Summertime Trips From Paris – Where To Go When Paris Heats Up

Visit the castles and gardens of the Loire Valley this summer

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 Champagne Region. Heck, you could even choose a day trip to Bruges. Here are une demi-douzaine 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

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.

3. Day Trip to Champagne with Cellar Visits & Tastings

Your dedicated driver meets you at your Paris address, install you in a comfortable Eurovan, and whisks you away to the magic Land of Bubbly. Drive through rolling hills and vineyards to the capital of Champagne country, Reims, where you will discover how the grapes are grown, how the wine is made, and taste the most famous product of the region.

This day trip to the Champagne Region includes visits to a large producer, a family-scale winery, exploration of the cellars, and multiple guided tastings to help you discover the subtleties of champagne, — plus a 3-course lunch in a local restaurant. This is a day you're going to remember for years to come.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

FAQs – Summertime Trips from Paris

WHAT ARE THE BEST SUMMERTIME DAY TRIPS FROM PARIS?
The best summertime day trips from Paris include visiting the Loire Valley chateaux, Mont Saint-Michel, Champagne country, and Normandy's D-Day beaches. Guided tours with transportation let you maximize the long daylight hours and see more of the French countryside in comfort.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK SUMMER DAY TRIPS FROM PARIS?
Summer is peak season, so it is smart to book popular day trips from Paris several weeks in advance, especially for destinations like Mont Saint-Michel, the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Champagne. Booking early helps you secure small-group tours and skip-the-line access where available.

ARE DAY TRIPS FROM PARIS SUITABLE DURING HEAT WAVES?
Most summertime day trips from Paris travel in air-conditioned vans and focus on castles, abbeys, and museums, which provide shade and indoor visits. Coastal or countryside destinations, such as Normandy and the Loire Valley, can also feel cooler than central Paris, especially later in the day.

CAN I VISIT MORE THAN ONE DESTINATION ON A SINGLE SUMMER DAY TRIP FROM PARIS?
Yes, some summertime itineraries from Paris combine two highlights in one day, such as touring the Loire Valley chateaux of Chambord and Chenonceau or pairing Champagne tastings with visits to traditional cellars and vineyards. These curated routes are designed so you can see more while still returning to Paris in the evening.

Continue Your Paris Adventure

A dinner cruise on the Seine River

Meanwhile, back in Paris the wonders never cease. Here are a few ways to enhance your visit:

🎨 Skip-the-Line Louvre Masterpiece Tour →
🗼 VIP Tours of the Eiffel Tower →
🚢 Toast Paris on a Seine River Dinner Cruise →
👑 A Royal Day at Versailles →
⚜️ City of Paris Website: News & Happenings →