The 13 best day train trips from Paris

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The question needs to be asked. Why would you want to make a day trip from a city as beautiful as Paris? What you maybe don’t know is that France as a whole is amazing with so many great sites that day train trips from Paris are a must on your vacation to Paris.

There are medieval villages, chateaus, wineries, historical sites and more waiting to be visited on day trips by train from Paris. France has a history and culture dating back millennia that you can get a taste of in just one day.

Table Of Contents
  1. Why take a day trip from Paris by train?
  2. What are the best day train trips from Paris?
  3. Best day trips from Paris – Disneyland Paris
  4. Versailles day trip from Paris
  5. Provins day trip from Paris by train
  6. Day trip from Paris by train – Colmar
  7. Dunkirk – day train trips from Paris
  8. From Paris to Mont St Michel day trip by train
  9. Avignon
  10. A day trip to Champagne from Paris – Epernay
  11. The Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley
  12. Visit another country by train from Paris
  13. Day trips from Paris to London by train
  14. Day trips from Paris to other countries – Amsterdam
  15. Freiburg, Germany from Paris
  16. Bruges Belgium
  17. Author bio:

Why take a day trip from Paris by train?

Luckily, France has an amazing train network run by SCNF with so many easy train trips. There are three major SNCF trains you can take, the TGV, TER and Intercities will have you at your destination in no time.

The TGV is the high-speed train network that departs and arrives from Paris on a daily basis, with destinations including Marseille, Nice, Strasbourg, Lyon and Bordeaux and more. Tickets for SNCF Trains can be booked online via Omio. There are many good trips out of Paris to be done.

The French capital has a total of six main train stations, each serving passengers travelling to different regions within France and other parts of Europe. These train stations in Paris are:

  • Gare du Nord
  • Gare de l’Est
  • Paris Gare de Lyon
  • Gare d’Austerlitz
  • Gare Montparnasse
  • Paris Gare Saint-Lazare

What are the best day train trips from Paris?

We will start off by looking at some of the best places near Paris to go by train. We have tried to recommend the easiest day trips from Paris by train with many popular destinations near Paris and ones that may be a little off the tourist trail.

These day train trips from Paris are perfect for solo travellers, couples travelling to Paris and families staying in Paris on vacation. Take the train and see more of France, it’s a beautiful place.

Best day trips from Paris – Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris follows the tried formula that has made Disney a success worldwide. There is a Disney Castle, Space Mountain and more. Disneyland Paris welcomed 15 million guests in 2019.

Walt Disney Studios Park is the lesser known of the two Disney attractions that are located side by side. Disney might be the most popular day trip destination from Paris by train.

a wild west themed ride at Disneyland Paris
Disney is one of the best day trips by train from Paris

For anyone wanting to experience what Disney is like internationally, this is the perfect way to do it! Book your Disneyland Paris tickets in advance with Viator here.

How far is Disneyland Paris from Paris by train?

Disneyland Paris lies around 40 minutes away by train from the city. You can get to the Paris version of Disneyland from 5 Central Paris RER A Stations. The stations are Charles de Gaulle Etoile (at Arc de Triomphe), Auber (at Galeries Lafayette shopping centre), Chatelet Les Halles (underground shopping centre), Gare de Lyon (largest Paris train station), and Nation.

How much is a train ticket to Disneyland Paris?

There are 130 train departures a day running this route, about 1 train every 15 minutes heading to Disney. A one-way train ticket to Paris Disney will cost you between 7-10€.

Versailles day trip from Paris

The Palace of Versailles was the royal residence of France from 1682, under King Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site once home of the French Kings is one of the major tourist attractions in all of France. The Hall of Mirrors, the amazing gardens and Marie Antoinette’s cottage are all worth visiting at the palace.

You can choose to spend the whole day wandering the castle and the gardens, or you can spend some time visiting the town that seemed to pop up around this once-rural estate for the wealthy!

