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10 Best Weekend Trips from Paris

Paris has as much to see outside of it as it does in the city center. What I mean by this, is that taking weekend getaways just outside of the city is a great idea if you’re interested in seeing more of what this part of France has to offer. 

I’ll list the top 10 weekend trips from Paris for you so that you can weigh up all your options and get planning! Don’t wait until last minute to book your rental car, train tickets or accommodation — in peak season you won’t be able to go anywhere!

1. Weekend Trip to Lyon near Paris

Distance by train: 2 hours

Lyon is south from Paris, and is considered a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to expand their French terrain exploration. A short train ride from the city center, Lyon is the third largest city in all of France and is renowned for astounding cathedrals, top-tier restaurants, buzzing nightlife and shopping sprees! 

Lyon, France – by Bastien Nvs –

Top 10 Things to Do in Lyon

2. Weekend Trip to Rouen near Paris

Distance by train: 2 hours

Another short train ride away, Rouen lies north of Paris in the region that is very much known for being a countryside dreamscape. Rouen is the capital of Normandy, and it holds a very rich history in terms of museums, art and gastronomy. Think medieval charm and pedestrian walkways no matter where you look. 

Rouen – By christian tokoto –

Be sure to visit the Rouen Old Market Square to stand in the very spot where Joan of Arc was burned alive. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Rouen

3. Weekend Trip to Strasbourg near Paris

Distance by train: 1 hour 45 min

Strasbourg is the quaint boarder town that lies right on the edge of where France meets Germany. The Alsace region in which it falls may technically be French territory, however one can’t help but notice the very distinct German essence that flows through these streets as well. 

Strasbourg – by Vincent NICOLAS –

Find the neighborhood known as Petite France in the center of the city, and wander to your heart’s content! 

Top 10 Things to Do in Strasbourg

4. Weekend Trip to Amboise near Paris

Distance by train: 2 hours 40 min

Amboise is a village situated in France’s Loire Valley, accessible by a manageable train ride that is under 3 hours in duration. It is undoubtably one of the most charming towns in all of Europe, featuring the he UNESCO World-Heritage site: Château Royal d’Amboise. 

Amboise – by Gaetan.lafon –

Enjoy days filled with wine tasting, food pairings, market shopping and castle hunting. 

5. Weekend Trip to Honfleur near Paris

Distance by train: 3 hours 20 min

Honfleur is another charming coastal town, situated north west outside of Paris. This is a harbor town with a few notable churches that are worth a visit. Essentially, a trip to Honfleur is one of the most peaceful escapes one can make from Paris, but don’t come expecting to be entertained morning until night. Honfleur is about doing as little as possible, enjoying time passing and finding treats to eat in between — bliss!  

Honfleur – by Monster4711 –

Top 10 Things to Do in Honfleur

6. Weekend Trip to Lille near Paris

Distance by train: 1 hour

Lille is another boarder town that lies right on the cusp of France and Belgium. This is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, and it is an area that is known for student life and prosperity during the middle ages. 

Lille – by Velvet –

The cobblestoned streets and art museums will keep you busy, and I would encourage you to track down the town’s very retro Art Deco swimming pool in the Musée de l’Art et de l’Industrie de Roubaix.

Top 10 Things to Do in Lille

7. Weekend Trip to London near Paris

Distance by train: 2 hours 30 min

Why not take your weekend getaway internationally? Few people realize how convent the distance between Paris and London actually is, with the high speed trains running at just over 2 hours in duration. 

London – by Diliff –

It goes without saying that a weekend trip to London will add a whole new dimension to your travel itinerary, including British culture, cuisine and history for some much needed contrast.

Traveling from Paris to London

8. Weekend Trip to Dijon near Paris

Distance by train: 1 hour 35 min

Dijon is situated in the Burgundy Wine Region, which was once the home of the Dukes of Burgundy. The medieval history made way for some fantastic architecture, and simultaneously offers a unique cuisine and wine culture. 

Dijon – by Paul Barker Hemings –

As the name might suggest, Dijon is where one goes to taste and buy the best mustards in the country!    

Top 10 Things to Do in Dijon

9. Weekend Trip to Deauville near Paris

Distance by train: 2 hours 20 min

If you want a beach getaway while in Paris in the summer, Deauville is the place to head! It’s a small town with an upscale vacation culture, a thriving casino and many golf-course options. 

Deauville – by Nikater –

Yes, it’s better to visit in warmer weather given the beach-vibe, but the historic town is also worth a visit in the colder months. 

A Day Trip to Deauville from Paris

10. Weekend Trip to Bordeaux near Paris

Distance by train: 2 hours 50 min

Wine lovers tend to make this is their destination of choice given its convenient proximity to the city of lights. Bordeaux is a fantastic place to spend a weekend, indulging in some of the best cuisine and wines to match. 

Bordeaux – by Marc Ryckaert –

Food aside, Bordeaux is wonderfully historic and filled with attractions and things to do. Bask in the medieval energy that rings through the city streets, while taking time to fall in love with the city’s nightlife too! 

Top 10 Things to Do in Bordeaux