Exploring the wonders outside of Paris through small group day trips offers an enriching and personalized travel experience. These tours take you to some of the most iconic and culturally significant destinations, from the Royal Palace of Versailles and the serene gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny to the historical Normandy D-Day beaches and the charming canals of Bruges.
With a focus on comfort, efficiency, and cultural interactions, small group tours provide the perfect balance of guided exploration and personal discovery.
So, ready to go on an unforgettable journey? Scroll down into our curated list of the best small group day trips from Paris and start planning your next adventure today!
Key Takeaways:
Whether you’re enjoying a scenic Loire Valley castle tour, a somber visit to WWI battlefields, or a delightful Champagne tasting, these tours ensure an enriching travel experience in Paris.
Each tour destination offers unique highlights, from the opulent Palace of Versailles and Monet’s serene gardens in Giverny to the historical significance of Normandy’s D-Day beaches and the enchanting canals of Bruges.
Perks of a Small Group Day Trip from Paris
Believe it or not, your vacation in Paris will be incomplete if you don’t go on a day trip from Paris.
And for the best part, easy day trips from Paris to Reims or other cities are always available. There are lots of amazing spots to go to outside of Paris. You just need the right kind of knowledge.
All you have to do is figure out where you want to go and reserve your spot. Here are several compelling reasons to go on small group day trips from Paris:
- Personalized Experience: Small group tours (8-10 people max) offer a more intimate and tailored experience.
- Guided Support: Traveling with a knowledgeable guide provides a sense of security, especially in unfamiliar areas. They can offer safety tips and assistance if needed.
- Customized Attention: Tour guides can cater to individual interests and preferences, providing tailored information and recommendations based on the group’s specific interests.
- Flexibility and Efficiency: Smaller groups move quickly and smoothly, avoiding delays and maximizing your sightseeing time.
- Meet Like-Minded Travelers: Small group tours attract people who share similar interests, making it easier to form connections and enjoy the day with new friends.
- Flexible Itinerary: Exploring off-the-beaten-path locations is often more flexible in small group tours, giving you a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the area.
Now, let’s take a brief look at the small group day tour destinations in Paris before going into the details.
| Small Group Tours | Tour Specialty |
| The Versailles Palace Tours | Royal Palace & Beautiful Royal Gardens |
| La Vallee Village Tours | Village stroll & Shopping for luxury brands |
| Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Tours | Renaissance art & Baroque French château |
| Chartres Gothic Day Tours | Gothic architecture and medieval heritage |
| Giverny Tour of Monet’s House & Garden | Monet’s Impressionist masterpieces |
| Champagne Wine Tours | World-class champagnes and vineyards |
| Loire Valley Castle Day Tours | Medieval castles and French countryside |
| Mont-Saint-Michel Day Tours | Iconic medieval abbey in a coastal setting |
| Somme WWI Battlefield Day Tours | WWI sites of The Battle of the Somme |
| Normandy D-Day Landing Site Tours | WWII battle sites and the D-Day landings |
| Bruges Day Tour | Medieval town with Flemish artistic heritage |
Now, let’s get into what’s included and what’s the specialty of these small group tours from Paris in detail:
The Versailles Palace & Gardens Tour
Tour Highlights: Hall of Mirrors | Royal Apartments | Palace Gardens | Grand Trianon
Being the former residence of King Luis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles and its gardens attract an average of 10 million tourists a year. Here, you’ll also experience the Hall of Mirrors, adorned with dazzling chandeliers and intricate mirrors that reflect centuries of history.
Stroll through the meticulously manicured Palace Gardens, graced with fountains and sculptures that evoke the splendor of the French Renaissance. The tour culminates at the Grand Trianon, a retreat nestled in lush greenery.
Ideal for history enthusiasts and families, this tour promises a day in the lavish world of the French monarchy, one of the best places to visit away from Parisian crowds.
La Vallee Village Tours
Tour Highlights: Luxury Shopping Outlets | Designer Boutiques | Charming Village Ambiance | Exclusive Discounts
La Vallée Village is a luxury outlet shopping destination located just 40 minutes from Paris in Serris, France. The village reflects the charming rural towns of the Île-de-France region with its pedestrianized streets and intimately scaled buildings.
As a shopping tour with over 110 boutiques of leading French and international designer fashion and lifestyle brands, shopping lovers and families will have a great time here.
