But it can be expensive (unless you really work at it – check out how I lived in the city for less than 20$ a day here), chaotic and busy, full of other tourists, and really, sometimes, it’s ‘just another big city’. (Granted, in my opinion, it’s the best big city…but I digress).
But if you find yourself wanting to venture outside the city, here are a few fantastic day-trips that are worth considering.
1. Champagne Country
Take a train out to Reims or Epernay, both about an hour outside of Paris. Rent a bicycle (or a car, if you have a driver who doesn’t drink…) in either town, and bike ‘the Champagne Trail’. Vineyards are plentiful along the main route and there is no shortage of stops you can make. Many major champagne houses are located in Reims or Epernay, and they provide an excellent start and end to the day.
“Come quickly, I am tasting stars!” – Dom Perignion, as a monk, upon discovering the sparkling wine that would become champagne.
One of many little towns along the champagne trail.
Miles and miles of vineyard
No such thing as too much champagne, right?
Alternatively, you could take the train between the two towns and find plenty of tasting opportunities without actually biking the route. They’re only about 15-20 minutes apart (biking takes about 90-120 minutes, without stops), but you miss a lot of the stunning scenery if you zoom by on the train.
2. Strasbourg
At almost 450 kilometres away from Paris, Strasbourg isn’t really on most tourists mind as a day trip. But the high-speed trains of France can get you there a dozen times a day in less than two hours. Take an early train out (they start just after 6:30), and catch the last train back to Paris leaving Strasbourg at 20:30.
Strasbourg centre and cathedral.
The town is a beautiful cross between French, German and Swiss architecture, food, and of course, wine. There is an amazing gothic cathedral in town, and there are dozens of small cafes and markets to be explored. While you could stay overnight and tour a neighbouring city or town the next day, Strasbourg itself doesn’t have a long list of activities that will keep you busy. It is a wonderful, relaxing break from the sometimes frantic pace of Paris.
Because I had a super limited budget in Paris, I rarely ate dinner at restaurants. But in Strasbourg, I had a perfect evening meal, with all three courses and a glass of wine for under 20€.
3. Giverny
About an hour by train from Paris is the beautiful town of Giverny, made famous by its association with Monet. The artist lived in the town from 1883 until his death. His most famous water-lily paintings were created in the gardens around his home, and to spend the day wandering among them is to feel as if you have actually landed in one of his paintings.
The area is not overrun with tourists and it’s very likely you’ll be able to find a quiet spot to enjoy the tranquility without interruptions.
The trains run only about every two hours from Paris, so make sure to plan your route accordingly, or plan to spend the night in one of several family-owned BnBs or hotels in the area.
While there are easily hundreds of activities to do as day trips from Paris, these three will take you away from the crowds, guide you to activities and experiences that ‘not everyone has had’, and won’t break your budget.
Versailles is worthy of a visit. The perhaps more well known wine regions are absolutely beautiful and open to visitors. The beaches of the south of France are stunning and the Normandy region is full of history. Everywhere you go, you will be greeted by (mostly) friendly locals, beautiful country-side and endless adventures to be had.
The gardens of Giverny look amazing. I’d love to walk through them.