The excitement of the Olympics are set to take over Paris this summer, and as great as that is, it means plenty of people will be looking to escape the crowds for a day or two and what better way than to take an easy day trip from Paris by train.
The city has a convenient and efficient train system, making it easy to explore the charming towns, culture, history, and nature nearby.
Find yourself in the opulent Palace of Versailles, just 30 minutes by train from Paris city centre, or perhaps you want to stroll through the enchanting gardens that inspired Claude Monet.
From castles, stone villages, and medieval history to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient towns, and historic cathedrals, France is so much more than the City of Love. So why not hop on a train and see what treasures you can find?!
Visiting Versailles from Paris
Taking a day trip to Versailles from Paris is a fantastic way to explore one of France's most famous landmarks. Here’s everything you need to know:
Getting to Versailles
- Train from Paris:
- You need to take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket costs approximately €7.10.
Palace of Versailles
- Entry Cost:
- Palace: €21 for adults (includes access to the palace only).
- Passport Ticket: €32 for adults (includes access to the Palace, Gardens, Trianon Estate, and exhibitions).
- Access is free for under-18s, as well as EU citizens under 26. You must book your slot in advance here.
- Opening Times:
- Palace: Open all year round, except Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM).
- Gardens: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
- Trianon Estate: Open from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
General information:
The Palace of Versailles was originally a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, but it was transformed by his son, Louis XIV. The transformation turned Versailles into an opulent palace to show the power of the French monarchy.
The main event is the Hall of Mirrors, a stunning hall where grand state ceremonies were held, followed by the lavish apartments of the King and Queen.
The perfectly landscaped gardens are well worth a visit. They were designed by André Le Nôtre and display manicured lawns, beautiful sculptures, and ornate fountains.
The Trianon Estate is home to the Peitit Trianon, known for its neoclassical architecture and intimate feel, this was once Marie Antoinette's private retreat.
Visiting Versailles by train is one of the most popular experiences for tourists visiting Paris.
Visiting Giverny from Paris
Visit Giverny, home to Claude Monet's house and gardens, offering a glimpse into the idyllic setting that inspired many of the famed painter's masterpieces
Getting to Giverny
- Train from Paris:
- Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Vernon-Giverny. The journey takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket costs approximately €20-€30.
- From Vernon to Giverny:
- From Vernon, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a bike to reach Giverny. The shuttle bus ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs around €10 for a round-trip.
Claude Monet's House and Gardens
- Entry Cost:
- Adults: €11
- Children (under 7): Free
- Students and seniors: €6.50
Opening Times:
- Monet's House and Gardens are open from April 1st to November 1st.
- Opening hours are typically from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM).
Monet moved to Giverny in 1883 and lived there until his death in 1926. His house and gardens inspired many of his most famous works, including his series of water lily paintings.
The Gardens are divided into two main parts, the Clos Normand (flower garden) and the Japanese-inspired Water Garden, showcasing Monet's passion for gardening and nature.
The village of Giverny itself is traditionally charming, with quaint streets and stone houses. Visitors can find local shops, cafes, and art galleries. The Church of Sainte-Radegonde is a must-visit, as it is the burial site of Monet and his family.
Visiting Château de Fontainebleau from Paris
Château de Fontainebleau has been a residence for French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III, making it one of the most historically significant châteaux in France.
Getting to Château de Fontainebleau
- Train from Paris:
- Take the train from Paris Gare de Lyon towards Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes, and get off at the Fontainebleau-Avon station (39 minutes)
- Cost: A round-trip ticket costs approximately €17-€20.
- From Fontainebleau-Avon to the Château: From the train station, you can take a local bus (Bus Line 1) or a taxi to the Château de Fontainebleau, which is about 15 minutes away.
Château de Fontainebleau
- Entry Cost:
- Adults: €14
- Free entry: EU residents under 26, children under 18, people with disabilities and their carer.
- Free Admission Days: The first Sunday of each month except for July and August.
- Opening Times:
- Open all year round, except for January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
- Hours: Generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (October to March) and 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April to September). Last entry is 45 minutes before closing time.
The château is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a vast forest, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. Nearby is the town of Fontainebleau with its quaint shops, cafes, and historical buildings.
Visiting to Rouen from Paris
Rouen is a picturesque city in Normandy, it was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in medieval Europe, serving as the capital of the Duchy of Normandy.
Getting to Rouen
- Train from Paris:
- Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Rouen Rive Droite station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket costs around €24-€35, depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book.
