Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Top 10 travel destinations close to Paris. by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees
When people think of France, their minds usually immediately go to Paris and it’s not hard to see why. As the City of Lights, it receives millions of visitors every year eager to visit the city’s iconic sites and experience the Parisian way of life.
But like any capital city, Paris can become overwhelming and, especially with the upcoming Olympic Games taking place over the summer, you may want to escape the crowds.
But where should you go? It turns out that some of France’s most charming destinations are only a short trip from Paris (1-2 hours by train). Whether you prefer to explore royal palaces or stroll through a quaint French village that brings to mind Beauty and the Beast, here are the top 10 travel destinations close to Paris that offer a delightful escape into France’s rural beauty.
Top 10 travel destinations close to Paris
1. Versailles.
If you’ve ever studied French history, you’ll no doubt have heard of Versailles, the residence of French royalty. The town is best known for its palace, France’s main royal residence from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.
The palace was built under Louis XIII but was extended and transformed into what it is today by his successor, Louis XIV, known as the Sun King.
And as it happens, the town of Versailles is only a 30-45 minute train journey from Paris, allowing you to explore the opulent palace and its iconic gardens on a sunny day. The gardens of the Château de Versailles, designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, are considered to be one of the finest examples of French gardens, with beautiful sculptures, fountains and lawns, so make sure you take the time to explore them as they are as impressive as the château itself.
And beyond its famous château, the town of Versailles is full of charm, with narrow cobbled streets lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. If you can, try to go there on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday, as these are the days when the Versailles market, also known as the Marché Notre-Dame, is held in the Place du Marché, the central square of Versailles. It attracts locals as well as many visitors who come to explore the stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, cheese, meat, flowers and even clothes.
2. Giverny.
Giverny is a small village in Normandy, in the north of France, about one hour by train from the centre of Paris. If you’re interested in art, you’ll already have heard of Giverny, as it was here that French Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926.
That’s why Monet’s house and gardens are the town’s main attraction. Both have been restored and are open to visitors. The gardens are particularly spectacular and were the inspiration for many of Monet’s paintings.
If you’re planning to visit, choose a sunny day to explore them fully and be sure to visit the water garden, which includes a Japanese bridge, water lilies and weeping willows.
Before heading back to Paris, don’t forget to explore Giverny town centre. It may not be as picturesque as Monet’s gardens, but it’s still very charming with its narrow streets full of little shops, galleries and cafés, as well as historic buildings such as the church of Sainte-Radegonde, a Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century.
3. Fontainebleau.
Just 45 minutes by train from Paris lies the charming town of Fontainebleau. It is best known for its castle, the stunning Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which, like the Château de Versailles, is surrounded by magnificent gardens known as the ‘Jardins de Diane’.
In addition to these gardens, the town also boasts a vast forest covering more than 25,000 hectares, which is a world-famous destination for rock climbers, as it is home to thousands of sandstone boulders and cliffs, as well as delightful trails for hikers.
Fontainebleau is also renowned for its equestrian traditions and is often considered an important centre for equestrian sports. As for the town centre, it is made up of picturesque cobbled streets, elegant squares and well-preserved buildings dating back centuries, making it a must-see destination for anyone wanting to discover a typical French town.
4. Chantilly.
Just 30 minutes from Paris by train, Chantilly is the ideal destination for a day trip away from the bustling French capital. As you may have guessed, there’s another magnificent château to visit, the Château de Chantilly, a historic chateau renowned for its elegant architecture and magnificent gardens, also designed by André Le Nôtre.
Inside the château is the Musée Condé, where you can see some of the world’s most famous paintings by artists such as Raphael, Botticelli, Delacroix, Poussin, Ingres and many others.
Like Fontainebleau, Chantilly is an ideal destination for horse lovers, as it is home to the Grandes Écuries, which houses the Musée Vivant du Cheval, as well as the famous Hippodrome de Chantilly, one of the most prestigious racecourses in France.
And if you’re a golfer, Chantilly is an ideal destination for you, as you can train at one of Chantilly’s prestigious golf courses, such as Golf de Chantilly or Golf d’Apremont.
