Day trips outside of Paris on your Navigo card
Last updated: 2 May 2026
Getting the most out of your Navigo Pass
One of the most underused features of the Navigo pass is that it covers far more than just the Paris metro. With a zones 1-5 Navigo pass, you can hop on a train or RER and arrive at a royal chateau, a medieval walled town, an impressionist village, or a forest trailhead — all without buying a separate ticket.
Below are 19 destinations you can reach on your Navigo pass, plus a few extra that require a separate ticket but are well worth the trip. I have included a seasonal planning guide at the top so you know which destinations work best at what time of year.
Quick Seasonal Planner
Several destinations have seasonal transport or opening caveats worth knowing before you plan:
Season | What to Know |
Spring (Apr-Jun) | Best season overall. Direct Impressionist Train to Auvers runs from 4 April. Chateaubus to Vaux-le-Vicomte runs from 30 March. Gardens at Versailles, Vaux, Sceaux, and Rambouillet at their best. Giverny gardens peak in May-June. |
Summer (Jul-Aug) | All destinations open. Note: Auvers direct train does not run on 11, 12 and 14 July 2026 due to track work. Versailles can be very crowded — go early or on a weekday. Fontainebleau forest is excellent for walking. |
Autumn (Sep-Oct) | Excellent season with fewer crowds. Fontainebleau forest colours are spectacular in October. Direct Auvers train runs until 1 November. Chantilly hosts the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in early October. |
Winter (Nov-Mar) | Chateaubus and direct Auvers train do not operate. Giverny closed. Vaux-le-Vicomte runs special Candlelit Evenings on selected Saturday evenings with a Paris-departure shuttle. Royaumont Abbey open year-round. |
Planning Notes
Your Navigo must cover zones 1-5 to use it for these journeys. A zones 1-3 pass will not cover the outer destinations.
T+ tickets (the single-journey paper tickets) cannot be used on RER journeys outside zones 1-2. You will need a separate ticket or a valid Navigo.
Always check current timetables on transilien.com or the SNCF Connect app before you travel, schedules change seasonally and track works affect weekend services regularly.
Most destinations work best on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds. Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte in particular get very busy on summer weekends.
Day Trips outside of Paris
The Palace of Versailles is the obvious first choice and for good reason. The Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Trianon, and the formal gardens designed by Le Notre are genuinely extraordinary. Go on a weekday if you can, and arrive at opening time to beat the coach groups.
Getting there: Take the RER C to Versailles Rive Gauche (10-minute walk to the palace), or an SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers (18-minute walk), or from Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite (17-minute walk). Your Navigo pass zones 1-5 covers all three. T+ tickets cannot be used.
Tip: The gardens and park are free to enter, if you just want a picnic among the fountains, you do not need a palace ticket.
Vaux-le-Vicomte is the chateau that inspired Versailles, built for Louis XIV’s finance minister Nicolas Fouquet by the same trio of architects who later designed Versailles. The interiors are exceptional and the gardens less crowded than its more famous cousin.
Getting there: Take the RER R train from Gare de Lyon to Melun (about 30 minutes). From Melun station, take the navette to the chateau, it runs every day from 30 March. You will need to make a reservation for the navette if you take the train. The shuttle stop is in front of the Cafe de la Gare, 15 Av. Gallieni, Melun. Alternatively, a taxi from Melun takes about 10 minutes (approximately 18-25 euros each way). Note: Navigo covers the train to Melun but the Chateaubus is a separate ticket purchased at the chateau.
Tip: On selected Saturday evenings, Vaux runs Candlelit Evenings with thousands of candles lit throughout the chateau and grounds. A direct shuttle from Paris runs on these evenings — check the chateau website for dates.
Auvers-sur-Oise is where Van Gogh spent the last 70 days of his life, and where he and his brother Theo are buried. Walking through the village with a map of his paintings is one of the best day trips from Paris, the wheat fields, the church, the Auberge Ravoux where he lived, all still there.
