6 Incredible Destinations You Can Visit From Paris By Train In Under An Hour

Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 07:25 pm

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Paris is the city on most people’s bucket list, and with good reason. According to the latest report from Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index, it still holds the title of the #1 destination in the world to visit.

It’s hard to run out of things to do in Paris, from the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower to the beautiful streets and alleyways.

Château de Chantilly reflected in its tranquil moat, showcasing the ornate architecture and spires against a clear blue sky.

But with so many stunning places, all within easy reach of Paris, you might be tempted to go beyond the city walls and venture out into the countryside of France.

In under an hour, you could be sipping champagne at Veuve Clicquot or eating at the oldest inn in France, which consequently is also where Julia Child had her first French meal.

No 1 Reims

Statue of Louis XV in the center of the Place Royale in Reims, with the grandiose classical architecture of the surrounding buildings under a soft evening sky.

First on our list of destinations is Reims, famously known as the city of kings. Reims is situated northeast of Paris, approximately 45 minutes away by train.

It’s here that French monarchs were crowned for over a thousand years in the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you visit the cathedral, make sure you don’t miss the stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.

The city is also associated with Joan of Arc, who played a pivotal role in the coronation of Charles VII here, marking a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

Palais du Tau, just across from the cathedral is where the kings of France once celebrated their coronations. It’s now a museum that houses artefacts and tapestries related to the cathedral and the coronations.

The Saint-Remi Basilica is another UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The museum offers fascinating insights into the region’s history.

Golden ambient lighting illuminates rows of champagne bottles aging in the traditional cellars of a winery in Reims.

Today, Reims is best known for the production of champagne, and no trip to this city would be complete without visiting one of its renowned champagne houses.

Tours typically include a walk through the cellars, an insight into the champagne-making process, and, of course, a tasting session. Some of the most famous houses include Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, and Pommery.

No 2 Versailles

The Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles with gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling

Possibly one of the most famous palaces in the world, the Palace of Versailles gets approximately 15 million visitors every year. And it’s only a 30-minute train ride from Paris.

Originally a modest village, Versailles was transformed into a symbol of absolute monarchy under Louis XIV. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in the palace’s Hall of Mirrors, ended World War I, marking the city’s place in global history.

Then came Marie Antoinette, who, at the tender age of 14, married the Dauphin of France, who went on to become Louis XVI.

As the last Queen of France, there have been many movies made about her, and she still sparks huge controversy even today.

The elegant Orangerie of the Palace of Versailles with its classic French garden. The manicured hedges and topiaries create intricate patterns around a calm, reflective pool, under a bright blue sky. This setting combines regal history with natural beauty, evoking a sense of grandeur.

Apart from the obvious, such as the King’s Private Apartments or the Hall of Mirrors, the gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, with fountains, groves, and statues dotting the area.

The Estate of Trianon, which includes the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet, offer a more personal look at the lives of the royals away from the main palace. The Queen’s Hamlet, a rustic retreat created for Marie Antoinette, is particularly lovely.

The Royal Stables are worth a visit as they were integral to court life, showcasing the monarchy’s power and wealth. Today, the Great Stables house the Museum of the Horse, offering insights into the history of horse breeding and equestrian arts.

No 3 Giverny

Expansive and colorful flower garden in Giverny, near Paris, with a rich variety of flowers including tulips and irises, under a bright blue sky.

If you want to step into the shoes of an artist and escape into the world of impressionist art, then take the train to Giverny, a 45-minute ride to the northwest of Paris.

Giverny is synonymous with Claude Monet, one of impressionism’s founding fathers, who lived and painted here from 1883 until he died in 1926. The village and its stunning landscapes were immortalised in many of his works, drawing art lovers from around the globe.

Monet’s shuttered house and the gardens he meticulously designed have become a pilgrimage site for those inspired by his life and art. The Clos Normand in front of the house, bursts with flowers of all varieties, while the Water Garden, with its iconic Japanese bridge and water lilies, feels like stepping into one of Monet’s paintings.

Ivy-clad façade of Claude Monet's house in Giverny, with vibrant green shutters and a blooming garden leading up to the staircase.

A short walk from Monet’s house, The Museum of Impressionisms Giverny delves into the history of the Impressionist movement and its influence on art. It hosts rotating exhibitions featuring works by Monet and his contemporaries.

Giverny continues to inspire artists today and has also attracted other artists, contributing to its reputation as an artists’ haven.

No 4 Chantilly

Elegant and luxurious vintage interior of Château de Chantilly's bedroom with teal drapes, gold-trimmed white paneling, and ornate furniture, showcasing the rich history and opulent design of French aristocratic living spaces.

