The best day trips from Paris by train for a different experience

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France’s train network is excellent, letting you reach the heart of another region easily in just a few hours from Paris. Some destinations may look far on the map, but a high-speed train can get you there quickly – up to 320 km/h! The following list features the best day trips from Paris by train, perfect for discovering a different side of France during your stay. It’s also a handy way to escape the occasional Paris rain.

Tip: If you plan on travelling a lot by train, check whether a rail pass could save you money.

Why day trips by train from Paris are a great idea

Paris is undeniably fascinating, but there’s so much more to explore beyond the capital. A day trip offers a change of pace, allowing you to experience charming towns with unique history, local culture, and cuisine – all without the hassle of packing and checking in somewhere else. However, if you have more time, all these destinations would make excellent overnight trips!

For this list, I’ve focused on destinations easily reached by train, with no bus transfers needed. With high-speed trains, you’ll be surprised how quick, cheap, and easy it is to explore other parts of France from Paris.

At the end, you’ll find a useful map with travel times colour-coded: green = under 1 hour, blue = 1–1.5 hours, yellow = 1.5–2 hours, maroon = over 2 hours.

Destinations around 1-1.5 hours from Paris

Versailles | 30 min

• Station in Paris: multiple (St-Michel Notre-Dame, Invalides, Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel, and more) | Line: RER C (Transilien network) |
• Region: Ile de France

The Palace of Versailles needs no introduction. From Versailles Château-Rive Gauche station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the palace entrance. Explore the opulent gardens, royal apartments, and learn about France’s monarchy and political history.

Reims | 45 min

• Station: Gare de l’Est | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Champagne

Known as the Capital of Champagne, Reims is also an important city in French history. From the Reims station (not Reims Maison Blanche), it’s a 15-minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral and a 40-minute walk to Pommery Champagne house. The nearby Place Drouet d’Erlon is perfect for a break. Champagne is one of the easiest wine regions to reach from Paris.

Lille | 1hr

• Station in Paris: Gare du Nord | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Flandres (north of France)

Lille is the largest city in northern France and a delight for architecture fans. Flemish 17th-century buildings, including the town hall, are just a 10-minute walk from the station.

Chartres | 1hr

• Station in Paris: Gare Montparnasse | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Centre

Chartres Cathedral is one of the best-preserved Gothic cathedrals in France, only 10 minutes by foot from the station. Built in 1222, the architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument has been remarkably preserved, with 90% of the original structure still intact. The historic town centre is charming, and everything is within a short walk from the station.

Destinations just over one hour from Paris

Orleans | 1hr10

• Station in Paris: Gare d’Austerlitz | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Centre

Birthplace of Joan of Arc, Orleans features her house, statues, and the stunning Sainte-Croix Cathedral that features beautiful stained-glass windows depicting Joan of Arc’s story. Both are about a 10-minute walk from the station and the charming town centre is worth a stroll.

Tours | 1hr15

• Station in Paris: Gare Montparnasse (or Austerlitz, but it takes more time) | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Loire Valley

Tours is a charming medieval town with stunning architecture. The list of monuments to see in Tours within walking distance from the station is long, including Saint-Gatien cathedral and La Psalette cloister, Saint-Martin basilica, the medieval castle, the town hall, Charlemagne Tower, and the Beaux-Arts museum.

If you’re interested in visiting Loire Valley castles, you can join a tour* from Tours but most of them will be day tours. Villandry Castle is not too far from Tours, so you should be able to find a half-day tour if you prefer. However, Amboise and Blois, further down on this list, may be better destinations to visit a Loire Valley castle on a day trip by train from Paris. Alternatively, you can consider a tour from Paris* rather than a train trip.

Tours is a medieval town with Saint-Gatien Cathedral, La Psalette cloister, and the Beaux-Arts museum all walkable from the station. Tours is also a gateway to visit Loire Valley castles, and it’s easy to join tours, but if you also want to visit the town, half-day tours to castles or wineries are harder to find.

Poitiers | 1hr15

• Station in Paris: Gare Montparnasse | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Vienne

Poitiers is a historic town located on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It has medieval churches like Notre-Dame la Grande and Saint-Hilaire le Grand, a 5th-century baptistery, and the Saint-Pierre cathedral with historic stained glass, all within a 20–25 minute walk from the station.

Epernay | 1hr20

• Station in Paris: Gare de l’Est | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Champagne

Famous for the Avenue de Champagne and its 110 kilometres of wine cellars holding millions of bottles, Epernay is perfect for a champagne tasting day trip from Paris. From the station, you can take a 40-minute circuit walk to discover the most interesting places in town, including the iconic Avenue de Champagne. Hesitating between Epernay or Reims? Read this.

