“Let’s just rent a car in Paris…”
That was the plan. Until Sofia, an expat partner from Brazil, realized her international license wasn’t valid long-term, and applying for the French permis de conduire meant navigating a labyrinth of paperwork, translation, and driving school hours. Meanwhile, the itch to get out of the city was growing. She’d done the Eiffel Tower twice, spent entire Sundays at the Jardin des Plantes, and tried every local boulangerie in her arrondissement. It was time for fresh air and fresh perspective.
But with no car, no French driver’s license, and a tight expat budget, she wondered: is escaping Paris even possible without a vehicle? The answer, thankfully, is a big, beautiful yes. France is famous for its efficient and scenic regional train system (SNCF), and the Île-de-France RER network makes nearby gems incredibly accessible. Whether you’re craving medieval architecture, riverside strolls, or Impressionist gardens, you don’t need a steering wheel to discover them. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Paris for expats without a car, you’re in luck—France’s railways open the door to a world of châteaux, charming villages, and nature getaways, all reachable in under two hours.
Let’s dive into 8 unforgettable destinations, all reachable by train or RER—no car (or licence) required.
🚆 1. Fontainebleau – Royal Forests and Imperial History
Why go? One of the most beautiful royal residences in France, Château de Fontainebleau has over 800 years of royal history. Surrounding it: a magical forest filled with hiking trails, picnic spots, and boulders for climbers.
How to get there: from Paris Gare de Lyon, take a TER to Fontainebleau-Avon (40 mins), then walk or take the local bus to the château.
🏰 2. Provins – Time Travel to the Middle Ages
Why go? A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Provins offers fortified walls, medieval shows, underground galleries, and an old town that feels like a movie set. The delicious local delicacy is called “niflette”, a traditional little pastry, eaten for All Saint’s Day.
How to get there: Direct train from Gare de l’Est to Provins (1h25). Trains run about once an hour.
🎨 3. Giverny – Monet’s Garden Paradise
Why go? Step into the paintings of Claude Monet. Giverny is a quiet village where you can stroll through Monet’s house and iconic lily pond garden. You will feel like you are in one of his famous paintings.
How to get there: Train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny (45 mins), then shuttle (10 mins) or rent a bike (30 mins).
🐎 4. Chantilly – Elegance, Horses, and Art
Why go? Less crowded than Versailles but just as majestic. The Château de Chantilly includes a stunning art collection, a moat, and royal stables with live equestrian shows.
How to get there: From Gare du Nord, take a TER to Chantilly-Gouvieux (25 mins), then a 15-minute walk to the château.
🖌️ 5. Auvers-sur-Oise – Van Gogh’s Final Inspiration
Why go? This peaceful village was Vincent van Gogh’s last home. You can visit the church he painted, walk in his footsteps across wheat fields, and visit his humble grave.
How to get there: From Gare du Nord, take the train to Valmondois, then change to a local train to Auvers-sur-Oise(about 1h15 total). Weekend direct trains run in spring and summer.
🌿 6. Moret-sur-Loing – Secret Riverside Escape
Why go? A postcard-perfect medieval town, Moret-sur-Loing was beloved by impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. Stroll by the Loing river, picnic under willows, or explore quiet cobbled streets.
How to get there: From Gare de Lyon, take a TER to Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons (45 mins), then walk 10 minutes.
📸 Ideal for quiet weekends and low-key romantic escapes.
👑 7. Versailles – The Obvious, Yet Essential
Why go? There’s a reason Versailles never goes out of style. From the glittering Hall of Mirrors to Marie-Antoinette’s rustic Hamlet, the estate is immense and fascinating. But careful, book your tickets in advance !
How to get there: Take RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (about 40 mins).
🏖️ 8. L’Isle-Adam – Beach Day, French-Style
Why go? Often dubbed “the most beautiful town in the Val-d’Oise,” L’Isle-Adam has sandy beaches, riverside restaurants, and a forest with walking trails. You can even swim at France’s oldest river beach!
How to get there: Take line H from Gare du Nord to L’Isle-Adam – Parmain (50 mins), then walk 10 mins.
🎉 A summer favorite among locals and visiting expat families.
🚫 Don’t Have a French Driving License Yet?
No problem! These destinations prove that some of the best day trips from Paris for expats without a car are easy, fun, and completely doable with a Navigo pass or a weekend train ticket. Still, if you’re planning to explore more remote areas or stay long-term, you may want to consider applying for a French license.
Whether you’re planning a solo getaway, a romantic escape, or a family day out, these destinations offer more than scenery. They offer a break from the bureaucracy, a breath of fresh air, and a chance to deepen your connection with your host country. You don’t need a car to feel free, you just need a train schedule and a bit of curiosity. For expat partners like Sofia, these little getaways make a big difference. They remind you that integration is not just about paperwork or language, but about building memories, confidence, and independence.
📎 Useful Links
- Absolutely French’s blog article- 12 Essential Public Transport Tips that will help Expats
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
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Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
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