Best Day Trips from Paris with Kids: 10 Must-See Places
If you’re in Paris and looking for a change of scenery that’s kid-friendly and a short journey away, you’re in luck.
In this post, I will highlight the best day trips from Paris with kids.
When we took our kids to Paris last summer, it was a dream come true.
But after a few days of navigating the busy streets and ticking off all those must-see landmarks like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, we found ourselves itching to explore a bit more of what France has to offer—without venturing too far from our base in the city.
I scoured the maps, travel guides, and blogs to find the best spots for a quick escape.
The areas outside of Paris are filled with amazing attractions, and I’m excited to share our discoveries of the best day trips from Paris with you.
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1. Versailles:
- How far from Paris: About 20 km (12.4 miles) west of Paris.
- Best way to get there: The RER C train directly connects Paris to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche station, a short walk from the palace.
- Why the kids will love it: Imagine walking through a huge, fancy palace and then getting to play in its gigantic backyard! Kids will enjoy exploring the grand halls and running through the stunning gardens.
Going to Versailles with kids is a trip you and your kids won’t forget.
When my family visited the famous palace, our jaws dropped at the sight of the Hall of Mirrors.
It’s like nothing you’ve seen before, with mirrors and gold everywhere And the gardens are an ideal spot for a bit of downtime.
We found a quiet place to have a picnic, surrounded by some of the most beautifully landscaped grounds you can imagine.
The local market is a perfect spot to grab some french treats before exploring the grounds.
It’s a great spot to relax and let the kids run around after touring the palace. Also, be sure to visit the Hamlet.
Your kids will be fascinated by the little village Marie Antoinette built for her entertainment.
Plan for at least a whole day here. There is so much to see.
2. Disneyland Paris:
- How far from Paris? Roughly 32 km (about 20 miles) east of Paris.
- Best way to get there? The RER A train takes you straight to the gates of Disneyland Paris from the center of Paris.
- Why the kids will love it? If your kids are like mine, Disneyland is every kid’s dream come true. There are thrilling rides, beloved characters, and awesome shows that will keep your kids entertained.
My family is definitely a Disney Family.
While we had conquered Disneyland and Disney world, Disneyland Paris is a whole new world of Disney fun.
My favorite Disney castle is the iconic Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland Paris. I just find it so whimsical.
Disneyland Paris consists of two different theme parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
Both theme parks are unique but Disneyland Park has more of the classic Disneyland vibe.
Arriving early is key to making the most of your visit. It gives you a head start on the most popular rides and shows.
We also found that having a rough plan helped us hit all our must-sees without feeling rushed.
If you’re looking to avoid the bigger crowds, try visiting on weekdays outside of school holidays.
And don’t forget to download the Disneyland Paris app. It was a lifesaver for checking wait times and show schedules, helping us navigate the park smoothly.
3. Chantilly:
- How far from Paris? Just a 50 km (31 miles) drive north.
- Best way to get there? Catch a train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux; then it’s a quick bus or taxi ride from the train station to the castle.
- Why the kids will love it? Château de Chantilly is straight out of a fairy tale with cool art, awesome gardens, and the world-famous Chantilly cream.
Visiting the Château de Chantilly has everything: incredible art, stories of the past, and gardens where you can run around or chill out with a picnic.
Make sure your kids grab a booklet from the information desk.
Designed just for kids, the booklet has games and info about the chateau.
Your kids will also love dressing up in period-inspired costumes available for rent. For animal lovers, be sure the check out the horse shows at the stables.
And then there’s the Chantilly cream. Trust me, you can’t leave without trying it. After walking around, we sat down to enjoy this fluffy, sweet treat, and it was a hit!
The cream is light, sweet, and delicious.
To take it a step further, sign up for a chantilly cream workshop.
Not only will you enjoy eating it, but you also learn the secret behind making this fluffy treat.
4. Normandy: Beaches and History
- How far from Paris? About 200 km (124 miles) to the west.
- Best way to get there? Driving is straightforward, but you can also take a guided tour from Paris that includes transportation.
- Why the kids will love it? Normandy mixes beautiful beaches with powerful history lessons. Kids can learn about D-Day right where it happened.
Visiting the D-Day beaches, like Omaha and Juno, is not just about seeing a beautiful coastline but also about understanding the bravery and sacrifices made here during World War II.
This is definitely a day trip for older kids who can understand the importance of the historical sites that will be toured.
My family visited the D-Day beaches, Utah and Omaha Beach, on our guided day tour. The bus was air-conditioned, and our tour guide was great.
Consider visiting the memorial cemetery, which is the final resting place of many American soldiers who lost their lives on those famous beaches.
What’s great about Normandy is that many of the museums and memorial sites are very family-friendly.
They find ways to explain the history in terms that kids can grasp. The Caen Memorial Museum, for example, does an excellent job with interactive exhibits that engage younger visitors without overwhelming them.
Consider staying overnight as one day might not be enough time to see everything.
5. Giverny:
- How far from Paris? Approximately 75 km (47 miles) to the west.
- Best way to get there? Take a train to Vernon, followed by a short bus or bike journey to reach Giverny.
