Anne-Charlotte PasseraThere are a few cities worth a visit from Paris that you can go to for one day. Some are only 30 minutes away and others about 2h30. It really depends on what you like to do with kids, how old they are, and your budget. Sometimes, it’s nice to mix things up between cultural and leisure activities. These cities listed below can provide both in just a one day visit from Paris.
Other ideas of Day trips from Paris
St-Denis
The main attraction in Saint-Denis is its Abbey which became a cathedral in 1966. It is located only 5km away from Paris and makes for an easy day trip. You can take the subway line 13 to Basilique Saint-Denis to get there.
This basilica is the last resting place of the Kings of France. 43 Kings and 32 Queens are buried in its necropolis, from King Dagobert to Louis XVIII.
It was originally built on a Gallo-Roman site in a gothic style in the 12th century. Unfortunately, during the French Revolution, the Abbey was vandalised and very few of the medieval stained glass survives.
Activities
Prior to your visit, you can download and print an activity booklet for your kids HERE. This will make the visit a lot more interesting and livelier for your kids.
The access is FREE for kids. A guided tour is available and will take you from Gallo-Roman times to nowadays.
Rambouillet
Rambouillet is a town in the beautiful region of Les Yvelines, 55km outside of Paris. It makes for an easy and fun daytrip from Paris with kids.
An easy way to get to Rambouillet is by taking a 35-minute train from Gare Montparnasse. Make sure to take the express train or your train ride could take longer, and you really don’t want that. I am not sure if that is still the case.
When I lived in that area, sometimes the trains used were really old with uncomfortable seats and very shaky wagons. If you easily get car sick or are pregnant, this might make your journey quite unpleasant. I speak from experience, as I was pregnant with Blondie Bear when I took that train. In fact, Blondie Bear was born in Rambouillet.
A car can be another option if you want to explore the region more. For example, from Rambouillet, you could head on to La Vallée de Chevreuse. There, you can visit le Château de Breteuil on your way back to Paris.
What is there to see in Rambouillet?
The highlight of Rambouillet is its castle and forest which are all walking distance from the train station.
Castle (Château)
This castle was originally built in 1368 as a medieval fortress. Later on, it was transformed into a country estate in the 18th century.
The castle hosted some illustrious guests from Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette to Charles de Gaulle during WWII. In fact, Charles de Gaulle set up his headquarters there in August 1944. He met with General Leclerc in order to discuss and prepare the Liberation of Paris. In 1975, the Château de Rambouillet was the place where the first G6 summit met.
As to be expected, the grounds of the castle are beautiful. You can even rent a boat, bicycles, and other moving objects to explore the grounds in more depth.
The National Bergerie
The National Bergerie is an educational farm located not far from the Castle. There, kids will be able to see tons of sheep and cows and possibly learn how to milk a cow.
The Forest
Take a walk from the castle to the Forest of Rambouillet and admire the century old trees. It is the oldest forest in the Yvelines.
Moreover, for a more unique experience, you can go to Espace Rambouillet. However, it is located on the other side of town, 4 km away from the train station. There, you’ll be to admire woodland animals, dears, wild pigs, eagles, and much more.
Musée du Jeu de l’Oie
I thought I would mention this museum located close to the train station. The museum is dedicated to the game of Snakes and Ladders or Game of Goose. It has well over 2,000 versions of this popular children game. Supposedly, this game originated in the 16th century in Europe.
Food
On your way to the castle from the train station, you’ll walk through one of the main streets of Rambouillet. This is where you can buy lunch in one of the bakeries or at Monoprix, and picnic in the forest. Don’t forget your reusable utensils and grocery bag.
Off the beaten path. If you are a football fan, know that 15 minutes away by car from Rambouillet is Clairefontaine. This is where the French National football team trains. You’ll have to check beforehand if they are there before heading there to catch a glimpse of the players.
Chartres
Chartres is another easy day trip from Paris that you can do with kids. It’s located about 80km away from Paris on the same train line as Rambouillet. The train ride is about 1 hour and leaves from Gare Montparnasse. The round-trip can easily be done in half a day. You could go there in the morning and visit Rambouillet in the afternoon.
The main attraction in Chartres is it’s UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral, built-in 1220. I remember studying it in Art History class and all I remember from it is the term: flying buttresses. Of course, there is more to it than that!