Plus, you’ll get to experience a unique shopping tour in an open-air village setting with a charming atmosphere. With world-famous brands like Armani, Baccarat, Ferragamo, Givenchy, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Loewe, Longchamp, Prada, Valentino, etc.
It’s an ideal destination for luxury outlet shopping and experiencing a charming French village atmosphere just outside Paris.
Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Tours
Tour Highlights: Château de Fontainebleau | Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte | Classical French Gardens
Located approximately 34 miles (55 km) southeast of Paris, Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte offer a scenic journey of about 1 hour by car.
Visit Château de Fontainebleau, one of the most beautiful royal residences, with marks left by French sovereigns from François I to Napoleon III. See Napoleon I’s throne and the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase.
You’ll also admire the vast surrounding park and the three charming gardens of the palace. Then go to the extravagant palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, and visit the King’s Room, Grand Salon, and private apartments.
The classical French gardens of the palace, designed by André Le Nôtre, with a 3 km focal axis and magnificent views, are perfect for a small group tour away from Paris.
Chartres Gothic Day Tours
Tour Highlights: Chartres Cathedral | Stained Glass Windows | Medieval Streets | Local Artisans
Located just 57 miles (91 km) southwest of Paris, Chartres is renowned for its Gothic architecture and medieval charm, offering a scenic journey of approximately one hour.
Here, you’ll venture into the Gothic era at Chartres Cathedral, a towering masterpiece of medieval architecture dating back to the 12th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its soaring spires pierce the sky and the intricate stained glass windows cast an ethereal glow across the interior. Hence, stroll through the medieval streets lined with artisan workshops and historic buildings, each echoing with centuries of history. Ideal for cultural tours and architecture enthusiasts, this tour promises a day of awe-inspiring beauty and historical discovery beyond the extravaganzas of Paris.
Giverny Day Tour of Monet’s House & Garden
Tour Highlights: Claude Monet’s House & Garden | Water Lily Pond | Japanese Bridge | Impressionist Art
Giverny, the charming village that inspired some of Claude Monet’s most celebrated Impressionist paintings, is located approximately 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Paris, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Claude Monet’s famed “Water Lilies” paintings find their inspiration in this beautiful village. Visit Monet’s house, crowned with the Clos Normand flower garden, and the Japanese water garden, featuring its iconic bridge and lily ponds.
Moreover, cross the arched Japanese bridge, wander the serene pathways, and admire the water lilies drifting peacefully on the pond. Visit Monet’s Cemetary and the nearby Impressionist Museum to deepen your connection with the artist and his surroundings.
Whether you’re an art and nature lover, or seeking a tranquil escape from Paris, a day trip to Giverny promises a reflective experience.
A Must-Know Fact
The gardens will open at 9:30 a.m., and the last entry time is until 5:30 pm.
Champagne Wine Tours
Tour Highlights: Champagne Vineyards | Cellar Tours & Tasting Sessions | Champagne Making Process | Hot Air Balloon Ride
The County of Champagne, located just 90 miles (145 km) northeast of Paris, is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. With roughly 2 hours of journey, you’ll get to taste the world-famous sparkling wines and purchase some too.
Furthermore, you’ll get to explore the Champagne vineyards and learn about grape varieties, winemaking, and the history of the region.
Moving on, explore the town of Épernay, the “capital of Champagne”, and stroll down the famous Avenue de Champagne lined with champagne houses. Wine lovers will love the historic cellars and chalk tunnels (crayères) that house the aging champagne.
Visit the village of Hautvillers, home of Dom Pérignon, the monk who is said to have invented champagne. Then, cycle along the Marne River or take a hot air balloon ride for panoramic views of vineyards.
Last but not least, enjoy luxury champagne tours at wineries and indulge in champagne-themed meals.
Loire Valley Castle Day Tours
Tour Highlights: Château de Chambord | Château de Chenonceau | Renaissance Architecture | Loire River
Be prepared for a fairy-tale journey through the Loire Valley’s magnificent castles and scenic landscapes, located just 124 miles (200 km) southwest of Paris.
With a journey time of around 2 hours, you’ll get to explore the infamous Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Also, visit the Château de Chenonceau, spanning the tranquil waters of the Cher River with its elegant design.
These tours often include a wine-tasting experience to sample the region’s renowned wines. Ideal for history enthusiasts and romance, this tour offers a day of cultural enrichment and scenic beauty in the heart of France.
