Paris, the City of Lights, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, with its stunning architecture, charming alleys, chic cafes, and world-class museums. But while the French capital has an abundance of incredible things to see and do, sometimes it’s nice to venture out of the city and explore some of the surrounding areas. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic day trips within easy reach of Paris that offer a glimpse into the French countryside, history, and culture. In this post, we’ll take a look at the 5 best day trips in Paris that are sure to leave you spellbound. Whether you’re interested in exploring castles, gardens, wine regions, or charming medieval towns, there’s something for everyone on this list. So let’s dive in and explore the delight of these hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!
The 5 Best Day Trips in Paris
- Paris: Picasso Museum Full-Day Priority Access
- 14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France Italy MonacoSwitzerlandGermany and more.
- Pointe du HocOmaha Beach American Cemetery – Day trip from Paris to Normandy
- 7-Day Taste of Central Europe from Paris: Germany Netherlands Belgium Luxembourg and France
- From Paris: Giverny and Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip
The 5 Best Day Trips in Paris
1. Paris: Picasso Museum Full-Day Priority Access
Discover the Musée National Picasso Paris with a full-day priority access ticket, as part of the best day trips you can do in Paris. With this ticket, you can enter the museum without delay and avoid the long queues. The Musée National Picasso Paris is the world’s most precise record of Picasso’s creative process, exhibiting his complete works including paintings, sculptures, engravings, illustrated works, sketches, studies, drafts, notebooks, etchings, photographs, illustrated books, films, and documents of the artist’s creative process.
Aside from admiring Picasso’s works, you can also enjoy the architecture of the grand townhouse where the museum is housed. On display at the museum’s collection and exhibitions are works by other artists such as Pierre Moignard’s “Mentir Vrai” on Level 1 from December 13, 2022, to April 2, 2023, and Faith Ringgold’s works on Level 2 and 3 from January 1, 2023, to July 2023.
The tour includes priority access to the museum and an optional audio guide and entry ticket. A guide is also provided to ensure a hassle-free experience throughout the tour. So, don’t waste time standing in lines, book your full-day priority access ticket now and enjoy everything that the Musée National Picasso Paris has to offer.
2. 14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France Italy MonacoSwitzerlandGermany and more.
Embark on a two-week tour through Western Europe and experience 21 incredible cities across eight different countries. This 14-day ‘taste of Europe’ tour introduces first-time visitors to the remarkable beauty and diversity of Europe. Begin in Paris and journey through Germany’s Karl Marx House Museum, Belgium’s famous waffle shops in Brussels and the canals of Venice, Italy. Travel in comfort by coach and stay in minimum 3-star lodgings. Other stops include the Champagne wine region in France, as well as Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Monaco. The tour includes transport, hotel accommodation, city tours, and many meals, making it an excellent value for money. Leave the hassle of itinerary planning to your expert guides and enjoy a memorable journey of a lifetime.
3. Pointe du HocOmaha Beach American Cemetery – Day trip from Paris to Normandy
Are you a history buff looking to explore France’s WWII past? Then this full-day small-group tour to Normandy is perfect for you. You’ll get to visit top sights related to WWII history, including Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer. The tour includes admission tickets to the Caen Memorial Museum and offers a personalized experience with a guided group of only 8 people maximum. Travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with hotel transfers, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride. Lunch and gratuities are also included. The tour starts at 6:30 AM at the meeting point on 116 Av. des Champs-Élysées and ends back at the same location. Please note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible and there is a pub nearby. Confirmation will be received at time of booking. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore France’s rich WWII history.
4. 7-Day Taste of Central Europe from Paris: Germany Netherlands Belgium Luxembourg and France
Experience the heart of Europe on a 7-day tour from Paris. Drive through Luxembourg, Germany, France, and Belgium on a chauffeured coach and visit some of its most spectacular cities. Watch cobblers make wooden shoes in Amsterdam, sip champagne in Reims, visit Napoleon’s tomb in Paris, and much more. Bed down in a comfortable 3-star (minimum) hotel twin room with private facilities (accommodation for the last night is not included) and enjoy daily continental breakfast, transportation on modern air-conditioned coaches, and the services of an experienced tour manager. This 7-day tour is a great introduction to the exciting world region of central Europe.