If you love the idea of wandering around a French chateau and diving into the depth of history, you’ll love Chantilly. Located north of Paris, it’s approximately 25 minutes by train.

The Château de Chantilly is a jewel of French heritage that houses the Musée Condé, second only to the Louvre in its collection of antique paintings.

The estate’s history is intertwined with the lineage of the Montmorency and Bourbon-Condé families, showcasing centuries of French nobility.

Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale and son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe I, bequeathed the château and its collections to the Institut de France.

Designed by André Le Nôtre, the celebrated gardener of Versailles, the gardens of Chantilly are a masterpiece of landscaping featuring French, Anglo-Chinese, and English gardens.

But, no visit to Chantilly would be complete without sampling the town’s namesake culinary delight, Chantilly cream. This sweet, whipped cream is a delicious testament to the town’s refined tastes.

No 5 Rouen

Majestic view of Rouen Cathedral's gothic façade and spires reaching into a cloudy sky, illustrating the intricate architecture and historical significance of this French landmark.

If it’s medieval architecture and half-timbered houses you’re after, then a day trip to Rouen would be perfect. It sits to the northwest of Paris, roughly an hour away by train and is the capital of the Normandy region, offering a rich blend of architectural beauty and culinary excellence.

Rouen is a city with a deep historical tapestry, from its time as a significant Gallo-Roman settlement to its role in the Hundred Years’ War. It’s most famously known as the site where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.

Her legacy is commemorated throughout the city, notably at the Place du Vieux-Marché, where she was martyred and where there is now the modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc. The church’s shape mimics the flames that took Joan’s life, and its stained glass windows, salvaged from a Renaissance-era church.

Urban scene from Rouen with half-timbered houses in the foreground and the spires of Rouen Cathedral in the background, as viewed from a window, depicting a blend of medieval charm and gothic grandeur.

Everywhere you look you’ll find Gothic architecture, with the Notre Dame Cathedral being the centrepiece. This cathedral, immortalised in Monet’s series of paintings, showcases the evolution of Gothic art and has one of the tallest church spires in France.

The Saint-Maclou Church and the Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen are also great examples of flamboyant Gothic style.

Rouen’s culinary scene received UNESCO recognition for its gastronomy, highlighting the city’s commitment to its food heritage. Famous dishes include duckling à la Rouennaise (Rouen-style duck), creamy Camembert cheese, and apple-based Calvados brandy.

And if you have time to eat at La Couronne you might find yourself sitting in the same seat Julia Child sat in when she visited Rouen on her very first trip to France. If you can manage to make time in your schedule I recommend staying for a few days.

No 6 Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau Palace exterior with its classic French architecture, blue-slated roofing, and prominent chimneys, overlooking manicured gardens and a fountain, on a sunny day with fluffy clouds above, embodying the grandeur of French royal estates.

Napoleon has been thrust into the limelight recently with the release of the 2023 movie of the same name. And Fontainebleau has a lot of connections with Napoleon and is only 40 minutes by train.

The Château de Fontainebleau served as a residence for French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III. Its architecture and interiors reflect the various styles favoured by its royal inhabitants over the centuries, including Renaissance and Classical. It was here that Napoleon Bonaparte bid farewell to his army in 1814.

Interior view of the Francis I Gallery in Fontainebleau, featuring a grandiose globe on a stand in the center, flanked by rows of wooden bookcases filled with ancient tomes, under a beautifully painted ceiling with intricate renaissance art and gilded details.

The interior rivals that of the Palace of Versailles and includes the Renaissance rooms, the Throne Room of Napoleon, and the stunning Francis I Gallery, not dissimilar to the Hall of Mirrors.

Covering over 280 square kilometres, the forest surrounding Fontainebleau has marked trails for hiking and rock climbing spots known as the boulders of Fontainebleau.

The town of Fontainebleau is lovely, and for those interested in art and history, there are several small museums and galleries, along with plenty of boutiques and cafes. There is also a good local market where you’ll find regional produce, cheeses, and other French delicacies.

Final thoughts on destinations you can visit from Paris by train

From the regal opulence of Versailles and the artistic haven of Giverny to the historical depths of Rouen and the equestrian elegance of Chantilly, there’s a wealth of experiences waiting just a short ride from the City of Love and Light.

So, grab your umbrella and jacket, buy your train ticket, and set off on an adventure that will enrich your understanding of France’s past and present, all within reach of its capital.

These excursions are not just trips but gateways to the diverse narratives that have shaped the French landscape, offering memories that will linger long after you’ve returned to the hustle and bustle of Paris.