5 Best Day Trips from Paris

If you are planning to visit Paris and are looking for day-trip ideas, here are some recommended excursions that are easy to reach by train, bus or private car.

1. Louis XIV's palace, Versailles

Louis XIV's splendid palace of Versailles is the most popular monument near Paris. Visitors can take the RER commuter train number C5, from St. Lazare or Invalides station, to visit Versailles. The Versailles palace charges a total of 15 euros for a guided tour of the palace, opera room, private chapel and gardens. It is recommended that visitors begin their tour of the palace with the interior first, as the outdoor fountains come on after 3:30 p.m.

2. Fontainebleau

Another great location for a day-trip is Fontainebleau, near Versailles, which has beautiful grounds that feature a park and forest combined. The train from Gare de Lyon goes directly to this destination and is extremely convenient for travellers. If you purchase an Inter-Rail pass, you can get a free admission for either Fontainebleau or Versailles on the suburban railway line.

3. Parc Asterix

Parc Asterix, a park based on the village of Gaul, that was made famous by an ongoing series of comic books about the characters Asterix and Obelix, is an excellent day-trip idea for visitors travelling with young children. The park charges an admission fee of 28 euros for a day pass. To get to the park, visitors can take the bus from the RER terminal at Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, from bus station 1.

4. Chartres

Chartres, which boasts one of the world's most spectacular Gothic cathedrals, can be reached in an hour’s time from Gare Montparnasse. Visitors can take plenty of photos here to demonstrate the size and scale of this edifice.

5. Epernay

Epernay, home of the champagne vintners Moet et Chandon, is a relaxing one-hour train ride from the city. Visitors can make a day-trip here and enjoy the tour of the winery and a wine tasting session as well.

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To get to the attractions above, your best bet car rental hire in Paris. Rent a car from near to your hotel and then drive direct to the attraction. You will need to ensure though that parking will not be an issue near the place you are staying.