1. Belgium

Belgium

If you want a day trip from Paris to Belgium…

Grote Market Square in the Belgium city of Bruges

If you want a day trip from Paris to Belgium, it’s possible now, thanks to high-speed trains and great road connections. If you love to explore history, culture, or just amazing food, Belgium has something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of it.

How To Get To Belgium From Paris

• By Train (Fastest & Most Convenient): The fastest and most convenient way to reach Brussels from Paris is by using the Thalys High-Speed Train from Paris Gare du Nord station.
• By Car (Flexible but Longer): Drivers can plan for a 3.5-hour drive to Brussels using A1 and E19 highways based on traffic conditions.

What to Do in Belgium

• Grand Place, Brussels:

  Grand Place, Brussels

  Visit the stunning Grand Place, the heart of Brussels…

  The stunning UNESCO World Heritage Square remains the city’s central point because it incorporates ornamental guild houses and the impressive Town Hall. Pause for photos at this site while you enjoy coffee in the lively area.
• Manneken Pis: Located a short walk from Grand Place, this tiny but famous statue of a peeing boy is a quirky must-see. Every visit to the statue offers a different experience because it changes its appearance through costumes.
• Royal Palace of Brussels:

  Royal Palace of Brussels

  Well, the Belgian royal family doesn’t live here, but this architectural marvel is worth visiting for its architecture and historical significance. Fortunate visitors may access the interior spaces at certain times of the year.
• Belgian Cuisine: Every tourist visit to Belgium requires experiencing its world-famous cuisine. Experience the traditional Belgian dish of moules-frites and accompany it with fries while you also taste a warm Belgian waffle served with chocolate and whipped cream or have a refreshing Belgian beer available in an unlimited selection.
• Belgian Chocolates: Purchase world-famous Belgian chocolates from a chocolatier before heading back, which will serve as a memorable souvenir. Visit a chocolatier to purchase praline truffles or dark chocolate bars, which serve as ideal items to bring back as presents.
• Bruges or Ghent: If you still have time after visiting all your favorite destinations, then you have the opportunity to visit one of these two cities by train. The city of Bruges stands out as the “Venice of the North” because it presents canals and medieval architecture along with its cobblestone streets. See all of Bruges from its Belfry or enjoy views from a boat tour on its waterways. This city of Ghent presents visitors with an authentic blend of ancient sites, including Gravensteen Castle near Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the beautiful Graslei waterfront. The city presents a charm level lower than Bruges yet maintains its identical beauty standards.

Best Time to Visit Belgium

Belgium welcomes Paris travelers with pleasant weather conditions between April and October. Belgium becomes less busy during spring and autumn months, yet winter arrives with enchanting holiday celebrations and market events.

2. Auvers-sur-Oise

Auvers-sur-Oise

A perfect destination for art lovers, this small town of Auvers-sur-Oise lies 35 km from Paris’ northern border as a location that is famous for its ties to Vincent van Gogh. The town offers landscape beauty together with historical landmarks and artistic collections, making it an excellent choice for a single-day visit.

How to Get from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise

• By Train: The fastest option is a 35-minute direct train on weekends. On weekdays, take a train to Pontoise and transfer to a TER.
• By Car: It takes about 45 minutes via the A15. Parking is available but can be crowded on weekends, so arriving early is best.

What to Do in Auvers-sur-Oise

• Auberge Ravoux (Van Gogh’s House):

  Van Gogh’s House

  Visit the inn where Vincent van Gogh spent his final 70 days. You can see Vincent van Gogh’s final resting place directly in his attic room, which demonstrates a powerful connection to his end. Visitors can enjoy traditional French cuisine in a restaurant that keeps its original 19th-century layout.
• Église Notre-Dame d’Auvers: Visitors should not miss seeing this beautiful church as it has received fame through Van Gogh’s masterful paintings. Stroll to the positioning where this famous painting was developed to appreciate its ancient gothic architectural framework that dates back twelve centuries.
• Scenic Walks:

  Scenic Walks (Van Gogh’s)

  Walk across the countryside paths which Van Gogh drew inspiration for his iconic paintings from his golden wheat fields and beautiful village landscapes.
• Absinthe Museum: This small museum demonstrates the historical backgrounds of Absinthe and Van Gogh through its exhibits. Learn about the historical origins of the secretive beverage, which affected the creativity of authors and artists in the nineteenth century. Experience the cultural influence of absinthe while trying a traditional preparation method for this mysterious drink.
• The Daubigny Museum: This museum dedicated to Charles-François Daubigny displays paintings by Daubigny and Corot alongside other artists whose creative spark led them to Auvers-sur-Oise.

Best Time to Visit Auvers-sur-Oise

You should visit Auvers-sur-Oise from Paris between April and October to experience the most pleasant weather alongside colorful fields and beautiful landscapes.

3. Chartres

Chartres

One day in Chartres creates an experience that transforms into a fairy-tale universe. This historic city is located 90 kilometers southwest of Paris. It combines culture, art, and the beauty of quiet country life. I noticed the town’s calm atmosphere as soon as I arrived.

How to Get from Paris to Chartres

• By Train: Take a direct 1-hour train from Montparnasse.
• By Car: If you love road trips, the A11 highway offers a scenic 1-hour and 15-minute drive.