Mont-Saint-Michel Day Tours
Tour Highlights: Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey | Coastal Views | Medieval Streets | Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
It’s literally a pilgrimage to Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site rising from the sea in Normandy, located 221 miles (356 km) west of Paris and 1 km from the Northwestern coast of France.
With around 3.5 hours of journey, you’ll get to explore the medieval abbey perched atop the rocky island, offering incredible views of the surrounding bay.
Guided by experts, learn the spiritual and architectural significance of this iconic landmark. Perfect for adventurers and history buffs, this tour promises a day of exploration and contemplation in a place steeped in history and natural beauty.
Somme WWI Battlefield Day Tours
Tour Highlights: Somme Battlefields | Lochnagar Crater | Thiepval Memorial | Ulster Tower | Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park.
Just 100 miles (164 km) north of Paris lies the Somme, one of the notable battlefields of WWI. After about 2 hours of travel from Paris, you can pay homage to the heroes of WWI by visiting the Somme battlefields.
Begin at the Thiepval Memorial, honoring 72,000 British and South African soldiers lost in battle. Wander through Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park’s preserved trenches, paying tribute to the Newfoundland Regiment’s sacrifices.
Next up, witness the Lochnagar Crater, a stark reminder of the Battle of the Somme’s devastation. Visit the Ulster Tower honoring the 36th (Ulster) Division’s losses, then tour Pozieres Ridge, a site of intense fighting.
Also, reflect at the Fricourt German Military Cemetery and visit the war’s local impact at the Albert 1916 Museum. These sites offer a profound journey through World War I history and remembrance.
Normandy D-Day Landing Site Tours
Tour Highlights: Omaha Beach | Utah Beach | Normandy American Cemetery | D-Day Landing Sites
For the D-day landing site tour from Paris, it’s better to start from Bayeux or Caen, approximately 155 miles (250 km) from Paris with around a 3-hour journey.
Explore the historic sites of Normandy’s D-Day landings, where Allied forces turned the tide of WWII. First off, visit Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, hallowed grounds of military valor and sacrifice, and some of the best places to Visit in Normandy.
Pay respects at the Normandy American Cemetery, overlooking the sea. Guided by expert historians, learn about the strategic significance of these important WWII locations.
Perfect for WWII history enthusiasts and beach town family vacations, this tour offers a day of tribute and profound insights into the events that shaped modern history.
Day Trips From Paris to Bruges
Tour Highlights: Historic City Center | 12th Century Canal | Groeningemuseum | Boutique Shops | Belgian Cuisine & Chocolate
With around 3 hours of journey covering 180 miles (290 km) from Paris, you’re in the charming medieval town of Bruges in Northwest Belgium for the perfect small group day tour.
Explore Bruges’ historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a walking tour through Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Belfry, and the Gothic City Hall.
Then, enjoy a relaxing canal cruise to admire Renaissance architecture from the water. Visit the Groeningemuseum to see works by Flemish masters like Hieronymus Bosch and Jan van Eyck.
Lastly, spend free time browsing boutique shops for Belgian chocolates, lace, and other local specialties, and savor traditional Belgian cuisine like moules-frites and the country’s renowned beers.
Final Words
When it comes to small group day trips from Paris, planning is everything. Hence, to embrace the beauty of all the places mentioned here, plan carefully.
As anywhere in the world, always secure your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. Pack warm and comfortable clothes, and essential papers like ID, passport, visa, etc. and you’re all set for the trip ahead.
That’s all from us for now. Wishing you luck on the day trip – Au Revoir!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What countries are a short train ride from Paris?
For day trips from Paris by train, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium are the best spots. Additionally, the UK is another great vacation spot where you can go by Eurostar train.
What city is easy to get to from Paris?
Brussels is the city you’d want to go to if you want an easy travel experience. All you have to do is get on a high-speed train. The entire travel time is less than 4 hours.
What is the most popular day trip from Paris?
Well, one of the most popular day trips from Paris is to Giverny due to its unique architecture, rich history, and colorful house & gardens of Claude Monte.
What is the easiest country to travel to from Paris?
Belgium is the easiest country to visit from Paris. A trip to cities like Brussels and Bruges only takes a few hours by train. So, you can easily add them to your side trips on the Paris list.
What European country is closest to Paris?
The European country that’s nearest to Paris is Belgium, which can be easily reached by trains, buses, or flights.
