SoloSights

Paris is amazing (obviously), but sometimes it’s nice to escape the traffic, tourists, and endless metro rides. Just an hour or so outside the city, you’ll find castles, gardens, medieval towns, and even royal resting places that most visitors skip. Here are five easy day trips that prove there’s plenty of magic just beyond Paris.

1. Provins – A Real-Life Medieval Fairytale 🏰

Stone towers, cobblestoned streets, and underground tunnels… Provins is like walking straight into a history book. In the Middle Ages it was famous for its Champagne Fairs, where merchants traded spices, silks, and stories from across Europe. Today you can climb the César Tower, stroll along the ramparts, and explore the mysterious tunnels.

How to get there: Direct train from Gare de l’Est, about 1h30. Pack comfy shoes — it’s a walkable town made for wandering.

2. Fontainebleau – A Royal Forest Escape 🌳

If Versailles feels too crowded, Fontainebleau is your calmer (and maybe cooler) option. The château was home to kings, emperors, and even Napoleon himself. But beyond the gilded rooms lies the vast Fontainebleau Forest — perfect for hiking, bouldering, or just pretending you’re in a fairytale woods.

How to get there: Train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (40 min), then a quick bus or a nice walk to the château.

3. Giverny – Monet’s Colorful World 🎨

Imagine walking through Monet’s paintings: lily ponds, the Japanese bridge, and flowerbeds exploding with color. Giverny is the kind of place that makes you see why Impressionism was born here. It’s a must for art lovers, but honestly, anyone who enjoys a dreamy garden will be happy here.

How to get there: Train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon (45 min), then hop on a shuttle bus (or rent a bike!) to Giverny.

4. Chantilly – Whipped Cream & Elegance 🍰

Yes, Chantilly is where chantilly cream comes from — fluffy, sweet, and delicious. But the town also boasts one of France’s most elegant châteaux, surrounded by gardens designed by the same guy who created Versailles’. Add in the famous Horse Museum and equestrian shows, and it’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and dessert.

How to get there: Train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux (25 min). From there, it’s a short walk to the château.

5. Saint-Denis Basilica – Kings, Queens & Secrets ⚜️

No need to leave the city for this one — hop on the metro and you’re at the final resting place of almost every French king and queen. The gothic basilica is stunning and full of stories: revolutions, royal burials, and even missing royal hearts. It’s a hidden gem most Parisians forget about!

How to get there: Metro line 13 to Basilique de Saint-Denis, then it’s right outside the station.

✨ Whether you’re in the mood for medieval towers, royal castles, dreamy gardens, or gothic secrets, these day trips prove Paris isn’t the only star of the show. Sometimes the best adventures are just one train ride away.✨