6 Seriously Good Day Trips (90 Mins) From Paris
By Sam Lee, 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. Wander through its jaw-dropping gardens, crafted by André Le Nôtre, and marvel at 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 breathtaking 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 charming town of Senlis. Picture narrow cobblestone streets, Gallo-Roman towers, and the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis. It's like stepping back in time, minus the plague and questionable hygiene.
Getting there is 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 recommend you book ahead (and skip the line) or maybe even take a private tour. Check out these options:
02—
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! If you’d like
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.
Getting there is 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.
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. Or, if you prefer to kick back and let someone else handle the details, grab tickets for a top-notch organized tour and relax!
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 charming 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.
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.
Getting there: 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.
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 Instagram shots.
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.
Plan ahead, and prepare to be dazzled by this slice of history. And definitely buy tickets in advance:
That’s a wrap
Exploring outside Paris is like hitting the refresh button on your vacation. Day trips let you soak in France's rich history and stunning landscapes without the long-term commitment of a separate trip. Hope this list helps you plan your Parisian getaway!
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