Explore the French Countryside Near Paris
Paris is a great city, with many exciting things to see and do. But it can also be a busy and crowded city, and after some days of sightseeing from dawn till dusk, you may need a break.
Luckily, the countryside near Paris is stunning, and there are many picturesque small towns near Paris perfect for getting out in the fresh air and seeing a different side of France. Most of these small towns and villages near Paris make excellent day trips by train.
So if you are doing great visiting Paris and have an extra day in the city, why don’t you give a chance to some of these cute towns? Here’s the list of the best small towns near Paris to visit during your next trip to the French capital. The list also includes a couple of suggestions on where to stay outside Paris with direct train connections to the city.
READ MORE: Click here for the best weekend getaways from Paris by train
Best Way to Explore the Paris Countryside
1. By Train
Most of the Paris countryside is easily reached by train. SNCF, the French rail network, links all the cities and main towns and villages in rural France.
Generally, trains are on time, comfortable, relatively cheap, and my favorite way to explore the best towns outside of Paris. If you are also concerned about your carbon footprint and want to reduce it, trains are the best way to go around – Check out this guide to France by Train
2. By Guided Tour
A guided tour is not the cheapest option, but it is definitely the most comfortable. Forget about planning, entrance tickets, or train schedules; just hop on a coach or minivan and enjoy your day!
Usually, guided tours include transportation, skip-the-line tickets (when applicable), and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, making the place or attraction even more enjoyable. Also, half-day guided tours are perfect for people with short holidays in Paris but who still want to see more than the French capital.
Best Guided Tours to Visit the Paris Countryside
TOUR | DURATION | LOCATION | SUBJECT | TRANSPORTATION | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 hrs | Fontainebleau + Vaux-le-Vicomte castles | History, Castles | Air-conditioned Minivan | ||
11 hrs | Fontainebleau Castle + Barbizon | History, Castles, Arts | Private Minivan | ||
9 hrs | Versailles | History, Castles, Gardens | Private Minivan | ||
5 hrs | Giverny | Arts, Monet | Air-conditioned Minibus | ||
5 hrs | Chartres | History, Cathedrals | Private Car (1-3 pax) or Minivan | ||
11 hrs | Epernay & Hautvilliers | Landscapes, Wine | Air-conditioned Vehicle |
By Car
Cars are the best option for exploring the countryside near Paris, especially the villages that are a bit off the beaten path – Check out this quick guide to driving in France
If you need to rent a car, I recommend choosing a car rental office located on the outskirts of Paris. They usually have better prices, and you avoid the hassle of driving through the city. You can reach the rental office by metro and avoid the traffic jams in Paris!
I use and recommend DiscoverCars.com. DiscoverCars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations to guarantee you the best price. Click here for our best tips for renting a car in France.
Map of the Best Small Towns Near Paris to Visit
Click here to view this map of small towns near Paris on Google
TIP: I listed these small towns to visit near Paris by region. Click here to read more about the regions of France.
Best Towns Near Paris (Ile-de-France Region)
1. Provins
Provins is one of the best medieval towns near Paris to visit. It is located 70 km southeast of Paris and it makes a great day trip from Paris by train.
In Medieval times, Provins was the capital of the powerful Counts of Champagne. Thanks to the Counts’ protection and its strategic location, the town became one of the main actors in the early development of international trade fairs and the wool industry in Europe during the 9th to 18th centuries.
Walking around medieval Provins is like stepping back in time! The town is surrounded by impressive walls, and the half-timbered houses are beautiful to see. Provins is especially known for its medieval fair, usually held in June, and unique underground galleries that you can visit with a guided tour.
What to Do in Provins:
- Sightseeing
- Provins’ Medieval Fairs and Medieval Christmas Market
HOW TO GO FROM PROVINS TO PARIS
By Train: Direct trains leave from Paris Gare de l’Est train station to Provins (1 hr 22 min, hourly).
By Car: Paris to Provins is a 91 km drive which takes around 1 hr 13 min, depending on the traffic.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
There’s so much to see and do in Provins that it may be a good idea to spend one night in this beautiful medieval town – Click here for the best hotels in Provins
2. Versailles
Versailles is one of the best small cities near Paris, world-renowned for its magnificent Château. It is located 21 km southwest of Paris, in the region of Ile-de-France.