Finally, make sure to try the delicious Chantilly cream, a light, frothy, vanilla flavored whipped cream. Often attributed to the famous pastry chef and caterer Vatel who was commissioned to organise a party for the Duc de Condé, owner of Chantilly, and his cousin Louis XIV at the Chateau in April 1671. However, it is probable that the invention of this whipped cream dates back to an earlier time and that it was actually Catherine de Medici’s cooks who introduced this recipe to France.
5. Reims.
Reims is just over an hour from Paris by train and well worth a visit. After all, one of the things France is most famous for is its champagne and, as the capital of the Champagne wine region, Reims is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to sample world-renowned champagne at one of the city’s many prestigious houses, such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger and Ruinart.
In between tastings, you can also visit the impressive Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its soaring towers and intricate stained glass windows, as well as being the place where the kings of France were traditionally crowned.
And before you leave, don’t forget to try some of the regional specialities, such as the famous pink biscuits, “Rose de Reims”, for dipping in champagne.
6. Lille.
Just over an hour from Paris by train is the city of Lille, located in northern France near the border with Belgium. It’s best to go on a sunny day, as you’ll then be able to wander through the narrow cobbled streets of Vieux Lille, the historic heart of the city. In this part of the city, there are many charming restaurants where you can sample dishes that are popular in northern France, such as the hearty Flemish beef stew known as carbonnade Flamande, the pungent cheese known as maroilles (dip it in your morning coffee for the full Chti experience), the delicious Speculoos biscuits and of course, the famous Belgian waffles that are hugely popular in Lille.
When you arrive in Lille by train, you’re not far from the main square, known as La Grande Place or Place du Général de Gaulle, which is well worth a visit. If you like art, you can visit Lille’s Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest art museums, which features works by artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Delacroix.
If you fancy a stroll, head for the Parc de la Citadelle, which surrounds Lille’s historic citadel. And if you’re a keen antique collector, head to Lille on the weekend of 13 September for the Braderie de Lille, one of Europe’s biggest flea markets.
There are many excellent reasons to visit Lille, but perhaps the best is to experience its warm and friendly people.
7. Dijon.
Just under two hours from Paris by train is the charming town of Dijon, capital of the Burgundy region. The best way to visit the city is to follow the Chemin de la Chouette, a signposted route that guides you through Dijon’s historic centre to see its main attractions and landmarks. As you follow it, you’ll pass the Notre-Dame de Dijon cathedral, known for its intricate Gothic architecture, including the famous Jacquemart clock.
You’ll also see the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, once the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy and now home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Place de la Libération, home to the iconic Neptune fountain, a symbol of Dijon.
And if you’re a food lover, be sure to visit the Musée de la Moutarde to find out all about the history of Dijon mustard. And if you can, why not take a day trip to the nearby Burgundy vineyards for a wine-tasting tour.
8. Honfleur.
Honfleur is a charming coastal town in Normandy, known for its picturesque harbour, with its colourful buildings and historic ships, which has inspired many artists, including painters and writers such as Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, Gustave Flaubert and Charles Baudelaire.
As well as being an artistic retreat for some of France’s most famous artists and a beautiful town in its own right, Honfleur is also a historic maritime town and this is why the town is particularly famous for its seafood. Finally, the best way to explore the town is on foot, wandering the cobbled streets of the historic old town.
Although Honfleur is a little further from Paris (about 3 1/2 hours by train and a little over 2 hours by car), it is definitely worth considering for a weekend trip.
9. Loire Valley.
There are many ways to get to the Loire Valley, and depending on where you choose to go, it takes around two hours to get there by train from Paris.
Chances are, if you’ve heard of the Loire Valley, it’s because of its many ‘châteaux’, some of the most beautiful in France. Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château de Villandry are among the most popular and well worth a visit.
If you go, don’t forget to organise tastings at the local vineyards and visits to the cellars, to sample some of the region’s best wines.
And if you’re planning a trip to the area, make sure you visit some of the region’s most charming towns, such as Tours, Amboise, Orléans, Chinon, Saumur and many more.
10. Strasbourg.
Last but certainly not least is the charming city of Strasbourg. Around two hours by train from Paris, Strasbourg is the capital of the Bas-Rhin department and lies close to the border with Germany. As a result, the city is steeped in German influences, making it one of the most picturesque cities in France.
Don’t miss a stroll through the historic Petite France district, with its half-timbered houses and flower-filled balconies, and don’t miss the city’s historic monuments such as Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral, as well as the Palais Rohan, home to three museums: the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Musée Archéologique.
