10 Iconic Day Tours From Paris – Explore Deeper Into France

If you're visiting Paris, France is at the doorstep. And, if you're visiting for more than four or five days, we recommend you spend a day outside the city discovering iconic places and monuments elsewhere in France — Mont Saint-Michel, Giverny, Normandy, maybe even Provence. Art, wine, history, whatever your interest, there is a lot to discover within a day of Paris. Previously we told you the not-to-miss basics. (The 5 Essential Day Trips) Now let's look at a few of the more exotic day tours from Paris.

1. Magnificent Mont Saint-Michel

On a glorious long day you marvel at the Normandy countryside on your way to this legendary rock of an island, home to a medieval Benedictine abbey whose church spire punctuates the skyline. Mont Saint-Michel and the bay have been named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. You're bound to be spellbound when the tide rushes in at a galloping speed to separate Mont Saint-Michel from the mainland. Our recommended tour also includes an organized tasting of the region's famous ciders.

2. Full-Day Tours to Champagne

If you're going to visit this magical region, we recommend you do it in style on a private day trip in a luxury sedan. Your private driver meets you at your hotel and whisks you to this beautiful area only an hour from Paris. Our top recommendation even allows you to customize the day to suit your interests. And, of course, there will be plenty of tastings!

3. The D-Day Beaches of Normandy

The story of World War II changed irrevocably on the beaches of Normandy when the Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944. Today, a trip through the pastoral countryside of the region to the D-Day beaches is a powerful experience. This private day trip from Paris takes you to Omaha, Juno, and Gold beaches, as well as the inspiring war memorials and museums.

4. Paris to Bruges Private Day Excursion

It's surprisingly easy from Paris to make a day tour to the charming town of Bruges, in Belgium's Flemish region. In one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Europe, you cruise down Bruges' famous canals and see why the city is known as the "Venice of the North".

On this tour you are picked up at your Paris address in a private Eurovan and whisked through the northern French countryside into Belgium. On arrival, take a leisurely walk through the heart of the city and see the magnificent Grand Place, quaint houses with elaborately decorated facades, the outdoor market and the Gothic Town Hall. Tours run weekly in the warm months.

5. Beaches & Battlefields Tours

Flanders Fields, Vimy Ridge, The Somme — visit the actual World War I battlefields of France. See the majestic monuments and museums honoring soldiers from both world wars. Explore the D-Day beaches where US, Australian, Canadian, and British soldiers landed and began the work that would eventually end World War II.

6. Monet & Van Gogh

On a day trip from Paris, go on the trail of Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh on a magical artist-focused guided tour. See the French countryside and the town of Auvers-sur-Oise that inspired Van Gogh during the last 100 days of his life. Then tour Claude Monet's magical gardens are Giverny — the lily pond, flowers gardens, and the pink mansion where the Impressionist master worked and lived.

7. Disneyland Paris

When you're traveling as a family, a trip to Disneyland Paris will please both the kids and the adults — and it just might make your Paris visit even more fun. We've done the planning work for you by finding the best ways to visit the park, and the best ways to get there.

In our Disneyland Paris Guide learn the best way to buy tickets, recommended Disneyland Paris vacation packages, the best hotels, and details on how to get to le royaume magique — the Magical Kingdom.

8. VIP Private Day Trips from Paris

For us, a private guided day trip is the ultimate way to see the glories of France that lie just beyond the Paris city gates. Your expert, private driver/guide picks you up at your Paris address and takes you along to the grown-up playground that is France.

View the stunning stain glass of the cathedral at Chartres and take in the wonders of Versailles. Or make it an Impressionist day with a visit to Claude Monet's house and gardens in Giverny followed by a guided tour of Musée d'Orsay, the world's best Impressionist museum. These are only two of the many ideas possible for a custom, private day trip. Read our complete guide to learn more. Relax & enjoy — let someone else do the work for you.

9. Visiting French Wine Regions

The wonderful thing about Paris (well, one of the many wonderful things) is that there are some fabulous wine regions that can be reached from the city on a day trip.

We've talked about the Champagne Region, but did you know you can also visit the iconic vineyards of Burgundy on a day tour from Paris? We'll also tell you about other wine tours you can join from Dijon and Lyon.

10. Go Deeper Into France – Long-Day, Private Tours

To really dive deep into France, consider these activities that take you to some of the most spectacular and memorable regions of France. Visit the D-Day beaches of Normandy, the astounding Mont Saint-Michel in Brittany, the wines and chateaux of the Loire Valley. It's all so easy when someone else has done all the work for you. Just sit back and enjoy.