If this is your first visit to Versailles, I recommend visiting the Château, but you can also decide to spend all your time exploring the Gardens of Versailles or other parts of the city.
The list of the best things to do in Versailles, apart from the Château, includes the King’s Kitchen Garden, the Academy of Equestrian Arts, the Carriage Museum, and the Chuch of Notre Dame. The local market, not far from the château, is also fun to explore.
What to Do in Versailles:
- Sightseeing
- Versailles by bike, boat riding in the Grand Canal
- Fountains of Versailles shows
- Classic music concerts
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO VERSAILLES
All the ways, public and private, to travel from Paris to Versailles
BEST DAY TOUR FROM PARIS TO VERSAILLES
Get the most out of your day in Versailles with this top-rated tour with a private guide and transportation. Visit the Palace of Versailles and the Trianons with an expert guide and stroll through the impressive gardens.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
There’s so much to see and do in Versailles Estate that it may be a good idea to spend one night on-site, especially if you want to visit the Saturday night Fountain Show – Click here for the best hotels near Versailles Palace
3. Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is a cute town near Paris with a lovely historical center. Located 25km southeast of Paris in the Ile-de-France region, Fontainebleau is surrounded by the large Forest of Fontainebleau.
For many centuries, the Forest of Fontainebleau was the French Kings’ favorite hunting place, and they built a magnificent castle to get the most out of Fontainebleau.
The Château de Fontainebleau is one of the best castles near Paris. Known as “the true home of the French Kings,” its different rooms and halls are grand and magnificent! After visiting the Château, explore the surrounding gardens and the Old Town.
What to Do in Fontainebleau:
- Château de Fontainebleau and Gardens
- Hiking and bouldering in the Fontainebleau Forest
- Hot air balloon over the Fontainebleau Forest
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO FONTAINEBLEAU
By Train: Direct trains Paris – Fontainebleau leave from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon train station (40 min, every 20 min). Once you arrive at Fontainebleau train station, a bus shuttle waits outside to reach the Château (12 min ride).
By Car: Paris to Fontainebleau is a 69 km drive which takes around 48 min, depending on the traffic.
BEST DAY TOUR FROM PARIS TO FONTAINEBLEAU
This Fontainebleau + Vaux-le-Vicomte guided tour is a great option. This tour visits two of the most beautiful castles near Paris with explanations by an English professional guide. The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and skip-the-line entrance tickets for both châteaux.
4. Barbizon
Barbizon is a cute village near Paris, nestled in the Forest of Fontainebleau. Barbizon is located 60km southeast of Paris in the region of Ile-de-France.
Barbizon was home to the “Barbizon School,” a group of 19th-century French painters, including Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet. This movement was born from certain artists’ wishes to represent unspoiled nature.
After visiting Château de Fontainebleau, Barbizon is a lovely place to go for a good meal followed by a stroll. Admire its charming stone houses, restored inns, and workshops. Enjoy its flowery walls and the heady smell of turpentine. Art lovers will enjoy the Barbizon School Museum, Millet’s studio, and numerous art galleries.
The Auberge Ganne is where penniless painters without money often shared the same rooms and drew on the walls to perfect their lines. The evenings in this modest inn always ended up late, with everybody heavily drunk. Even today, visitors can immerse themselves in this era which saw the birth of the very idea of the romantic painter in search of pure and beautiful nature.
What to Do in Barbizon:
- Sightseeing
- Eat & Drink
- Biking and hiking
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO BARBIZON
By Train + Bus: Direct trains Paris – Fontainebleau leave from Paris Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon train station (40 min, every 20 min). Once you arrive at Fontainebleau train station, take bus #21 to Angelus (22 min ride).
Fontainebleau, it’s a mere 10km bike ride to Barbizon (one way). You can rent a bike in Fontainebleau.
By Car: Paris to Fontainebleau is a 70 km drive which takes around 40 min, depending on the traffic.
BEST DAY TOUR FROM PARIS TO BARBIZON
This Fontainebleau + Barbizon full-day private guided tour is a great option. The tour includes pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Paris, transportation in a luxury van, a professional guide, and entrance tickets to the Château of Fontainebleau.
