Paris day trip via train - specific recommendations/grandparent travel

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/tr-france-october-2025-bayeux-rouen-paris

Here's my trip report including 2 nights in Rouen if you're interested.

We enjoyed our visit to Strasbourg with it’s mix of French and German cultures.

You didn't mention St. Denis and the Cathedral is stunning.

Chateau Vaux Le Viconte is outstanding. I was there at Christmas and one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. Will be going back in July.

Amiens may be too far afield for the day.

Vincennes, just a tad east of Paris is very nice.

Reims isn’t particularly nice for wandering around, and the cathedral was being restored last October. Dijon is fine, but I wouldn’t call it the spectacular experience you’re looking for. I’d go with the Strasbourg suggestion.

I second the recommendation of the Vaux le vicomte. Its gardens were designed by LeNotre, who designed the gardens at Versailles afterwards. The chateau is gorgeous.

It’s nice for older folks because it doesn’t get the massive crowds, making it easier to get around and enjoy.

Strasbourg and Rouen both sound like a good fit for you for a day trip. Both takeless than two hours each way. I would figure on a long, full day. Of course, since you are in France you will take a break and rest your feet with coffee or aperitifs, as well as lunch. My 82 year old bones could handle a day in either city very comfortably. Lots of history in either place, plus beautiful architecture and churches. And good food!
To me Bordeaux is too far for a one day visit. You wouldn't have enough time there. Likewise Dijon. But that is just me. I no longer move very quickly, so Rouen and Strasbourg seem better to me and more navigable for a day's visit.

Another vote for Strasbourg.

I spent 5 nights in Rouen October 2025. Loved it and many interesting things to see in the central part of the city. Joan of Arc sites, fine arts museum and medieval buildings. I actually really appreciated the train station which was such a relatively calm place after the more hectic stations in Paris.

Rouen is very pedestrian friendly. We easily walked everywhere including to and from the train station.

Nancy is a 1.5hr trip from Paris, and certainly ticks all the boxes you have put up!

Strasbourg is wonderful so here is another vote for it, and it's definitely doable as a day trip. The Cathedral is magnificent, as well as Palais Rohan that has the Archaeological Museum, Fine Arts Museum, and Decorative Arts Museum; all worth a visit. And of course the charming neighborhood of La Petite France, with its half-timbered 16th-century houses, canals, and cobblestone streets. The Alsatian Museum is also a real treat to see.

It's easily walkable, with plenty of places to stop for breaks, and really a charming city. Of course, it's also the home to the European Parliament, so you could always visit there if you're interested in things like that.

Strasbourg is beautiful, but you might not want to go there if you have limited mobility. Not that it has a lot of hills or stairs - just too many bicyclists who do not pay much attention to pedestrians. I nearly got hit several times. Also, depending on the time of the year, the pedestrian traffic alone can be difficult - I got tripped up by someone's suitcase they were dragging along when I was in a large crowd.
The Chartres cathedral is well worth a visit. Also the city of Versailles - I would avoid going in the chateau, since it will be very crowded, although you could just stick to the vast gardens outside. I think you can get around by renting a golf cart. I liked Dijon, which has a charming old part of town, and very good food (and wine of course). Vaux le Vicomte was beautiful, but you will need a car to get there (or you can take a train to the nearest town, and then go from there by taxi)

Erica,
Curious here. Have you chosen a place for your day trip?