A day outside of Paris – attractions within a 3-hour drive of the French capital

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A day outside of Paris – attractions within a 3-hour drive of the French capital
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This article was created especially for those who are traveling to Paris for a week or more, and already feel like they need to leave the city for a day to “recharge their batteries,” get some fresh air, and return to plow the boulevards of Paris with renewed strength.

To help you sort through all the options, we'll skip the introductions and dive straight into what's really interesting: We'll start with information about the amusement parks that surround Paris (because between us? This is the number one reason Israelis leave the city, besides the way to the airport). In the second part, you'll find the magnificent palaces of the district Ile de FranceAnd finally – recommendations for full-day guided tours that will take you to the Loire Valley or magical Normandy.

So let's get on with it. a train Or a tourist bus, and we'll go discover the world outside of Paris!

The pastoral lake of Fontainebleau Castle - a recommended day trip from Paris
The lake of Fontainebleau Castle, located south of Paris. Photo: Zvi Hazanov

Where is the best place to book tickets?

Before I start reviewing the various attractions outside ofParis And the one-day trips, let me answer a question that is repeated over and over again: “Zvi, which website is best to order through?”

So, yes, for each attraction here I have included a direct link to a reliable website that I work with, but that doesn't mean there aren't other options or special offers elsewhere. My tip? After you've chosen where to go, take a moment toThe Francophile's toolboxI've compiled all the most reliable ordering sites I know personally. A quick comparison can save you quite a few euros on your morning croissant.

Attractions for children (and for the children at heart)

Here you will find everything you need to burn off energy and have fun, from crazy theme parks to miniature parks. Everything is easily accessible by public transportation.

Disneyland Paris – Ticket Types

This is without a doubt the number one attraction. There is hardly a tourist who comes with children who doesn’t check out this place. If you want to arrive prepared like a pro, you must read my article: Disneyland Paris – The Perfect Family GuideLooking for a place to stay close to Mickey Mouse? Go toRecommended hotels in Disneyland Paris.

The best value apartments in Paris (it's worth reserving before they're taken)
Apartment number 1 near Pompidou
Apartment number 1 near Pompidou

Authentic historic building with elevator. Fully furnished, luxurious kitchen and a stone's throw from the metro.

The apartment in the north of the Marais
The apartment in the north of the Marais

Maximum comfort for families (there is an elevator!). Just steps from the culinary "Red Children's Market".

The apartment near the Eiffel Tower
The apartment near the Eiffel Tower

Accessible ground floor apartment (no need to lug your luggage around). Just 200 meters from Trocadero Square.

Want to see more options?
Want to see more options?

We have carefully filtered and selected dozens of additional recommended apartments in all the equal districts of Paris.

Prefer the comfort of a hotel?
Prefer the comfort of a hotel?

We have collected for you the most recommended hotels in Paris – from intimate boutiques to absolute luxury.

More parks


Palaces not to be missed

Many people who want to see “châteaux like in the movies” automatically head to the Loire Valley. But let me let you in on a secret: within a 30 to 60 minute drive of Paris, lie some of the most impressive châteaux in history. Here’s my pick:

Organized one-day trips

Want a taste of the real France but don't want the headache of... Car Rental? I completely understand you. I have gathered here the best organized tours for you, which will take you from the center of Paris in the morning and return you in the evening, tired but satisfied. Please note that these tours are in English because there are almost no Hebrew guides, that I know and recommend, who find tours outside of Paris, and even if you do find someone like that, the prices are crazy (starting at 800 euros per couple per day, so I heard).

Organized trips to Versailles

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Organized trips to Fontainebleau

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Giverny

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Loire valley

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Mont Saint Michel

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Landing beaches

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Champagne Province

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14 thoughts on “A Day Outside of Paris – Attractions Within a 3-Hour Drive of the French Capital”

  1. Happy to be part of your wonderful articles, I would like to check something with you, of course it is also possible for a fee, after all, you are a guide...
    We arrive at Central Park Village in August, a family arrives, grandparents, us. Our daughter, our son-in-law, who uses an electric wheelchair, his caregiver, and four children, 12-year-old twins, a 5-year-old girl, and a two-year-old baby.
    Of course, we would like to spend at least one day with them in Paris, the Eiffel Tower and other attractions suitable for children. And one day at Euro Disney.
    The problem we are familiar with is accessibility, whether the sites are wheelchair accessible, and whether at Euro Disney one must purchase a ticket for a person in a wheelchair and their companion.
    Is it possible to get to Paris by train from Central Park? Is it accessible?
    Many questions, little information.
    We would be happy to help. Didi.

    Reply
  2. Thanks for the helpful information. We will be in Paris this weekend, 11/29, and are considering visiting Versailles. Is it worth going? Is Versailles beautiful this time of year?
    thank you for the answer

    Reply
  3. Hello
    Is it possible and recommended to take tours/rent a car for a trip to the Loire Valley and Saint-Michel in early December?

    Thank you

    Reply
  4. Hello, I ordered tickets to Disneyland through the website recommended here PARIS via the link "Adult ticket for the price of a child." After ordering, I received 2 emails, one with the payment details, and the other with cancellation insurance (because I paid extra for it), but I did not receive an email with the tickets. Could it be that I missed something here? What are the tickets supposed to look like in the email? I would appreciate an answer. Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • Hello Nitzan,

      From what I remember, the tickets arrive a little later. However, if you want to be sure, it is recommended to contact their technical support and show them the order number.

      Best regards,
      deer

      Reply

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