6 Best Day Tours in France boasts a wealth of history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Planning the ideal itinerary can be daunting with so much to explore. Our selection of day tours in France offers something for everyone, from the quaint villages of Provence to the stunning beaches of the French Riviera.
Take a tour of the iconic Palace of Versailles, wander through the charming town of Giverny, or indulge in some of the world’s finest wines in the vineyards of Bordeaux. With a plethora of options available, you’re sure to find a trip that caters to your interests and budget. So, pack your bags and prepare to uncover the very best of France!
Day Trip from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel [SEE MAP]
Mont Saint-Michel, a village and abbey situated on a rocky island where the bays of Normandy and Brittany converge, is one of France’s most iconic landmarks. From afar, it appears almost magical, as if it were a part of a fairy tale. Since it takes several hours to travel from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, the tour commences with a lunch break at a nearby restaurant.
After enjoying your lunch, your guide will take you on a delightful walking tour (ensure you wear comfortable shoes!) along the narrow lanes that lead to the highest point of the village. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to delve into the rich history of the village, particularly its role as a defensive site in the past. Additionally, you will discover fascinating facts about the village’s renowned eighth-century abbey, which has attracted pilgrims for countless centuries. According to a captivating legend, in the year 708, the archangel Michael appeared to the bishop of Avranches and instructed him to construct a church on the island.
Mont Saint-Michel, although currently situated on an island, was once connected to the mainland during prehistoric times. The landscape has undergone changes over the years due to tidal erosion, with the tides in this area being the highest in Europe. Previously, the island could only be accessed during low tide. However, now there is a raised causeway that connects the mainland to the island, eliminating the concern of getting one’s shoes muddy and wet. Nevertheless, during certain occasions, high tides have still managed to overflow onto the new causeway.
Day Trip from Nice to Monaco and Eze
The French Riviera tour, commencing in Nice and including stops at Eze and Monaco, offers a unique and intimate experience with a maximum of eight passengers. This limited group size ensures a delightful journey through the region, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the area.
Departing from Nice in a comfortable minivan, you will be transported to the enchanting medieval village of Eze. Perched on a hill, this picturesque village boasts a captivating castle that overlooks the mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea. Your route will take you along the Moyenne or middle Corniche Road, offering breathtaking views. Above you lies the Grand Corniche, known for its appearance in the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film, To Catch a Thief.
It is essential to have comfortable footwear if you intend to traverse the ancient cobblestone trails leading to the Exotic Garden situated on the hill of the castle. The vistas from this vantage point are breathtaking and definitely worth the effort; however, it is important to maintain a steady pace. Following that, you will have the opportunity to discover the process of creating French perfumes, renowned as the finest in the world, at a perfume factory located in the village beneath the castle. You will gain insights into various fragrances and the art of bottling. This location provides an ideal setting to indulge your senses.
Afterwards, you will proceed to Monaco, a destination renowned for its enchanting love stories, such as the marriage between American actress Grace Kelly and Monaco’s Prince Rainier. Their son currently serves as Monaco’s ruler.
Your first destination in this small principality is the Old Town of Monte Carlo, where you will have the opportunity to explore this playground for the wealthy and famous at your own leisure. If you happen to visit between April and October, you may choose to visit the Cousteau Oceanographic Museum or witness the changing of the guard at the royal palace.
Your tour commences with a lap around the iconic Formula One Grand Prix track that winds its way through the streets of Monte Carlo. The final stop of the tour is Casino Square, where you can indulge in shopping at upscale boutiques or admire the nearby magnificent gardens.
Day Trip from Paris to Normandy D-Day Beaches
If your ancestors fought in the European Theater, particularly France, during World War II, then this tour is a must-see. This day trip from Paris will take you to the Normandy beaches, where the greatest invasion of the war took place. D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944, was a turning point in the war against Nazi Germany. More than 160,000 Allied troops, carried by 5,000 ships, landed along a 50-mile stretch of beaches in Normandy. It was a bloody day in history, with at least 10,000 Allied troops and another 4,000 to 6,000 Germans dying on the battlefields.
Your tour will begin in Paris, where you will drive through the French countryside to Normandy. The first stop will be the Caen Memorial, which features films and illustrative materials about World War II and especially D-Day. This was the largest seaborne invasion in history. You will have lunch at Caen before heading off to Pointe du Hoc, a site defended by the Germans and captured by the Americans.
The next stop is the American Cemetery and Memorial at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Nearly 10,000 American soldiers are buried here, with acres of white crosses marking their final resting place. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach, one of the major landing and battle zones. You will have free time to walk on the beach or visit the Visitor Centre to learn more about the battle involving Americans.
As you embark on your journey, you will travel along Gold Beach, which was designated as the central point of the five beach invasions assigned to the British army. Your final destination will be Juno Beach, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Canadian Memorial, as it was the Canadian military who were responsible for capturing this beach. Additionally, you will have the chance to explore Arromanches, an artificial harbor that was constructed by the Allies for troop landings over the following months. This harbor was transported from England and was named Port Winston in honor of Winston Churchill, the former British prime minister during the war.
