While day tripping from Paris is quick and easy to many destinations like Versailles or Disneyland Paris, it can also be tiring. Sometimes you’ll want to just spend the night and, well, chill. Many dining experiences and other nightlife aren’t always easy when you have to catch the last train back to Paris.
With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of places that are typical day trips but can also easily be transformed into a budget overnighter from Paris. You just need to nab a cheap bed for the night (that’s where EuroCheapo comes in).
So as much as we love Paris, let’s take a break and get out of town! Here are our 7 favorite overnight escapes:
The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is well worth the trip from Paris. Photo: Dennis Jarvis
Bayeux
In just over two hours you can reach Normandy and the town of Bayeux. (The train can be a bit pricier, so renting a car might be a better bet.) The town, known especially for its famous medieval tapestry, is charming enough to hold your attention for an afternoon.
Bayeux was the first town to be freed by the Allies in the waning days of World War II and wasn’t destroyed during the Liberation. Spend an evening in town, and the following day drive out to the Normandy beaches to explore an important piece of World War II history.
Hotels: Bayeux and the surrounding area offers nearly 50 hotels with online booking. Still, if visiting during peak tourist season (late spring to early fall), book well in advance. Search hotels in and around Bayeux
The glorious Château de Chantilly gives Versailles a run for its money with lower fees and fewer tourists. Photo: gcattiau
Chantilly
Forget Versailles. The Château de Chantilly, located just 25 minutes from Paris by train, is worth exploring for a full day. It houses a series of rooms decked out with furniture and art but draws nothing like the number of tourists at its more famous cousin, Versailles.
And there’s more than just the chateau here — be sure to stroll the beautiful gardens, and visit the stunning stables (and catch a dressage show, if you’re lucky!). The town itself doesn’t have much to boast about, but grab a bike and ride around the grounds or even as far as the tiny town of Senlis to take advantage of an overnight.
Hotels: Chantilly has only about a dozen hotels with online booking, but also far fewer overnight tourists. Search hotels in Chantilly
Prepare to be captivated by the stunning city center of Chartres. Photo: Peter D
Chartres
You can get to Chartres in about an hour by train. The standout feature here is the cathedral, stunningly preserved with many original stained glass windows. You’ll notice a disparity between the two steeples, as well – a signature feature.
The town has some pretty cool light shows at night from April to October, which means an overnight will be essential to see the city at its most illuminated. You can spend the next morning strolling along the Eure River or exploring the medieval vestiges remaining throughout the town.
Hotels: Chartres has several budget hotels available near the center of town. Search hotels in Chartres
Giverny
Take the train 45 minutes to Vernon to explore Monet’s gardens at Giverny. If you take the train, there are bikes available from the café at the station’s exist for just a few euros – a much better option than cramming onto the bus with the other tourists. You’ll bike through the town of Vernon, which has cute streets and a church that are lovely to explore.
The main attraction, of course, is nearby at Giverny, with its famous pond, Japanese bridge, and water lilies. While the garden is the main draw, there is also a Museum of Impressionists nearby that’s worth visiting.
Hotels: A small town, Vernon offers a few budget-friendly sleeping options. Book early. Search hotels in Vernon and Giverny
Lille
A major French city that’s too often skipped over by travelers, Lille is only about an hour away from Paris by TGV. Tasty foods like waffles from Meert and Flemish dishes are a welcome change of pace from Parisian offerings (even though Meert is also in Paris!).
Offering a market three days a week, several museums and plenty of architecture to explore (including the impressive Place Général-de-Gaulle), a daytrip could suffice. An overnighter, however, means you get to enjoy the city’s beer culture – it’s really close to Belgium, after all!
Hotels: A major city, Lille has no shortage of budget-friendly hotel options. Search 150 hotels in Lille
Reims
The TGV can get you to the heart of Champagne in just over 45 minutes, but with two main towns to visit, it might be best to rent a car and explore it all with an overnight trip (though drink responsibly!). All that talk of bubbly might have anticipating a hefty price tag, but it only costs around €15 for a visit to one of the regions famous “caves”, including a Champagne tasting.
Be sure to also visit the Cathedral Notre Dame at Reims, and make time for taking a tour at one of the big champagne producers, like Veuve Clicquot or Pommery. On day two, keep on tasting in nearby Epernay, where you can visit the smaller luxury houses before heading back to Paris.
Hotels: With 65 hotels offering online booking, Reims offers a variety of budget options. Search hotels in Reims
Rouen
In as little as 69 minutes, you can arrive in the town where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. While the cathedral, famously painted many times by Monet, dominates the skyline, many medieval buildings give the town its own unique charm.
A market early on Saturday and Sunday make it worth staying the night to wander and explore. If you arrive by car, be sure to visit the charming port town of Honfleur, just 90 km away.
Hotels: A large city, Rouen offers travelers nearly 50 hotels with online booking. Search hotels in Rouen
Your favorite overnights from Paris
What’s your favorite overnight destination from Paris? Share with us in the comments section below!