5 Best Day Trips To Travel By Train From Paris
(Last Updated On: 27/05/2022)
Thinking of getting away for a few days? What about planning some day trips to travel by train from Paris? French trains are a fast, easy, and eco-friendly way to get around in France. With Save A Train, you’ll be able to book in minutes with no added fees, too! Score!
Paris is very well connected with all of France and thanks to TGV trains (Train a Grande Vitesse) some of the 5 best day trips from Paris are possible in 4 hours or less! Here is our research on trips that you should consider doing when traveling to Paris.
- This article was written to educate about Train Travel and was made by Save A Train The Cheapest Train Tickets Website In The World.
1. Trips To Travel By Train MARSEILLES (Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur)
If you are looking for a sunny getaway from Paris, Marseilles is the place to go. Better act fast though, the sunny days will be coming to an end soon. Marseilles looks far on the map but Paris to Marseilles is only 3.5 hours by train with the TGV. Marseilles, in Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, is part of the French Riviera. Many people visit Marseilles quickly on their way to Corsica Island but the city is a cool place to explore on its own.
Why you should visit Marseilles?
The weather in Marseilles is great plus there are lots of things to see and do in the city. Central Marseilles concentrates most of the sights of the city, such as the picturesque Old Port. Marseille’s massive rectangular port has been trading for 2,600 years and is more of a whole district than a single sight.
On three sides are quays with broad promenades enclosed mostly 18th-century former warehouses.
It seems like almost every one of these has a cafe, fish restaurant, or bar on its ground floor, with outdoor seating so you can see life in this enchanting city unfold as you nurse a pastis.
The industry has long moved from the modern docks to the docks to the north, and most of the boats in the old port are for pleasure.
But at the innermost Quai des Belges, the latest catch is still brought ashore to be sold at the fish market by the water every morning.
This day trip from Paris is recommended to do by train.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
It’s hard to miss this monument rising above the skyline to the south of the Old Port.
It’s a 19th-century neo-Byzantine church 150 meters above the water, with a large golden statue of the Virgin and Child at the top of its tower to watch over Marseilles maritime communities.
There had been religious sanctuaries and watchtowers on La Garde for many centuries, and the basilica incorporates the lower levels of a renaissance fort that also included a chapel.
The climb isn’t to be taken lightly in the summer, but there’s a tourist train departing regularly from the Old Port.
Needless to say, the scenery from up here is jaw-dropping.
Paris to Marseilles by Train
Marseilles is located 773 km south of Paris. Paris to Marseilles trips to travel by train is very easy. Direct trains from Paris to Marseilles leave Paris Gare de Lyon for a journey of 3.5 hours. If you are traveling to Marseilles on summer weekends we recommend booking the train tickets well in advance.
Marseilles to Clermont Ferrand Trains
2. VISIT ROUEN (Normandy)
Located by the River Seine, Rouen is a close day trip from Paris and is the administrative capital of Normandy. Nicknamed “the city of 100 bell towers”. Rouen has a rich history, interesting museums, and good gastronomy.
Rouen is one of the most beautiful short 5 best day trips to travel by train from Paris. Due to its short distance from the capital (126 km), many people visit Rouen on day trips from Paris but this is a city that deserves more than a few hours.
Whether you want to see some botanical gardens, have a base from which to explore the rolling hills of the Normandy region, or simply want to snap some cityscapes (complete with timber-framed façades), there’s no denying that Rouen is incredibly pretty!
The Art Scene
Throughout history, the city has been well documented for having a fabulous art scene, something which is still true to this day. During the 20th-century, the likes of Claude Monet, as well as many others, ventured to the city and were even inspired to paint the town.
Now, many of Rouen’s streets remain pedestrianized, meaning that a stroll through the town truly feels akin to stepping back in time. No cars, cobbled lanes, a harbor area, and even an antique district: what’s not to love? Visit Rouen during June-September and you’ll even be treated to a free lights display at the cathedral when the sun sets and dusk sets in.
