The Most Beautiful Day Trips from Paris (No Car Needed)
Paris is an endless source of beauty—but sometimes, a day outside the city can offer a new kind of adventure. While Versailles and Monet’s garden in Giverny are classics, they’re also well-trodden. If you are searching for something quieter, more charming and perhaps just a bit under the radar, these cultural day trips from Paris might be exactly what you need.
From quaint medieval towns to romantic châteaux and serene abbeys, here are a few destinations you can visit in a day and best of all, no car required. Take a camera and good walking shoes as you will see some of the most breath-taking architecture and gardens France has to offer.
Please note that by clicking some links, at no cost to you, I may make a small commission to continue bringing great content to my readers.
1. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
📍 Maincy | ⏱️ Approx. 1 hour from Paris (train + taxi)
This 17th-century château was so lavish it famously got its owner, Nicolas Fouquet, imprisoned by Louis XIV, who then commissioned Versailles in its image. Designed by the legendary trio of architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun, and landscape architect André Le Nôtre, it’s a masterpiece of French Baroque.
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Art & Architecture
Be sure to climb the dome for panoramic views. During the summer (usually late May to late September) you can tour the château in the evening, illuminated by thousands of candles.
The Gardens at Châteaux de Vaux-le-Vicomte
You will definitely want to leave time to tour the formal gardens, preferably with a picnic basket. You can pre-order a picnic basket from the Château website.
Where to Eat at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Les Charmilles is the restaurant on site and reservations are required through the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte website.
2. Abbaye de Royaumont
📍 Asnières-sur-Oise | ⏱️ Approx. 1 hour from Paris
Founded in 1228 by Saint Louis, the Abbaye de Royaumont is one of France’s best-preserved Cistercian abbeys. Its soaring Gothic arches, peaceful cloisters, and mirror-like reflecting pools make it feel like time stands still. It’s also an active cultural center with concerts, exhibitions, and artist residencies. Leave yourself time to explore the gardens as well.
Where to Eat at l’Abbaye de Royaumont
Located within the abbey, La Table de Royaumont, offers refined cuisine in former monk’s dining hall. Also, the last Sunday of the month, they offer a brunch plus access to the abbaye for 52.50Euros.
3. Château de Chantilly
📍 Chantilly | ⏱️ 25 minutes by train from Gare du Nord
Château de Chantilly is a stunning site to visit and only 25 minutes by train from Paris. It houses the Musée Condé, with one of the largest collections of antique paintings in France after the Louvre. You’ll also find a breathtaking library, landscaped gardens, stables, and equestrian shows.
The crème Chantilly is named after this town —yes, the famous whipped cream. Inside the château, you will find beautifully preserved 18th-century apartments. The exterior grounds are stunning, including the elegant Grand Stables and horse demonstrations.
Where to Eat in Chantilly:
La Table du Connétable is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Auberge du Jeu de Paume offering creative cuisine in a lavish setting.
4. Senlis
📍 Oise | ⏱️ Approx. 45 mins by car or train
With its cobbled streets, ivy-covered stone houses, and soaring cathedral, Senlis is a perfectly preserved French town just north of Paris. Its gothic cathedral predates Notre-Dame, and its Roman ramparts still wind through the city.
The Notre-Dame de Senlis cathedral is an architectural wonder. From there, you will want to wander the old quarter and medieval gardens.
Where to Eat in Senlis:
Le Julianon is a Michelin Guide–listed restaurant offering creative French cuisine in a charming 17th-century house.
5. Château de Fontainebleau
📍 Fontainebleau | ⏱️ 40 minutes by train from Gare de Lyon
The Forêt de Fontainebleau is a favorite of Parisians for hiking, picnics, and climbing the famous sandstone boulders. Right next door is the Château de Fontainebleau, a lavish imperial palace beloved by Napoleon. The town itself is full of antique shops and cozy cafés.
You can hikes in the forest – the “Roche aux Sabots” is great for views.
Where to Eat near the Château de Fontainebleau:
L’Axel is a Michelin-starred restaurant where Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto prepares refined French cuisine with a hint of Japanese influence.
6. Provins
📍 Seine-et-Marne | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs by train from Gare de l’Est
Provins is a UNESCO-listed town famous for its 13th-century walls, watchtowers, and roses. Once a major center of medieval trade, it now offers falconry shows, underground tunnels, and rose-themed everything. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France.
Be sure to climb the Caesar Tower and tour the underground passages.
Where to Eat in/near Provins:
La Croix Blanche offers classic French fare with a focus on seasonal ingredients. L’Auberge L’Escale 87 is a cozy spot with rustic interiors to match it’s traditional French country fare.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trip from Paris
Trains
Trains leave from the major Paris stations like Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon or Gare de l’Est. You can book your tickets in advance via SNCF Connect.
When to Go:
Weekdays are quieter, although you may encounter busloads of school children on field trips. Sundays are often sleepy but picturesque. Be sure to check the websites to verify opening and closing times.
Ready to Book Your Trip to Paris and Beyond?
Let’s make it happen! I can help you organize the perfect trip to France. Please see my Book with Me Page for more information. Or head to my European Itinerary Starter Plan to get started planning right away!
Where to Stay in Paris?
This extensive post has you covered!
Need a Flight?
Need a Ride from the Paris Airport to your Hotel?
What to Wear for Your Day trip outside of Paris?
You will want to bring comfortable shoes and a jacket—many places have cobblestones or gardens. Head to my LTK shop for advice what to wear in Paris or bring Parisian style to your home:
GSC in PARIS on Substack
I’m also on substack with some free and some paid content:
If You Enjoyed this Post, You Might Also Enjoy:
More Paris:
The Ultimate 3-Day Paris Itinerary: Must-See Highlights for First-Time Visitors
Where to Find the Most Beautiful Libraries and Bookstores in Paris
The Best Small Museums in Paris That Most Tourists Miss
Parisian Rooftop Terraces with the Best Views
The Best Covered Passages in Paris: Architecture, Shopping, and History
5 Hidden Gems in Paris for Architecture Lovers
6 Beautiful Paris Hotels for Your Next Trip to Paris
7 Restaurants to try for your next trip to Paris
5 Must Read Books for Your Trip to Paris
Notre Dame de Paris: How a Building Can Break Our Heart
Passionate about Paris’ Fondation Louis Vuitton: a ‘Magnificent Vessel’
More France:
The Ultimate Guide to the French Riviera
From Paris to Provence: Exploring Julia Child’s Life and Legacy
6 Places in France to Escape After the Paris Olympics
Fabulous Books to Bring France and Italy to Your Home
Le Mont-Saint-Michel: Natural and Man made Wonder
Discovering the Enchanting Hilltop Village of Èze, France
La Fondation Maeght: Art and Architecture in the South of France
A Perfect Day in Saint-Émilion, France
Touring France: Le Bassin d’Arcachon
More Europe:
The Ideal 3-Day Rome Itinerary
Luxury Boutique Hotels in Italy: A Curated Guide by Region
How to Make the Most of Just 24 Hours in Florence, Italy
The 3 Must-See Towns along Italy’s Amalfi Coast
24 Hours in Geneva, Switzerland
The Vienna Secession Building and Gustav Klimt’s “Beethoven Frieze”
The Beautiful Architecture of Prague
Be sure to follow my Instagram to see where I have been and where I am going.
Bring Paris & France Home:
You can shop my Amazon shop with a selection of Paris inspired items.
Shop here for French items.
Or, shop here for French books.
Leave a Reply