Just Say Oui: Best Day Trips to Take in France
France is of the most popular sightseeing countries in Europe, so you may want kill two birds with one stone, geographically speaking, by taking a day trip out of some of its biggest cities, like Paris, Nice, or Lyon. Though it’s impossible to see everything, staying in any major tourist area in France means you’ll be near a lot of other less populated, yet equally scenic places worth visiting. For example, those staying in Dijon might appreciate a trip to Beaune for some historical sights, and an inside look on how the region’s wine business operates in smaller metropolises. Each of the cities on this list has ample offerings for art aficionados, history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers alike. All the research has already been done for you, so really all you need to do is take a look at our list of the best day trips to take in France.
Many flock to Dijon, the ancient capital of Burgundy, to sip fine wine and tour Medieval sites. Little do they know, however, that the less-touristy and more authentic wine and culture capital of Southeast France is just a 20-minute train ride away in Beaune. For less than 10 euros, you can take a trip to a small city that packs a big punch with its wineries, and make your first stop at Maison Joseph Drouhin, right in the center of town. Tour the facility and you can sample flights and possibly leave with a bottle of wine. Afterward, check out La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot, a part-shop, part-museum with informative exhibits on the region’s mustard and wine production. If you’re more interested in culture or art, then head to the Hospices de Beaune, an opulent former charity house that now showcases a sizeable collection of European art. End with a meal at La Caveau des Arches, one of the best restaurants in town, and you’ll make it back to Dijon with plenty of time to spare.
Provence is a region in Southwest France bordering Italy and the Southern Alps. If you’re staying in Avignon, it’s about a 2-hour drive east before you arrive at one of the most diverse landscapes in the country. Though it’s beautiful any time of year, if you visit during the spring, you can take advantage of the lavender fields in bloom, as well as the vineyards and olive groves. The region is vast and could truthfully furnish the bulk of your visit, well beyond a daytrip, but most of us don’t have that kind of time. That’s why a tour, which carries passengers in a coach through the countryside, is the best way to see all the major landmarks. With a small group, you’ll receive commentary at the Pont Du Gard, and through the quaint villages of Luberon, Les Baux de Provence, Roussillon, and Gordes. The tour runs about 10 hours, and will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, too.
About a half hour from Nice, you can access Monaco by taking a quick and affordable bus ride. The one that services the area, Bus 100, will cost about 3 euros both ways, and takes the scenic route up the coast, passing through towns like Villefranche and Beaulieu. Once you arrive in Monaco, you’ll quickly realize that this place has a charm all its own, distinct from France, its language, or its demographic. A must-see here is Monaco City, a mass of land right by the harbor, with crystal-blue water and outrageously expensive yachts owned by some of the world’s richest people. Atop the harbor, you’ll find the magnificent Prince’s Palace of Monaco, which is open to the public to tour sights like the Throne Room and the Palatial Chapel. Next, visit the iconic Monte Carlo Casino (just to say you did). Even if you don’t want to gamble, both the interior and facade are too splendid to miss. The rest of the area, though compact, has plenty of other of things to offer, if you still have some time, such as the serene Jardin Exotique de Monaco, where succulents, cacti, and other dry plants thrive in their natural habitat.
Similar to the multicultural influences in Strasburg, Colmar is a fusion of picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses. As close to the border of Switzerland as it is to Germany, it has become a recent destination for art lovers in all three countries due to the the opening of Musee Unterlinden, designed by a Swiss architectural firm. The collection covers over 7,000 years of history, ranging from prehistoric to 20th century art, and houses works by well-known artists like Albrecht Durer, Pablo Picasso and Jean Dubuffet, among others. Once you’re done exploring, you can check out the Musee Bartholdi, if you’re interested in learning more about the man who built the Statue of Liberty, or Ancienne Douane, a Renaissance monument that hosts rotating historical exhibits. Don’t head back to Strasburg without grabbing dinner at La Petite Venise, a high-end Italian restaurant located in an historic building.