5. Moret-Sur-Loing
If you are interested in beautiful villages near Paris far from the tourist circuits, you’ll love Moret-sur-Loing. Moret is located on the eastern side of the Fontainebleau Forest, 77km southeast of Paris in the Ile-de-France region.
One of the cutest villages near Paris to visit, Moret-sur-Loing has a beautiful medieval heritage and a couple of interesting museums. It is also an excellent place for outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, or hiking.
Moret-sur-Loing was home to the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, who found in Moret the source of inspiration for many of his masterworks. The Tourism Office in Moret offers a self-guided walking tour itinerary to see all the spots that inspired the painter.
Things to Do in Moret Sur Loing:
- Sightseeing
- Kayaking
- Biking
- Hiking
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO MORET-SUR-LOING
By Train: Direct trains leave from Paris Gare de Lyon to Moret-Veneux-Les Sablons train station (48 min, every 30 min). Once you arrive at Moret-Veneux-Les Sablons train station, there is a 15-minute walk to Moret-sur-Loing.
By Car: Paris to Moret-sur-Loing is a 77 km drive which takes around 58 min, depending on the traffic.
6. Auvers-sur-Oise
If you are looking for beautiful towns around Paris with some history, Auvers-sur-Oise is the place to go. Auvers-Sur-Oise is located 35 km north of Paris and is known as the Impressionists’ Village because it attracted many artists by the end of the 19th century. People like Cézanne, Pissarro, Sisley, and Monet lived or frequented Auvers-Sur-Oise and painted the village in some of their masterworks.
But most of all, Auvers-Sur-Oise is known for being Vincent Van Gogh’s last home. Van Gogh discovered Auvers by the end of his life, and although he lived in the village for less than two months, he painted 70 works in Auvers, most of them related to the village and its landscapes.
Here, there is a lovely self-guided walk, The Painters’ Pathway, which visits several views appearing in some Impressionist paintings. You can also see the room at Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived and passed away, the famous Church at Auvers, and Van Gogh’s tomb in the local cemetery.
What to Do in Auvers-sur-Oise
- Sightseeing
- Nature walks
- A special place for Van Gogh’s fans!
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO AUVERS-SUR-OISE
By Train: Trains from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise leave from Paris Gare du Nord. It is a 41-minute ride (one way) from Paris to Auvers.
By Car: Paris to Auvers-Sur-Oise is a 33 km drive that takes around 28 minutes, depending on traffic.
7. Marly-Le-Roi
Marly-le-Roi is one of the small villages near Paris worth visiting. It is located 20km west of Paris in the region of Ile-de-France.
Marly was the location of Château de Marly, the famous leisure residence of King Louis XIV, which was more intimate than Versailles and far from the court etiquette. Only a few people had the honor to be the King’s guests at Marly, and they were appointed directly by King Louis XIV a few days before the departure.
The Château de Marly was totally destroyed after the French Revolution. However, a few remains are left, and the surrounding park still keeps its original waterways, lawns, and sculptures.
In Marly-le-Roi, you may also want to visit Alexandre Dumas’ home, the Château de Montecristo, and its park. This beautiful and intriguing castle is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the writer’s life and work.
Things to Do in Marly-Le-Roi:
- Stroll around the gardens and the remains of the Royal Palace
- Picnic in the Park
- Visit the Château de Montecristo
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO MARLY-LE-ROI
By Train: There are many direct trains from La Défense to Marly-le-Roi. To reach La Défense train station, take the RER A or the Parisian metro line 1. Then take train L towards St Nom la Bretèche train station (1hr, every 20 min).
By Car: Paris to Marly-le-Roi is a 25 km drive which takes around 23 min, depending on the traffic.
8. Bougival
Bougival is one of the best towns near Paris with direct train connections to the capital. It is located 17km west of Paris in the Ile-de-France region.
During the 19th century, the Impressionists chose this peaceful place by the Seine River as their favorite open-air workshop. People like Monet, Sisley, or Berthe Morisot spent long periods in this village trying to catch the beauty of the river and its banks, and soon Bougival’s landscapes became the subject of some of their masterworks.
