The Olympics are coming to Paris, and the City of Lights is set to receive even more tourists this summer than usual! While this is definitely going to be a very exciting time to be in the city, this might also mean heavier traffic, longer lines, and just having to contend with more people at the most popular Parisian spots.
That’s why, if you’ve already booked your ticket for the Summer Olympics (or if you’re still thinking about it) maybe you should consider extending the scope of your trip to outside of the city. Aside from all the different Olympic events like soccer and sailing that will be hosted by the regions of Marseille, Nantes, and Nice, you’ll also be able to experience a side of France you might not have expected!
Day Trip Essentials
Before you head out on your French adventure, we recommend making sure that you bring some of these essentials with you:
- Portable charger
- Small umbrella
- Extra clothes / a light jacket
- Eurail Pass - forget about the hassle of keeping multiple train stubs and travel at your own pace with the Eurail Pass. Applicable to any train under SNCF, Thalys, and RENFE-SNCF operations, you can choose from 1 to 8 non-consecutive days to enjoy your unlimited rides!
- Bottled water- but first, check with your tour guide if your destination allows visitors to bring in food or drinks as some (particularly museums) will ask you to throw these away before entering.
Klook tip: Water is safe to drink in Paris and some parts of France, but not all! If you want to be sure it’s safe to drink the tap water in whatever region, you can refer to this website
Are road trips over trains more of your speed? Make your own special road trip experience exploring France by renting your own car! You’ll need an International Driving Permit and a few other requirements, but you can book your own rental ahead of your trip online here.
Day trips from Paris
Ready to take a break from the busy and bustling city and explore the lesser-known parts of France? We’ve listed down some of the more popular locations and activities that you can do so you can find the best day trip idea that suits you!
Normandy
While most people only know Normandy as the site of D-Day and as one of the most important locations in WW2, it may surprise many to find out that, today, Normandy is a beautiful and picturesque coastal area that features a lush countryside, quaint villages, and vibrant energy. An outdoorsy person's dream destination, Normandy is blessed with its breathtaking coastline, many beautiful hills and valleys, and other unforgettable landscapes.
If you want to dig deeper into Normandy's history and culture, we recommend going on a tour to visit Mont Saint Michel! A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont Saint Michel is also the home of the Benedictine Abbey- a three-story Gothic church straight out of a fairytale.
Giverny
If you love art, nature, and immersing yourself in an incredible aesthetic, then Giverny might be the perfect day trip destination for you! If it looks like Giverny came straight out of a painting, it's because this town, that's roughly a 45-minute train ride away from Paris, has inspired so many of them!
It was the home to famous painter and impressionist Claude Monet, and he actually created a garden and waterlily pond at his Giverny home that was the inspiration for many of his paintings. This makes Giverny a must-visit destination for art aficionados and could even be considered an important pilgrimage for those who love the impressionist movement.
You can even tour Monet's actual home and have a personal connection with one of the greatest artists in French history.
Nice
Found along the shores of the majestic French Riviera, it's easy to see why the coastal region of Nice was the preferred vacation spot for many members of royalty and aristocracy for centuries. Aside from kings and queens, Nice has also inspired multiple great works of art and literature throughout the years. Today, Nice is a prime vacation destination that is sure to amaze anyone who visits!
Olympic Events
Soccer: July 24 to July 31, 2024
Whether you choose to traverse the city on foot for a deeper appreciation of the culture and history of Nice or on a motorbike to experience more of its incredible coastline, be prepared to soak in all the romantic views In your day trip to Nice.
Versailles
While we did say that these would be day trips outside of Paris, we couldn’t resist throwing Versailles in! After all, the Palace of Versailles can be the highlight of any trip to France! Steeped in French history and viewed either as a symbol of the grandeur of royalty or of its excessive opulence, Versailles has established itself as one of the country's (if not the world's) best examples of human creativity, artistry, and architecture.
It's nearly impossible to pick a single favorite when visiting the palace, but some of Versailles' highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the Queen's Hamlet, and the Gardens of Versailles.
If you were hoping to see both Monet’s gardens and the Palace of Versailles, there are tours that you can easily book that will include both of these incredible locations.
Marseille
Historically known for being an important trading center during the times of ancient Greece and Rome, Marseilles has transformed into one of France's most beautiful and bustling cities. Often regarded as one of France's "overlooked" or "underrated" destinations, we cannot recommend going to Marseilles enough, especially if you love seafood!
Olympic Events
Sailing: July 28 to August 8, 2024
Soccer: July 24 to August 6, 2024
Still a fully functioning and busy port, you'll be able to taste the best and freshest seafood that France has to offer- fun fact, the famous sea stew bouillabaisse was invented here. You can even customize your Marseille experience with guides who will plan your tour around your personal interests and preferences and enjoy a deeper appreciation for this proud city.
Scandola, Girolata, and Calanques de Piana
Discover the simple yet breathtakingly beautiful Mediterranean side of France and explore the areas of Scandola, Girolata, and Calanques de Piana!
Spend the day on the boat and visit the Scandola Nature Reserve, it’s a designed UNESCO World Heritage Site that has incredible views of the local landscape and features a flourishing ecosystem. Then have lunch at Girolata where you can try out the local flavor at one of their many restaurants or enjoy a more intimate beach picnic. Finally, witness the impressive Calanques de Piana and Capu Rossu with its iconic Genoese Tower of Turghju for yourself before ending your trip in Ajaccio or Porticcio.
Nantes
If you're in the search for a French experience that's a little more unique than the usual, then you should definitely consider adding Nantes to your itinerary!
Nantes is home to "Les Machines de l'Ile" (known in English as the "Machine of the Isle of Nantes"), an impressive creative project envisioned by local artists as a wonderful amalgamation of Nantes' history combined with the mechanical aesthetics and wonderful ideas of Leonardo da Vinci and Jules Verne.
Aside from the thought-provoking pieces of modern art, you can also find a mix of castles and other historical landmarks in the area such as Château des ducs de Bretagne and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes.
Olympic Events
Soccer: July 24 to August 8, 2024
Hopefully, we were able to add a few things to your France itinerary! Before you go, be aware that some of the famous locations around Paris will be closed due to Olympics-related reasons. You can refer to the dates below to help guide your sightseeing plans:
June 17: Seine River - closed until 12h00 (noon)
July 18-27: Seine River - closed starting July 18, reopens on July 28th
July 25-26: Eiffel Tower - closed
July 26: Louvre - closed
👀 Psst... you can enjoy discounted rates on Disneyland Paris tickets when you book for a group of 4-6 people before August ends. Click here to learn more!
