Paris is an endless source of wonder—but sometimes, even the most devoted Parisian (like me!) craves a little change of scenery. Luckily, France’s rail network makes it incredibly easy to escape the city for a day or a weekend. Whether you’re dreaming of dramatic cliffs, medieval streets, or peaceful lakes, there’s a perfect getaway waiting just a few hours from Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare de Lyon, or Gare de l’Est. Here are some of my favorite excursions from Paris—easy to reach, unforgettable to experience.
🌊 Étretat: The Cliffs of Normandy
If you love breathtaking landscapes, Étretat is a must. Imagine chalk-white cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea, sculpted by wind and waves into arches and needles. It’s no wonder Monet painted them so many times.
Getting there:
Take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Le Havre (around 2h15), then a local bus to Étretat (about 45 minutes).
What I love:
Walking along the coastal paths above the cliffs feels like stepping into a painting. Don’t miss the view from the Falaise d’Amont—it’s pure magic at sunset. Bring a picnic, sit on the grass, and just watch the sea change color.
🏰 Mont-Saint-Michel: The Wonder of the West
Few places in France are as iconic as Mont-Saint-Michel, that mysterious abbey rising from the sea. It’s a bit farther than a typical “day trip,” but absolutely worth it.
Getting there:
From Gare Montparnasse, take a train to Rennes (about 1h30), then a bus directly to Mont-Saint-Michel (1h15).
What to do:
Wander the tiny medieval streets, visit the abbey at the top, and walk across the bay at low tide (only with a guide—it’s safer and fascinating!).
My tip:
Stay for sunset if you can—the light turns the stone golden, and the crowds thin out. It’s a magical moment that feels timeless.
🎭 Lyon: France’s Capital of Gastronomy
Lyon is the kind of city that seduces your taste buds as much as your eyes. Just two hours from Paris, it’s perfect for food lovers.
Getting there:
Take a TGV from Gare de Lyon—you’ll arrive in Lyon Part-Dieu in about 2 hours.
What I love:
Lunch in a bouchon lyonnais (traditional restaurant) is a must—try quenelles, sausages, or tarte praline. Afterward, stroll through the Vieux Lyon, full of Renaissance passages called traboules, or climb to Fourvière Hill for a panoramic view.
My little secret:
I once spent a lazy Sunday just walking along the Rhône banks with a croissant in hand—simple, perfect happiness.
🏞️ Annecy: The Venice of the Alps
Annecy is like a postcard brought to life: pastel houses, clear canals, and a lake so blue it feels unreal.
Getting there:
Take a TGV from Gare de Lyon to Annecy (about 3h45).
What to do:
Rent a bike around Lac d’Annecy, visit the old town, and enjoy a coffee by the canals.
Tip:
If you visit in summer, bring your swimsuit—the lake is perfect for a dip!
🎄 Strasbourg & Colmar: Fairytale Alsace
In winter, Strasbourg is pure enchantment with its Christmas market—the oldest in Europe! And nearby Colmar, just 30 minutes by train, looks like a fairy-tale village year-round with its colorful half-timbered houses.
Getting there:
Take a TGV from Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg (about 1h50). From there, hop on a local train to Colmar.
What I love:
I adore wandering through Petite France in Strasbourg, eating flammekueche (a thin Alsatian pizza), and then spending the next day in Colmar’s calm, flowery streets.
My advice:
Even outside Christmas season, Alsace has this warm, cozy charm that makes you feel instantly welcome.
🌊 Marseille: The Mediterranean Getaway
If you’re craving sunshine and sea air, Marseille is just a train ride away—and what a change of vibe!
Getting there:
Take a TGV from Gare de Lyon to Marseille Saint-Charles (about 3h15).
What to do:
Stroll through the Vieux-Port, hike the Calanques National Park, and enjoy a bowl of bouillabaisse by the water.
My favorite spot:
Climb up to Notre-Dame de la Garde—the view over the city and the Mediterranean is breathtaking, especially at golden hour.
🌆 Nantes: Creative and Relaxed
Nantes is one of those cities that surprise you. Modern, artistic, green—it’s ideal for a relaxed weekend.
Getting there:
Take a TGV from Gare Montparnasse—you’ll be in Nantes in about 2 hours.
What to do:
Visit Les Machines de l’Île, an amazing mechanical park where giant animals roam. Then stroll through the Bouffay district, full of lively cafés.
Personal tip:
Grab a crepe and sit by the river—it’s the perfect way to end the day before your train back to Paris.
🚆 Why I Love These Getaways
One of the best things about living in Paris is how easy it is to reach the rest of France by train. You can leave the city after breakfast and find yourself by the sea, in the mountains, or in a medieval village before lunch. Each destination has its own soul, but all remind me why I fell in love with France in the first place: diversity, beauty, and a sense of wonder that never fades.
So next time you visit Paris, take a little detour—you might discover your new favorite corner of France.