Living in Paris, not only do you have such a historic city at your fingertips, but you also have the opportunity to go on amazing day trips! Dive into France’s food, art, architecture, and all around incredible culture without the hassle of flights and hotels. Whether you have a car or not, you can explore some fantastic cities.
I highly recommend traveling by train as half the joy is the incredible scenery you get to take in before you reach your destination. (Sometimes it can be about the journey and the destination.) Additionally, with a discount card, you gain access to excellent deals. After just two trips, the card will have already paid for itself.
As an expat living in Paris, here are my top 5 must visit cities in France that you can reach easily by train, or by car, for a day trip!
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Reims
2 hours by car | 45 minutes by TGV connect
Just to the northeast of Paris, Reims is a popular day trip and it’s easy to see why. The Cathédral Notre-Dame de Reims, or Reims Cathedral, is an incredible testament to the beauty of Gothic Architecture. Previously the traditional location for the coronations of the kings of France, the cathedral is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes roughly 1 million visitors each year. Perhaps the most gorgeous part of the cathedral is the vibrant stained glass windows illustrating biblical figures and past kings of France.
Located in the Champagne region, it goes without saying that another great attraction in Reims is the vineyards. I highly recommend booking a tasting tour in advance so you can explore the wonderful wines Reims has to offer with the guidance of an expert. With Épernay right next door, you may even find a tour that allows you to visit both cities in the same day!
If you’re looking for a place to have lunch, we recommend trying L’Alambic. Only a 15 minute walk from the Reims Cathedral, L’Alambic has an incredible atmosphere and even better food- the crème brûlée is not to be missed. Getting a reservation is the best way to guarantee your spot in this well loved restaurant. If you aren’t able to get a table, no need to worry, the nearby street Place Drouet D’Erlon has plenty of great restaurants to choose from as well.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy French history, French food, or French wines, Reims in an amazing day trip from Paris that is not to be missed!
Pontoise & Auvers-sur-Oise
1 hour by car | 40 minutes by Line H
If you love impressionist art, you won’t want to miss this day trip from Paris!
Pontoise
I recommend starting in Pontoise, an easy trip from Gare du Nord. Pontoise was immortalized by the great impressionist artist, Camille Pissaro, in the late 1800s. After moving to the small town, Pissaro invited many of his artist friends to visit him and paint with him there including Cézanne, Degas, and Guillaumin. Now, you can enjoy some of this incredible art in the Camille Pissaro Museum in Pontoise.
Some other fun activities in Pontoise include visiting the Pontoise Catacombs, and checking out the Saint-Maclou Cathedral. If you’re looking for a good place to have lunch here, I would recommend Le Petit Bistrot De Lucy!
After you’ve seen Pontoise and all it has to offer, hop back on Line H to head to Auvers-sur-Oise – a lush and charming town that was once home to Vincent van Gogh and is now his final resting place.
Auvers-sur-Oise
I would recommend starting at the Auberge Ravoux, which was the inn where Van Gogh stayed during his time in the city. You can still see the room he occupied, which has been frozen in time so you can see exactly how the famous artist lived.
From the inn, take a 10 minute stroll down the street to the Chateau D’Auvers. The Chateau regularly has exhibits of Van Gogh’s work, and you can check out their website to see what is on display before your visit. Aside from the incredible art, the Chateau has gorgeous gardens to explore, with a labyrinth the whole family can enjoy! Don’t miss the Italian-inspired Nymphee – a beautifully decorated cave in the northern gardens.
Before you get back on the Line H to return to Paris, stop by the tomb of Vincent Van Gogh to see his final resting place. If you have time, you can also see the Gothic Cathedral Église de Notre-Dame-de-L’Assomption, which inspired two of Van Gogh’s paintings.
Pontoise and Auvers-sur-Oise are great places to visit on a day trip for art lovers and those who are looking to stay close to Paris while still escaping the city.
Fontainebleau
1.5 hours by car | 1 hour by RER + bus
Located to the southeast of Paris, the main attraction of this day trip is the opulent Château de Fontainebleau. This medieval castle was the family home for the kings of France for many centuries, and is steeped in a rich history. I like to think of this château as a less known Versailles, with significantly fewer tourists. It is also the second largest palace in France after Versailles! The guided tours are currently only available in French, but for €4 you can get an audio guide to show you around the castle. While you’re there, be sure to visit the immaculate gardens and vibrant park as well!
If you’re the outdoorsy type, you won’t want to miss your opportunity to visit the Forêt de Fontainebleau. This former royal hunting ground is now a French national park, and is a favorite among hikers, equestrians, and climbers. It has a great area for bouldering, and is well known in that community. Be sure to also keep your eyes out for the amazing flora and fauna that call this forest home, including the rare Service Tree of Fontainebleau.