If you want to see the city from a different angle, you can also take a boat trip on the River Ill. And if you’re interested in politics, be sure to visit the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, all located in Strasbourg’s European quarter.
And of course, before you leave, don’t forget to indulge in Alsatian cuisine in one of Strasbourg’s many restaurants and brasseries, and try specialities such as tarte flambée (flammekueche), choucroute garnie and foie gras.
Final words on Top 10 travel destinations close to Paris
So there you have it, ten places not far from Paris to escape to for a day-trip or even a weekend gateway. Each of these destinations is special in its own right and depending on what you’re looking for, whether you’re a history buff, an art lover or a foodie in search of gourmet treats, you can find the perfect place for you just a train journey away from Paris.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Top 10 travel destinations close to Paris.
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Article By Hannah Rees
Hannah Rees is a writer based in Paris. She currently divides her time between completing her second novel, writing songs on her guitar and working as a fashion designer for private clients. She has a strong fashion background, having studied fashion design in Paris, and counts Prada, Lemaire, House of Marlow, Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney among her influences. She loves discovering the world and dreams of going to Iceland.
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All these places are breathtaking when the media just show the Eiffel Tower. Thanks for sharing will bookmark these places if I ever travel to france
Thank you! There are definitely a lot more sights than the Eiffel Tower (although of course, the Eiffel Tower is spectacular too!) xo
I would love to go to all of these places, so far I have travelled to Paris, Lille and Loire Valley and all so beautiful.
Have a great week
Gemma
https://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks Gemma! Which was your favourite?
Me encantaría conocer esos destinos. Te mando un beso.
Todos estos destinos valen la pena. Te mando un beso tambien 😘
Wonderful destinations near Paris!
There’s so much to see ….I’d love to visit them all.
Thanks Ivana! They are definitely all worth visiting! xo
What really strike my fancy is the incredible architecture that has stood the test of time.
Thanks for sharing this list.
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks Jodie! That’s so true – the architecture in and around Paris is stunning xo
We went to Angers for a day trip by train when we were in Paris and wow, I didn’t realize it was a few hours away! This was about 12 years ago, though. But, there was a beautiful castle there that we saw.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Paris to Angers is just under 2 hours by train so it’s not too bad, and it’s definitely worth it! xo
I have been to Paris, but I haven’t been to any of these locations. They look amazing!
Thanks Laura! I definitely recommend trying to visit a few of them next time you are in Paris. Versailles is the most popular choice, but I also love Chantilly which is just half an hour away by train and the gardens of Giverny are beautiful xo
Oh my! So many beautiful places. France is one of my favorite destinations and now I will have to plan another trip. Thanks for these recommendations. 🙂
Via | https://glossnglitters.com
Thanks Via! I hope you come back to France – there are so many beautiful places to visit xo
I absolutely loved Reims, Giverny, and Versailles and would love to go back and spend more time in each of those towns.
Jill – Doused in Pink
They are all beautiful places! I hope you managed to find time for champagne tasting in Reims xo
Hello, Julia,
These 10 places to visit near Paris are really places of exceptional beauty and definitely worth a getaway! Great tips as always!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
Thank you Marisa. I’m so glad you like the tips xoxo
This travel guide is wonderful! i will leave it for my next trip.
i would love to visit Giverny and Versailles
They are both very beautiful (although they do tend to get very busy during the peak season) xo
I would absolutely love to visit all of these places near Paris! What stunning images!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks Kathrine. I love all these places, especially Chantilly and the Loire.
Oh, I’ll have to send this to my friend who is moving to France.
XOOX
Jodie
How exciting! I’m sure she will love it here. She is very welcome to reach out to me if she needs any advice xoxo
I love this list. Thanks for sharing. It will come in handy on my next vacation to Paris.
Annie,
Annies Food Diary
Thanks Annie. So glad you like the list x
Ooo thanks for the all the wonderful information. I have been to Versailles it was GREAT. I traveled from Paris by motorcyle with my stepbrother that was quite the experience. Last trip we went to the country side for a family gathering not farm from a dairy farm where they make cheese!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I can imagine that travelling from Paris to Versailles by motorcycle was quite an experience! Versailles is worth it though xoxo