You can take one of the many guided tours inside the beautifully decorated palace and then take in the gardens leisurely. Book your skip-the-line Versailles tickets here with Viator

How far is Versailles from Paris by train?

It takes around 1 hour by train from Paris to Versailles, the unofficial capital of France. You will need to a train on the RER C line. Major stations include St-Michel (near Notre Dame cathedral), Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, Pont de l’Alma, and Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel ( near the Eiffel Tower).

You will arrive at Château Rive Gauche station in Versailles on the RER C train. It is just a short walk to the Grand Palace, one of France’s iconic landmarks.

How much is a train ticket to Versailles from Paris?

Buying train tickets at ticket machines for a return journey will cost you under 7€-10€. No need to book tickets get them at the station.

Provins day trip from Paris by train

Provins is a medieval town located a short train trip from Paris. Provins was and still is a fortified medieval town. It was a well-defended market town at the crossroads of nine main roads and eleven secondary roads.

This made Provins France an ideal place to hold medieval fairs with traders from all over Europe converging on the city 3 times a year.

A medieval fair around the town wall st Provins France
Provins is one of the day trips close to Paris

How far is Provins from Paris by train?

During the week up to 20 trains, a day run the Paris Provins route from Paris Gare de l’est with the earliest train starting between 7 & 8 am. The last train for the day leaves around 10,45pm arriving in Provins a little after 12 pm.

On weekends, a train leaves every hour from 7 am to 10 pm. It takes 1 hour and 24 minutes through the french countryside to get to Provins France on this short train ride from Gare de l’est. Provins is one of the best train trips from Paris

How much is a train ticket to Provins from Paris?

Train tickets from Paris Gare de l’est to Provins will cost you between 13€ and 16€ one way.

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Day trip from Paris by train – Colmar

Colmar is a city on many bucket lists. This amazing medieval town lies nearly to Germany in the Alsace, eastern France. Colmar is most popular for its half timbered houses, Beautiful fairytale-like old town area wine and best Christmas markets in France. No trip to France is complete without visiting Colmar.

Colmar from Paris day trips
Unforgettable day trips with a picturesque adventure from Colmar to Paris!

There are a number of options for getting from Paris to Colmar by train. The fastest and most efficient method is the TGV High-Speed train network in France. If you want to see more of the Alsace during your day trip to Colmar an afternoon Safari tour will show you castles and the wine route!

How far is Colmar from Paris by train?

Although there is no direct TGV Paris to Colmar line, you can arrive at Strasbourg main train station and catch a regional train to Colmar. Direct trains will take around 2.5 hours to reach Strasbourg and change trains to Colmar which is 30 minutes away.

There is an average of 29 train rides a day between Strasbourg and Colmar, leaving approximately every 36 minutes

How much is a train ticket to Colmar from Paris?

Return Train tickets to Colmar in the Grand Est region of France will cost anywhere between 50€-100€

Dunkirk – day train trips from Paris

Dunkirk (English) or Dunkerque (French) is a small city on the northwest coast of France. Dunkirk was an important site during WW2. Dunkirk was the scene of a major turning point in history.

During the Second World War, the famous Operation Dynamo succeeded in evacuating more than 338,000 soldiers to England, in only nine days.

Today you can visit the beaches and museums about WW2 or catch a ferry to England. This is one of the more interesting day trips from Paris by train.

A war memorial on the beach at Dunkirk in France
Dunkirk is a historic excursion from Paris

How far is Dinkirk from Paris by train?

It takes an average of 2h 18m to travel from Paris to Dunkerque by train, over a distance of around 150 miles (242 km). There are normally 19 trains per day travelling from Paris to Dunkerque.

How much is a train ticket to Dunkirk from Paris?

Tickets for this journey start from 15€ when you book in advance. You need to depart from Paris Gare du Nord for your journey to Dunkirk. Be prepared as Gare du Nord is the busiest train station in Paris.