5. From Paris: Giverny and Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip
Looking for a day trip out of Paris? This 7.5-hour tour is a great option for those who want to explore Monet’s Giverny estate and the Palace of Versailles. You’ll start your journey at the Place du Trocadéro where you’ll board an air-conditioned coach. First stop is the Monet Foundation, where you’ll learn about the estate and take a walk around the pond and visit the artist’s house. Then, stop in town for lunch before heading to the Palace of Versailles. Experience skip-the-line access and take a guided tour of the most important rooms. Additionally, you’ll have free time to explore the gardens on your own. This tour is limited to a small group and offers an opportunity to explore two iconic sites with a guide.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Paris, Answered
Paris, the city of love and lights, is one of the most visited cities in the world. But, for many travelers, it can also be a bit overwhelming. With its rich history and culture, there are many questions that arise about the city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Paris.1. When is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is during the shoulder seasons, which are the months of April through June and September through November. During these months, the weather is mild, the crowds are fewer, and hotel prices are lower. However, keep in mind that Paris is beautiful in every season and each season has its own charm.2. What is the currency used in Paris?
The currency used in Paris is the euro. It is recommended to exchange currency before arriving in Paris to avoid unnecessary fees. There are numerous exchange offices and ATMs located throughout the city, as well as in the airports and train stations.3. Do I need a visa to visit Paris?
Most travelers from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, it is important to check with your embassy or consulate to ensure you have the appropriate documents before traveling to Paris.4. What are some must-see attractions in Paris?
Paris is home to many world-renowned landmarks and attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Élysées, and the Palace of Versailles. Other popular attractions include the Montmartre neighborhood, the Sainte-Chapelle church, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Luxembourg Gardens.5. What is the best way to get around Paris?
The best way to get around Paris is by using public transportation, which includes the metro, buses, and trains. The city is also very walkable, and many popular attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis and rideshare services are also available, but they can be more expensive.6. What is the tipping etiquette in Paris?
Tipping in Paris is not as prevalent as it is in other countries. A service charge is often included in the bill, so additional tipping is not necessary. However, it is customary to leave a small amount for exceptional service, such as rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros on the table.7. What is the food like in Paris?
Paris is known for its incredible cuisine, with a variety of traditional dishes such as escargots, coq au vin, and steak frites. The city is also home to many renowned patisseries and bakeries, where you can indulge in delicious pastries and bread. Don’t forget to try the French wines, cheeses, and chocolates.8. What is the nightlife like in Paris?
Paris has a thriving nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and music venues. The city is most known for its cabarets, such as the Moulin Rouge and the Lido. However, many of the nightlife options can be quite expensive, so be prepared to spend more on a night out in Paris.9. Is Paris safe for tourists?
Like any major city, there are some safety concerns in Paris. It is recommended to use caution when traveling with valuables and to be aware of pickpockets and scams. However, overall, Paris is a safe city for tourists, especially in areas with high tourist traffic.10. What are some common French phrases I should know when visiting Paris?
It is always helpful to know some basic French phrases when visiting Paris, including “Bonjour” (hello), “Merci” (thank you), “Au revoir” (goodbye), and “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?). Additionally, it is helpful to know phrases related to dining, such as “l’addition, s’il vous plaît” (the bill, please) and “Je voudrais” (I would like).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is the best time to visit Paris? | The best time to visit Paris is during the months of April through June and September through November. |
| What is the currency used in Paris? | The currency used in Paris is the euro. |
| Do I need a visa to visit Paris? | Most travelers from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. |
| What are some must-see attractions in Paris? | The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Élysées, and the Palace of Versailles are just a few of the must-see attractions. |
| What is the best way to get around Paris? | The best way to get around is by using public transportation such as the metro, buses, and trains. |
| What is the tipping etiquette in Paris? | Tipping is not necessary as a service charge is often included, but it is customary to leave a small amount for exceptional service. |
| What is the food like in Paris? | Paris is known for its traditional dishes such as escargots, coq au vin, and steak frites. It is also home to many renowned patisseries and bakeries. |
| What is the nightlife like in Paris? | Paris has a thriving nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and cabarets. |
| Is Paris safe for tourists? | Overall, Paris is a safe city for tourists, but it is recommended to use caution when traveling with valuables. |
| What are some common French phrases I should know when visiting Paris? | Some basic French phrases include “Bonjour,” “Merci,” “Au revoir,” and “Parlez-vous anglais?” |
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