Alternative Paris: Non-Touristy Day Trips from Paris
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These easy day trips from Paris will help you explore more of the French countryside while avoiding the crowds at more popular attractions.
This post is part of our Alternative Paris Series, your go-to source for discovering off-the-beaten-path Parisian experiences.
There’s plenty to see within Paris, but taking a day trip from Paris opens up a whole new world full of picturesque countryside settings, historic towns, and artistic enclaves. There are numerous options to choose from. These non-touristy day trips from Paris allow you to experience authentic French life while avoiding the crowds commonly found at the more popular tourist spots in and around Paris.
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Senlis
This medieval town makes an easy, low-stress day trip from Paris with cobbled lanes, a soaring cathedral, and Roman-era ruins you can actually see. It’s one of the best cities to visit near Paris if you want history without the crowds, and it pairs well with nearby Chantilly.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Take a train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly and then a bus to Senlis. The total journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Senlis, a medieval town, is steeped in centuries of history. With its preserved Gothic architecture and ancient ruins, the town provides a journey back in time. Visitors can explore its winding streets, the cathedral, and the remains of royal castles.
You could also explore Senlis on this tour from our partners at Viator.
La Roche-Guyon
Carve out a day trip from Paris for this cliff-side château above the Seine, with gardens and troglodyte rooms that feel straight out of a storybook—minus the lines. It’s a smart add-on to Giverny and a solid pick for weekend trips from Paris when you want scenery plus a little WWII history.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Driving is the best way to reach La Roche-Guyon, which takes around an hour from Paris. Alternatively, you can take a train to Mantes-la-Jolie and then a local bus.
This picturesque village offers a stunning chateau built into a cliff, overlooking the Seine. The estate includes beautiful gardens and a troglodyte settlement. The village's tranquility contrasts sharply with its vibrant past, including its occupation during World War II.
You could also explore La Roche-Guyon and nearby Giverny on this tour from our partners at Viator.
Provins
A UNESCO-listed medieval town with walls, towers, and underground passages, Provins is among the most rewarding Paris day trips by train. Go for the ramparts and themed shows; stay for quiet streets that still feel lived-in.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Take a direct train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Provins. The journey lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Provins showcases medieval ramparts and well-preserved architecture. Historically a trading town, it hosts medieval-themed events and festivals that transport visitors back to the Middle Ages. The underground tunnels are another must-visit.
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Fontainebleau
Swap palace-crowds for the sprawling Château de Fontainebleau and its forest—one of the most classic day trips from Paris. Hike a short loop, tour the apartments, and you’ve got a perfect break from the city that’s still easy by train.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station take around 40 minutes. From there, buses or a short taxi ride will take you to the chateau.
Beyond its renowned palace, Fontainebleau is surrounded by a vast forest, which once served as a hunting ground for French royalty. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore its trails, while history buffs can traverse the chateau's opulent rooms and gardens.
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Chantilly
Chantilly delivers a grand château, remarkable art at the Condé Museum, and the famous cream—all an effortless Paris day trip by train. Add the Living Museum of the Horse or a stroll through the formal gardens for a full, non-touristy day out.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Trains from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux take about 25 minutes. The chateau is a short bus ride or walk from the station.
Home to a magnificent chateau, Chantilly is also famous for its horse racing and the Living Museum of the Horse. The Chateau de Chantilly houses the Condé Museum with an extensive collection of historic artworks. After exploring, visitors can taste the town's namesake cream.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Paris or France!
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Barbizon
Artists came for the forest light, and Barbizon still feels like a working village of studios and galleries—an easy add-on to Fontainebleau. It’s a low-key day trip from Paris for art lovers who prefer real streets over souvenir rows.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Take a train to Fontainebleau and then a local bus or taxi to Barbizon. The entire trip should take around 1 hour 30 Minutes.
Often referred to as the "Village of Painters," Barbizon was a hub for pre-Impressionist artists. The town retains its charming ambiance with art studios and galleries lining its streets. The nearby Fontainebleau forest offers scenic views that once inspired renowned artists.
