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What historical sites can visitors explore in France?
- France has no shortage of wonderful palaces, castles, and gardens to visit, several of which are less than an hour from Paris.
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Are there medieval sites to visit in France?
- The countryside abounds with historical fortified towns and villages where you can explore ancient towers and ramparts.
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How is France connected to the art world?
- Everywhere you go, you will be reminded of the country’s famous art legacy at some of the best art museums in the world.
Best Time for Day Trips from Paris
- April to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds.
- September to October – Perfect for pleasant temperatures and exploring castles and vineyards.
- July & August – Warm summer days great for visiting historic sites and countryside villages.
- November – Enjoy cooler weather and quieter visits to cultural landmarks.
- December to March – Cold but great for festive markets, cozy countryside retreats, and museums.
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1. Parc de Bagatelle (20 minutes)
Walk along beautifully landscaped gardens or admire seasonal rose displays.
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When you need to escape the sensory overload of Paris’ amazing museums, shopping, and galleries you can make your way to the Parc de Bagatelle on the western outskirts of the city. Here you will find a serene and beautiful garden that forms part of the Paris Botanical Gardens. The park dates back to 1775, when it was created in just 64 days during the reign of Queen Marie Antoinette.
Today you can relax and unwind by strolling through the exquisite rose garden, which features over 10,000 rose bushes (at their best during May and June). You can also admire the small château on the grounds and the 19th-century Chinese pagoda. To get there, take the Metro to Pont de Neuilly Station and then take bus 43 to the park.
2. Versailles (20 minutes)
Explore the opulent palace or stroll through breathtaking royal gardens.
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Versailles undoubtedly deserves a spot on every visitor’s list of day trips from Paris. Although most people sign up for a tour of the palace and gardens of Versailles, which are a must-see, there is a lot more on offer, so set aside a full day to explore.
You can buy a day pass that includes tours of the palace, the surrounding park and gardens, Marie Antoinette’s estate, admission to the grand Musical Fountains Show (weekends), and an audio guide. Once you have toured the incredible palace you can stroll through the historical districts of Versailles on a self-guided walking tour, visit the Maréchalerie (the Contemporary Art Center), and shop for gourmet foods and antiques at a local market.
3. Saint-Germain-en-Laye (50 minutes)
Visit the grand château or admire stunning views of Paris.
Filled with wonderful historical architecture, including an impressive Renaissance castle, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is well worth adding to your list of day trips from Paris. The commune is situated in the western suburbs of Paris, about 9 miles from the city center, and can be reached by train.
You can go on a self-guided walk around the historical dwellings of Saint-Germain-en-Laye to admire well-preserved 17th-century architecture, tour the Old Castle, which now houses the National Archaeology Museum with its world-class collection of exhibits, and visit the Maurice Denis Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. If you need a breath of fresh air, there are several parks and trails to explore on foot and foodies can pick up a gourmet basket of local goodies at the tourist office.
4. Chateau Saint Jean de Beauregard (30 minutes)
Discover exquisite gardens or tour an elegant 17th-century estate.
Chateau Saint Jean de Beauregard is one of the many historic estates close to Paris that boast inspirational gardens and wonderful architecture. Surrounded by verdant parkland, the 17th-century château has been beautifully preserved to reflect the life of the French aristocracy in the 17th century.
You can tour the beautiful walled French Flowering Kitchen Garden, which is filled with old-fashioned flowers, fruit, and vegetables. The Pigeon House, which used to house up to 4,500 pigeons to provide meat, eggs, and manure for the gardens, is one of the oldest of its kind in France. Individuals can visit the château on weekends and public holidays from March to November – unfortunately the guided tour is presented in French only.
5. Day Trips from Paris: Vaux-le-Vicomte (50 minutes)
Explore lavish baroque interiors or walk along beautifully designed French gardens.
The impressive Vaux-le-Vicomte Château, which was the inspiration for the Palace of Versailles, is situated on a 1,200-acre estate in Maincy, about 50 minutes from central Paris. You can tour the lavishly furnished château, exploring private apartments, ceremonial salons and reception areas, staff quarters, and the basement kitchen – guided tours are offered twice daily (in French only) but it is possible to hire an audio guide.
The highlight of any visit is touring the award-winning French formal garden – those with mobility restrictions can rent an electric car. Other onsite attractions to visit include the carriage museum, the evening water show (every second Saturday at 3 pm and 6 pm) and Candlelit Evenings on Saturdays from May to October. You can visit the estate on any day from April to October (weekends only in March and November).