This cathedral is of Gothic design but built using techniques of Romanesque architecture. Chartres’ cathedral is the best-preserved one in France. Its sculptures, stained glass windows, and paving are for the most part of origin. Prior to visiting the cathedral, make sure that there isn’t any renovation going on.
The town of Chartres is pleasant to walk around with many pedestrian streets. Some have retained their original names and half-timbered architectural design. The Cathedral sits on top of a hill, so make sure that you wear comfortable shoes.
If you want to stay a little while longer, you could check out the Odyssée Water Complex. Just don’t forget your bathing suit!
Reims
The town of Reims is home to one of the biggest cathedrals in France and is the capital of Champagne!
Access
The quickest and more eco-friendly way to get to Reims from Paris is by train. You can take a TGV train from Gare de l’Est to Reims-Ville. In just 45 minutes from Paris, you’ll be able to sip some really good Champagne.
However, bring comfortable shoes. As the three UNESCO architectural sites are not right next to each, expect to do some walking. In fact, you’ll walk anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to and through the town center from the train station Reims-Ville.
Sites
The main sites to visit in Reims are the Cathedral, Palais du Tau and the Abbey Saint-Rémy.
The cathedral is of significance as it was there that the Kings of France would get coronated starting with Clovis.
In fact, the cathedral was partially destroyed during the bombings of WWII. However, it has been ferociously renovated since then. On the façade of the cathedral you will notice some bas-relief that tell the important history of the Cathedral.
Champagne caves
To visit the caves, it is best to make a reservation.
Discover the crayères, which are chalk quarries dating back to medieval times. The temperature remains constant all year long at 10 degrees Celsius. This makes it ideal to host champagne caves and store champagne bottles.
It is possible to visit some of those Champagne caves on foot from Reims’ town center.
Visit the cave of Pommery, considered the most beautiful one which also showcases modern art within its caves. The train station is 40 minutes away on foot. However, you can make pit stops at the cathedral and the abbey on your way there.
Another cave worth mentioning that might interest kids is Legrand-Latour which is covered with seashells. However, you’ll need a car to get there.
Finally, for a more upscale experience you can visit the caves of Moet & Chandon.
Strasbourg
The charm of this town in the region of Alsace will lure you into making the 2h30 train journey from Gare de l’Est in Paris.
From all the cities to visit outside of Paris in one day, this is the furthest away but the most rewarding. You’ll probably wish that you were staying longer.
The historic center of Strasbourg is only 400m away from the train station. Moreover, most of the places of interest are accessible on foot or by using their modern-day tram.
Furthermore, in December, Strasbourg hosts one the most beautiful Christmas markets in France and is worth going to.
What to visit in Strasbourg
The main historical area of Strasbourg is called La Petite France. It’s a picturesque district with half-timbered houses on cobbled streets. There, you can walk on covered bridges.
Also, visit the Vauban dam, which functions as a lock and is classified as a historical monument.
You can even relax during a 1-hour boat ride on one of the canals or take a stroll along their shores.
Cathedral
This cathedral dates back to the 15th century. Pink sandstone from the Vosges mountains nearby was used for its construction.
The entrance to its 66-meter-high observatory deck is only accessible by steps. Admission to the deck is free every first Sunday of the month.
An interesting feature of the cathedral is the astronomical clock inside, which dates back to the 19th century.
Storks
The storks are the symbol of the Alsace region. At the Parc de l’Orangerie it is possible to admire them.
Once threatened of extinction, they made a comeback in part due to the preservation project of the Parc de l’Orangerie. You can visit them there all year long.
The Parc de l’Orangerie is the main park in Strasbourg. Also, it’s a wonderful place to go with kids. It has with playgrounds, a vintage car circuit, and a small farm and zoo which are accessible for FREE.
Flamen what?
A Flamenkuch is a flambéed pie baked in a wood-fired oven. It’s supposedly of peasant origin based on a thin bread dough of rectangular or round shape. Generally, the Flamenkuch or Tarte Flambée is covered with thick crème fraîche or cottage cheese, bacon, and onions.
Alsace and hence Strasbourg is the only area of France where you can eat a traditional one. You can’t go to Strasbourg without trying one. Other ingredients can be added to the Tarte Flambée, but the typical ones are the ones listed above.
Although there are plenty of restaurants in Strasbourg to eat a flamenkuch, check out La Fignette. This restaurant is a good and cozy place to eat, just not on Sundays, as it is closed. Also, it’s not loaded with annoying tourists.
So what cities are you planning to visit on a day trip from Paris?
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