Day Trip from Paris to the Loire Valley Castles
France is renowned for its stunning chateaux or castles, and this full-day excursion to the Loire Valley from Paris provides a unique opportunity to witness how the affluent and influential of their time, specifically the French aristocracy, lived. While the aristocrats of the past may have journeyed between Paris and their chateaux in a lavish horse-drawn carriage, you will travel in a modern and comfortable minivan to visit three of the most exquisite chateaux in France: Chambord, Cheverny, and Chenonceau.
Begin your journey at Chambord Castle, the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. Originally built as a hunting lodge for King Francis I, this castle has since transformed into a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture. Leonardo da Vinci himself is said to have contributed to the castle’s interior design. During World War II, the Louvre Museum’s art was even stored here. Don’t miss the chance to climb the interior spiral staircase that leads to a rooftop terrace overlooking the river.
Next, visit the Château de Cheverny, known for its exquisite furnishings. If you’re a fan of Tintin, you may recognize this castle as the inspiration for Marlinspike Hall. While the exterior of this 16th century castle is more understated than Chambord, it is considered the best preserved castle in France. Inside, you’ll find a collection of weapons from the era, portraits by 16th-17th century artists, and a library with over 2,000 antique books.
The Château de Chenonceau exhibits a captivating elegance as it gracefully stretches across the River Cher. Its distinctiveness lies not only in the opportunity to sail beneath its grandeur, but also in its historical significance as a property predominantly managed by women for several centuries. Diane de Poitiers, the king’s mistress, was the first among them to receive this remarkable gift. Following the grandeur of Versailles, Chenonceau stands as one of the most frequented chateaux in France.
Provence in One Day Tour from Avignon is one of the 6 Best Day Tours in France
Author Peter Mayle can attest to the fact that exploring the Provence region can take weeks, months, or even years. However, for those who don’t have the luxury of time, this day tour offers a comprehensive experience of the province’s highlights. Accommodating up to eight passengers, the tour takes place in a minivan, allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque French countryside. The first stop on the itinerary is the Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct that dates back to the first century. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this three-story aqueduct gracefully spans the Gardon River, making it a true masterpiece of Roman engineering in the region.
Following on the itinerary is the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence, which was meticulously carved out of limestone. Situated in the mountains, the village boasts a majestic ruined castle that offers breathtaking views of the Luberon Plains. Take your time to explore the village, and perhaps seek out a charming French bistro to indulge in a delightful country lunch at your leisure.
Moving forward, we have Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Antiques, a remarkable site featuring a triumphal arch and a funeral monument. The triumphal arch, dating back to 20 AD, serves as a commemoration of Caesar’s triumphant conquest of the Gauls. On the other hand, the mausoleum, which dates back to 20 BC, showcases the effigies of two prominent members of the Gallo-Roman family Jili. These remarkable monuments mark the entrance to the ancient town of Glanum. In close proximity lies the asylum where the renowned post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh was once institutionalized.
During your return journey to Avignon, you will pass through Luberon, which is the setting of Peter Mayle’s books on life in Provence. You will also make stops at the charming medieval villages of Gordes and Roussilion. The last destination of the tour is the Lavender Museum in Coustellet, where you will learn about the cultivation of lavender and the customs linked to this vibrant plant. Lavender is a beloved plant in Provence, and its flowers are utilized in various forms such as soap, perfume, and sachets.
Day Trip from Paris to Versailles
If you have a penchant for extravagant luxury, a visit to the Palace of Versailles should definitely be on your list of must-do activities in Paris. You will be chauffeured in a luxurious minivan from Paris to Versailles, which is now an affluent suburb of the city. Upon arrival at the majestic residence, you will bypass the lengthy queue of tourists and enter directly through the entrance. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will be taken on a comprehensive tour of the palace, where every detail will be explained to you in great depth.
The palace embodies the opulence of the French monarchy, despite its relatively short period of use spanning approximately 160 years. Its origins can be traced back to 1623 when Louis XIII constructed a hunting lodge in the quaint village of Versailles. Through subsequent expansions, this lodge was transformed into a grand palace, ultimately becoming the capital under Louis XIV’s reign in 1682. Notably, extensive renovations were undertaken during Marie Antoinette’s tenure as queen. However, the French Revolution in 1789 marked the downfall of France’s absolute monarchy, leading to the forced return of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette to Paris, where they met their tragic fate through execution.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore the opulent royal apartments and the renowned Hall of Mirrors, which boasts 21 mirrors covering each of the 17 arches in the salon, where state ceremonies were held. Following this, you will be able to admire the stunningly landscaped gardens, complete with water features and exotic flowers.
A delectable 3-course lunch will be served in a restaurant adjacent to the Grand Canal, before you embark on a tour of the Grand Trianon, a palace with beautiful gardens and pink marble colonnades. Your guide will regale you with tales of Napoleon’s extravagances during his reign at Versailles. Finally, before returning to Paris, you will visit the Queen’s Hamlet, a charming collection of thatched-roof cottages.