Rouen | 1hr20

• Station in Paris: Gare Saint Lazare | Line: TER or Nomad (regional train)
• Region: Normandy

Rouen is rich in Gothic architecture, including France’s tallest cathedral (fourth tallest in the world), stunning abbeys and churches. It’s also a historic place, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake by the English. The pedestrian centre is just a short walk from the beautiful train station.

Provins | 1hr20

• Station in Paris: Gare de l’Est | Line: P (Transilien network)
• Region: Seine-et-Marne

A UNESCO World Heritage medieval town with ramparts, the Caesar Tower, and Saint Quiriace Collegiate Church, all within walking distance from the station. This 8-kilometre circuit starting at Provins train station will take you to the best sites.

Amiens | 1hr20

• Station in Paris: Gare du Nord | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Somme

Amiens Cathedral is France’s largest medieval cathedral, bigger than Notre Dame de Paris and only a 10-minute walk from the station. It’s nicknamed “small Venice of the north” for its charming canals, it’s lovely to wander in the streets to see the old houses, the Perret Tower and belfry.

Metz | 1hr25

• Station in Paris: Gare de l’Est | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Lorraine

Metz station itself is an architectural highlight, voted the most beautiful station in France. With over 3,000 years of history, the city features numerous well-preserved monuments showcasing a range of architectural styles, from the Gallo-Roman era to more recent times when Metz shifted between German and French rule. The cathedral is one of the most glazed Christian buildings with 6500 m² of stained-glass windows and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Troyes | 1.5hr

• Station in Paris: Gare de l’Est | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Champagne

Troyes is a charming medieval city in the Champagne region of northeastern France, known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and rich history. It was a major centre of trade during the Middle Ages.

Brussels | 1.5hr

• Station in Paris: Gare du Nord | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Belgium (north)

It only takes 20 minutes to walk from the Belgian capital’s station to the stunning Grand-Place, Manneken-Pis, and Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral.

Nancy | 1.5hrs

• Station in Paris: Gare de l’Est | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Meurthe-et-Moselle

The highlight of a visit to Nancy is the stunning 18th-century Place Stanislas, known as the world’s most beautiful square and only a 20-minute walk from the train station. From there, you can walk to the nearby Arc Héré and explore the old town, with its late baroque and art nouveau architecture. Other must-see sights include the Saint-Epvre Basilica, the Porte de la Craffe, and the Nancy Museum of Fine Arts.

Blois | 1.5hrs

• Station in Paris: Paris Austerlitz | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Loire Valley

A day trip to Blois from Paris is a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich history of the Loire Valley. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk from the train station to the Chateau de Blois, a royal palace with a fascinating mix of architectural styles that served as the favourite residence of no less than seven French kings and ten French queens across four different time periods.

However, the town of Blois is not just about the castle. Visitors can wander through the historic streets and admire the charming old houses, explore two magnificent cathedrals, or take a relaxing boat ride on the nearby river.

Dijon | 1hr35

• Station in Paris: Gare de Lyon | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Burgundy

Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy, is more than just a place famous for its mustard. It’s a charming town that offers a lot to visitors, making it one of the best day trips from Paris by train.

Start early to make the most of your time in the town centre, following the Owl trail “Parcours de la Chouette” to discover architectural gems like the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, climb the Philippe le Bon Tower for a panoramic view, and visit the International Cité of Gastronomy and Wine to learn more about the region’s renowned cuisine and wines. You can also join a half-day tour of local vineyards in picturesque villages to experience the best of Burgundy’s wine culture.

If you’re torn between visiting Dijon or Lyon, I prefer Dijon for a day trip from Paris, as it’s smaller and easier to get around in a short time.

Destinations around two hours from Paris

Auxerre | 1hr45 from Paris by train

• Station in Paris: Paris Bercy | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Burgundy

Auxerre makes is a perfect day trip from Paris by train. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk from the train station to Paul Bert bridge, where you’ll get one of the best views of the city. From there, follow the Cadet Roussel pedestrian circuit to discover the town’s rich heritage. Don’t miss the impressive Gothic cathedral of Saint-Etienne, the picturesque old town with its timber-framed houses, and the Abbaye Saint-Germain, which houses a museum of Gallo-Roman art. And of course, don’t forget to taste the delicious local wine, which has been produced in the region for centuries.