Visit Bougival’s picturesque historic center, with its beautiful Romanesque-style church, before heading to the Seine River’s banks to follow the Impressionist Walk. This walk has real-scale panels showing reproductions of famous Impressionist paintings at the exact point where the painters found inspiration.
In Bougival, you will also find the remains of the Machine of Marly. This intriguing machine, built under the rule of King Louis XIV, transported water from the Seine River up to Versailles to feed the Fountains of Versailles! At that time, the Machine de Marly was considered the eighth-world wonder.
Things to Do in Bougival:
- Sightseeing
- Seine River walks
- The remains of the Machine of Marly
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO BOUGIVAL
By Train: There are many direct trains from La Défense to Bougival train station. To reach La Défense train station, take the RER A or the Parisian metro line 1. Then take train L towards St Nom la Bretèche train station (1hr, every 20 min). Bougival is the train station before Marly-le-Roi, so you can visit both places on the same day.
By Car: Paris to Bougival i is a 15 km drive which takes around 14 min, depending on the traffic.
9. Montfort L’Amaury
Montfort l’Amaury is one of the best villages near Paris to visit. Monfort is located 45km west of Paris in the region of Ile-de-France.
Despite its small size, Montfort has an interesting heritage. The historical center still maintains its medieval layout, and the streets around the church are populated by many beautiful half-timbered houses.
We arrived at Montfort L’Amaury following Victor Hugo’s steps. The famous French writer discovered this place when he was 23, and he wrote a beautiful ode to Monfort’s ruins (Tour d’Anne de Bretagne) ‘Aux Ruines de Montfort l’Amaury:’
- Je vous aime, ô débris ! Et surtout quand l’automne
- Prolonge en vos échos sa plainte monotone. Sous vos abris croulants je voudrais habiter, | Vieilles tours, que le temps l’une vers l’autre incline.
- Et qui semblez de loin sur la haute colline, |Deux noirs géants prêts à lutter.
The list of interesting sites in Monfort l’Amaury includes the 12th-century fortified castle (Tour Anne de Bretagne), the impressive Saint Pierre Church (15th-16th centuries), and the old cemetery with a beautiful covered gallery. The French composer Maurice Ravel lived in Montfort for 16 years, and it is possible to visit his house (Le Belvedère), where he composed the famous Boléro.
Things to Do in Montfort L’Amaury
- Sightseeing
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO MONTFORT L’AMAURY
By Train + Bicycle: Direct trains leave from Paris Gare de Montparnasse to Montfort Méré train station. From the train station, there is a 3.6 km walk to Montfort l’Amaury. You can take your bicycle on the train (or rent one in Paris) and explore Monfort by bike starting from the train station.
By Car: The easiest way to visit Montfort l’Amaury is by car. Paris to Montfort l’Amaury is a 50 km drive that takes around 35 minutes, depending on the traffic.
10. Chevreuse
La Haute Vallée de la Chevreuse is a hiking paradise with the perfect mix of nature walks and cultural heritage. If you are looking for day trips in the French countryside near Paris, you are going to love Chevreuse, a small village nestled in the Valley. Chevreuse is located 34km southwest of Paris in the region of Ile-de-France.
Chevreuse is dominated by the Château de la Madelaine, a beautiful fortified castle (11th century) on the top of a hill with panoramic views of the Valley. This village near Paris is also known for its Chemin des Petits Ponts along one of the legs of the Yvette River. This picturesque pedestrian walk is lined with old laundries, tanneries, and watermills.
Things to do in Chevreuse:
- Nature walks
- Sightseeing
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO CHEVREUSE
By Train: We usually visit Chevreuse on an (18 km) day hike, starting at La Verrière train station and ending at St Rémy La Chevreuse train station. If you want to visit the town of Chevreuse only, take RER B to Saint Rémy La Chevreuse train station (45 min, hourly), and from there, there is a 3 km walk to Chevreuse.
By Car: Paris to Chevreuse is a 34 km drive which takes around 40 min, depending on the traffic.
11. La Roche-Guyon
If you are looking for unique villages near Paris to visit, consider La Roche-Guyon, on the right bank of the Seine River. La Roche-Guyon is located 72km northwest of Paris, and this is the only village in the region of Ile de France with the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” label.
