. It is a cluster of peaceful stone houses surrounded by countryside, with a few eateries and hotels.
4. Amboise – A royal chateau and Leonardo’s final home
Amboise is another Loire valley gem. If you want more than a single chateau in your day trip from Paris, Amboise may be perfect for you.
How to get there: Amboise is between 1 hours 20 and 1 hour 50 from Paris Montparnasse, depending on the connection time. You will change at St Pierre des Corps. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
The whole of the Loire Valley is UNESCO-heritage-listed, and deservedly so. Amboise is a town, larger than Chenoceaux and with numerous attractions. The city centre with its timbered houses is dominated by the imposing royal Chateau, perched atop a rock overlooking the Loire. The castle itself is a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, and it was the first castle to display elements of Renaissance style in France. It was a well-loved royal residence.
The chapel is parrticularly moving as it houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci who spent his final years in Amboise, working for the king of France.
Connected to the Chateau by a secret underground passage, is Leonardo’s final home, Clos Lucé. recently been re-opened to the public after extensive restoration, it is a wonderful site. Walking around the rooms where Leonardo lived and worked – his kitchen, his studio, his bedroom, is quite an experience. You can stand by the hearth where the Renaissance genius used to warm his hands.! The museum has an interesting collection of Leonardo drawings.
5. Lyon – France’s gourmet capital
Of course, Lyon is a big city – the second in France after Paris. But I mention it because it is far less visited, so if you want a break from Paris because you don’t like crowds, Lyon is a great option. It is also a very beautiful city, crossed by not one but two rivers, and the gourmet capital of France.
How to get there: Lyon is just under 2 hours from Paris Gare de Lyon – where else? The journey is direct. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
Lyon is a stunning city which deserves to be better known. Once a centre of the silk trade, It has unique architecture, influenced by the Italian Renaissance, especially in the UNESCO-Heritage Vieux Lyon, a beautiful Gothic cathedral, hilltop roman ruins, and delightful enbankments on its two magnificent rivers (the Rhone and the Saone). it also boasts great museums and contemporary buildings, especially in the Confluence district. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc in the distance too!
my post on Lyon gives you more detailed ideas on what to see and do.
6. Reims – cathedrals and Champagne
Reims is one of the most important sites in French history. Its wonderful gothic cathedral witnessed the coronation of most French kings, so it is only appropriate that the most prized sparkling wine on earth is produced in the area too.
How to get there: Reims is Just under 1 hour from Paris Gare de l’Est. Epernay is 20 minutes away from Reims. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
Reims boasts one of France’s most beautiful cathedrals, famed for its stained glass windows and its intricate stone decorations. Within its walls lies the coronation spot, where French kings used to be crowned. Around the cathedral are other notable churches and ancient buildings, as well as delightful Parisian-style mansion houses.
The city has an ancient history dating back to Roman times and a network of underground caves that were used for thousands of years. It is within these caves that some of the famous Champagne houses in town store their wines.
There are other Champagne houses 20 minutes away in nearby Epernay, the main centre of the Grand Cru/PremierCru area of La Montagne de Reims.
Check out this post to plan your visit.
7.Chartres – The best preserved cathedral in France
The stunning Romanesque cathedral of Chartres, famed for its glass windows, is much closer to Paris than you expect. If you want to compare Notre Dame with another one of Europe’s most beautiful cathedrals, just catch the train for this easy day trip
How to get there: Chartres is just over 1 hour from Paris Montparnasse, Most journeys are direct. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
The stunning Romanesque cathedral of Chartres, has survived almost intact, in its original 12th-13th-century style, so you feel truly feel you are stepping back to medieval times. The majority of the original stained glass windows also survived, So did the stone labyrinth on the floor of the cathedral.
If you are either a mystical person or a lover of Medieval history, Chartres is an incredible, fully immersive experience.
The cathedral is grandiose, and sits on top of a hill, dominating the landscape, and visible from miles away.
The cobbled streets surrounding the cathedrals, full of quaint little stores, and the peaceful riverside park, add to the relaxed atmosphere of this French gem.
8. Metz – Lorraine’s undiscovered gem
If you want to experience a French city with a German vibe, Metz, one of Europe’s greenest cities, is a great option. In winter, it also houses one of France’s most authentic Christmas markets.
How to get there: Metz is under 1 and a half hours from Paris Gare de l’Est. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
Metz has a wonderful historical centre that has somehow escaped mass tourism. Its German vibe is due to the fact that it used to be part of the Holy Roman empire, and was also Under German rule between 1871 and 1918. Its postcard-perfect Porte des Allemands epitomises the German influence.
Rems has other jewels in store for the visitor, such as the cathedral of Saint Etienne, on top of the eponimous hill.
Wander the leafy squares surrounded by elegant ancient houses, discover the culinary treats of Lorraine, and step into its fabulous museums. You can read more about Metz’s attractions here.
During Advent, Metz is home to one of France’s (and Europe’s) best Christmas markets. the centre comes to life, and stalls fill with beautiful produce and treats from the nearby countryside. about this incredible city here.
9. Troyes – The colourful capital of the counts of Champagne
The Champagne region is quite large, and apart from Reims it boasts another gem: Troyes. the former capital of the Count of Champagne. This Good-sized town with a charming centre makes another great day trip from Paris.
How to get there: Troyes is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Gare de l’Est. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
Like many medieval towns, Troyes suffered many fires, and the reason for the city’s uniform style is a 16th century ‘great fire’ a bit like the great fire of London, which caused most of the city centre to be rebuilt in the same style.
The woodwork of the half-timbered houses is often carved with quite unique motifs. One the most famous is in the Ruelle des Chats (Alley of the Cats). This tiny street, whose upper floors almost touch, owes its name to the carving of a cat!
The cathedral, with its magnificent 150 sqm of stained glass windows, survived the fire, and so did La Madeleine, Troyes, oldest Church, with glass windows and fascinating sculptures.
Troyes is also a great place to buy Chaource, the delightful local soft cheese, adn stock up on Champagne.
10. Dijon – Grand Cru and Burgundian style
Burgundy is one of France’s most fascinating historical regions, a former duchy and before that an independent kingdom! To this day, it does feel very different from Paris, almost like another country. However thanks to the TGV high speed trains it is incredibly easy to reach for the day.
How to get there: There are direct services from Paris Gare de Lyon. The journey is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Book through Trainline or SNCF.
Dijon is a vibrant city with an eclectic architecture ranging from medieval Gothic to Art Deco . Wherever you you will notice the distinctive polychrome roofs, toits bourguignons.
Surrounded by vineyards, Dijon is the starting point of the route des Grands Crus, where eight of the world’s top ten most expensive wines are produced. On da day trip you won’t have time to explore the vineyards, but you can sample some of the wines in the city’s bars and restaurants, or at the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
a walk around the city will allow you to soak in the atmosphere. Amongst the delis, restaurants, and wine bars, you’ll discover Architectural highlights such as the Palais des Ducs – also home to the Musée de Beaux Arts -, the cathedral of Saint Bénigne, and the church of Notre Dame de Dijon with its slender gothic columns. Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir (Our Lady of Good Hope) houses one of the most ancient French statues of the Virgin Mary.
Make the most of your stay in Paris with a day trip by train
Thanks to the speed and Frequency of services, day trips from Paris by train are easy and relaxing. Just type a destination on trainline or SNCF and a world of opportunities will open up! From the German vibe of the East, to the charms of Normandy and Champagne, to the stunning chateaux of the Loire valley, there is something for everyone.
It is such a diverse country, so make the most of it!
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