Getting there: On weekends and public holidays from 4 April to 1 November 2026, the direct Impressionist Train (Line H) runs from Gare du Nord: departs 9:38am, arrives Auvers 10:22am. Return departs Auvers at 6:15pm, arrives Gare du Nord 6:50pm. Note: the train does not run on 11, 12 and 14 July 2026 due to track work. Outside this season or during the week, take Line H from Gare du Nord via Valmondois, about 1 hour with a connection.
Tip: Those are the only two direct trains of the day. Miss the 6:15pm return and you will need to connect via Pontoise or Valmondois so plan your day accordingly.
Fontainebleau offers two things in one trip: the UNESCO-listed chateau with its Francis I Gallery and Napoleon Apartments, and the sprawling forest surrounding it, one of the best hiking and bouldering areas in the Paris region.
Getting there: Take the R train from Gare de Lyon (direction Montargis, Sens, or Montereau) to Fontainebleau-Avon, about 40 minutes. From the station, take Line 1 bus to the Fontainebleau town centre stop.
Rambouillet is known for its Château de Rambouillet, a former royal residence set within a vast forest, with elegant gardens and a tranquil town centre. Good for a slower-paced day away from the city.
Getting there: Take Line N from Paris Montparnasse to Rambouillet, about 35 minutes. The chateau is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Parc de Saint-Cloud is a formal royal park with grand alleys, fountains, and sweeping views across to Paris. The chateau itself was destroyed in 1870 but the grounds remain magnificent.
Getting there: By metro: Line 10 to Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud, then cross the Pont de Saint-Cloud (about 10 minutes to the Grille de Clemenceau). By train: Line L or U from La Defense to Saint-Cloud station — best entrance is the Grille des Ecoles (8 minutes walking). By tram: T2 from La Defense to Parc de Saint-Cloud stop, then walk up to Grille des Ecoles (steep hill).
Saint-Germain-en-Laye has the Chateau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, now home to the Musee d’Archeologie Nationale, a great terrace with views over the Seine valley, and pleasant boutique-lined streets for wandering.
Getting there: Take the RER A to the terminus Saint-Germain-en-Laye, you can pick it up at Nation, Gare de Lyon, Châtelet, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, or La Défense. Exit 3 for the château puts you right at the entrance.
Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a medieval walled town remarkably intact, with a dramatic tower, ramparts, underground galleries, and a programme of jousting and medieval shows in season.
Getting there: Take train line P from Gare de l’Est, not direct, plan about 1 hour 20 minutes. Take the navette from the train station to the upper town, in front of the tourist office.
The Domaine de Sceaux is one of the most beautiful formal parks in the Ile-de-France, Andre Le Notre gardens, a chateau, a canal, and the spectacular Hanami cherry blossom festival each spring.
Getting there: Take RER B from Paris Nord, Chatelet-les-Halles, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, or Cite Universitaire. Three stations serve the park: Sceaux, Parc de Sceaux, and La Croix de Berny — check which branch you are on.
Tip: The cherry blossom festival (Hanami) runs for a few weeks in April and is genuinely spectacular. Check the Domaine de Sceaux website for exact dates each year.
Maison-Laffitte
The Chateau de Maisons is a masterpiece of 17th-century French classical architecture, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours. The surrounding park along the Seine is lovely for a walk.
Getting there: Take RER A direction Poissy or Cergy-Le-Haut from Vincennes, Nation, Gare de Lyon, Chatelet-Les-Halles, Auber, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, or La Defense. The chateau is about 15 minutes walk from the station; the park about 20 minutes on the same path.
Île de la Jatte
A small island in the Seine at Neuilly-sur-Seine, famous for inspiring Seurat’s pointillist masterpiece. It is a genuinely peaceful spot — tree-lined paths, waterfront views, and very few tourists.
Getting there: Take Line 1 to Pont de Neuilly, then connect to bus 93 direction Invalides and get off at Pont de la Grande Jatte (3rd stop from Pont de Neuilly). If you are using a T+ ticket you can transfer on the same ticket within 90 minutes.
Moret-Sur-Loing
Moret-sur-Loing is a small medieval riverside town that inspired Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. Cobbled streets, medieval gates, an old bridge, and the Musee du Sucre d’Orge, home of France’s oldest candy, make it a charming half-day.
