Glorious Summertime Day Trips From Paris Into France Profonde

The long days of summer are the perfect times for a day trip from Paris that takes you into France Profonde — the heart of the country. You'll see a lot of the French countryside on the way to your destination and then have plenty of time to explore Mont Saint-Michel, Claude Monet's gardens, or the lovely port city of Honfleur. Heck, you could even choose a day trip to Bruges. Here are five tempting tours.

1. Versailles + Monet's Gardens in One Glorious Day

At Claude Monet's lily pond

This is one day you're going to remember for a long time. Impressionist master Claude Monet lived and worked for over forty years at his house and gardens in the pretty Normandy town of Giverny. This is where he painted the famous Japanese bridge and the waterlilies. It's a wonderful place to visit from Paris on a guided day trip.

But that's not all! The day also includes a visit to the chateau and gardens in the grand royal estate of Versailles. Before your afternoon at Versailles, you stop for a classic French lunch (included). Next up — visit the magnificent chateau with your guide leading you to the the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartment, and other rooms in the royal palace. Available in the flower seasons, April to October.

2. Normandy, The D-Day Landing Beaches & Cider Tasting

Memorial on the D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy

This small-group tour takes you to the beaches of Normandy to visit the historic sites that marked the beginning of the end of World War II. There are a maximum of eight people traveling with you in an air-conditioned Eurovan, ensuring personal attention from your expert guide.

You learn and see so much during the guided visits of Omaha Beach, the German bunkers, and the Operation Overlord Museum. Exploring Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery reminds you of the sacrifice involved. Along the way you see the lovely countryside of Normandy, a region famous for its ciders — so it makes sense that you stop for a tasting of the regional beverage. Everything is included.

3. Mont Saint-Michel

The "floating island" of Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a perfect destination during the long days of summer. This day trip magnificent "floating" abbey from Paris takes you to the fairytale island just off the Normandy coast. It gives you the chance to explore the Benedictine abbey that becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. It's truly a magical place.

This small-group activity includes transportation from Paris as well as a tasting of Normandy ciders.

4. A Day In Bruges

Sailing the canals of Bruges

France and its neighbors are filled with beautiful towns you can visit on a day trip from Paris. This guided tour takes you to the charming town of Bruges, in Belgium's Flemish region. In one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Europe, you cruise along Bruges' famous canals and discover why the city is known as the "Venice of the North". You're back in Paris by evening.

5. Loire Valley Castles & Wine Tasting

Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley

Versailles isn't the only place near Paris with a chateau. In fact, there's a whole valley in the historic Loire Valley. The easiest (and most relaxing) was to get there is this day trip that takes you to the most majestic Renaissance castles in France.

Take in the spectacular Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, spanning the Cher River. Speed the day in the Loire Valley, but before you leave there's also a guided tasting of the best wines of the region. Transportation from central Paris and an expert guide are included.