3 Amazing Day Trips from Paris
Paris is an incredible city to spend time in, but sometimes, the allure of a day trip outside the city can be just as enticing. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a bubbly enthusiast, these three amazing day trips from Paris that are no more than an hour away by train will add a whole new dimension to your French escapade. Here are 3 of the best day trips from Paris by train (or car, or bus)!
Table of Contents
A Royal Escape to Versailles
Getting There
By Train:
- RER C (yellow) Line: The easiest and most popular way to reach Versailles from Paris is by taking the RER C train. You can catch the RER C from several stations in Paris, including Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel. Buy a ticket to Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
- Cost: A one way ticket costs about €7.30 round trip and an RER ticket, can be purchased at any Métro or RER station, and also includes access to the Métro in that price if you need to connect. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes depending on where you board the train.
- Pro Tip: There are two different RER stations in Versailles. Make sure you buy a ticket to and board a train that terminates at “Versailles Château Rive Gauche”, as this station is an easy 10 minute walk to the palace. But, if you do accidentally get on the train heading to the other RER station, Versailles-Chantiers, you’ll still get there, but the RER ride will be longer and the palace is about a 25 minute walk from the station (learn from my mistakes!)
By Bus:
- Metro Line 9 and City Bus Line 171: For a budget ride to Versailles, you can take the Metro and a city bus. Take Metro line 9 to Pont de Sèvres metro station, the terminus of Line 9 where you can get on the 171 bus to Château de Versailles. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes from the Pont de Sèvres Metro station and drops you off near the palace gates.
- Cost: You can use a regular t+ Paris metro ticket for this bus, which costs €1.90.
Things to Do
The Palace of Versailles:
- Hall of Mirrors: Marvel at the opulence of the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed.
- State Apartments: Explore the lavishly decorated King’s and Queen’s State Apartments.
- Cost: Entry to the palace only costs €21, and is included with the Paris Museum Pass. A ticket for the whole estate, including the Grand and Petit Trianon and garden shows is €32.
The Gardens:
- Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens: From April to October, enjoy the Musical Fountains Show on weekends and the Musical Gardens Tuesday to Fridays.
- The Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon: Don’t miss these beautiful retreats of the royal family.
The Queen’s Hamlet:
- Rustic Charm: Wander through this picturesque hamlet built for Marie Antoinette, complete with a working farm.
Pro Tips for Versailles:
- Arrive Early: Since Covid, when you book online you can reserve a time slot for entry. This is a welcome change because the palace used to be uncomfortably crowded during peak months.
- Pack a Picnic: The gardens are perfect for a picnic. There are also several cafes on site if you prefer to buy food there.
Monet’s Enchanting Garden in Giverny
Getting There
By Train:
- SNCF Train: Take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny. The journey takes about 45 minutes. From Vernon, you can take a shuttle bus, rent a bike, or even walk to Giverny (about 7 km).
- Cost: A round-trip train ticket costs around €20. The shuttle bus from Vernon to Giverny costs €10 round trip or €5 one-way.
- Tip: Buy your train tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best prices. You can book through the SNCF app, at the train station, or online here.
By Car:
- Rental Car: If you prefer driving, renting a car offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The drive from Paris to Giverny takes about 1.5 hours.
- Cost: Car rental prices vary, but expect to pay around €50-€70 per day.
Things to Do
Monet’s House and Gardens:
- Water Lily Pond: See the famous Japanese bridge and the water lily pond that inspired many of Monet’s masterpieces.
- Flower Garden: Wander through the vibrant flower gardens, meticulously arranged according to Monet’s vision.
- Cost: Entry to the house and gardens costs €11.50 for adults and €7 for children and students. You can buy tickets online here or on site, but purchasing in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. For €23 you can purchase a combined ticket for Monet’s House and Garden and the Musée des Impressionnismes
Musée des Impressionnismes:
- Art Exhibitions: This museum showcases the works of Monet and other Impressionist artists, often featuring special exhibitions.
- Cost: Entry costs €13 for adults. Admission is free the first Sunday of every month.
The Village of Giverny:
- Charming Streets: Take a stroll through the quaint village, dotted with charming houses and flower-filled gardens.
- Excellent Food: Le Jardin des Plumes is a one Michelin-starred option offering excellent French cuisine, reservations are required.
Tips for Giverny:
- Visit Early or Late: To avoid the largest crowds, visit Monet’s garden early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
- Photography: Monet’s garden is a photographer’s paradise, so don’t forget your camera!
- Bike Rentals: Consider renting a bike to ride from the train station in Vernon to Giverny for a scenic ride through the French countryside. There are multiple bike rental companies right by the train station.
Sip and Savor in the Champagne Region
Getting There
By Train:
- SNCF Train: Take a train from Gare de l’Est to Reims. The high-speed TGV train gets you there in about 45 minutes.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket costs around €30-€40.
- Tip: Book your tickets in advance for the best rates, especially on weekends and holidays. You can book through the SNCF app, at the train station, or online here.
By Car:
- Rental Car: Driving to the Champagne region gives you the flexibility to explore multiple vineyards and towns. The drive from Paris to Reims takes about 1.5 hours.
- Cost: Expect to pay around €50-€70 per day for a rental car.
Things to Do
Reims:
- Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims: Start your day with a visit to this stunning Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned.
- Cost: Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
- Champagne Houses: Visit renowned champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery for tours and tastings.
- Cost: Tours and tastings usually range from €20-€50 per person, depending on the champagne house.
Épernay:
- Avenue de Champagne: This famous street is home to some of the world’s most prestigious champagne producers, including Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët.
- Champagne Tastings: Enjoy guided tours and tastings at these iconic houses.
- Cost: Tours and tastings typically range from €20-€70 per person.
Hautvillers:
- Birthplace of Champagne: Visit the picturesque village where Dom Pérignon is said to have invented champagne.
- Abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers: Explore the abbey and its vineyards.
- Cost: Entry to the abbey is free, but guided tours may have a fee.
Tips for the Champagne Region:
- Book in Advance: Many champagne houses require reservations for tours and tastings, so book ahead to ensure availability so you’re not disappointed on arrival.
- Designated Driver: If you’re driving, be sure to have a designated driver or take advantage of local tour companies that offer transportation.
Final Thoughts
Paris is undoubtedly a city of endless wonders, but venturing an hour beyond its borders can lead you to some truly magical experiences. Whether you’re exploring the opulent halls of Versailles, wandering through Monet’s vibrant garden in Giverny, or sipping world-class champagne in Reims, each of these day trips from Paris offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of French culture and history. So, next time you find yourself in Paris with a day to spare, consider escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for one of these incredible destinations.
And don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Paris Travel Guide to help plan an unforgettable trip to Paris! Happy travels!