If you live in Paris, all you have to do is take the car or the train, and you'll have a completely different atmosphere in less than 2 minutes! With our well-developed road and rail networks, it's easy to get away for a weekend and discover small towns, stroll through the countryside and enjoy the local heritage and specialities. The regions of Normandy, Hauts-de-France, Grand Est and Centre-Val de Loire, which border on the Île-de-France region, abound in destinations where you can get away from it all, enrich yourself culturally and go green. You'll come back refreshed, and it would be wrong not to. Here are 19 places to remember for a getaway less than 2 hours from Paris.
1. Provins, Seine-et-Marne
Located southeast of Paris, Provins is a charming medieval town in the Île-de-France region. Its rich heritage has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Less than 2 hours from Paris, the town awaits visitors for a gentle journey back to the Middle Ages. Head for the upper town to walk along the ramparts and see the Tour César, a 13th-century keep. The Place du Châtel is another must-see, with its old mansions, shops and restaurants. Provins is also home to several religious monuments, including the churches of Saint-Ayoul and Sainte-Croix. In the lower town, enjoy the shopping atmosphere and thearray of pretty half-timbered houses. After a stroll through the Grange aux Dîmes, a small museum showcasing many of the trades of the fair era, head for the Provins rose garden or the Jardin Garnier to connect with nature. And don't forget the many walks and bike rides in the bucolic countryside around Provins.
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To get to Provins by train, take line P from Gare de l'Est. Journey time 1h30.
2. Versailles, Yvelines
It goes without saying that a trip to Versailles includes a visit to its unmissable Château. One of the finest achievements of 17th-century French art, it's impossible not to be dazzled by the sheer size and beauty of its rooms. The gardens, with the Parterre d'Eau and its many nooks and crannies, the Grande Ecurie, the small charming areas such as the Queen's hamlet... it takes time to admire and take an interest in the history of so many marvels. However, during a weekend in Versailles, the Yvelines town offers other possibilities. Take in the pretty baroque cathedral of Saint-Louis, stroll through the Antiquaires district or visit the Carrés Saint-Louis to photograph the curious little 18th-century houses. Art lovers can wander the aisles of the Musée Lambinet to contemplate a wide variety of works ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century. A weekend in Versailles never fails to surprise.
The easiest way to reach Versailles from Paris is to take the TER train to Chartres from Gare Montparnasse. The journey takes 15 minutes.
3. The Chevreuse Valley, Yvelines
In the Yvelines département, the Chevreuse Valley offers a breath of fresh air on the doorstep of the capital. Less than 2 hours from Paris, visitors can stroll through many charming villages. Chevreuse boasts cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Montchauvet is a medieval gem, nestled between rolling green hills and bucolic landscapes. Monfort l'Amaury is undoubtedly the most picturesque, with incredible stone houses. The Vallée de la Chevreuse abounds in breathtaking scenery, with rolling green hills, flower-filled meadows, lush forests and winding rivers. Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding and visits to majestic châteaux such as Breteuil. In the inns, don't miss out on local specialities such as goat's cheese.
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It takes 50 min from central Paris to reach the village of Chevreuse, 33 km away.
4. Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne
Known for its forest and its immense château, Fontainebleau is also a charming village, with pedestrian streets and pretty bourgeois houses. Take time to stroll through its streets, stores and museums, such as the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon. Then it's time to visit the Renaissance château and its gardens, which attract thousands of visitors every year. Nearby, the Etang des Carpes is a beautiful spot for a stroll, picnic or rowing boat ride. And then there's the forest, the largest state-owned forest in the Paris region. The diversity of landscapes is astonishing, with several varieties of trees, rocky chaos with viewpoints, ponds and moors and even a vast expanse of sand, the Sables du Cul du Chien! Lovers of outdoor activities can enjoy hiking, climbing and even dog sledding. Definitely one of the top 10 weekend destinations in France!
Fontainebleau is 67 km from Paris. Allow 1 hour by car.
5. Auvers-sur-Oise, Val d'Oise
Located in the Île-de-France region of France, Auvers-sur-Oise is a peaceful commune within easy reach of Paris. Take the time to stroll through the village, admire the buildings and visit the church featured in one of Van Gogh's most famous paintings. The town was in fact the last to welcome the painter. During a weekend in the town, you can visit the Auberge Ravoux, Van Gogh's last home, and pay your respects at his grave in the cemetery, just behind the Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. The Maison du Docteur Gachet, which was home to many Impressionist painters and houses some fine period objects, is a very interesting place to visit. The same goes for the Galerie Municipale d'Art Contemporain and the Musée Daubigny. The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise was also painted by Van Gogh. A multimedia tour plunges visitors into the heart of the Impressionist era. And its park and gardens are sublime.
Auvers-sur-Oise can be reached in around 45 minutes from Paris. The commune is 32 km away.
