Paris is magical, but after a few days of battling crowds at the Louvre and waiting in line for the Eiffel Tower with restless children, you might be ready for a change of scenery. I’ve been there!
Living near Versailles, I’ve learned from plenty of rookie mistakes over the years. On one of our first trips to the capital, I scheduled too many museum visits back-to-back. By day four, they my kids were dragging their feet and begging for something different.
That’s when I discovered the joy of day trips. The Paris region is surrounded by incredible family-friendly destinations that provide a perfect break from city sightseeing. From magnificent royal palaces to medieval castles and charming villages, these excursions offer fresh air and new adventures while still getting you back to your Paris accommodation by bedtime.
Based on years of traveling with my own children (and learning from numerous errors), I’ve compiled this list of the 10 best day trips from Paris, specifically designed with families in mind. Each destination includes practical transportation information, kid-friendly activities, and insider tips to make your excursion smooth and memorable. Let’s explore beyond the city limits!
1. Versailles: Royal Splendor and Gardens Perfect for Kids
Distance from Paris: 12 miles (20 km)
Travel Time: 35-45 minutes by RER C train
Best For: History, architecture, gardens, and picnics
The Palace of Versailles tops my list because it effortlessly combines stunning royal history with expansive outdoor spaces where kids can burn off energy. I’ll never forget my daughter’s wide eyes when she first saw the Hall of Mirrors!
What Kids Will Love at Versailles:
- Renting rowboats on the Grand Canal (my kids’ absolute favorite activity)
- The royal stables with occasional equestrian shows
- Marie Antoinette’s hamlet with farm animals
- Hunting for statues throughout the gardens
- The musical fountain shows (April-October)
Pro Tips for Families:
Skip the main palace on summer weekends—the crowds can be overwhelming for children. Instead, head straight to the gardens and Marie Antoinette’s Estate. The gardens are massive (nearly 2,000 acres!), so consider renting bikes or the mini-train to avoid tired little legs.
Pack a picnic! While there are restaurants on-site, they’re expensive and often crowded. We found a perfect spot near the Grand Canal for our lunch, and it became one of our most memorable meals in France.
Purchase tickets online in advance and consider the Paris Museum Pass if you’re visiting multiple attractions. Arrive early (before 9am) or later in the afternoon (after 3pm) to avoid the worst crowds.
2. Disneyland Paris: Magic Kingdom with a French Twist
Distance from Paris: 27 miles (44 km)
Travel Time: 35-40 minutes by RER A train
Best For: Theme park enthusiasts, Disney fans, all-day entertainment
I was initially hesitant to “waste” a day in France at Disney, but it turned out to be a fantastic break in our itinerary. Plus, experiencing Disney with French flair is not to be missed.
What Makes Disneyland Paris Special:
- Sleeping Beauty Castle has a dragon’s lair underneath (uniquely European!)
- Space Mountain/Hyperspace Mountain is more intense than other Disney versions
- Ratatouille attraction celebrates a Paris-based Disney film
- Shorter wait times compared to US Disney parks (usually!)
- Surprisingly good food options beyond typical theme park fare
Family Strategy Tips:
Consider visiting mid-week during shoulder seasons (May/June or September) for the best experience. Download the Disneyland Paris app before your visit to check wait times and navigate efficiently.
If possible, stay until closing—the illumination show on the castle is spectacular, and many rides have shorter queues during dinner hours. My kids still talk about riding Big Thunder Mountain three times in a row just before park closing!
3. Giverny: Monet’s Gardens and Artistic Inspiration
Distance from Paris: 50 miles (80 km)
Travel Time: 45 minutes by train from Saint-Lazare to Vernon + 15-minute shuttle
Best For: Art appreciation, beautiful gardens, peaceful countryside
I wasn’t sure if my kids would appreciate Monet’s famous gardens, but Giverny turned out to be an unexpected highlight of our trip. The vibrant colors, water lilies, and Japanese bridges brought Monet’s paintings to life in a way that captivated even my art-reluctant son.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Giverny:
- Scavenger hunt for features from famous Monet paintings
- Crossing the iconic Japanese bridge
- Spotting frogs and fish in the water lily pond
- Exploring the colorful flower gardens with “secret” pathways
- Picnic in the nearby countryside
Family Tips:
Visit in late spring or early summer when the gardens are at their most colorful. Bring a small watercolor set and paper—many children find it fun to create their own masterpieces here! There’s a pleasant picnic area near the parking lot, or you can find charming cafes in the village.
After visiting the gardens, rent bikes in Vernon to explore the beautiful countryside and ride along the Seine. When my kids started getting museum-fatigue, this activity saved the day!