In the 19th century, La Roche-Guyon was a holiday resort that saw many artists and writers. This picturesque village near Paris is known for its intriguing 12th-century castle. The keep, built on the top of the hill, is connected to the main building through a 100-step underground staircase dug into the side of the plateau, and it offers panoramic views of the village and the Seine Valley.
The Kitchen Garden is another interesting place to visit in La Roche-Guyon. This French-style vegetable garden was created in the 18th century by the La Rochefoucauld family, the castle’s owners. This family shared the ideas of the physiocrats and encyclopaedists, and they wanted for their château a scientific and experimental garden rather than a pleasure garden.
Things to Do in La Roche-Guyon
- Sightseeing
- Nature walks
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO LA ROCHE GUYON
By Train+Bus: La Roche-Guyon is not easy to reach by public transportation, but nothing is impossible! Take a train from Paris Saint Lazare Train Station to Gare de Bonnières (47 min, every 4 hours). The next step is to take a bus from Gare Routière Bonnières to Petit Pont station (9 min, every 4 hours).
By Car: Paris to La Roche-Guyon is a 72 km drive which takes around 53 min, depending on the traffic.
Beautiful Villages Near Paris (Hauts-de-France Region)
12. Chantilly
Chantilly is a lovely town in the Hauts-de-France region famous for its Grand Stables and beautiful château. Chantilly is an easy day trip from Paris by train, but if you are wondering where to stay outside of Paris to take the train in, Chantilly is a good option too.
The Château de Chantilly was built in the 16th century for the House of Montomercy. Later, it was owned by the princes of Condé, cousins of the King of France. The surrounding gardens are spectacular, and you can visit them with or without the Château.
In the 17th century, Les Grandes Ecuries (the Grand Stables) was built for the Prince of Condé, and they could host 240 horses and 500 hounds. Today Les Grandes Écuries hosts the Horse Museum, and it is a very reputed center of dressage for the most expensive horses in the world. The ticket to the Horse Museum includes a very entertaining dressage show.
Since the construction of Les Grandes Écuries, the world of this small town near Paris has turned around horses. Today, Chantilly and the surrounding villages are home to the largest racehorse-training community in France. The Chantilly Racecourse (Hippodrome de Chantilly) hosts one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
Things to Do in Chantilly:
- Racecourse in the Hippodrome de Chantilly
- Sightseeing
- Nature walks
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO CHANTILLY
By Train: There are direct trains from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux train station (30 min, hourly). From there, it’s a pleasant walk to the Château and the Grand Stables.
By Car: Paris to Chantilly is a 42 km drive which takes around 40 min, depending on the traffic.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Because of its direct train connection with Paris, Chantilly is one of the best places to stay outside Paris to enjoy the French countryside, with easy access to Paris.
13. Senlis
Senlis is one of the cute towns near Paris that you cannot miss, with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Senlis is located 42km north of Paris, in the region of Hauts-de-France.
Senlis is a royal town, the cradle of the Capet dynasty. Indeed, Hugh Capet was lord of Senlis before becoming the first French king of the House of Capet in 987. Since then and until King Henry IV, all his successors lived or spent some periods in the Royal Palace of Senlis.
Today the historical center of Senlis still keeps its medieval layout, with picturesque cobbled streets and beautiful architecture dating from the 10th-18th century. Senlis Cathedral may not be one of our favorite cathedrals in France, but no one can deny that it is imposing and probably the best remaining witness of Senlis’ power.
Senlis is also well known for its Roman heritage, and you can still see some remains of the Roman fortress and towers (3rd century) and a Gallo-Roman arena (1st century).
Things to Do in Senlis
- Sightseeing
- Nature walks
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO SENLIS
By Train + Bus: If you want to go from Paris to Senlis by public transportation, take the train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux train station (30 min, hourly) and then take bus #645 to Senlis (20 min ride every 30 min). The bus schedule changes often, so we recommend checking the tourism website here.
By Car: Paris to Senlis is a 51 km drive which takes around 35 min, depending on the traffic.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
You can visit Senlis on a day trip from Paris, but the town is so charming that it is worth spending one night on-site. Book one night in Senlis and use the day after to visit Chantilly, located only 10 minutes by bus from Senlis.