If you’re looking for a meal near the château, L’Ecallier de Château is a fan favorite with traditional French cuisine and an upscale atmosphere. If you’re willing to take a quick trip on the bus, or a 20 minute walk, my personal recommendation is to visit Le Patton. The restaurant itself was originally the owner’s grandmother’s home, which you can see throughout the decor. If you happen to visit the restroom, you’ll notice pictures of tanks driving through the streets of Fontainebleau. These photos were actually taken by the owner’s grandmother when General Patton liberated Fontainebleau in 1944!
Fontainebleau has something for everyone, whether you want to drift through a glamorous and historic château or hike in an immaculate forest.
Lille
3 hours by car | 1 hour by TGV
Located near the border of France and Belgium, this lovely town is a great way to experience another side of French culture. Once the main commercial city of Flanders, the Flemish influence is still alive and well in Lille. One of the best places to enjoy the history and culture of Lille is in the Vieux-Ville, or old town. This popular area has many wonderful shops, cafes, and cultural sites to visit. I highly recommend visiting the Vieille Bourse, a 17th-century stock exchange building that is nothing short of gorgeous. The incredible facade and stunning interior square make it worth the day trip from Paris!
If you’re a fan of art like me, Le Palais des Beaux Arts is another must see spot in Lille. The ground floor of the museum is open to the public, but it is definitely worth the €7 ticket to explore the other floors. You’ll find an incredible collection of paintings dating back to the 16th century, including works from Rubens, Monet, Van Gogh, Goya, and more. They also have wonderful collections of ceramics, sculptures, and coins that are not to be missed.
If you’re looking to enjoy some local delicacies, head over to L’Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille. I highly recommend trying the carbonade flamande, a traditional Flemish beef and onion stew. With it’s proximity to Belgium, Lille is also known to have some great moules frites (mussels with fries) if that is more your speed. Either way, there are some great culinary experiences to be had on this day trip from Paris.
Lille is a great day trip for those looking to explore the less French parts of France, and enjoy a different culture only an hour away from Paris.
Chartres
1.5 hours by car | 1 hour by TER
If you’re taking a day trip from Paris to Chartres, you simply cannot miss the Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathédral Notre-Dame de Chartres. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is widely known as the peak of French Gothic art, and quite simply, a master piece. The tympanums over the portals to this cathedral are breathtaking, and if you are a bit of a nerd (like me) I highly recommend looking into the meanings behind them while you’re on the train. You can’t book tickets in advance, so you may have to wait before you can enter the site, but it is worth it!
While you’re there, walk to the left side of the cathedral (when facing the main entrance) and check out one of the most beautiful clocks in France. This 24 hour clock was made in 1520 and is a bit of a hidden gem.
Another unique feature of Chartres to explore on your day trip is the Maison Picasiette. The home was built by Raymond Isidore in the early 20th century. He became obsessed with the idea of completely covering the home in mosaics. Little by little, he decorated his home, garden, and chapel with designs made from pieces of ceramics and glass bound with cement. This site is truly unique and fascinating to visit, and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate more modern art in this historic town.
If you visit Maison Picasiette before or after the cathedral, I recommend taking the scenic route between these two sites and strolling along the river Eure. This walk is especially beautiful in springtime when the trees lining the river are in full bloom!
If you’re hoping to find some classic French cuisine during your day trip from Paris to Chartres, I recommend getting a reservation at Le Moulin de Ponceau. This picturesque restaurant is located on the river Eure, providing a wonderful backdrop to an incredible meal. I’m not the only one who thinks it’s great, this restaurant was also mentioned in the 2024 Michelin Guide and highlighted for it’s fantastic food, great service, and stunning outdoor seating.
FAQs
Can I rent a car in Paris as an expat?
Yes! Expats can absolutely rent a car in Paris. Most rental agencies accept non-EU driver’s licenses, but you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on your country of origin. U.S., Canadian, and U.K. licenses are usually accepted for short-term rentals. However, having an IDP as a backup is highly recommended.
You’ll need to be at least 21 years old, and renters under 25 may face a young driver surcharge. Make sure to bring your passport, credit card, and driver’s license when picking up your vehicle.
Driving is a great way to explore France and take day trips from Paris. Just be sure you’re comfortable with manual transmissions, toll roads, and parking restrictions, especially in cities.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
Yes, especially for high speed trains such as the TGV or TER, and during weekends or holidays. Booking in advance often means better prices and guaranteed seats – especially with popular routes like Reims or Lille. You can sometimes get last minute tickets, however it’s best if you plan your trip at least a few weeks in advance.
What’s the best discount card for train travel in France?
The Carte Avantage (Jeune, Adulte, or Senior) from SNCF offers 30%+ off tickets and usually pays for itself in just 2-3 trips. It’s a great investment if you plan to take day trips from Paris more than once in a year.
How do I find train routes and times?
Use the SNCF Connect app or website for real-time train schedules, bookings, and route planning. Google Maps also works well for checking transport options in most areas.