In France, a few hours' drive is all it takes to change the landscape and atmosphere completely. From Paris, a multitude of destinations await those who wish to escape the big city for a weekend or a few days, and all without driving for what seems like an endless amount of time! Hiking or cycling in the countryside or by the sea, visits to towns of character, wine-tourism walks, gourmet pleasures and the contemplation of ancestral monuments, there is something for all tastes and all desires. Here are a few destinations that you can reach quickly by car from Paris, for a break from all the pleasures!
Destinations just outside Paris
For Parisians wishing to take a break, you should know that it is very easy to change atmosphere while remaining in the Ile-de-France. You can go to the superb medieval town of Provins for a weekend. After renting a car from a private individual, you can drive less than 100 km to take a real trip through the centuries in a city that is home to no less than 60 historical monuments! Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, you will enjoy strolling along its 13th century ramparts, then going to contemplate its key monuments such as the Caesar Tower, its keep, and the collegiate church of Saint-Quiriace. What a pleasure it is also to find yourself on the charming Place du Châtel and then stroll through the streets lined with medieval stone and half-timbered houses. As Provins was once a flourishing and wealthy city, a visit to the Grange aux Dîmes, a former covered market that has become a museum, is another must-see. The place allows you to discover the many trades of the time of the fairs. Finally, you should not miss the coolness of the underground galleries which, like a second city within the city, reveal chalk galleries and 160 lower rooms.
Still in Ile-de-France, a nature weekend can take place in Fontainebleau, a real green lung in the region. The destination is not lacking in proposals for outdoor activities. Of course, one should think of visiting the castle and strolling in its superb gardens. The Grand Parterre, the English Garden, the Jardin de Diane, the Étang aux Carpes and the Park are all good places to go for beautiful bucolic strolls and to discover a rich plant heritage. And then there is the forest, ideal for hiking, picnicking and having fun climbing on the chaos of surprisingly shaped boulders during supervised visits. The forest can be explored on foot, by bike or with an electric scooter, a fun and ecological way to enjoy the green surroundings of the 25,000 hectare wooded area.
Head for Normandy
Normandy offers a wealth of landscapes and experiences without having to drive far from Paris. For art lovers, a stopover can be made in the charming village of Giverny, a temple of Impressionism. It is indeed in this small town in Normandy that Claude Monet lived in a pretty house that he decorated with sumptuous gardens that inspired him so much to paint. The Musée des Impressionnismes and the gardens are really one of the most beautiful cultural stops to be made at a little more than an hour's drive from the capital.
In the Orne, a stay in Suisse Normande is perfect to combine walks in the heart of the green and hilly landscapes with a few sessions of canoeing on the eponymous river. The Roche d'Oëtre viewpoint and its magnificent panorama over the wooded gorges of the Rouvre, but also the Rabondanges lake, where you can fish or water ski, are all places that await lovers of outdoor activities.
And then there is the Norman coastline and its treasures. The cliffs of Étretat, Honfleur and its mythical port or Trouville are all must-see destinations for breathing in the sea air, relaxing on the beach and tasting the local gastronomy, with seafood products at the top of the list.
Travel back in time in the region of the Loire castles
Driving 1h30 to 2h30 west from Paris, you arrive in the Loire Valley, a region of priceless treasures. The Centre-Val de Loire region is indeed known throughout the world for its remarkable castles, Renaissance and medieval jewels. Chambord, Amboise, Blois, Chenonceau are all buildings not to be missed during a few days' getaway. They also allow you to plunge into the heart of French history, having welcomed some of the greatest characters, and notably kings.
There are also beautiful cities to wander around. Orléans, Blois or Tours reveal a rich heritage, a generous gastronomy and the banks of the Loire, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are ideal for relaxation and beautiful river trips.
And from the vineyards of Sologne to the forest of Orleans and the ponds of the Brenne Natural Park, the Loire Valley is also a wonderful playground for those who wish to get closer to nature. Wine tasting, cycling tours or bird and plant watching, the experiences on offer are diverse and varied. You'll leave feeling refreshed and wanting to come back as soon as possible.