- Why the kids will love it? The destination offers a real-life glimpse into the scenes Monet painted.
Giverny is where you can see the world through Claude Monet’s eyes, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
His house and garden look like they’ve come straight from his paintings.
When we walked through on our tour, my kids were amazed to see the water lilies and Japanese bridge in real life, just like in Monet’s famous paintings.
To get kids excited about art, let them bring a sketchbook or a camera. They can try to capture the garden from their own perspective.
Some kids might enjoy comparing their pictures or drawings with Monet’s paintings later.
Don’t rush through the visit. Take your time wandering through the gardens and the house.
It’s a peaceful place that lets you appreciate the beauty around you.
Ending the day with a picnic near the gardens is also a nice way to relax and talk about what you’ve seen.
It’s a fantastic day trip that offers both beauty and a gentle introduction to the world of art for kids.
6. Fontainebleau:
- How far from Paris? Just about 55 km (34 miles) southeast.
- Best way to get there? Catch a train from the paris train station- Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon, then it’s a quick bus ride to the château.
- Why the kids will love it? Fontainebleau is a mix of an amazing chateau and outdoor fun.
Fontainebleau isn’t just any old castle. The château is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a time machine where kings and queens lived, with rooms that could be out of a fairy tale.
But step outside, and you’re in one of the most awesome forests around Paris, ready to be explored.
For kids (and, let’s be honest, adults, too), the surrounding forest is perfect for letting off steam.
You can hike through the trees, try a bit of rock climbing, or even zip around on bikes.
On the chateau grounds, they have canoeing and horse-drawn carriage riding.
If you are looking to see the chateau from a unique perspective, consider taking a hot-air balloon ride.
The château’s gardens are amazing. You can explore them yourself, maybe even have a picnic, or take a tour aboard the “little train.”
This small train takes you all around the gardens with an audio guide.
7. Provins:
- How far from Paris? About 90 km (56 miles) southeast.
- Best way to get there? A train ride from Gare de l’Est in Paris will take you directly to Provins.
- Why the kids will love it? This Medieval town brings history to life in the most exciting way!
This little medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its ancient walls, towers, and underground tunnels will fascinate your kids.
You can visit the spot where Joane of Arc attended mass. How cool is that?
Plan your visit during one of their famous medieval festivals. These events are a blast, with knights, jesters, and artisans all showing what life was like hundreds of years ago.
Your kiddos can watch knights jousting, learn about medieval crafts, and even dress up in period costumes to really get into the spirit.
For a family day trip, there is nothing better than visiting this real-life medieval village.
8. Château de Breteuil:
- How far from Paris? About 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Paris.
- Best way to get there? Driving is straightforward, or you can catch a train to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse and then take a taxi or bus.
- Why the kids will love it: Imagine walking into a world where your favorite fairy tale characters are real, with animatronics and wax figures of your kid’s favorites.
The château itself is stunning, filled with history and fascinating stories from the past.
But what really sets it apart is the fairy tale displays throughout the estate via wax figures and animatronics.
Characters like Sleeping Beauty and Puss in Boots are brought to life with incredible detail.
Kids get a kick out of seeing these stories in real life, and there’s plenty for parents, too, like learning about the Breteuil family and the castle’s place in French history.
They even have actors dressed up and ready to take you back in time, making the whole experience fun and interactive. It’s a great way to spend a day outside Paris.
9. Caribou Adventures Insolites:
- How far from Paris? Located in Noisy-sur-Ecole, around 20 km from Fontainebleau and 25 km from Nemours.
- Best way to get there? Driving is the most direct way to dive straight into this natural retreat.
- Why the kids will love it? It’s a modern twist on camping that brings the adventure right to your doorstep.
Caribou Adventures Insolites in Noisy-sur-Ecole transforms the traditional camping experience into an extraordinary adventure.
Each tent, shaped like a transparent bubble and suspended in the trees, offers a unique way to spend the night under the stars with all the comforts of a cozy bed.
With a private terrace attached to each bubble, families can enjoy a breakfast served daily (included in the price) in privacy or opt for a homemade meal served in the house.
But it’s not all about chilling in your bubble.
For those wanting a strictly day trip without an overnight stay, there is plenty to do, from biking and hiking to rock climbing or canoeing.
If you’re in the mood to relax, there’s a pool and even a spa and wellness center you can use for an extra charge. And don’t worry about being too off the grid—there’s free WiFi in the main house.
They’ve got free parking, too, so you can bring your car without any fuss.
This is the perfect escape for families eager to have some outdoor time away from the busy Parisian streets.
10. Mont Saint Michel:
- How far from Paris? About 360 km (224 miles) to the northwest.
- Best way to get there? A combination of trains and buses can get you there, but driving offers more flexibility to explore at your own pace or take a guided tour that offers transportation.
- Why the kids will love it? Imagine visiting a castle that looks like it’s floating on water. The whole place is like a maze of old streets and secret passages, with a giant church sitting on top.
This ancient island fortress, with its narrow cobblestone streets and the towering abbey at the top, is jaw-dropping for both kids and adults.
Seeing the island from afar as you approach, especially with the tides changing, is really something special.
