I'm looking for day trip from Paris for under 2 hours one way. Which are the interesting destinations? We've only been to Versailles.

I've found Reims, Dijon, Bayeux, and Luxembourg. Are there other worthwhile day trips train options?

Lyon?

Does it have to be a TGV trip, or can a closer-in town work..?

We enjoyed a day in <b>Rouen</b> - beautiful cathedral (the one Monet painted a gazillion times), the old timbered houses, etc.

Also, we took the RER to an end point at <b>Provins</b> another trip - medieval town, lovely lanes with flowers and timbered houses, the old donjon, falconry show, etc. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We took the little tourist trains through both (cheesy but fun) and then did a lot of exploring and poking around on our own.

http://www.rouentourisme.com/default.asp?ext=en

http://www.provins.net/anglais/default.htm

Nancy
Brussels
Lille

slightly over 2 hours
Rennes
Strasbourg

Stu Dudley

Angers

I'd definitely vote for Nancy or Strasbourg if they fit that time, now.

I'd vote for Lyon, also (and I've done that by TGV, but it's slightly over 2 hrs. Not much, though.

You might consider Angers. It is less than two hours from Montparnasse and the train station in Angers in in the center of the city and close to the Chateau d'Angers and the old part of the city.

Take a look at my pictures of Angers: http://community.webshots.com/user/randell133

Didn't consider Angers but it looks lovely from Randy's pictures. Just check the SNCF site and it's only 1:30 for 24e. Adding that to my list.

Reims 45 minutes
Lille 55 minutes
Metz, Nancy 1h25min each
Brussels, 1h30min

There are several cities you can visit via the TGV within 2 hours of Paris. My favorite places for day trips are Angers in the Western Loire valley, or Rennes in Brittany. Both cities have enough to see and do to make them ideal places to visit for the day. Angers is home to the Chateau d' Angers, which overlooks the Maine River. Within the chateau is the Apocalypse tapestry, one of the premier works of art from the 14th century.

Rennes has an excellent Fine Arts museum along with a lovely 15th-18th century architecture. The Villaine river runs through Rennes, although it looks more like creek than a river. Great place to eat in either city. TGV's leave from Gare Montparnasse: 90 mins to Angers, 2 hours to Rennes.

Auxerre
Troyes

Have you been to Chartres? Less than 2 hours and a wonderful day trip.

bookmarking

My wife and I are taking a side trip to Arras to see the war memorial at Vimy, which is spectacular. It is an hour's trip from Paris on the TGV and I am told that Arras is a very pleasant place to visit. Just an idea for you.

Nice?

Nice is on the Mediterranean and is at least 6 hours from Paris by train, even TGV.

I'm with Travelnut-
Provins and Rouen are quick and easy to get to and both are delightful.

bookmarking

Bookmarking

Arras sounds interesting...Thanks

bookmarking