4. Château de Fontainebleau: The Kid-Friendly Castle
Distance from Paris: 40 miles (65 km)
Travel Time: 40 minutes by train from Gare de Lyon + 15-minute walk
Best For: History without crowds, forest adventures, horseback riding
While everyone flocks to Versailles, Fontainebleau offers a more relaxed royal experience with equally impressive history. Napoleon called it “the true home of kings,” and my kids called it “the castle we could actually explore without a million people!”
Why Kids Love Fontainebleau:
- The famous horseshoe staircase for dramatic entrances
- Ornate royal apartments with “secret” doors
- Beautiful English and French gardens for running around
- The surrounding forest with hiking and horseback riding options
- Boat rentals on the grand canal (seasonal)
Family-Friendly Tips:
Combine the château visit with outdoor activities in the Fontainebleau Forest. The forest has well-marked trails suitable for children, and several companies offer family horseback riding experiences. My daughter still talks about “riding horses like a French princess!”
The town of Fontainebleau itself is charming and less touristy than Versailles, with good restaurant options for lunch. Try the local specialty, “Les Délices de Fontainebleau,” a creamy cheese that my picky eater actually enjoyed.
5. Parc Astérix: French Comic Characters Come to Life
Distance from Paris: 22 miles (35 km)
Travel Time: 30 minutes by direct shuttle from central Paris
Best For: Unique theme park experience, French culture, thrilling rides
For a theme park experience that’s uniquely French, Parc Astérix delivers entertainment based on the beloved French comic books. It offers a perfect mix of cultural immersion and pure fun that pleased both my kids and satisfied my desire for “authentic” experiences.
Highlights for Families:
- Themed areas representing different historical periods
- Water rides perfect for hot summer days
- Live shows featuring stunts and comedy
- Character meets with Astérix, Obélix, and friends
- Gentler rides for younger children in the Roman area
Practical Advice:
If your children aren’t familiar with Astérix, consider introducing them to the comics or animated films before your visit—it enhances the experience. The park is much less crowded than Disneyland Paris and offers excellent value.
The shuttle buses from Paris fill up quickly in summer, so book transportation in advance. We packed sandwich essentials from a Paris grocery store to save on lunch costs, which worked perfectly.
6. Provins: Medieval Adventures and Knight Shows
Distance from Paris: 60 miles (96 km)
Travel Time: 1 hour 25 minutes by train from Gare de l’Est
Best For: Medieval history, live shows, ancient walls and towers
This UNESCO World Heritage site transports visitors back to the Middle Ages, and it’s far less visited than more famous day trips. My history-loving son was enthralled by the medieval fortifications, while my daughter couldn’t get enough of the falconry show.
Medieval Activities Kids Will Love:
- Eagles of the Ramparts show with impressive birds of prey
- The Legend of the Knights equestrian show with stunts and battles
- Climbing the Caesar’s Tower for panoramic views
- Walking the ancient ramparts around the town
- Exploring underground tunnels (Les Souterrains)
Parent-Tested Tips:
Check the show schedules before planning your visit, as they don’t run daily in the off-season. The medieval shows are truly spectacular—worth planning your day around. They’re presented in French but are visual enough that language isn’t a barrier.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the town is built on a hill with cobblestone streets. In summer, bring water bottles and sun protection, as many activities are outdoors. We found a lovely bakery in the lower town for affordable lunch options.
7. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: The Palace That Inspired Versailles
Distance from Paris: 35 miles (56 km)
Travel Time: 25 minutes by train to Melun + 15-minute shuttle
Best For: Stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, fewer crowds
When my kids started getting tired of castles, Vaux-le-Vicomte reignited their interest with its fascinating history of intrigue (the owner was arrested after the king became jealous of the palace’s splendor) and kid-friendly activities.
Family-Friendly Features:
- Costume rentals for children to dress as princesses/musketeers
- Audio guides specifically designed for children
- Garden maps with treasure hunt activities
- Electric golf carts to explore the extensive gardens
- Picnic areas with beautiful views
Special Experiences:
Visit on a Saturday evening in summer when the château is illuminated by thousands of candles—it’s magical for children and adults alike. The estate also hosts special children’s activities during French school holidays.
Combine this with the nearby “Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma” in Melun, which displays police vehicles and equipment that fascinated my vehicle-obsessed son.
8. Auvers-sur-Oise: Walking in Van Gogh’s Footsteps
Distance from Paris: 17 miles (27 km)
Travel Time: 1 hour by direct train from Gare du Nord (weekends) or Gare Saint-Lazare
Best For: Art history, charming village, peaceful countryside
I wasn’t sure if my kids would connect with Van Gogh’s story, but this charming village where the artist spent his final days offered a perfect balance of culture, history, and outdoor exploration. The interactive Château d’Auvers experience made art history accessible and engaging.