Paris to Rouen by Train
Rouen is located 126 km from Paris. Paris to Rouen trips to travel by train is very easy. Trains Paris to Rouen leave Paris Saint Lazare Train Station hourly. The journey takes 1h 15 min to 1h 45 min, depending on the train.
3. VISIT LYON (Auvergne – Rhone Alpes)
Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is one of the top cities to visit in France. The city is well known for its quality of life, a beautiful heritage from Roman times to Contemporary architecture, and good gastronomy.
Why you should visit Lyon?
Lyon is one of the most beautiful cities in France, and as such has a myriad of activities to enjoy. Fourbiere Hill offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and it is a great place to start your visit. Explore le Vieux Lyon, the city’s historic center and its beating heart, with interesting medieval and renaissance architecture and a nice atmosphere. After getting a taste of Lyon’s infamous cuisine, it is time to head to la Presqu’Ile (Lyon’s river-bound peninsula) for more beautiful architecture and some nice shopping.
Paris to Lyon by Train
Lyon is located 463 km from Paris, this day trip from Paris will introduce you to the second-largest city in France which is so much different than Paris. Paris to Lyon trips to travel by train is fast. Trains Paris to Lyon leave Paris Gare de Lyon hourly for a journey of around 2 hours, depending on the train.
4. VISIT LA ROCHELLE (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
LA ROCHELLE and its islands are a city of more than a thousand years old turned towards the future! Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic seafront, the city has transformed its maritime base into a great economic, touristic, and cultural asset, while maintaining its unique beauty.
Why you should visit La Rochelle?
From the Old Port, one can only admire the majestic towers, the guardians of the city. Facing the Atlantic, they’ve witnessed the power and wealth of La Rochelle through the centuries. These maritime fortifications, built in the Middle Ages and today classified as Historical Monuments, stand out when you visit La Rochelle. On each side of the harbor entrance, the Saint-Nicolas Tower, and the Tower of the Chain is connected to it by a wall. Finally, there’s the Tower of the Lantern, formerly a lighthouse and prison.
Visit the Ile de Re:
The Bois-Plage-en-Re located on the South Coast of the island is one of the oldest seaside resorts in France. Open to the ocean, the town is proud of the quality of its beaches. It was awarded the Blue Flag 2015 (a mark of exemplary coastlines). Visit the village through its winding alleys and streets, pleasantly lined with hollyhocks from May to September.
Paris to La Rochelle by Train
La Rochelle is located 469 km from Paris. Paris to La Rochelle trips to travel by train are easy. Direct TGV trains to La Rochelle leave from Paris Gare de Montparnasse and link Paris to La Rochelle in only 3 hours.
Toulouse to La Rochelle Trains
Bordeaux to La Rochelle Trains
5. Our Last Choice to Trips To Travel By Train DEAUVILLE (Normandy)
Deauville is found on the Normandy coast, adjacent to Trouville and southwest of Honfleur. A part of the ‘Normandy Riviera’ Deauville is a lovely seaside town. It has a great beach, great buildings, great shops, and an annual film festival. Not to mention its renowned race track, golf course as well as casino. What more could you want?
Deauville is a great candidate for a day trip from Paris, started life as the vision of the half-brother of Napoleon the Third. From the adjacent town of Trouville, he looked across the marshes and dunes and decided to build a race track. Elegant villas were built between the race track and the sea and Deauville was born.
Although initially founded and developed in the 19th century, it was in the early 20th century that the second wave of development took place in Deauville. This included the renowned boardwalk along the coast, the sophisticated casino, and the grand hotels. The Hotel Normandy and the Royal Hotel, and the golf course.
Paris to Deauville by Train
Deauville is located 220 km west of Paris. Paris to Deauville trips to travel by train is really easy. Direct trains from Paris to Deauville leave Paris Saint Lazare train station hourly and the train journey lasts 2 hours.
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