Paris isn't the only place in France worth visiting. The French capital is an amazing destination, sure, but you'll be missing out on a lot if you simply focus on this city. Once you've seen all the iconic sights, visited all the museums, ate at the finest restaurants, and
drank coffee in a café, it's high time you go on a day trip somewhere else! Take a break from all the hustle and bustle of Paris and visit some of the most extraordinary places nearby! There's Normandy, Giverny, Mont Saint-Michel, and Provins, among many others!
Normandy
From charming rural cities to incredible beaches you simply cannot miss, Normandy is such a sight to behold! Many know of it for its historical significance—the seaside battlefield where 'D-Day' occurred—however, there's more to this region than that. Firstly, it has some of the most extraordinary beaches near Paris. Since the city isn't near the sea, Normandy is one of your best bets to enjoy some coastal fun near the French capital. Secondly, there are
many charming towns on offer here too, such as Bagnoles, Bayeux, Caen, and more. Since it's only a three-hour drive from Paris and back, it's easy to plan. a day trip here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mont Saint-Michel
If you thought
Disneyland Paris was the only place where you can go on a day trip from Paris to see a magnificent castle, think again! Mont Saint-Michel looks straight out of a storybook! Or a
Disney film! Rising out of the waters of Baie de Saint-Michel, this island town is the stuff of fairytales. It won't be surprising if many of your favorite animated films modeled their fantasy settings after this French destination! You can easily imagine this place filled with magic, or a ball where princesses and princes dance and fall and love.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Giverny
If Mont Saint-Michel looks like it came straight out of a fairytale, Giverny looks straight out of a painting. And it's all thanks to the historic artist, Claude Monet. The impressionist painter based many of his most iconic works on the natural wonders of this scenic place. Moreover, his own house in the area has become one of the most famous tourist spots around. You can trace back the footsteps of the legendary painter and see the many sights that inspired his amazing works. And though might have not time to do a painting of the place yourself during your day trip from Paris, snapping an Instagram shot will do!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bruges
Is it Brussels? Antwerp? Nope! It's Bruges! Since the town is dominated by Flemish architecture, you can easily mistake it as one of the many beautiful cities of France's close neighbor, Belgium. Add to that the many waterways that flow throughout the area and you also get a hint of Venice, Italy too! With those alone, Burges is already one of the more unique destinations on this list. However, the Medieval look of the town makes it truly French. It has the same sort of aesthetic and vibe as many
French countryside cities have retained their Medieval structures.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Provins
Make sure to look at the spelling! This town is Provins, not Provence, which is a whole other region by the
French Riviera. Provins, on the other hand, is a captivating walled town that hasn't really changed much since the 13th-century. From its stoned structures to its timbered homes, it's as if you stepped foot into a French history book! And since it's only 91.1 kilometers away from the French capital, you can easily go here for your day trip from Paris. Absorb its old-world charm because they're a world away from the more modern infrastructure of Paris!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
Senlis
Home to the stunning Senlis Cathedral, the gothic structure alone is worth the one hour and nine-minute drive from Paris! If you thought the iconic Notre Dame is stunning, wait until you see this church! More than just the imposing stature of similar places of worship throughout Europe, its grandeur alone can rival any
chateau in the country. But of course, the cathedral isn't the only worthwhile place in Senlis. The town itself is a peaceful oasis that's far from the bustling energy of Paris. If you want to escape the hectic life in the French capital, even for just a day, this place is your go-to destination!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Stephanemartin
Auvers-sur-Oise
And finally, there's Auvers-sur-Oise! Home to equally stunning cathedrals and chateaus, it's easy to think that this place is a dime a dozen. But it's not! If you want to enjoy some nature-bound peace for your day trip from Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise offers up some stunning bucolic scenery you won't find anywhere else! At least, not in any of the destinations near the French capital. With meadows and forests as far as the eye can see, you can easily get wrapped up in the botanical bliss of it all. So much so that instead of a day trip, you might even stay the night in Auvers-sur-Oise!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ World3000
Want to escape Paris for a day? Then you're in luck! The French capital is near many incredible places, some of which you have to see to believe! When you have free time, why not go on a day trip from Paris to these awesome destinations?