Kid-Approved Activities:
- “Vision Impressionniste” multimedia experience at Château d’Auvers
- Spotting landscapes featured in famous paintings
- Visiting Van Gogh’s simple room at the Auberge Ravoux
- Exploring the church and cemetery featured in Van Gogh paintings
- Walking paths through the wheat fields he painted
Family Tips:
Download a map of Van Gogh painting locations before your visit—it turns exploring into a scavenger hunt. The tourist office also offers child-friendly walking tour materials.
Plan this trip for a clear day, as most activities are outdoors. The village has several nice restaurants, but options are limited, so check opening times in advance. We brought sandwich materials and had a picnic in the fields, channeling our inner impressionists!
9. Château de Chantilly: Horses, Whipped Cream, and Royal Treasures
Distance from Paris: 25 miles (40 km)
Travel Time: 25 minutes by train from Gare du Nord
Best For: Equestrian shows, art collection, cream-filled treats
Chantilly offers a perfect trifecta for families: a magnificent château, the impressive Great Stables with horse shows, and the birthplace of Chantilly cream. My animal-loving daughter was mesmerized by the equestrian demonstrations, while my son was fascinated by the armor collection.
Don’t Miss with Kids:
- Equestrian shows at the Great Stables (largest in Europe!)
- The Living Museum of the Horse
- The sprawling English garden with hidden statues
- Boat rentals on the castle moat
- Sampling authentic Chantilly cream desserts
Insider Advice:
Check the equestrian show schedule when planning your visit—they’re truly spectacular and worth timing your trip around. The domain is huge, so prioritize based on your children’s interests.
Visit the charming town of Chantilly itself, where several patisseries claim to make the most authentic Chantilly cream. Conducting a family “taste test” became one of our favorite memories! The forest surrounding Chantilly also offers lovely walking paths if kids need to burn energy.
10. Rouen: Medieval Architecture and Joan of Arc History
Distance from Paris: 80 miles (130 km)
Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes by train from Gare Saint-Lazare
Best For: Gothic architecture, historical immersion, river views
The furthest day trip on my list, Rouen rewards the extra travel time with its magnificent cathedral, half-timbered buildings, and engaging Joan of Arc experiences. The variety of sights kept my children interested throughout the day.
Family Highlights in Rouen:
- Historial Jeanne d’Arc immersive history experience
- Gros-Horloge astronomical clock with animated display
- Panoramic views from the bell tower
- The medieval pedestrian center with “leaning” buildings
- River Seine boat tours (seasonal)
Strategy for Families:
Take an early train to maximize your time. The historical center is compact and walkable, but wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets. The Historial Jeanne d’Arc offers an impressive multimedia experience that brings history alive for children—book tickets in advance.
For lunch, try the family-friendly restaurants near Place du Vieux-Marché. Local specialties include duck dishes and apple desserts that even my picky eaters enjoyed. The early train back to Paris often has discount fares if you book in advance.
Conclusion: Creating Lasting Family Memories Beyond Paris
While Paris has plenty to keep families busy, getting out of the city for a day gives everyone a nice break from all that sightseeing. Each spot shows off French history, culture, and scenery in its own way, making the whole trip more well-rounded for both kids and parents.
The best memories from living in France usually happen on these little adventures—paddling around the lake at Versailles, hunting for frogs in Monet’s garden at Giverny, playing dress-up at the fancy château of Vaux-le-Vicomte, or trying every type of whipped cream we could find in Chantilly.
When planning your Paris itinerary with kids, I recommend scheduling day trips every 2-3 days of city exploration. This rhythm prevents museum fatigue and gives children something exciting to anticipate. Consider your family’s specific interests and energy levels when choosing from these options.
What day trips have your family enjoyed from Paris? Do you have questions about visiting any of these destinations with children? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below!
Travel Tips for Day Trips From Paris with Kids
- Pack Smart: Bring water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and light rain gear regardless of the forecast
- Transportation: The SNCF app makes train ticket purchases easy; children under 4 travel free
- Timing: Leave early to maximize your day; most sites close between 5-6pm
- Money-Saving: Look into family passes and combination tickets when available
- Food Options: Research lunch possibilities in advance; many historic sites have limited options
- Emergency Info: Save the address and contact information for each destination
- Weather Plans: Have a backup indoor activity identified for outdoor-focused destinations
- Rest Stops: Identify places where tired kids can take breaks throughout the day
- Entertainment: Download French children’s songs or stories related to your destination
- Photography: Assign kids “photo missions” to keep them engaged at a historical site