A day trip to Rouen from Paris offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and charming scenery. Whether you're exploring its medieval streets, admiring its Gothic cathedral, or learning about Joan of Arc, Rouen provides a memorable and enriching experience for all visitors.
Things to do in Rouen
Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen):
- This beautiful Gothic cathedral is famous for its intricate façade and inspiring series of paintings by Claude Monet.
- Explore the interior, the tombs of Richard the Lionheart, and the towering spires.
Gros Horloge:
- This astronomical clock, dating back to the 14th century, is located in the heart of the city. Its mechanism is one of the oldest in France.
- Walk beneath the archway and climb to the top for panoramic views of Rouen.
Place du Vieux-Marché:
- The historic market square where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.
- Visit the modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc, which features beautiful stained-glass windows salvaged from a bombed-out church.
Musée des Beaux-Arts:
- Rouen's Fine Arts Museum, housing an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
Historial Jeanne d’Arc:
- An interactive museum dedicated to the life and trial of Joan of Arc, offering a fascinating multimedia experience.
Rue du Gros-Horloge:
- A charming pedestrian street lined with half-timbered houses, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and shopping.
Visiting Chartres from Paris
Chartres has been a significant religious and cultural centre since the Middle Ages. The current cathedral, built between 1194 and 1220, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
Getting to Chartres
- Train from Paris:
- Station: Take the train from Paris Montparnasse station to Chartres.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket costs around €20-€25, depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book.
Chartres has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries, known for its relic of the Sancta Camisa, believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ's birth.
Another reason for the town's popularity is the preservation of the city's medieval heritage, with many historic buildings and streets offering a glimpse into its past.
Things to do in Chartres
Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres):
- One of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, famous for its stunning stained-glass windows, including the Blue Virgin window and the Rose windows. The labyrinth on the floor of the nave is also a must-see.
- Tours: Guided tours are available, and you can also climb the cathedral towers for panoramic views of the city.
Old Town:
- Highlights: Wander through the medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses. Key sights include the Maison Picassiette, a house decorated entirely with mosaics, and the Église Saint-Aignan.
- Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres): Housed in the former episcopal palace, the museum features a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
- Maison Picassiette: A unique house entirely decorated with mosaics made from broken crockery, created by local artist Raymond Isidore.
International Stained-Glass Centre (Centre International du Vitrail):
- Highlights: Learn about the art and history of stained-glass making. The centre offers exhibitions and workshops.
- Eure River: Take a stroll along the banks of the Eure River. The walkways and bridges offer picturesque views of the city and the cathedral.
- Chartres Light Show (Chartres en Lumières): From April to October, the city’s major monuments are illuminated with stunning light displays every evening.
Visiting Lille from Paris
A day trip to Lille from Paris offers a delightful blend of historical exploration and cultural enrichment. Whether exploring its grand squares, visiting museums, or enjoying its culinary delights, Lille provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Getting to Lille
- Train from Paris:
- Stations: You can take a train from Paris Gare du Nord to either Lille Europe or Lille Flandres station.
- Duration: The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket costs around €20-€50, depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book. High-speed TGV trains are available and provide the fastest option.
Things to do in Lille
Grand Place (Place du Général-de-Gaulle):
- The central square of Lille is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, cafes, and shops. Notable buildings include the Vieille Bourse and the Théâtre du Nord.
- Relax at a café and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange):
- A stunning 17th-century building known for its ornate Flemish Renaissance architecture. The inner courtyard hosts a second-hand book market and chess players.
- Explore the courtyard, browse through books, and admire the architecture.
Lille Cathedral (Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille):
- A unique cathedral combining Gothic and modern architectural styles, featuring a striking modern facade.
- Visit the interior to see beautiful stained glass windows and religious artworks.
Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille:
- One of the largest art museums in France, housing an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and antiquities.
- Spend a few hours exploring the museum’s vast collection, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Goya.
La Citadelle:
- This star-shaped fortress built by Vauban in the 17th century is surrounded by a large park, ideal for walks and picnics.
- Take a leisurely walk through the park, visit the nearby zoo, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Hospice Comtesse Museum:
- A former hospital founded in 1237, now a museum showcasing Lille’s history and heritage.
- Explore the historic building and its exhibits, which include Flemish art, period furniture, and historical artifacts.
Old Lille (Vieux Lille):
- A charming neighbourhood with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, boutiques, and gourmet food shops.
- Wander through the picturesque streets, shop for local delicacies, and dine at traditional French restaurants.
