train day trip from Paris

Years ago I visited Chartres. The cathedral is the main draw, but I loved the little town best, especially along the river. However, it's been 20 yrs since I've been there & it may have changed. You can do Chartres in 1 day, there & back.

Chartres and its cathedral are lovely. Another suggestion might be Strasbourg, 2:20 by TGV from Paris.

Rouen is only 70 minutes away and it too has a stunning cathedral.

These are all fine suggestions. Thanks to France's rail network, of which Paris is the hub, you really have many options, including Beaune (2:20) and Lyon (2:00). It really depends on what you would enjoy.

A good strategy for adding a destination to Paris is often to go at the end of your trip and fly home from the second place. This avoids the return trip and the related travel and hotel connections.

Lyon has an airport but also has trains that run directly to Charles DeGaulle Airport (2:00). You can hop on the train in Lyon the morning of your last day and still get to the airport in time for an afternoon flight home.

You have lots of options with a two hour train ride. Beaune is a great choice because there are lots of wine bars and cafes open at night.

Champagne country - try Reims

Strasbourg is only 2h30m from Paris by TGV - Brussels 2h20m by Thalys - or even London 2h20m.

I think the key will be the time of year. October can be a bit trick in the north - usually a mix of rain and clouds are common. Heading south can be better - Lyon - Dijon anywhere along the way.

Chartres is lovely, but also consider Beauvais. It's 80 minutes north, has a wonderful cathedral, and is a really interesting town. It's less touristy than Chartres.

Also consider Nancy and Strasbourg in Alsace-Lorraine. Nancy is elegant and beautiful and Strasbourg (the old town) is charming, quaint and colorful. Awesome cathedral there, too.

I was in Lyon many years ago and loved the medieval portion of the city, as well.