14. Gerberoy
Gerberoy is one of the cutest small villages near Paris. It is located 105km northwest of Paris, and it is a dream destination for flower passionates, especially rose lovers.
Walking around this picturesque village and its gardens is an absolute delight, with its narrow cobbled streets, 17th-18th-century houses, climbing roses, wisterias, and other flowers and plants.
Gerberoy is one of the villages in Hauts-de-France with the ‘Most beautiful villages of France’ label. It is the perfect place to wander aimlessly, looking at the flowers and the small details.
Gerberoy is best known for its Rose Festival (the third weekend of June), when roses and hortensias are in full bloom.
Things to Do in Gerberoy:
- Sightseeing
- The Rose Festival in June
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO GERBEROY
By Car: Paris to Gerberoy is a 105 km drive which takes around 1 hour 15 min, depending on the traffic.
Beautiful Towns Near Paris (Normandy Region)
15. Giverny
Giverny is one of the most famous villages near Paris, where the Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked from 1883 until he died in 1926. Giverny is located 74km northwest of Paris, in the Normandy region.
Every year thousands of visitors travel from Paris to Giverny to visit Monet’s House and Garden to admire the water lily pond that inspired Monet for many of his paintings (click here for a quick guide). However, Monet’s house and studio are as attractive as the gardens; they are a visual experience of different spaces, colors, and materials where the painter left nothing to chance.
Apart from Monet’s house, Giverny has a main street with cute shops, cafes, and an Impressionist Museum.
Things to Do in Giverny
- Sightseeing
- Monet’s House and Garden
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO GIVERNY
By Train + Shuttle: There is no direct train connection from Paris to Giverny. First, you need to take a train from Gare Saint Lazare to Vernon train station (1 hr, hourly), where you can take a shuttle that drops you in front of Monet’s house.
>> Click here to book your train tickets to Vernon
By Car: Paris to Giverny is a 74 km drive which takes around 54 min, depending on the traffic.
BEST DAY TOUR FROM PARIS TO GIVERNY
If you’d rather not drive to Giverny yourself, you can take this half-day guided tour to Giverny with an expert guide that will drive you there and back in comfort.
16. Les Andelys
Les Andelys are two beautiful towns near Paris located in one of the meanders of the Seine River 90km northwest of Paris. A pleasant walk along the canal connects the two towns in the Normandy region.
Les Andelys are overlooked by the splendid ruins of Château-Gaillard. This medieval fortress was built in the 12th century under the orders of King Richard Lionheart – who was also Duke of Normandy – to protect his lands against the French King Philippe Auguste. The view from the castle (see picture above) over Les Andelys and the Seine River is terrific.
Les Andelys (and the Château Gaillard) make a nice stop, perhaps on your way to Giverny or Rouen by car. Apart from the ruins of the Château, the towns have different religious buildings from the 13th century and beautiful family houses from the 16th-19th centuries.
Things to Do in Les Andelys
- Sightseeing
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO LES ANDELYS
By Car: This is the best option to visit Les Andelys because train connections are not good. Les Andelys is a 90km drive which takes around 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
17. Gisors
Gisors is one of the best small towns near Paris to visit for history lovers. It is located only 70 km north of the French capital, on the banks of the River Epte, in the Normandy region.
Gisors is the historical capital of the Norman Vexin (Eure) and is well worth a visit for its picturesque architecture of old half-timbered houses and listed heritage. The town is best known for its medieval château, which is one of the best castles in Normandy. The castle was an important fortress for the English Kings – who were also Dukes of Normandy – and was built in the 11th century to help protect the region from the King of France. From the top of its keep, visitors can enjoy a superb view of the town and Epte Valley.
Other interesting things to see in Gisors are the Church of St. Gervais and St. Protais from the 12th-16th centuries, which has a remarkable Renaissance façade, a Flamboyant Gothic nave, and a radiant Gothic chancel.
What to Do in Gisors:
- Sightseeing
- Nature walks
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO GISORS
By Train: there’s no direct train to Gisors, but nothing is lost! From Paris Gare du Nord, take the Translien train line H to Pontoise, then line J to Gisors. The total journey usually takes less than 2 hours (one way, waiting time in Pontoise included). There’s no need to book train tickets in advance.