Located in the small town of Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Chateau La Coste is a nicely self-contained daytrip. Both an art center and a winery about an hour away from Marseilles, the city is best enjoyed with a tour. The art and architecture tour takes about two hours by foot, and will walk you through vineyards, valleys, and hilltops while you see works by contemporary artists like Sean Scully, Andy Goldsworthy, Louise Bourgeois, and Tom Shannon. Afterward, you can grab dinner at one of the many acclaimed restaurants on-site, like Francis Mallmann's first in Europe, named after himself. If you happen to drink too much wine, the complex also has a hotel, Villa La Coste, so you can stay the night conveniently.
A day to spare in Paris calls for a trip to Normandy, a region just over two hours west. Steeped in history, its most known for its involvement in World War II, with many battle-scarred sites still accessible to visitors today. Rouen is its capital, and it is most famous for its Gothic churches, such as the massive Rouen Cathedral, the Church of Saint-Maclou, Church of St. Ouen, and the quirky Church of Joan of Arc, built in the shape of a boat. Art aficionados will also be pleased by a visit to the Musee des Beaux-Arts, a complex founded in 1801 by Napoleon I that currently houses an impressive collection of 19th-century sculpture and painting. Expect to see works by Gericault, Monet, and Modigliani, among others (think Caravaggio, Velazquez, and Pinchon). If you’re really interested in WWII history, consider traveling about 150 miles more to Omaha Beach, an actual D-Day landing site. There, you can explore the remains of German bunkers and Les Braves sculpture or the Overlord Museum.
Also in Normandy, Giverny is another daytrip worth considering. The artist Claude Monet called this small village home during the last years of his life, a reason millions of tourists visit here each year. In town, you can visit Monet’s house, where he lived and produced his famous Water Lilies series. Afterwards, you can explore his famous gardens, where he completed many of his works. A little down the road, you’ll find the Museum of Impressionism, which features a collection of works by other famous impressionists like Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, Auguste Renoir, and Pierre Bonnard. While many of the activities here are art related, about 10 minutes away by car you’ll find The Castle of La Roche-Guyon, an 18th-century manor with a vegetable garden. The views from the observatory will be great, and history buffs will particularly enjoy the WWII defense tunnels.
Even those living in France’s wine capital, Bordeaux, need a bit of an escape sometimes. Most head down to Arcachon, a seaside resort town known for its production of seafood. Eating is often the main event here, and there’s no better way to see what this town has to offer than by shucking some oysters at either L’Oyster Bar or La Cabane de L'Aiguillon. Another spot in town, Restaurant Chez Pierre, is also a good option and has a wider selection of seafood a la carte, like king crab legs and shrimp. To work off all those extra calories, consider renting a bike at Locabeach 33 or Dingo Veles, so you can ride along the scenic ocean trail all the way to the Dune du Pilat. The tallest sand dune in Europe, the sight attracts more than a million visitors per year and offers a great view of the Arcachon Bay from the top.
Perouges is a ell-preserved Medieval town just north of Lyon. It’s often used as an historical film set, and upon arrival it’s not hard to see why. Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the story behind all the cobblestone roads, quaint cottages, and artisan workshops, though if you prefer to move at your own pace, you could always download the free audio guide. In the area, there are also a couple of hiking trails that can be seen with the help of a map from the visitor’s center. An artisan community thrives here, which means that specialty workshops practicing delicate arts, such as on Japanese book-binding or creating origami earrings, are often held and listed on their calendar. As you stroll through the streets, feel free to stop by some of the tiny shops to explore and possibly return back to Lyon with some cool souvenirs.
An hour west from Quimper is Pointe du Raz, the outermost point of Brittany region. The immense beauty of this place has inspired authors like Victor Hugo and Gustave Flaubert, and it won’t take long before you’re hooked, too. First, visit the House Raz Point visitor center for information on the area and the opportunity to sign up for a tour. If you’d rather go solo, then just follow the coastal footpath on your own for panoramic views of Raz de Sein, a major body of water known for kayaking and surfing, and be sure to take a lot of pictures along the way. Eventually, you’ll come in view of the Ar Men lighthouse, a historic monument built in 1867, the perfect way to end your day at sunset.