When planning your trip, keeping an eye on the tide schedules is crucial.
The tides around the island can move quickly, and it’s pretty cool to see how Mont Saint Michel can be reached by foot at one time and then be surrounded by water a few hours later.
Be ready for a lot of walking, often on steep and uneven paths, so good shoes are a must.
The walk up to the abbey is a bit of a climb, but the view from up there is unbeatable.
Travel Tips for Taking A Day Trip From Paris.
- Start Early: Beat the crowds and the heat by getting an early start. It makes a world of difference in how much you get to see and do.
- Plan Your Route: Whether you’re taking public transport or driving, know your route. A little planning goes a long way in avoiding the “Are we there yet?”
- Snack Packs: Pack a variety of snacks. Something healthy, something a little indulgent, and definitely something to keep the hangry from hitting.
- Water Bottles: Each of my kids has their favorite water bottle. It’s a simple thing, but it encourages them to stay hydrated without fuss.
- Activity Bags: Make a bag with fun toys or activities about the location you are visiting. On our trip to Giverny, the coloring books themed around Monet’s garden were a hit, making the art more relatable.
- Portable Chargers: Keep those devices charged. They’re invaluable for maps and information. Never underestimate the power of a charged tablet on a long train ride. It’s peace and quiet, bottled.
- Comfortable Footwear: After a day at Disneyland Paris, we all appreciated our comfy shoes. It meant more rides and less whining.There’s going to be a lot of walking.
- Layer Up: Weather can change, especially in places like Mont Saint Michel. Layers mean you’re prepared for anything.
- First Aid Kit: A small kit with bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s good to have.
- Local SIM Card or Wi-Fi Device: These are essential for those moments when we need to find the next train or the closest café on your phone.
- Flexible Itinerary: Be ready to adapt. Kids’ moods and interests can change quickly; being flexible keeps the day enjoyable for everyone.
- Research Family Discounts: Many places offer family tickets or discounts for children. A little research can save money.
- Restroom Stops: Know where you can find restrooms along your route. It avoids frantic searches when it’s urgent. Also, expect to pay a small fee to use a public bathroom.
- Picnic Lunch: Eating out is nice, but a picnic gives kids space to move around and play. Plus, it’s usually cheaper and more relaxed.
- Prepare with Stories: Before visiting historical sites or museums, tell your kids the stories behind them. Talking about the brave knights of Provins made the visit much more exciting for them.
- Let Them Photograph: Give kids a camera or a phone to take their own photos. It’s fun to see the day from their perspective.
- Backpacks for Kids: They loved carrying their own gear, and it lightened my load too. Win-win.
- Identifiable Clothing: In busy places, bright or unique clothing makes it easier to spot each other.
- Relax and Enjoy: Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. The best memories often come from unplanned moments.
When to Go: Best Seasons for Day Trips
Exploring the areas around Paris can offer vastly different experiences depending on the season.
Here’s a guide to picking the best spots for your family outings based on what each season has in store around Paris.
Spring (March to May)
Weather in Paris: The city shakes off the winter weather, with temperatures gradually warming up. It’s a beautiful season in Paris.
- Versailles: The gardens are waking up, making this the perfect time to see the palace grounds in their spring glory.
- Giverny: Perfect for seeing Monet’s gardens blooming with spring flowers.
- Fontainebleau: The forest is beautiful and great for hiking and enjoying the fresh spring air.
Summer (June to August)
Weather in Paris: Warm to hot, with plenty of sunshine. This is peak tourist season, so expect crowds but also vibrant street life and many outdoor events.
- Disneyland Paris: Though busy, the long days offer more time to explore and enjoy the park.
- Normandy: The beaches and historical sites are especially appealing in the warm weather.
- Chantilly: Explore the castle and its grounds, and enjoy the famous cream in the summer sun.
- Caribou Adventures Insolites: Great for kids that love the outdoors, from tree camping to rock climbing and cycling.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather in Paris: The summer heat turns to cooler, crisper air, and the city’s trees display fall colors. It’s a less crowded season, offering a more relaxed experience.
- Versailles: The palace gardens are full of autumn colors, offering a stunning backdrop
- Fontainebleau: The forest is perhaps at its most beautiful, with leaves turning colors.
- Provins: The cooler weather makes exploring this medieval city comfortable, and the autumn light is perfect for photography.
Winter (December to February)
Weather in Paris: Cold and occasionally snowy, with a festive atmosphere leading up to Christmas and New Year. It’s a season of cozy cafes, museum visits, and holiday lights.
- Disneyland Paris: Imagine the park all decked out in holiday sparkle. The park hosts numerous seasonal events.
- Mont Saint Michel: Fewer people, moody skies, and a sort of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ vibe. What’s not to love?
- Château de Breteuil: Enjoy the indoor storytelling sessions and the festive decorations that bring the château’s history to life.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on our mission to find the best day trips from Paris for families.
Each place we visited showed us that there’s so much more to see, do, and learn just outside the city.
So, pack some snacks, grab a map, and get ready to explore the area outside Paris with your kids.
Here’s to making your family trip even more unforgettable!