Getting there: Take the R train from Gare de Lyon direction Montereau or Montargis — about 50 minutes to Moret Veneux-sur-Loing station. Trains run every 30 minutes.
Rueil-Malmaison
Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine’s country house, with elegant interiors and a pretty garden. A good combination with a walk along the Seine.
Getting there: Take RER A direction Saint-Germain-en-Laye to Rueil-Malmaison. The station is north of the town centre, take a bus from outside the station to your destination.
Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse
The terminus of the RER B, Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse is the gateway to the Chevreuse Valley Regional Natural Park, excellent walking, cycling, and the medieval Chateau de la Madeleine with panoramic valley views.
Getting there: Take RER B direction and terminus Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse from Gare du Nord, Chatelet-Les-Halles, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Port Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, or Cite Universitaire. From Chatelet the journey is about 55 minutes.
l'Isle d'Adam
L’Isle-Adam is a river town on the Oise with a good beach, a 16th-century chateau, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels genuinely local rather than touristy.
Getting there: Take the J train from Paris Saint-Lazare direction Ermont-Eaubonne, change there for the H train direction Persan-Beaumont, and get off at L’Isle-Adam-Parmain. About 1 hour 15 minutes total, then a 12-minute walk across the river into town.
Abbaye de Royaumont
A medieval Cistercian abbey in beautiful countryside north of Paris, with Gothic cloisters, herb gardens, and a year-round cultural programme of concerts and exhibitions. One of the quieter and more atmospheric day trips on this list.
Getting there: Take Line H from Gare du Nord to Luzarches, about 50 minutes. From there, a free shuttle bus runs to the Abbey on weekends and public holidays. Book your shuttle slot in advance on the Royaumont websit, it fills up.
Pontoise
A market town on the Oise with medieval streets, Camille Pissarro connections, and a quieter pace than most Paris day trips. Good for an easy half-day.
Getting there: Several options: RER C from Porte de Clichy (about 40 minutes to Gare de Pontoise); Line H from Gare du Nord direction Creil; or Line J from Paris Saint-Lazare direction Pontoise-Gisors.
Meaux
Meaux has a magnificent Gothic cathedral, the Musee Bossuet, and is the home of Brie de Meaux cheese. A very manageable day trip with a good market on Saturdays.
Getting there: Take Line P from Gare de l’Est direction Chateau-Thierry, a quick 25 minutes. Easy to explore on foot from the station.
Not on the pass, but worth the visit
Giverny
Claude Monet’s house and garden, the water lilies, the Japanese bridge, the riot of colour that inspired his most famous paintings. The garden peaks in May and June. The Musee des Impressionnismes in the village is also excellent.
Getting there: From Paris Saint-Lazare, take the train line Paris/Rouen/Le Havre from the Grandes Lignes side of the station (to the right). About 45 minutes to Vernon-Giverny station, then take the shuttle bus to the Monet Foundation. Separate ticket required, not covered by Navigo.
Tip: Book your garden entry in advance online. It sells out, especially on weekends in May and June.
Chartres
Chartres Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, the stained glass alone is worth the trip. The medieval quarter around it is well preserved and pleasant to walk.
Getting there: From Paris Montparnasse, take a TER to Chartres , about 1 hour 15 minutes. A round trip ticket costs around 39 euros. Separate ticket required, not covered by Navigo.
Orléans
Orleans is the city of Joan of Arc, with a handsome cathedral, the Hotel Groslot (former royal residence), and a good historic centre along the Loire.
Getting there: From Gare d’Austerlitz, take a TER direct to Orleans, about 1 hour 15 minutes, approximately 38 euros return. No assigned seating, arrive early for the platform.
Chantilly
The Chateau de Chantilly has one of the finest collections of historic paintings in France outside the Louvre, and the Le Notre gardens are spectacular. Chantilly is also famous for its horse racing, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is held nearby.
Getting there: From Paris Gare du Nord, take a TER or RER D to Chantilly-Gouvieux station. A shuttle from the station runs to the chateau gates. You can often book a combined train and chateau ticket online.
