How about a little adventure somewhere a little less crowded? Come and explore some less well-known places in the countryside or go for a new cultural experience. Here are some ideas for day trips less than two hours away on the train from Paris.
1/ Climbing in Fontainebleau (1 hr on the train from Paris)
Fontainebleau, France
Fontainebleau forest is well-known across the globe as being one of the best places to go rock climbing in the world thanks to the 300 km of climbing routes. There are thousands of possibilities for climbers of all levels of ability on the sandstone rocks. This exceptional natural environment is popular with hikers just as it is climbers, and it boasts a great diversity of plants, trees (pine, oak, beech) and animals.
2/ Dive into the history of Angers (1.5 hrs on the train from Paris)
Angers, France
The historic city centre of the capital of Anjou is well worth a visit. Explore the medieval castle that looks like it’s come straight out of a history book with its many towers, the ramparts and drawbridge. Add a spot of culture to this day out at the David d’Angers Gallery with a superb collection of sculptures in a former abbey.
3/ Follow Claude Monet’s footsteps in Giverny (1 hr on the train from Paris)
Giverny, France
If you’re a fan of Impressionism, make sure you don’t miss Giverny, where you can go and visit the house and magnificent garden (Japanese-style bridge and water lilies) where Claude Monet lived and worked for over 40 years. The painter took so much inspiration from this place and there are some scenes you will most likely recognise.
4/ Go walking in Rambouillet forest (30 min on the train from Paris)
Rambouillet, France
Another forest that is not to be missed in the Ile-de-France region is the famous Rambouillet forest. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders love to explore the lakes, heathland and forest in this natural area covering close to 14,000 hectares. There are several lakes there including the Etang de la Tour which is a perfect place for family picnics, fishing or to just enjoy the peace-and-quiet of the great outdoors.
5/ Combine modernism and heritage in Metz (1 hr 20 min on the train from Paris)
Metz, France
Metz boasts more than 3,000 years of history and is definitely worth the detour. As you wander along the Moselle river, you'll be able to explore the city centre’s Renaissance-style architecture, go to the Musée de la Cour d’Or or the Centre Pompidou Metz, a centre devoted to modern and contemporary art.
6/ Explore the Château de Versailles and gardens (40 min on the RER from Paris)
Versailles, France
The Château de Versailles was the official place of residence for many a French king, and its fascinating history makes this visit an absolute must. Make sure you leave enough time to go for a stroll around the château gardens which were initially created by André Lenôtre, commissioned in 1661 by Louis XIV to make these gardens just as beautiful as the château.
7/ Experience the culture of Brittany in Rennes (1.5 hrs on the train from Paris)
Rennes, France
On this far side of Brittany, the distinctive culture is already very much present. To make the most of your day out in Rennes, there’s nothing better than a walk along the cobbled streets, stop off to explore the morning flea market and then head to the Parc du Thalbor.
8/ Experience château life in Chantilly (20 min on the train from Paris)
Chantilly, France
Are you getting a taste for château life? Unless you can treat yourself to this sort of lifestyle on a daily basis, we recommend going for another day out to the Château de Chantilly, to witness yet another treasure of French heritage. You'll also be able to admire the exceptional collection of the Duke of Aumale’s paintings while you’re there, the second biggest of his collections in France after the one at the Louvre.
9/ Admire the infrastructure of Pantin (10 min on the metro or RER from Paris)
Pantin, France
In Pantin, the former factories and warehouses have been transformed into creative spaces, art studios and cultural venues, giving this town a distinctive character. On the programme for your day out: a pleasant stroll along the Canal de l’Ourcq and past the Grands Moulins to discover the local historic and modern architecture. Then stop for a well-deserved break at one of Pantin’s environmentally friendly third places such as the Cité Fertile or the Thaddeus Ropac Gallery.
10/ Head to the medieval town of Provins (1 hour on the train from Paris)
Provins, Provins, France
This walled town dating from the 13th century is a fascinating destination if you are a fan of medieval history. Journey back to the Middle Ages on a visit to the medieval town of Provins, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Monuments, guided tours, shows, there’s so much to see and do here for the whole family.
11/ Head to the banks of the Marne from Vincennes (10 min on the metro or RER from Paris)
Val de Marne, Chaumont, France
For a combination of nature and heritage, take the time to explore the Bois de Vincennes after you’ve visited the Château de Vincennes, and venture as far as the banks of the Marne. Then end the day with a spot of culture at the Musée de la Résistance Nationale.
12/ A discovery of the Loire châteaus and wines (1 hr 15 min on the train from Paris)
Val de Loire, Courtenay, France
Another unmissable experience near the capital city is an exploration of the Châteaus of the Loire and the vineyards near Tours. You’ll never have time for them all so we recommend the unmissable Château de Chambord, the Château de Chenonceau and the Château d’Amboise, at the heart of the ‘valley of the kings’, where there are also some well-known wine cellars to visit.
13/ Treat yourselves to the treasures of Dijon (1.5 hrs on the train from Paris)
Dijon, France
To really get a feel for the way of life in Dijon, you'll need to make your way to the Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin. Then head to the Museum of Fine Arts inside the Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, before climbing the steps to the top of the Philip the Good Tower for a breathtaking view of the city.
Tips and suggestions
To limit your carbon footprint while you’re travelling around France, you should know that all the destinations mentioned can be reached by train, RER or metro. It is also possible to get to the towns and cities close to Paris by bike, which is always a very pleasant and environmentally friendly way of exploring the surrounding area.
By Gaëlle COUDERT
Journalist
To properly explore this question, Gaëlle threw herself into journalism in 2016, driven by repeated reality checks relating to the environment.
