6 Seriously Good Day Trips (90 Mins) From Paris
Published 2025 Whether you're eager to follow in Monet's footsteps in Giverny or dive into a medieval feast in Provins, here are six seriously fun day trips less than 90 minutes from downtown Paris.
01—
Château de Chantilly
Visit the fairytale Château de Chantilly and stroll through atmospheric Senlis.
Stepping into the Château de Chantilly is like walking into a living painting. Check out the stunning gardens, crafted by André Le Nôtre, and the château's intricate architecture.
Don't skip the Musée Condé, home to one of France's most impressive art collections, featuring works by Raphael and Delacroix.
For a taste of royal life, take a stroll through the Grand Stables. They’re home to elegant horses, a cute equestrian show, and enough Chantilly cream (whipped cream with sugar) to make you feel like royalty.
Just a stone's throw from Chantilly is the town of Senlis. Picture narrow cobblestone streets, Gallo-Roman towers, and the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis. Worth a visit.
Pros
The place is straight-up stunning, like a real-life fairytale castle. The art collection is super impressive, and the gardens are top-notch for strolling around.
Cons
It can get a little crowded, especially during peak times, so you might feel a bit cramped. Also, it takes a little bit of planning to get there.
How to get to Chantilly
Getting there is quite easy; hop on a train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux station—it’s just 25 minutes away. From there, it's a scenic 20-minute walk or a quick bus ride. TER train services (direction Creil) connect Paris' Gare du Nord with Chantilly–Gouvieux train station in 25 minutes.
I highly recommend that you book ahead (and skip the line) or maybe even take a private tour. Check out these options:
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Provins
Step into medieval life in the UNESCO-walled town of Provins.
Welcome to Provins, UNESCO’s “Town of Medieval Fairs” –- where the Middle Ages are alive and kicking.
With 150 medieval structures, including the Tour César, the Church of Saint Quiriace, and the Grange aux Dîmes (where medieval markets are re-enacted), you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. And yes, there are over 6 miles (10 km) of underground tunnels and ramparts to explore –- just don’t get lost!
The site offers regular displays of falconry, horsemanship, and medieval warfare (trebuchets, anyone?), plus jousting. Every Saturday, there’s a banquet that’s a blast from the past, complete with troubadours and acrobats serving up medieval food and fun. So, don your comfy sneakers and prepare for an epic adventure in Provins!
Pros
This medieval town is crazy cool with all the old walls, towers, and cobblestone streets. Feels like stepping into the past, and the medieval shows are a fun touch.
Cons
Not a ton to do once you've walked around a bit. Also, if you’re not into history, it might not really blow your mind. It’s also a bit cheesy…but that’s okay if you know what you’re walking into.
How to get to Provins
Getting there is a breeze: hop on the P Line from Gare de l'Est and get off at Provins. If you’re driving, it’s about 1.5 hours from Paris – GPS highly recommended.
03—
Champagne
Dive into the Champagne region.
Calling all bubbly enthusiasts! The Champagne region is your paradise, just a quick train ride from Paris. Imagine picturesque vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.
Hop on a guided tour (check out some options below) through renowned houses and taste their champagnes right where they’re made.
Pair your tasting with local treats from nearby artisanal producers. It seems weird to eat cheese with champagne, but trust me, nibbling on a selection of cheeses or charcuterie will make your sparkling drink sing.
I’m a fan of this family-run wine tour in Reims—highly recommend!
Wander through charming towns like Épernay and Reims, each oozing unique history and architecture. Don’t miss the stunning Reims Cathedral; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s totally worth your time.
Pros
This is THE spot for champagne lovers like me. Lots of cool tours at vineyards and cellars, plus tastings, of course. The countryside views are super pretty, too.
Cons
Obviously, if you’re not into champagne, it’s not really a must-see. Some of the tours can get pricey, too.
How to get to the Champagne region
Getting there is quite simple. Head to the Gare de l'Est station in central Paris, and hop on a regional train (TER) towards Épernay or Reims, the stars of the Champagne region. The ride is about 1.5 hours and offers some stunning French countryside views.
Or you can take a private tour (some good options below).
04—
Chartres
Take a pilgrimage to Chartres.