6. Reims, Marne
Want to spend a weekend in a city on a human scale? Reims is a great option. Surrounded by vineyards, this city steeped in history is home to a remarkable heritage. Starting with the immense Notre-Dame Cathedral, a veritable treasure trove of Gothic art. Nearby, the Palais de Tau provides an insight into the city's importance in the days of royalty. A stroll through the center of Reims is an opportunity to admire Art Deco buildings, such as the Carnegie Library. But also Gallo-Roman remains, such as the Cryptoporticus on the Place du Forum and the Porte de Mars. For a change of scenery, head for the Port Sec-La Husselle industrial zone, where street art takes pride of place. Reims also boasts a number of fascinating cultural sites, including the Planetarium and the Musée Saint-Remi, dedicated to the history of the city and region over the centuries. The latter is housed in a former abbey. Of course, Reims is also the place to visit champagne houses and sample some of the great local vintages. Cyclists will also appreciate the bucolic rides along the Aisne-Marne canal.
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Reims can be reached in just 45 minutes from the Gare de l'Est in Paris.
7. Troyes, Aube
Troyes is another city in eastern France within easy reach of Paris. The historic center is a marvel, especially the Saint-Nizier district, with its superb colorful half-timbered houses. The architecture is a real highlight of a weekend in Troyes, with 16th-century mansions, narrow streets, churches and cathedrals. The ruelle des chats is a must-see. It's so named because it's said that its narrowness facilitated the passage of cats from one roof to another! Next, head for the Saint-Jean district, where you'll find the shops that light up the streets. Then, after a stroll along the banks of the Seine, we stop to take a photo in front of the Heart of Troyes, an original sculpture by a couple of local artists that lights up in red as night falls. We won't leave Troyes without a visit to the Cité du Vitrail, and a breath of fresh air in the Forêt d'Orient, a haven of peace on the outskirts of the city.
To get to Troyes from Paris, go to Gare de l'Est and take a TER train. The journey takes 1h30.
8. Chantilly, Oise
Head to Oise for a weekend in Chantilly. While it's possible to sleep in the vicinity of the château, we can't recommend moving to the commune of Senlis to enjoy its medieval charm and numerous monuments. Less than 2 hours from Paris, the Château de Chantilly is a jewel of French heritage. Raised above the waters, its 19th-century architecture is inspired by the Renaissance. With its private apartments, formal gardens, English garden, water features, stables and Condé Museum, which houses France's2nd largest collection of ancient paintings after the Louvre, there's so much to do on this estate. Located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional Oise - Pays de France, Chantilly-Senlis offers the chance to enjoy beautiful walks in verdant surroundings. Like the 1,000-year-old Chantilly forest. An ideal destination for planning a horse-riding outing. And don't forget to take part in a workshop where you'll learn how to make the delicious Chantilly cream.
From Paris-Nord station, it takes 25 minutes by TER to get to Chantilly.
9. Amiens, Somme
In the Hauts-de-France region, Amiens is a must-see destination less than 2 hours from Paris. The city is home to France's largest cathedral, in flamboyant Gothic style. A stroll through the city center will take you to many places of interest, such as the Rue des Trois Cailloux, ideal for a spot of shopping, or the Rue Ernest Cauvin, with its Art Deco buildings. Further north, the Amiens belfry is a must-see. Dating back to the 12th century, it has been rebuilt several times, notably after a bombing raid during the Second World War. The Dewailly clock, an astonishing wrought-iron sculpture, is one of Amiens' curiosities. Want to see some more beautiful buildings? Head for the Hôtel Bouctôt-Vagniez, with its Art Nouveau architecture, the Logis du Roi and the Maison du Sagittaire, not forgetting the Rue de Metz-l'Évêque, with its beautiful brick and half-timbered houses. A former milling and tanning district, Saint-Leu and its canals are a marvel to behold. Street art can also be admired here, as can the city's natural jewels, the hortillonnages These former marshes are now home to floating gardens. A green lung!
It takes 1h10 by TER to reach Amiens from Paris Nord station.
10. Lille, Nord
Lille is one of France's largest cities. A city where it's good to spend a weekend less than 2 hours from Paris, forging sweet memories. Climbing to the top of the Belfry, one of Lille's must-see sights, you can start by scouting out the sites to be visited over the two days. Once back down, a stroll around the Grand-Place is in order, followed by the discovery of architectural gems such as the Vieille Bourse and the Palais des Beaux-Arts, home to a prestigious collection of paintings. Then it's time to lose yourself in the picturesque streets of Vieux-Lille. Admire the Flemish architecture and stroll through the local boutiques. Take a break for a drink or a regional specialty. A weekend in Lille is also an opportunity to visit the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, store in the boutiques of Rue de Béthune and explore the citadel designed by Vauban. For culture-lovers, Lille offers several rehabilitated venues, such as the Tripostal and the Gare Saint-Sauveur, which host shows and exhibitions.
From Paris Nord, TGV trains take 1h10 to Lille.
11. Giverny, Eure
For a cultural weekend less than 2 hours from Paris, there's nothing likea trip to Giverny! This small village in the Eure region is home to the incredible Claude Monet Foundation, where visitors enter the painter's house and stroll through his incredible flower gardens. The colors, the water, the water lilies and the little wooden bridges, this place is as beautiful as it is rejuvenating. The village's main street features restaurants and pretty Norman houses. Another place to visit is the splendid Musée des Impressionnismes. During a weekend in Giverny, it's worth taking the time to discover the surrounding heritage wonders. Like the Troglodytic Church of the Annunciation at Haute-Isle, or the commune of La Roche-Guyon, with its remarkable château, keep and bucolic landscapes on the banks of the Seine.
