Beyond Paris: 5 Stunning Day Trips You’ll Love in Île-de-France
When we lived in Paris, these five escapes quickly became some of our favourites. All within easy reach, full of charm — and perfect for a breath of fresh air beyond the city.
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When we first moved to the Paris region, we made a slightly unconventional choice: we didn’t settle in Paris itself.
There were two main reasons for that.
First, the rents. Even back then—before Airbnb became a lifestyle and Instagram made every corner of Montmartre feel like a film set—it was clear that finding something affordable in the city meant giving up space, calm, or a decent location. Probably all three.
Second, we wanted something that felt a little more… provincial. A place with trees, a boulangerie where they’d recognise us, a proper little town square.
That’s how we ended up in Maisons-Laffitte—a leafy, human-sized town to the northwest of Paris, with its own château, a great local market, and a direct RER link to the Arc de Triomphe in under 20 minutes. Honestly, it was the perfect base.
We had parks to stroll through, cafés where we’d bump into neighbours, and enough calm to balance out the energy of the city. And best of all, we were perfectly placed to explore not just Paris—but everything around it.
Because here’s the thing: the Île-de-France region is so much more than just Paris.
There’s a whole world of history, nature, and charm just a short train ride away. So while tourists were queuing outside the Louvre, we were often hopping on a train in the other direction—towards vineyards, forests, châteaux and medieval towns.
This article is for those who want to do the same.
Why These Five (and Why Not Versailles)
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Versailles is breathtaking. I’ll never forget my first time in the Hall of Mirrors.
But here’s the thing—it’s also… expected. Everyone goes. And that’s great. But if you’ve already ticked it off your list (or you’re just in the mood for something different), there’s a whole world beyond it.
The five destinations I’ve picked are:
Easily accessible by train (no car needed—promise).
Close enough for a proper day trip, ideally under 90 minutes from Paris.
Packed with charm, culture, history—and usually a good bakery or two.
Tried and tested by us as a family, sometimes more than once!
Some are grand and majestic, others are quietly magical. But all of them offer something memorable, and a side of France that feels more lived-in and less staged.
1. Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Royal Views and Laid-Back Elegance
Hop on the RER A, and in just 25 minutes you’ll arrive in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The name alone has a certain ring to it—aristocratic yet approachable.
This is where Louis XIV was born, and the château that witnessed his early years is now home to the National Museum of Archaeology. Even if you’re not into Neolithic axes or Gallic helmets, the setting alone is stunning.
The gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, stretch out towards the horizon, offering a panoramic view over the Seine valley and a distant Paris skyline.
Wander down the pedestrianised streets, and you’ll find chocolate shops, antique bookstores, and terraces perfect for a café crème.
On Saturdays, the market is in full swing, and the scent of rotisserie chicken and ripe cheese fills the air.
Don’t miss a walk in the Forêt de Saint-Germain, once a royal hunting ground. It’s a green lung of tranquillity—and if you bring a picnic, you may not want to leave.
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