The crown jewel of Chartres is undeniably the Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Gothic masterpiece boasts stunning stained glass windows. These beauties date back to the 12th century, proving that good taste is timeless.
Wander through the cobblestone streets and pop into quaint shops selling local handicrafts and artisanal goodies. Take a leisurely stroll along the Eure River, enjoy the scenic views, and chill out in one of the many waterfront parks.
And hey, don't leave without indulging in some mouthwatering French cuisine at local bistros. Or grab a coffee at a café and soak up the vibrant town vibe.
You can do all this on your own or kick back and let a local handle the details on this fab organized tour.
Pros
The cathedral is epic, and the vibe is super peaceful. The town itself is pretty chill and has some cute little spots to check out.
Cons
It’s a bit small, so there’s not a ton to do outside of the cathedral. If you're not into churches, it might not be your thing.
How to get to Chartres
Chartres is about 55 miles southwest of Paris and can be reached by car in roughly 90 minutes—unless you hit French traffic, then good luck! The TER train takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, just enough time to brush up on your French.
05—
Giverny
Walk through Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny.
For art and flower lovers, a trip to Giverny in Normandy is a no-brainer. This charming village was home to the legendary Impressionist Claude Monet from 1883 until he died in 1926.
Pro tip: Plan your visit between April and October when the gardens are strutting their stuff and the main attractions are open for business.
Monet’s (really adorable) pink house, complete with its iconic green shutters, is a must-see. And don't forget the stunning gardens he both planted and painted — yes, that includes the famous Japanese bridge and the water lily pond. You can find all this at Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet.
For a crash course in all things Impressionist, head to the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny. They’ve got lectures, readings, and concerts that’ll make you feel (even more) like the cultured genius you are!
Feeling peckish? Michelin-starred Le Jardin des Plumes serves up modern French cuisine so good it’s practically art (I’m sure Monet would have painted it if he were alive). Or, for something more laid-back, La Capucine Giverny offers tasty meals in a beautiful garden setting.
Pros
Monet’s garden is gorgeous, like walking through one of his paintings. Perfect for photos and just soaking in the calm vibes.
Cons
It’s a popular spot, so expect crowds. Plus, it’s kinda small, so you’re not gonna spend a whole day there.
How to get to Giverny
Giverny is just 46 miles (74 kilometers) northwest of Paris. By car, it’s about a one-and-a-half-hour drive. If you prefer trains, hop on one from Paris' Gare St-Lazare to Vernon; it takes about 50 minutes. Vernon is just 4 miles (7 kilometers) from Giverny. During the season, shuttle buses run between Vernon and Giverny, or you can walk, cycle, or grab a taxi.
Taking a local tour is also a good option. Check out these:
06—
Versailles
Be awestruck by Versailles Palace and gardens.
Versailles Palace is the epitome of French extravagance. Words can’t do it justice; you’ve got to see it to believe it. Seriously.
Wander through the sprawling lawns and fountains that cover over 800 hectares—yes, hectares. Check out the musical fountain shows in the warmer months; they’re kind of weird but also spectacular.
Explore Marie Antoinette’s hamlet, a cute little village where she escaped the drama of court life. It’s a big contrast to the palace’s sheer opulence.
Comfortable shoes are a must. Trust me, you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny, and this place is huge. It also gets packed (I mean really packed) during summer months, so aim to get there early to dodge the crowds and snag those perfect Insta shots.
Pros
The palace is straight-up amazing—the building and gardens. Feels super fancy.
Cons
Expect crowds, like major crowds, especially in summer. Also, it can be a lot to take in…like almost overwhelming (especially for this minimalist!). You will absolutely need to book in advance.
How to get to Versailles
Getting to Versailles is a breeze. Hop on the train at Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. Then, enjoy a leisurely 10-15 minute stroll. The grand entrance to the Palace is through the Cour d'Honneur.
Book ahead for the next experience—and definitely buy tickets in advance:
That’s a wrap
Exploring outside Paris is like hitting the refresh button on your vacation. I feel like day trips let you soak in French history and stunning landscapes without long-term commitment :) I hope this list helps you plan your Parisian getaway.
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