Paris is, hands down, one of the most glorious cities on the planet. No arguments there.
But after a few days of dodging selfie sticks at the Eiffel Tower and avoiding eye-watering prices at tourist traps, you'd be forgiven for wanting a change of scenery.
The good news is France's high-speed trains can whisk you away to any number of interesting places in no time at all.
And they'll have you back in the capital in time for tea.
Whether you're in the mood for exploring a cathedral, visiting a vineyard or even kicking back at the beach, there are plenty of day trips from Paris by train.
Here are some of the best.
Day Trips From Paris by Train
Versailles
Travel Time: 30 minutes.
Why Go? The Palace of Versailles is the ultimate French spectacle. Commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 1600s, it's bursting with French history and well worth a visit.
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Versailles is less than half an hour away from the capital, making it one of the easiest day trips from Paris by train.
The palace is an extravagant example of 17th-century French architecture, complete with gilded ceilings, sprawling corridors and the famous Hall of Mirrors.
The extensive gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, feature manicured hedges, fountains and even a mini village built for Marie Antoinette.
You could easily spend a whole day there, so make sure you're fully rested and have your comfy shoes on.
Top Tip: Get to the palace early, book tickets in advance and enjoy a picnic in the gardens to take full advantage of the lavish scenery.
Giverny
Travel Time: 50 minutes.
Why Go? You've seen the dreamy water lilies painted by Claude Monet. Now it's time to see them for real.
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Giverny is where Claude Monet lived and painted some of his most famous works.
His house, preserved in all its colourful glory, sits in the middle of a gorgeous garden filled with wildflowers, Japanese bridges and, of course, his trademark water lilies.
The surrounding village is lovely, too. With art galleries and small museums celebrating the Impressionist movement, a visit here feels like stepping straight into a painting.
Visit in April or May when the flowers are in full bloom. But aim for a weekday. Weekends get crowded, which could spoil the serenity.
Top Tip: Take a walk to the nearby Museum of Impressionisms for deeper insight into Monet's world.
Reims
Travel Time: 45 minutes.
Why Go? Because you're classy and believe champagne is acceptable at any time of day.
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Reims is the unofficial capital of Champagne. And, quite frankly, that should be reason enough to visit.
Tour the cellars of Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot or Pommery and enjoy a cheeky wine-tasting spree or three.
If history's more your thing, Reims cathedral is a gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass, where French kings were once crowned.
Top Tip: For a unique experience, visit one of the underground chalk cellars, some of which date back to Roman times.
Rouen
Travel Time: One hour and 15 minutes.
Why Go? If you like medieval cities with a side of fascinating history, then Rouen is your jam.
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Rouen is a city where history looms large.
Its medieval centre is packed with timber-framed houses and grand churches.
Its winding cobbled streets lead to the striking Notre-Dame Cathedral, famously painted by Monet.
It's also the site of Joan of Arc's trial and execution. And today, a modern church stands in her honour.
The Gros-Horloge, a beautiful astronomical clock, is another must-see.
Don't leave without trying a local apple-based dessert, like tarte tatin or cider-soaked crêpe.
Normandy is apple country, so they're especially good here. You'll find plenty of crêperies here - when in Rouen!
Top Tip: Wander along the Seine for the best views of the city.
Lille
Travel Time: One hour.
Why Go? Stunning architecture. Plenty of buzz. Some of the best pâtisseries in the country.
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Think of Lille a bit like Paris' cool younger cousin.
A lively mix of French and Flemish influences, your first stop should definitely be its stunning Grand Place.
Often regarded as the beating heart of Lille, this urban public space is lined with ornate 17th-century buildings and is always buzzing during the daytime.
The Old Town, Vieux Lille, is packed with boutiques, cafés and some of the best pâtisseries in France. So make sure you come hungry.
Art lovers should head straight to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, which houses impressive works by the likes of Rubens, Van Dyck and Goya.
Top Tip: Don't leave without trying the local speciality carbonnade flamande - a delicious slow-cooked beef stew with beer.
Deauville
Travel Time: Two hours.
Why Go? Because sometimes you just need to get out of the city and get some fresh sea air.
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A place where Parisians go when they need a cheeky beach break, Deauville is a seaside resort known for its wide stretches of sand, colourful parasols and historic boardwalk.
It's a hotspot for the wealthy, with luxury boutiques and a famous casino.
And if you're into horse racing, Deauville's race track is one of the most prestigious in France.
Visit in the summer for peak sunbathing weather.
For a more relaxed vibe, pop over to the neighbouring town of Trouville. This is more of a chilled-out spot - think laid-back fishing village vibes.
Top Tip: Plan your visit in September to catch the Deauville American Film Festival, where Hollywood meets Normandy.
Strasbourg
Travel Time: One hour and 45 minutes.
Why Go? All the best things about France and Germany in one place.
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Strasbourg is about as far east as you can travel in France.
In fact, it's closer to both Stuttgart and Zurich than it is to Paris.
But it's still perfectly doable as a day trip from the French capital.
Sitting on the border between France and Germany, it isn't hard to see the Germanic influence on Strasbourg's architecture and culture.
You'll find timber-framed houses, hearty Alsatian food and canals that could have rolled straight out of a fairytale.
Try tarte flambée, kind of like an ultra-thin pizza, and take a boat tour through the Petite France district.
Top Tip: If you visit in December, Strasbourg has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Day Trips Without the Data Dips
You'll want to have your maps, camera and mobile to hand when taking day trips from Paris by train.
The easiest and best way to stay connected is to buy an eSIM for France from Airalo.
Just browse your options here, choose how much data you need and what you want to spend.
Then install your eSIM and voila! You're online.
And, more importantly, ready to share your pictures of those medieval town squares and breezy blue-skied beaches as you go.
Bon voyage!