6. Barbizon (55 minutes)
Stroll through the historic artists’ village or visit charming local galleries.
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You can step back in time and learn all about the origins of the famous Barbizon art movement in the charming little village of Barbizon on the edge of the Fontainebleau Forest, just 55 minutes from Paris. It is easy to see how the early artists of the Barbizon school (1830–1875) were inspired by the tranquil landscape; you can visit the artists’ meeting place at Auberge Ganne, which now houses a museum dedicated to their work.
As you walk along the quaint main road, you can see many historical buildings housing restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. Other historic sites worth a visit are the homes/studios of Jean-Francois Millet and Theodore Rousseau, two of the principle artists of the Barbizon movement.
7. Day Trips from Paris: Fontainebleau (1 hour)
Tour a majestic royal château or explore vast forested hiking trails.
Situated just 1 hour from Paris, the historic town of Fontainebleau is a must-see destination for any visitor to France. The town is anchored by the impressive Château Fontainebleau, which has been the home of no less than 34 French rulers. The château nestles among 130 acres of parkland and gardens and there are over 1,500 sumptuous rooms for you to tour, including the Renaissance Rooms, the Grand Apartments, the Inner Apartment of Napoleon the First, and the Pope’s Apartments.
The enormous parkland area offers miles and miles of trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians and you can go boating on the lake in summer. In Fontainebleau town you will find flower-filled squares, unique boutique shops, historical cobbled streets, and a wonderful fresh produce market.
8. Senlis (1 hour)
Walk along medieval cobblestone streets or visit an impressive Gothic cathedral.
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The historic town of Senlis has been around since Roman times and is one of the most significant must-see French towns for anyone interested in history and architecture. The town was originally named Augustomagus Sulbanectium by the Romans and is literally bursting at the seams with historic buildings and relics – you can walk around the ancient city walls and admire some of the 16 remaining lookout towers and see the semi-excavated arena where gladiators once fought wild animals.
You can visit the Museum of Art and Archaeology, the Hunting Museum, and the Spahis Museum or simply stroll along the cobbled streets absorbing the atmosphere – the well-preserved historic town center is frequently used as a movie set.
9. Chateau of Chantilly (1 hour)
Admire stunning Renaissance architecture or see an incredible collection of fine art.
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The Château of Chantilly lies about 60 minutes from Paris in the heart of what is called the Domaine of Chantilly, which includes the château, the Condé Museum, the park, the Great Stables, and the Horse Museum. The château complex will appeal to both history and art enthusiasts – the Condé Museum is one of the most illustrious art museums in France and is home to a very distinguished collection.
You can start your visit by touring the beautifully furnished apartments in the château and then move on to visit the modern, interactive Horse Museum, where horse shows are regularly presented – check the events calendar if you wish to attend a show. You should not miss exploring the themed gardens in the 115-acre park, which also boasts a maze and a playground.
10. Day Trips from Paris: Auvers-sur-Oise (1 hour)
Discover Van Gogh’s final home or walk along scenic Impressionist landscapes.
In the historic town of Auvers-sur-Oise you have the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of the world’s most famous artists, Vincent Van Gogh. The legendary artist spent the last 70 days of his life creating 70 paintings of the town and its surrounds, and was buried in the village.
You can explore the village, which is largely unchanged since Van Gogh’s time, on foot on a guided or self-guided tour or download an app that will guide you in the artist’s footsteps and enable you to recognize many of the features found in his famous landscapes. Highlights of the village include the Auberge Ravoux, where you can view Van Gogh’s room, now a historic monument, and the Maison-Atelier de Daubigny, the home/studio of Charles-Francois Daubigny.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Parc de Bagatelle (20 minutes)
- 2. Versailles (20 minutes)
- 3. Saint-Germain-en-Laye (50 minutes)
- 4. Chateau Saint Jean de Beauregard (30 minutes)
- 5. Day Trips from Paris: Vaux-le-Vicomte (50 minutes)
- 6. Barbizon (55 minutes)
- 7. Day Trips from Paris: Fontainebleau (1 hour)
- 8. Senlis (1 hour)
- 9. Chateau of Chantilly (1 hour)
- 10. Day Trips from Paris: Auvers-sur-Oise (1 hour)