Giverny
Monet’s house and gardens are the headliners, but Giverny’s lanes and the Museum of Impressionisms round out a gentle, photogenic day trip from Paris. Go early or late in the day and consider biking from Vernon to keep it calm and crowd-free.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Trains from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon take about 45 minutes. From Vernon, you can take a bus or bike to Giverny, approximately 5 km away.
While Monet's house and gardens might be its main draw, Giverny has more to offer. The Museum of Impressionisms showcases works from various artists, and the town itself exudes a peaceful, artistic atmosphere, reflecting its rich heritage.
Pierrefonds
With turrets, a lake, and forest all around, Château de Pierrefonds turns a quick escape into a full day trip from Paris without feeling overrun. Combine the castle with Compiègne for history plus nature on one of the easier weekend trips from Paris.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Driving takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, trains run from Gare du Nord to Compiègne, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Pierrefonds.
This town is dominated by its medieval castle, which was restored in the 19th century. The imposing fortress, with its turrets and moat, seems straight out of a fairy tale. Nearby Compiègne Forest is perfect for a leisurely walk.
Crécy-la-Chapelle
Nicknamed the “Venice of the Grand Morin,” this canal-laced town is a relaxed alternative to bigger name spots near Paris. It’s a mellow day trip from Paris by train where you can wander half-timbered streets and rent a canoe on the river.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Take a train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Esbly connect on the train to Crécy-la-Chapelle. The trip takes around 1 hour.
Known as the "Venise de la Seine-et-Marne" (the Venice of the Seine) due to its canals, this medieval town boasts half-timbered houses and narrow streets. The pastoral setting alongside the Grand Morin River makes it ideal for relaxation. The town's artist community ensures a cultural touch.
Vaux-le-Vicomte
This 17th-century showpiece that inspired Versailles is a must for château fans seeking day trips from Paris without the squeeze. Time your visit for a candlelit evening if possible—an unforgettable twist on Paris day trips by train plus shuttle.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Vaux-le-Vicomte is accessible by train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Melun, followed by a Châteaubus shuttle. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
This baroque chateau, a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture, was an inspiration for the Palace of Versailles. We mentioned the estates’ candlelit evenings earlier in our Alternative Paris series, allowing visitors to experience the gardens illuminated. The castle’s history of envy and betrayal adds an intriguing layer to its beauty.
Morienval Abbey
Set in a tiny village, Abbaye de Morienval mixes Romanesque and Gothic details for a quick, contemplative getaway. It’s an easy countryside add for weekend trips from Paris when you want architecture and quiet gardens.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: The drive is around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
This former Benedictine abbey combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. Set in a quaint village, the abbey holds a medieval history of religious significance. The surrounding landscapes complement the serene ambiance.
Auvers-sur-Oise
Walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps—church, fields, and graves—then visit the Auberge Ravoux and small museums dedicated to the era. It’s one of the most meaningful cities to visit near Paris and a top pick for Paris day trips by train outside peak hours.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Trains from Paris Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise take about 90 minutes.
Vincent van Gogh's final resting place, this town attracted many artists in the 19th century. The Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent his last days, and the Absinthe Museum offer deep dives into the era's art and culture. The picturesque landscape explains its allure to artists.
Ecouen
Home to France’s National Renaissance Museum inside Château d’Écouen, this is a focused, culture-first day trip from Paris. See fine decorative arts, then step into the surrounding forest paths to round out your afternoon.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: You can take a train from Gare du Nord to Ecouen-Ezanville, which takes around 30 minutes. From the station, a short bus ride will take you to the chateau.
The National Renaissance Museum, housed in Ecouen's chateau, offers an extensive collection from the Renaissance period. The town, with its historical resonance, provides a quieter alternative to more crowded destinations. The surrounding forest offers nature escapades.
Rambouillet
A former royal residence with lakes, a shell-covered dairy, and miles of trails, Rambouillet makes a refreshing Paris day trip by train. Add the Bergerie Nationale sheep farm for a quirky, hands-on stop that’s great in any season.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: From Montparnasse, direct trains to Rambouillet take around 30-40 minutes.
Rambouillet's chateau, with its beautiful gardens, is a former royal and presidential residence. The town is also home to the Bergerie Nationale, a historic sheep farm. The nearby forest is perfect for hiking and spotting wildlife.
