daytripsfromparis

[daytripsfromparis]

7 Of  The Best Small Towns for Day Trips from Paris

Paris has endless wonders, but occasionally, a brief getaway somewhere rural seems necessary. France has quaint villages deep within its countryside, merely a short train journey away, offering utterly fascinating history. Medieval charm and stunning gardens surround world-famous vineyards in towns perfect for day trips from Paris. 

1. Giverny – Monet’s Artistic Haven

Giverny, surrounded by lush gardens, captivates fervent art enthusiasts and nature lovers with its enchanting ambiance. This quaint village near serene waterways was home to legendary painter Claude Monet, who was inspired by stunningly beautiful landscapes amid lush greenery.

Highlights of Giverny:

Monet's house boasts stunningly preserved spaces surrounded by famously iconic water lily gardens behind his residence. 

Musée des Impressionnismes presents an extraordinarily diverse array of exhibits showcasing Impressionist masterpieces originating from relatively obscure sources.

Seine River Views offer serene walks beside water that sparked Monet's creative genius.

Giverny sits an hour from Paris via cumbersome train and private Paris chauffeur service, making it reasonably easy.

2. Chartres – A Gothic Wonder

Chartres boasts a stunning cathedral surrounded by a charming old town that history enthusiasts need to visit. A medieval atmosphere surrounds this town's historic buildings beneath old stone walls, making it a fascinatingly short trip from Paris.

Highlights of Chartres:

Chartres Cathedral has stunning stained-glass windows within a marvelously intricate ancient Gothic edifice.

Meander slowly past quaint old half-timbered houses near picturesque arched bridges spanning Eure River.

Maison Picassiette fascinates with mosaic art covering the entire structure in an utterly bizarre yet fascinating way that showcases one man's vision.

Chartres is easily reached by train from Paris, and Paris Cab Service offers a lovely blend of historical significance and old-world charm.

3. Reims – The Champagne Capital

Lovers of bubbly flock readily beneath Reims' stunning vaulted ceilings. Nestled deep within the Champagne region's core, this old town boasts fancy champagne makers and stunningly dark Gothic buildings.

Highlights of Reims:

Notre-Dame de Reims features stunning Gothic architectural elements. Nearby, a historic site hosted lavish ceremonies for many French monarchs crowned in extremely ornate settings.

Famous producers like Veuve Clicquot offer tastings alongside prestigious Taittinger at their estates.

The Palace of Tau reveals scarce royal treasures historically tied closely with monarchs of France.

Reims sits near Paris, roughly 45 minutes away by train and 2 hours and 3 minutes by car service in Paris, making it sound fabulously indulgent.

4. Rouen – A Medieval Gem

Rouen features gorgeous half-timbered homes beside a magnificent cathedral heavily influenced by Joan of Arc's legacy. Its rich history fascinates this town, which has a vibrant culture deeply rooted in its past.

Highlights of Rouen:

Rouen Cathedral features remarkably intricate Gothic designs, which Monet rendered skillfully beneath softly diffused light in several paintings.

Joan of Arc History features a tower and a modern church erected somewhat hastily in her dubious honor.

Gros-Horloge flaunts an outrageously complex astronomical clock featuring incredibly detailed carvings harking back ominously from medieval times.

A taxi ride from Paris to Rouen takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is fantastic for nearby history enthusiasts.

5. Fontainebleau – A Royal Escape

Fontainebleau embodies a sweet blend of deep historical vibes surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. This town boasts a spectacular medieval fortress beneath softly falling sunlight for enthusiasts of royal lineage.

Highlights of Fontainebleau:

Fontainebleau Palace stood majestically amidst verdant sprawling grounds where Napoleon dwelled alongside French monarchs in bygone eras.

Fontainebleau Forest has a surreal ambiance beneath massive tree canopies, attracting daredevils and passionate outdoor enthusiasts.

Fontainebleau Forest has a serene landscape beneath towering canopies surrounded by rugged undulating hills that avid hikers love deeply amidst tangled foliage.

Fontainebleau lies under stunning crystal droplets roughly 49 minutes from Paris by car beneath opulent decor that embodies lavish majesty. If you’re travelling from CDG Airport, you may hire a CDG Airport transfer service.

6. Auvers-sur-Oise – Vincent van Gogh’s Final Home

Vincent van Gogh's followers often gathered rapidly around Auvers-sur-Oise under gloomy heavens, where he produced deeply melancholic masterpieces beneath misty skies.

Highlights of Auvers-sur-Oise:

Van Gogh's House features a room famously occupied by this brilliant painter, who lived and worked there. 

Auvers Church gets showcased in Van Gogh's iconic painting eerily beneath dark swirling clouds.

Pay respects beside Van Gogh's final resting place near brother Theo down incredibly narrow paths in old Auvers-sur-Oise cemetery.

Near Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise has serene landscapes with gently rolling hills, softly under an open sky.

7. Provins – A Step Back in Time

Provins offers an authentic medieval experience. Vibrant cobblestone streets envelop remarkably preserved medieval architecture in France's old town beneath slate gray skies for centuries.

Highlights of Provins:

Ramparts and Towers offer breathtaking views from atop old medieval fortifications surrounded by rustic hills. 

Mysterious passageways beneath city streets were formerly used for clandestine trade and quietly storing valuable goods deep underground. 

Medieval festivals offer wildly authentic reenactments of battles and frenzied jousting tournaments amidst vibrant historical markets.

History lovers flock rapidly towards Provins via car from Paris Airport in merely one and half hours, making it ideal.

Plan Your Perfect Day Trip from Paris

These tiny hamlets provide many experiences beneath quaint rooftops and beside storied castle walls. You might sip champagne in Reims or explore Monet's gardens beneath sunny skies in Giverny and pad in Van Gogh's footsteps.

Why Choose These Day Trips from Paris?

Brief trips by car near Paris are handy. 

Historic landmarks surround stunning vistas somehow beneath vibrant cultural heritage. 

Experiences straying far from usual destinations can be fascinating at times.

Next time you're in Paris, take a break from the city hustle and venture into nearby neighborhoods for a surreal experience.