From Paris to Mont St Michel day trip by train

A day trip to Mont St Michel in Normandy by TGV train is a highlight of any trip to France. The island and its imposing medieval cathedral lie approximately one kilometre off the country’s north-western coast.

Mont St-Michel day trips from Paris
En route from Mont St-Michel to Paris for the best day trips

Most of the time it is surrounded by vast sand tidal flats and becomes an island only when the tides are very high. Built in the 8th century, it has been a pilgrimage site, stronghold during the war, prison and now a major tourist attraction.

How far is Mont Saint Michel from Paris by train?

Take the TGV from Gare Montparnasse in the centre of Paris to Rennes. Next door to the Rennes train station is the bus station.

Catch a bus to Mont-Saint-Michel which takes about an hour and 20 minutes. Total travel time is over 3 hours so an early start is a must on your Mont Saint Michel day trip from Paris.

How much is a train ticket to Mont Saint Michel from Paris?

The train ride from Paris to Rennes will be about two hours and cost around 56€. A one-way coach ticket will cost around 15€ from Rennes to Mont Saint Michel.

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Avignon

Avignon in southern France is famous as it is the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. Roman Catholic papacy was based in Avignon during the period 1309–77. The papal residency left behind the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages.

A ruined bridge with a medieval fortress in the background at Avignin in France
Day trips by train from Paris can reach most places in France

Your train departs from Paris’ Gare du Lyon and arrives at Avignon Centrale train station. The SNCF Paris to Avignon high speed train trip takes as little as 2 hours and 53 minutes to arrive in Avignon.

How far is Avignon from Paris by train?

Trains leave 18 trains per day running from Paris to Avignon, hop aboard as the first train pulls out of Paris at a little past 6 am for day trips in France.

How much is a train ticket to Avignon from Paris?

Tickets to Avignon start at 45€ when booked in advance. You can purchase tickets in advance on Omio.

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A day trip to Champagne from Paris – Epernay

Epernay is in the heart of the Champagne region. Famous champagne houses Moet & Chandon, Perrier Jouet and Pol Roger are in and around Epernay. Once you get to Epernay spend your day on the Avenue de Champagne visiting the Wine houses or take a tour.

day trip to Champagne from Paris
You should not miss a day trip to Champagne from Paris

How far is Epernay from Paris by train

Trains from Paris to Epernay take around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The first train to Epernay leaves around 6.30 am. There are around 20 trains a day travelling each way between the 2 cities.

How much is a train ticket to Epernay from Paris?

You can pick up tickets for as little as 10€. You need to get a train from Gare De l’est. 

Fantastic day trip from Paris – Chantilly

Chantilly offers a captivating day trip to explore the exquisite Château de Chantilly, don’t miss the Musée Condé within the castle, housing an impressive collection of art.

a castle at chantilly in France with a stature out front
Well preserved medieval architecture

Chantilly is well known for its lace, and cream. With fewer crowds than Versailles, Chantilly provides amazing architecture and fairytale-like surroundings.

How far is Chantilly from Paris by train

There are 33 trains a day leaving Paris and arriving at Chantilly gouvieux train station. The journey on average takes 28 minutes from the French capital, with the first train leaving at a little after 6am.

How much is a train ticket to Chantilly from Paris?

Trains to the beautiful city of Chantilly leave from Paris Gare du Nord and cost on average between 8-11 euros.

The Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley

The Château de Chenonceau is a historic French château, it is renowned as one of the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley. The Château is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in the Loire.

Château de Chenonceau is a popular tourist attraction with its French gothic architecture, drawing visitors from around the world to admire its architecture, art collection, and beautiful gardens.

How far is Château de Chenonceau from Paris

There are no direct trains to the Chateau. You need to catch a train from Paris to a nearby city like Tours or Amboise, and then using local transportation (shuttle bus, bus or taxi) to reach the château. The journey to Amboise takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours and will require an entire day to see the Chateau.

