Paris has an abundance of things to see and experience within its city limits, but there are several great day trips from Paris for when you want to escape from the bustle of the capital city.  Fortunately, the high-speed railway in France makes taking a day trip from Paris easy and accessible. Here are some of the best day trips when traveling from Paris.

Normandy

D-Day Landing Sites

The historic coastal region of Normandy makes for a great day trip from Paris.  You can explore the major landing sites of the Alliesâ?? Invasion of Normandy on D-Day during World War Two.  The Caen Memorial Museum offers guided tours of the American and English landing beaches and battle sites, as well as the American war cemetery.  

Mont Saint-Michel
This rocky island is located just off the coast of Normandy and looks like something out of a fairytale book.  Mont Saint-Michel consists of a towering abbey and other historic monuments, making it an ideal day trip from Paris through the French countryside.  Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is visited by more than 3 million people annually.

Loire Valley

Located in central France, the Loire Valley is home to several Renaissance-era castles.   Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley, boasting grandiose architecture and gardens.  The breathtaking Château d'Amboise is located on the banks of the Loire river and was a favorite residence of the monarchy during the 15th century.  The village of Amboise is also the resting place of Renaissance maverick Leonardo Da Vinci. The Loire Valley is a popular day trip from Paris, and a variety of castle tours of the grand châteaus of the Loire Valley are available.  

Champagne Region

Wine Cellars of Champagne

The iconic Champagne region in the northeast of France is known for its production of the sparkling white wine, and makes for a fabulous day trip from Paris.  There are numerous tours of the underground wine cellars available, including the famed Moët & Chandon cellars and the and the UNESCO-protected caves of the Domaine Vranken Pommery which dates back to the early Middle Ages.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Also worthy of a day trip from Paris is the gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne.  The cathedral dates back over 800 years and was once the site where Franceâ??s kings were crowned. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims was one of the first monuments to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws nearly one million visitors a year.

Giverny

Another popular day trip from Paris is the village of Giverny in northern France, made famous by Claude Monetâ??s water lily series of paintings, Les Nymphéas.  You can visit the famous gardens that inspired Monet and the Musée des Impressionnismes. The best time to visit Giverny is during the spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.  

Châtteau de Versailles

One of the most popular day trips from Paris is visiting the Palace of Versailles.  The former home of royalty such as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette became synonymous with excess and opulence.  Here you can tour the magnificent palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and elaborate gardens, and learn all about the history of Versailles and the French Revolution.