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Blog post by: @giulsalongtheway on behalf of Checkout.note by Famous Hostels.
If you’re looking for some great day trips from Paris, this post is for you! From grand palaces, to UNESCO World Heritage sites, and even the happiest place on earth, you’ll find lots of places to explore!
Audrey Hepburn, playing Sabrina, once said: “Paris it’s always a good idea” and I couldn’t agree more. But she failed to mention how alluring the spots surrounding it are! Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, a fun weekend, a cultural holiday, or a simple city break, Paris is always a great city to visit.
Imagine shopping on the Champs-Élysées, taking a romantic Seine river cruise, or enjoying crêpes and good wine. Or how about hanging out under the Eiffel Tower at night, or checking out the market in Montmartre? These options are literally just a few of the things you can do in Paris. But it also seems overwhelming, right? You have to deal with crowds of people, higher prices, and constant noise. So a break from the city is welcome for the mind, body, and wallet! Eager to know where you can escape? Read on to discover the best day trips from Paris!
1. Disneyland Paris
If there’s anyplace more magical than Paris, it’s Disneyland. No matter your age, the magic of this place would make even the grumpiest human on earth crack a smile! And whether you’re travelling with children or not, it’s really one of the best day trips from Paris!
Depending on where you are in the city, it can take anywhere from 40 to 70 minutes by train to get to Disneyland (Marne-la-Valléè), so leaving in the morning is your best option if you want to get the most out of your experience. For example, I took the first train, departing at 08:32, and stayed until the last train, which departed at 20:51. While they might be cheaper if booked online, I paid 29€ roundtrip.
Upon arrival to this magical spot, you’re greeted by Micky Mouse and will feel like the most welcomed guest. The park is divided into two: Disneyland and Walt Disney Studio. Your ticket provides you access to both, so you can choose where you want to spend your time.
Speaking of tickets, you can purchase them online, or at the ticket office. However, if time is something you want to be cautious of, I suggest buying online in advance. You never really know how long the queue might be!
2. Versailles
From fake castles to real ones, the next tip for day trips from Paris is Versailles. Located 20km (50 mins by train) outside the city, you’ll find this spectacular spot. The magnificent Palace of Versailles was the proud residence of King Louis XIV, and was once the spot of lavish parties and displays of royal grandeur. Generally speaking, Versailles is a masterpiece of art and architecture, especially for those specifically interested in history (you can even visit the Queen’s bedroom, where Marie Antionette used to sleep). Visitors won’t want to miss out on the Hall of Mirrors, where massive mirrors capture sunlight and create the most sensational effects. Additionally, the gardens are also hugely impressive and are considered to be the most beautiful in Europe. Tickets to visit the palace cost 10€.
The easiest option to get to Versailles is with the RER (Line C) train, which takes around 50 minutes. You’ll arrive at the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, which is just a 10 minute walk from the Palace.
A faster option is the SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to the Versailles Chantiers station. This ride takes less than 20 minutes, but the walk to the Palace is around 25 minutes. At the end of the day, the choice is yours!
3. Bruges
Just because you want to explore options for day trips from Paris, doesn’t mean you have to stay in France! Bruges in Belgium is the next tip for great day trip destinations, and is perfect for those yearning for that ‘travel back in time’ feeling.
This UNESCO world heritage site is high on several bucket lists, and if it wasn’t on yours, it should be now! Bruges is a perfectly conserved medieval city, and is also known as them ‘Venice of the North’ due to its numerous canals. The Flemish architecture, winding old streets, museums, boutiques, and Belgian chocolate will make you glad you visited!
But getting there can take a bit of time, so be sure to plan your day accordingly. With a single trip taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes, it’s best to start early. Make your way to Paris Gare du Nord, and take the first train departing at 06:13. And on the way back, the last train back to Paris from Bruges leaves at 22:33. But be prepared to make a few connections as there’s no direct trains between the two destinations. Tickets start at 25€ if booked in advance.
4. Giverny and Vernon
One of my forever favourite places in France is about 75 km from Paris, which less than 45 min by train. This list of best day trips from Paris would be incomplete without mentioning the adorable village of Giverny. If you consider yourself an art fan, you likely know the Monet ‘Water Lillys’ painting. But did you know this is the place that inspired it? Monet moved to the village in 1883, and fell in love with the look and atmosphere of Giverny. Take the time to explore its water garden, with the Japanese bridge and water lilies, which gives you the feeling you’re in a Monet painting. And on the way to Giverny, you can stop at the little town of Vernon, which is known for its picturesque old mill and its museum.
The cultural journey begins in Paris Gare Saint-Lazare, which is actually where Monet got inspiration to paint the Gare Saint-Lazare in 1877. The ride is about 50 minutes and is a direct train to Vernon-Giverny. From there it is easy to get a shuttle bus to Monet’s Garden.
5. Reims
And last but not least, the next In the region of Champagne, we find Reims, the city where the kings of France used to have their coronation.
The Cathedral is one of the must-see attractions in the city, bigger than the famous “Notre-Dame de Paris” is considered World Heritage by Unesco. Although the city has a total of 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Cathedral, The Palace of Tau, the St. Remi’s museum, Saint-Nicaise Hill and the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars.
Also, why don’t combine this cultural trip to Reims with one of the amazing Champagne’s tasting tour organized in the city?
Paris to Reims Central station is around 45 minutes by direct TGV train and the station is just 10 minutes walking to the city centre.
Where to Stay in Paris
Our top recommendation for accommodation in Paris is St. Christopher’s Inn. With two fully equipped locations, they’re the perfect hosts in Paris. Enjoy exclusive discounts at their in-house restaurant and bar, perfect after a day of exploring. In addition, guests can participate in a range of free activities, meet other travellers, and locals while here.
Best Day Trips from Paris
Between Champagne’s tour, medieval cities, the impressionism’s village, amazing Palaces and magical fun in Disneyland, your trip to Paris can never get boring. Doesn’t matter how many times you have been in the city, just around the corner there will be always something great to visit.
And once you come back to the hostel, after a full day trip, there is nothing better to have a drink in the hostel’s bar, always full of life and maybe joining one of the numerous hostel activities to finish your day in the very best way!
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