Strasbourg | 1hr45

• Station in Paris: Gare de l’Est | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Alsace

Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is a unique blend of French and German cultures and one of the four capitals of the European Union. The magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Beyond the cathedral, the “Petite France” is a charming area with its picturesque half-timbered Alsatian houses and canals. Don’t forget to try the local Alsatian cuisine, including the famous choucroute and tarte flambée. If you don’t want to visit another city, it’s easy to join a tour to explore the local vineyards or visit beautiful villages.

Lyon | 1hr50

• Station in Paris: Gare de Lyon | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Rhône (south-east of France)

Lyon is a charming city and France’s second-largest, renowned for its incredible culinary scene. Boasting the title of the world’s gastronomy capital, Lyon is home to numerous delightful restaurants. However, Lyon isn’t just about food. The city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful wine regions in France and is filled with stunning historical buildings.

You can easily get to the city centre by taking the high-speed train from Paris. From the station, it’s a short walk to the main attractions, including the old town with its fantastic dining options and the breathtaking Fourviere Basilica.

Amboise | 1hr50

• Station in Paris: Paris Austerlitz | Line: TER (regional train)
• Region: Loire Valley

Amboise is a wonderful town to explore in the Loire Valley region. You’ll find everything the area is famous for, including a stunning Renaissance royal castle overlooking the river, and the chance to taste wine in a 16th-century troglodyte cave dug into the limestone. If you’re a fan of Leonardo Da Vinci, you won’t want to miss Amboise – the artist retired here, and you can visit his last home, Clos Lucé, as well as his tomb in the chapel of Amboise Castle.

Hiring an e-bike is a great idea to cover more ground in Amboise and its nearby vineyards.

Bordeaux | 2hrs15

• Station in Paris: Gare Montparnasse | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Aquitaine (south west of France)

Bordeaux is a stunning city located on the Atlantic Coast and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture is breathtaking, and the surrounding wine regions are world-renowned for producing delicious local wines. It takes only 25 minutes to walk from the station to the impressive Porte Cailhau, a 15th-century monument that offers a glimpse into Bordeaux’s rich history. Just a short stroll from there is the magnificent Place de la Bourse, where you can admire the famous Water Mirror.

Destinations further away but still accessible as a day trip from Paris by train

Vannes | 2.5hrs

• Station in Paris: Gare Montparnasse | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Brittany

Vannes is a charming town in Brittany that is easily accessible by train from Paris. From Vannes station, it only takes 15 minutes to reach the ramparts, and the port is just a short walk away. The old town is wonderful to explore on foot, with its picturesque half-timbered houses and beautiful gardens. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour around the stunning islands of the Gulf of Morbihan, one of the best things to do in Brittany. It’s a unique experience that provides a complete change of scenery from the bustling city of Paris.

Saint Malo | 2.5hrs

• Station in Paris: Gare Montparnasse | Line: TGV (high-speed train) + TER (regional train) – direct trains from Paris are rare.
• Region: Brittany

Saint Malo is a stunning medieval walled city located on the English Channel and one of the most beautiful towns in Brittany. While it’s often visited in combination with the Mont Saint Michel, keep in mind that you won’t be able to reach the latter by train. However, after a short 30-minute walk from the train station, you’ll be on the beach, ready to explore the breathtaking ramparts of Saint Malo. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around the charming old town and its narrow streets filled with historic buildings and local shops.

Beaune | 2.5hrs

• Station in Paris: Gare de Lyon | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Burgundy

Just outside Dijon lies the charming small town of Beaune, situated in the heart of Burgundy’s famous Route des Grands Crus (Great Vintage Road). The Hospices de Beaune, a hospital foundation from the Middle Ages, is a unique and famous attraction that you don’t want to miss. In Beaune, you can also indulge in wine-tasting opportunities, although the vineyards are located just outside the town, and you will need to book a tour. Among the famous wineries nearby, Château de Pommard is worth a visit.

If you’re short on time, taking a quicker train to Dijon and joining a tour to Beaune might be the way to go.

Colmar | 2hrs20

• Station in Paris: Gare de l’Est | Line: TGV (high-speed train)
• Region: Alsace

Colmar is a picturesque town with charming colourful half-timbered houses lining the riverbank. You will love wandering around the town, and you can take a relaxing boat tour on the canal to see the town from a different perspective. Colmar is referred to as “the small Venice of the East.”

If you’d like to explore an Alsatian town and are hesitating between Colmar or Strasbourg, read this post.

What are your favourite day trips from Paris by train? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Map of these destinations for a day trip from Paris by train

The map is colour-coded by train travel time for easy planning.

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