What to Do in Chartres

• Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres): The cathedral’s elevated spire points seemed to extend towards the heavens when I drew near its entrance. The interior received its enchanting illumination when sunlight passed through the cathedral’s well-known stained-glass windows. Exploring the crypt with its historical footsteps left a moving imprint on my memory.
• Maison Picassiette: The house situated in a peaceful corner of town appeared as a wonderful discovery through its colorful mosaic decoration. The entire house boasts decorations made from broken glass and ceramics, which combine to generate a magical environment.
• Old Town Walk: While walking through Chartres’ medieval streets, I felt like traveling back in time. Every corner of the town became interesting because of the combination of half-timbered buildings alongside cozy cafes and small artisan stores. I drank a cup of coffee as I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere there.
• Chartres Light Show (April to October): The city changed its appearance after sunset. During the Chartres en Lumières show, historic buildings were illuminated through spectacular projections. The cathedral appeared like a mystical dream of the moving light patterns that painted its surfaces with moving colors and patterns.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts: The museum presented visitors with a vast collection of paintings and sculptures within a serene location close to the cathedral. Visiting this place provided an excellent opportunity to explore the artistic traditions of the region in more depth.
• The Eure River Banks:

  River Chartres

  The end of my visit started with a relaxing walk along the Eure River. A perfect end to the day unfolded through peaceful waters alongside old bridges and historic watermills.

Best Time to Visit Chartres

The months from May to September represent the optimal period to visit Chartres because visitors can enjoy pleasant weather alongside vibrant celebrations.

4. Orléans

Orléans

Orléans is located only 120 km from Paris, another perfect spot for a day trip. When you visit Orléans, it feels like discovering a hidden gem of French history. This city is full of life and is best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, but it offers so much more: stunning architecture, lively streets, and a relaxed riverside vibe. When you arrive there, you will feel yourself surrounded by a place where history and modern life come together.

How to Get from Paris to Orléans

• By Train: I took a direct train from Gare d’Austerlitz, which got me to Orléans in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The journey was smooth, and from the station, it was just a short walk to the heart of the city.
• By Car: Driving along the A10 highway, the trip took around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What to Do in Orléans

• Cathédrale Sainte-Croix: The grand Gothic cathedral captured my complete attention when I first saw it. Visitors experienced unforgettable moments while admiring both the cathedral’s massive exterior and its beautiful carvings and exquisite windows, which told the tale of Joan of Arc.
• Maison de Jeanne d’Arc: The reconstructed medieval house from 1429 where Joan of Arc stayed proved to be an emotional sight to behold. The exhibits, together with multimedia displays, effectively portrayed the amazing story of Joan of Arc.
• Place du Martroi:

  Orléans

  An impressive Joan of Arc horseback statue in front of this vibrant square offered visitors the perfect place to experience Parisian life. I stopped by a neighboring coffee shop for refreshments while observing the life in front of me.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts: The museum contained a vast collection of artworks, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that left me completely astonished. It showcases works from the Renaissance through the twentieth century.
• Parc Floral de la Source:

  Parc Floral de la Source

  When you travel a short distance from the city center, you will discover this attractive garden. Views at this site made my day as I saw some flamingos.

Best Time to Visit Orléans

The best time to visit OrléanPlace du Martrois is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is alive with festivals.

5. Barbizon

Barbizon

Located 60 kilometers from Paris, Barbizon stands as a quiet village that unites artistic expression and natural beauty. Artists who once used to live in this place now find their residence among stone structures, art exhibitions, and traditional coffee shops. The surrounding Fontainebleau Forest provides pleasant walking opportunities to visitors. Barbizon provides a perfect destination for people who enjoy experiencing art together with natural scenery.

How to Get to Barbizon from Paris

• By Car (Best Option): 1 hour. Take the A6 highway towards Lyon, then exit at Nemours and follow signs for Barbizon.
• By Train & Taxi: Duration: 1h 30min. Take a train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (40 min). From Fontainebleau, take a taxi (15 min) or a bus (limited service).

Things to Do in Barbizon

• Discover the Barbizon School of Painting:

  Barbizon School of Painting

  Barbizon is a beautiful village located near Fontainebleau Forest, France. Famous for the mid-19th-century French school of painting, from 1830 to 1875, artists and painters came to Barbizon to enjoy the wonderful nature and beauty of the village. Visitors who love art should explore the Barbizon School to see the history of realist landscape painting techniques.
• Visit Auberge Ganne:

  Fountain Belau Forest

  Fountain Belau Forest

  Auberge Ganne serves as a museum that used to operate as an artist’s favorite hotel. At Auberge Ganne, visitors can see paintings alongside furniture and personal belongings that belonged to members of the Barbizon School.
• Explore Jean-François Millet’s Workshop: The leading member of the Barbizon School, Jean-François Millet, achieved fame through his artwork “The Gleaners.” The museum displaying his studio enables visitors to experience his artistic table and view his masterpieces that explore both rural beauty and life struggles.

Best Time to Visit Barbizon

Spring & Summer (April–September): Pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor walks. Autumn (October–November): Beautiful fall colours in Fontainebleau Forest.