How much will a train ticket cost from Paris to Amboise

You will need to travel from Paris Austerlitz or Paris Montparnasse and a return ticket will cost around 50 Euros.

Visit another country by train from Paris

With the amazing train network that Europe has it is easy to get on a train and travel easily to another country. There are some that are so easy to get to and will make your vacation in Paris epic with one of these brilliant day trips from Paris by train to another country.

A TGV waiting at the station in France
London is one of the best day trips by train from Paris

Day trips from Paris to London by train

London is the capital of England, an iconic destination with its Bridge, tower and world-renowned theatre. There are so many things to do in London that one day will not do it justice.

A small visit to London is better than none. Take the train and do a hop on hop off tour to see all the major sites such as Big Ben and the Tower of London in one day.

How far is London from Paris by train?

The Eurostar runs London day trips from Paris from Gare Du Nord in northeast Paris to St Pancreas In London. Paris train station to London on the Eurostar will take you 2.5 hours on average.

The first train of the day runs prior to 6 am so an early start is the best suggestion for seeing all of London. This will be a long day tour out of Paris.

How much is a train ticket to London from Paris?

A return ticket to London will cost anywhere from 80€-140€.

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Day trips from Paris to other countries – Amsterdam

The capital of the Netherlands is an amazing city. A visit to Amsterdam can include many unforgettable experiences such as visiting Anne Frankhuas, taking a cruise on the amazing canals, or viewing some old world masters by Van Gough or Rembrandt.

A stroll around the city and viewing the architecture is quite easy with the centre very compact. Maybe visit Vondel Park or the Heineken Experience. Amsterdam has something for everyone.

a steel bridge that leads to a church in Freiburg Germany
Countries near Paris include Germany
The small but high canal; house in Amsterdam
Countries near Paris to visit by Train

How far is Amsterdam from Paris by train?

The fastest way to travel from Paris to Amsterdam is by taking the high-speed train. This fast, modern and luxurious train will get you to your destination in just under 3 hours and 20 minutes.

How much is a train ticket to Amsterdam from Paris?

There are about 12 trains a day that runs from Paris Nord Station to Amsterdam Central Station. The cost is between 50€ and 200€.

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Freiburg, Germany from Paris

Located at the foothills of the Black Forest and in the middle of the Baden wine region is Freiburg. Freiburg is one of the greenest cities in Germany with many open spaces for relaxing. The city receives more sun than any other city in Germany.

Famous for its centuries-old cathedral, and a unique open water system that runs through the city. Freiburg is a university city so there is always something happening to see and do around the old town.

How far is Freiburg from Paris by train?

Paris to Freiburg im Breisgau train services depart from Paris l’Est station on the TGV. The fastest train takes a little over 3 hours and travels via Strasbourg where a change of train is required.

How much is a train ticket to Freiburg from Paris?

This train runs twice a week. We suggest you book early to get the best prices on trips outside of Paris.

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Bruges Belgium

Bruges in Belgium is another great destination with its Chocolate and waffles to eat or maybe a little further to Brussels the capital city of Belgium. A Thayls train will get you to this vibrant city in Belgium from France.

How far is Bruges from Paris by train?

To get from Paris to Bruges by train it will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes although it can take up to 3 hours.

How much is a train ticket to Bruges from Paris?

Prices for this train journey really vary. You can get tickets for as little as 30€ to as much as 140€ when you book with omio.

These 11 amazing side trips from Paris by train will complement any of the things you plan to do in Paris on your vacation.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Paris and take a day trip from the city. There are so many things to see in France that can be done in one day from Paris.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in France click through to our France Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.


More travel inspiration for your trip to France


Author bio:

Father, husband, traveller, and chief destination manager here at Wyld Family Travel. When Mark is not discussing travel or planning travel, you will find him working in disability support. Mark is a family travel advocate, having travelled to over 45 countries with his kids from 10 months to their teenage years. You will find his work here and on other popular websites.

Having a beer in Pilsen Czech
Mark Wyld

Content Creator