Compiègne
History runs deep here—from an imperial palace to the Armistice Clearing in the forest—yet the town stays pleasantly everyday. It’s a balanced day trip from Paris where you can mix museums, parks, and wide boulevards without losing time to queues.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Trains from Gare du Nord to Compiègne take about 45 minutes.
Beyond its majestic palace, Compiègne is renowned for its Armistice Clearing, where WWI armistices were signed. The town seamlessly blends its rich history with natural beauty, notably its vast forest. The Jean Legendre Theatre and the 12th-century Saint-Corneille Abbey add cultural depth.
Château de Malmaison
Josephine and Napoleon’s former home delivers intimate rooms, personal stories, and calm gardens—ideal when you want a shorter day trip from Paris. It’s one of the easiest cities to visit near Paris for Napoleonic history without the hassle.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: You can take the RER Line A from Paris to Rueil-Malmaison, which takes around 20 minutes. From there, it's a short bus ride or walk to the chateau.
Once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, this chateau in Rueil-Malmaison is steeped in Napoleonic history. The interiors provide insights into the couple's daily life and tastes. The lush gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Meriel
On the Oise River, Mériel is a quiet pick with leafy paths and a small-town feel, close to sights like Royaumont Abbey. Choose it for slow-travel day trips from Paris when you want water views and local cafés over blockbuster attractions.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Driving takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a train from Paris Gare du Nord to Valmondois, followed by a short taxi or bus ride.
The home of French writer and adventurer André Malraux, Meriel offers cultural significance. The town has a peaceful ambiance, with the Oise riverbanks and woods providing scenic spots. The nearby Royaumont Abbey enriches the historical experience.
Troyes
Half-timbered houses, Gothic churches, and a historic center shaped like a champagne cork—Troyes is a full-value day trip or overnight from Paris. It’s a strong option for weekend trips from Paris if you like architecture, windows-shopping, and relaxed squares.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Take a train from Gare de l'Est. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
With its distinctively shaped historic center resembling a champagne cork, Troyes is a gem. Its half-timbered houses and Gothic churches resonate with medieval charm. The town's links to the Knights Templar and its role as a trading center make it historically rich.
Sceaux
Come for the Baroque-style park by Le Nôtre, stay for the château museum and spring blossoms. Sceaux is one of the most effortless Paris day trips by train and a crowd-light alternative to the capital’s bigger gardens.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Sceaux is easily accessible via the RER Line B from Paris, taking approximately 20 minutes. Exit at Sceaux station, and the park is a short walk away.
Home to the Domaine de Sceaux, this town offers a chateau, beautiful gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and a museum of local history. The annual cherry blossom festival in its park is a visual treat. Sceaux's ambiance is an elegant blend of nature and history.
Millemont
This countryside escape centers on a private château and green, rolling surroundings—best with a car and a flexible schedule. It’s a quiet add to weekend trips from Paris when you want a picnic, photos, and fresh air.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Driving is the most convenient option and takes around 1 hour.
Primarily known for the Millemont Castle, this commune is a serene escape. The grounds around the castle provide scenic walks. The proximity to the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park offers additional exploration opportunities.
Chartres
Chartres pairs its world-famous cathedral with a compact Old Town along the Eure River, making it a no-brainer Paris day trip by train. Stay after dark for the Chartres en Lumières light show and you’ve got a complete evening out.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Regular trains from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres take around 1 hour.
While its cathedral is famous, Chartres has more under-the-radar attractions. The Old Town's cobbled streets, the Eure River's picturesque banks, and lesser-known churches make it worth the trip. The Chartres Light Show is a unique spectacle, illuminating the town's landmarks.
Saint-Jean-les-Deux-Jumeaux
A small Marne-side town that works as a peaceful breather between countryside drives and Champagne country stops. Think of it as a hyper-local day trip from Paris: river views, a simple church, and zero stress.
Map: Google Maps
From Paris: Driving takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
This town, with its quaint charm, is known for its church dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist. The Marne riverbanks provide a serene setting for walks. Its proximity to the Champagne region can lead to further vineyard explorations.
