Hello - I'm looking at a day trip (by train) from Paris to explore an area I haven't been to before. Considering Bordeaux or Dijon. Suggestions/recommendations? Other day trips (via train) you would recommend? We've been to Normandy, Loire, Bayeaux, Versailles, Giverney. Looking for something new. Enjoy medieval, historical cities... Thank you!
Posted by
Surrey, UK
777 posts
Dijon would work, Bordeaux is a bit far for a day trip.
How about Reims, for champagne and the cathedral.
Posted by
Chicago
9467 posts
There are at least two dozen great day trips from Paris that take an hour or so. I would not go so far afield. Have you. been to Rouen? to Reims and the Champagne Houses, or smaller towns like Senlis Crecy la Chapelle, Moret sur Loing or chateaux like Malmaison, Fontainebleau or Chantilly? Auvers sur Oise can be done with a metro ticket. A day trip that has you traveling for hours is not that much fun.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2824 posts
Erica,
I would say Bordeaux is too far for a day trip. And Dijon as well, IMO. Strasbourg/Colmar are too far for one day as well. Reims is a better idea overall, less than an hour's train ride. And less expensive for sure. The cathedral is beautiful and historically significant. Nearly every French king has been crowned there. There are champagne houses within the town for tasting, or there are tours to vineyards for that also. If a tour offers a stop at Hautvillers, you can visit the church where Dom Perignon is buried (the discoverer of champagne!). It is a lovely site.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2824 posts
Erica,
Chartres is another terrific option.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16556 posts
Although Bordeaux is just 2 hours by train, I agree with the others that that is long for a day trip. But then I also would not do Normandy beaches, Loire Valley or Bayeaux as a day trip so your tolerance for longer train rides might be different than mine, lol. I spent about 6 nights in Bordeaux a few years ago first on my own and then after meeting up with a Road Scholar tour. I really enjoyed the Museum of the Aquitaine and the esplanade along the river. It's very tropical feeling...banana plants and palm trees!
I agree with Chartres. If you want to walk the labyrinth I think it is still open just on Fridays. Chantilly was very interesting to me. I haven't been since before Covid so I've got it pencilled in for my trip this spring.
Posted by
Chicagoland
1650 posts
Janet has provided you with a great list of interesting day trips.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
658 posts
So I'm going to offer an opposing opinion:
One of my favorite little adventures in France was taking the train from Paris to Lyon. We took the first train out and the last train back. Between the two, we had enough time to walk from Lyon Part Dieu to the old town, stopping at the Halles going both ways, and have lunch, take the funicular to the cathedral, wander around, stop for dinner, and walk back. We had a fantastic day there and it made me want to come back to stay for a few days.
It was two hours each way, and for me, totally worth it.
-- Mike Beebe
Posted by
OP
47 posts
Terrific suggestions and comments. Reims - I would love to visit, but I believe the Palais du Tau is still under construction through 2026. Would it be worth going if that is closed? i was planning on waiting until it was open.
Bourdeaux and Dijon - realize they are a little far. I looked at locations that were 2.5 hours or less with TGV. I'm scoping out areas we may want to visit for a longer term in the future, which is why I was looking farther afield. Sounds like may not be worth the time, however...