How to Explore Paris on a Budget: Affordable Day Trips From Paris to Hidden French Destinations

Travel to French Destinations other than Paris

Paris is famous as the ‘City of Light’ and has been a hub for art, culture, and history. But if you step out of the city, you will find many more hidden treasures that are cheap and educational. There are many places to visit in the area, including quaint towns, places of interest, or landmarks, all within a day’s tour without spending too much money. If you search for beautiful, quaint, picturesque villages, lovely gardens, and history, you can get it all in these day tours away from Paris. In this article, we will discover eight ideas for cheap day trips from Paris to attract lovers of active recreation and historical and natural sights.

1. Versailles

The Palace and the Garden of Versailles are some of the most popular sights that can be seen during a day trip from Paris. They are, therefore, important to everybody interested in French history. A fee is charged on entry into the palace, but the beautiful lawns are open to the public at no cost all year round. I prefer the off-season, though. The gardens are very expansive, and there is an option of having an excellent view of nature, fountains, and sculptures, all of which make your time full for the next few hours. One can carry a picnic in the compound, making it cheap for families or couples.

Easy and cheap it is to get to Versailles by riding the RER C train, which takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. When there, you can move around the vicinity either by walking or using public transport. Spend as much time as you want to visit the peaceful town of Versailles where you can find larger shops and Cafes. Thus, Versailles is a perfect day trip from Paris for anyone who wants to see the royal ambiance without overpaying.

2. Giverny

It is a village inhabited by the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet and is just an hour’s ride by train to Paris. The first sightseeing option is the house and gardens in which Monet lived and painted the most popular masterpieces. Although entry to the house and gardens can be paid for, visitors can appreciate the pretty village and any super countryside for nothing. Now, wandering around the Giverny, one can encounter lovely flowers, good shops, and pleasant cafes.

The way to go to Giverny is to take a train to Vernon by bus or a local bike from there. Transportation is cheap, and getting around is a very easy affair. To people who like art and plants, Giverny gives an insight into the life of one of the great art heroes. It is an uplifting place that perfectly tells the story of the French countryside.

3. Auvers-sur-Oise

Auvers-sur-Oise is a small French town that was important for the lives of many Impressionists, including Van Gogh. Visiting this place would be a very interesting experience, especially on a one-day tour, because apart from the various arts you get to behold, the town overlooks beautiful terrains. It comprises several famous places, such as the Auberge Ravoux, where VIN GOGH lived, and the church the tourists used in his painting. Some sites attract a minimal charge, but much of the natural beauty can be seen without paying a dime.

To get to this place of art, one has to take a train from Paris to Pontoise and then take another local train to Auvers sur Oise. The walking area from the station to the town’s central business district is scenic, allowing the nice views to be appreciated. This beautiful village is a favorite destination, especially for art enthusiasts, because it brings together good food, art, and vibes for a sightseeing spree.

4. Chantilly

Another perfect day trip idea is to visit Chantilly – the town of beautiful Château and several gardens. This château also holds a lot of art pieces and artifacts, and although there is an entrance fee for the château, one is free to visit the garden. These superb and well-maintained gardens are great for walking, taking food to a picnic, or just having a natural break.

The Chantilly station is easy to get to, and direct trains from Paris will only take around a quarter of an hour throughout the day. Visitors can visit the beautiful town, which focuses on horse riding, because Chantilly is renowned for horseracing and training. The blend of culture, wildlife, and history makes Chantilly appealing for a cheap day out.

5. Reims

This city is considered to be the capital of Champagne. Thus, the city’s atmosphere reflects its luxurious nature, while the prices do not meet Parisian standards. Although the main attractions are Reims Cathedral and several champagne houses, it is possible to visit many attractions in Reims for free. It is unassuming from the outside, but the interior is stunning, and the construction history is interesting.

Reims is strategically accessible by the high-speed train that costs approximately € 45 per 45-minute trip from Paris. When you get there, everything is very European; the cobblestone roads and authentic local food can be bought at affordable prices. Reims will be ideal for those who want to taste a little French glamour, taste the Champagne, and visit an extraordinary city without overpaying for it.

6. Fontainebleau

Contrary to other castles in France, it has always been a favorite of the French kings and queens, and the current castle was born the same year as the queen, who became a famous symbol of France. There is a lot of history and an amazing architectural design of the Château Laurier. Still, tourists will also be able to notice a forest behind the Château, which is ideal for walks and having a meal on the grass. Although there’s a fee to enter the chateau, people can walk around and through the gardens and surrounding countryside for free.

If someone wants to come to Fontainebleau, they must take the train approximately 40 minutes from Paris. There are also places to shop and have a cup of coffee right in the charming town surrounding the château, so spending a delightful day for several tens of euros is possible. For history lovers and lovers of nature, as well as those who prefer a quiet and unobtrusive holiday, a trip to Fontainebleau will cost significantly less than, for example, a trip to Paris. Still, it will be equally interesting and exciting.

7. Etretat

For people who want to visit a location with amazing coastal scenery, Etretat should be included on the list of day-trip destinations. This picturesque town is famous for its white cliffs and beautiful beaches, and there are so many things to see here for free. There are sharp cliffs which you can trek and see the bird’s eye view of Normandy’s coast, making it physically inclined.

Getting to Etretat requires taking a train to Le Havre and then taking a bus to Etretat town. It is cheap and worth undertaking the journey to capture those beautiful scenes. The place is very picturesque, which allows those tired of Paris and a densely populated city to spend a day in nature.

Conclusion

Paris is a beautiful city, but there are a lot of places nearby that don’t cost much to see and give more of an idea of France than Paris does. While exploring France, beginning with the gardens of Versailles and ending at the rocky beaches of Etretat, the beauty of every site is interlinked with affordable ways of experiencing it. To achieve effective travel while maximizing time away from the capital city, certain decisions must be made with considerable thought and prior planning to ensure optimal results of the time spent.

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