By Car: Paris to Gisors by car is a 70 km drive which lasts less than 1 hour. Try to leave the French capital early in the morning to avoid the rush hours.
Cute Towns Near Paris (Centre-Val de Loire Region)
18. Chartres
Chartres is one of the most attractive big towns /small cities near Paris to visit. It is located 96 km south of Paris, in the region of Centre-Val-de-Loire.
Chartres is best known for its impressive Gothic Cathedral, one of the Grandes Cathédrales de France, and (like Amiens Cathedral or Saint-Denis Basilica-Cathedral) an essential milestone in the evolution of Gothic Cathedrals in Europe. The Chartres Cathedral is famous for its 13th-century labyrinth designed on the pavement, the largest one built in France! Pilgrims used to walk this labyrinth seeking healing or meditation.
Apart from the magnificent Cathedral, Chartres has a cute historical center with some half-timbered houses. We suggest walking down to the River Eure where you can see pretty small houses, some of them with their private boats.
Things to Do in Chartres
- Sightseeing
- Chartres en Lumières (sound and light show)
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO CHARTRES
Chartres is one of the easiest short-day trips from Paris by train. Direct trains leave from Paris Gare de Montparnasse to Chartres Train Station every 30 minutes (1h 10min ride).
>> Click here to book your train tickets to Chartres
By Car: Paris to Chartres is an 88.5 km drive which takes around 53 min, depending on the traffic.
BEST DAY TOUR FROM PARIS TO CHARTRES
Spend a relaxing day exploring the Chartres Cathedral and the medieval houses along the Eure River with this 5-hour guided tour. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation on a private vehicle, and a knowledgeable English guide.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
If you are wondering where to stay outside Paris, Chartres can be a good choice. The Chartres en Lumières Show (light show from dusk to 1 am in the summer) is a great excuse to extend your trip and spend one night in Chartres.
Beautiful Villages Near Paris (Grand Est Region)
19. Éperney & Hautvillers
If you are willing to explore the French countryside near Paris, Epernay and Hautvillers are the best towns near Paris to visit. Epernay is located 140 km southwest of Paris, in the region of Grand Est.
In the heart of the Champagne vineyards, Epernay is the capital of champagne wine. In this small town near Paris, the most luxury champagne brands, like Moët-Chandon, Vranken, Mercier, Pol Roger, or Perrier-Jouët, have their headquarters and champagne cellars.
Epernay’s main avenue, Avenue de Champagne, is considered the most expensive avenue in the world! Beautiful private mansions line up on the surface. Below the ground, kilometers of galleries house millions of bottles of the best champagne wine.
The village of Hautvilliers, north of Epernay, is also worth visiting. Here, the monk Dom Perignon developed the method of champagnisation of wine. Dom Perignon is buried inside this abbey, just in front of the main altar.
Things to Do in Epernay & Hautvillers
- Sightseeing
- Nature walks
- Champagne tasting and shopping from small producers
- Champagne tours
HOW TO GO FROM PARIS TO EPERNAY
By Train: trains to Epernay leave Paris from Paris Gare de l’Est to Epernay train station every 2 hours (1h 15 min). If you want to add Hautvillers to your Epernay trip, we recommend taking a taxi (5km, 10 minutes drive).
>> Click here to book your train tickets to Epernay
By Car: Paris to Epernay by car is a 140 km drive which lasts about 1 hour 15 min.
BEST DAY TOUR FROM PARIS TO EPERNAY
Explore the Champagne wine-producing region with this small-group guided tour with private transportation and some tastings included. Learn the basics of champagne wine, from the growing to the tasting, and tour the House of Moët & Chandon, the world’s largest producer of champagne.
The tour also includes a visit to Reims Cathedral, where the Kings of France were crowned.
And there you have it, the list of the best small towns and other beautiful places near Paris to visit on a day trip. If you can travel further, check out this France Travel Guide
Click here for more Side Trips from Paris
Some interesting articles in the blog
- Read our Paris for the First Time Quick Guide here
- Find things to eat in Paris here
- Explore the Paris Districts here
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