Giverny lies 80 km northwest of Paris. It takes 1h20 by car.
12. Rouen, Seine-Maritime
The capital of Normandy is within easy reach of Paris. The city center is charming. The Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned alive on May 30, 1431, is a must-see. Surrounded by half-timbered buildings, locals and visitors alike gather here for a drink or a bite to eat. A Joan of Arc historial was erected in her honor, and it remains a place of fascination for devotees of French history. Rouen is home to several religious buildings, including Notre-Dame cathedral, Saint-Maclou church and Saint-Ouen abbey church. The Rue du Gros Horloge is another popular spot for heritage lovers. Weekend getaways in Rouen also offer the opportunity to enjoy green spaces. In the Jardin des Plantes, on Sainte-Catherine hill, with its panoramic views over the city, or in the Roumare forest, criss-crossed by numerous footpaths.
TER trains link Paris Saint-Lazare to Rouen in 1h30.
13. Honfleur, Calvados
Just 2 hours from Paris, the Côte Fleurie is home to several jewels, including Honfleur. The town that inspired so many Impressionist painters invites you to stroll along its streets and alleys. You'll find yourself contemplating the buildings, each more beautiful than the last. The Vieux Bassin is the place that draws the crowds, with its superb houses reflected in the waters of the harbor and its shops. But there's a whole range of other things to see and do in Honfleur. Like visiting the churches of Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Léonard, the salt granaries and wandering through the museums. The Eugène Boudin Museum, the Musée de la Marine and the Maisons Satie, dedicated to the local musical genius, are all fascinating places to visit. Later, after enjoying some local specialties over a glass of pommeau, head to the Plage du Butin for a digestive stroll. Another beautiful nature walk takes place in Honfleur's Jardin des Personnalités, adorned with lovely statues of personalities who have either come from the town or stopped here, themselves captivated by its beauty.
The drive from Paris to Honfleur takes 2 hours 10 minutes, and covers a distance of 185 km.
14. Trouville-sur-Mer, Calvados
Located opposite Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer is a pleasant little fishing port. One of the first things to do is to take the Promenade Savignac, Trouville's famous promenade. Here, you can contemplate the sea, the blue benches bearing artists' names and the sublime Belle Époque houses lining the beach. The old town of Trouville is also full of charm, with its pretty buildings and the shops that liven up the inevitable Rue des Bains. Not far from the station, the 2 belvederes on the Presqu'île offer breathtaking panoramic views of the port of Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer. Of course, a weekend in Trouville, just 2 hours from Paris, is an opportunity to cross the Pont des Belges and the Touques to discover Deauville. In the evening, Trouville's casino is sure to delight those looking to spice up their getaway.
To get to Trouville-sur-Mer from Paris, you'll need to travel 200 km, or 2 hours by freeway. Or take a TER train from Gare Saint-Lazare. The Trouville-Deauville station via Lisieux is about 2 hours away.
15. La Perrière, Orne
The Perche is a great place to get away from it all for a weekend. And it's all the more so with the Petite Cité de Caractère village of La Perrière, an ideal place to recharge your batteries. This colorful village in the Orne region is home to imposing buildings sublimated by Roussard stone. Keep your eyes peeled for windows decorated with curtains using the local technique of filet perlé, which was exported all over the world. In La Perrière, of course, you can also take the time to admire the finest elements of the town's heritage, including the presbytery, the old schools, the college and the Soizay manor house. From the village, numerous paths lead into the heart of the bucolic countryside. At the western end of the commune, the spur site offers a lovely walk through the trees, with the added bonus of absolutely remarkable panoramic views over the Orne and Sarthe departments.
It takes 2 hours from Paris to reach La Perrière. The village is 186 km away.
16. Chartres, Eure-et-Loir
Chartres certainly brings to mind its imposing cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site and undeniably one of the most beautiful in France. But there's more to Chartres than that. Stroll through the Parc de l'Évêché after visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The heart of the town, built around the River Eure, features ancient washhouses and beautiful medieval houses. Art and crafts are very much alive in Chartres. Discover a vast collection of stained glass dating from the Renaissance at the Centre International du Vitrail, contemporary creations along the Chemin des Arts, buildings covered in trompe-l'œil frescoes in the Bel Air district and an unusual house covered in multicolored mosaics, the unmissable Maison Picassiette. Chartres is also a great place to go green. The Parc des bords de l'Eure is a veritable "Little Venice", and cyclists can follow the safe paths of the Véloscénie.
It takes 1h15 by TER to reach Chartres from Paris Montparnasse station.
17. Blois, Loir-et-Cher
Blois is another town in the Centre-Val de Loire region, within easy reach of Paris. The old town of Blois never fails to attract visitors, as in the Rue du Puits-Châtel, adorned with tall stone houses. The town also boasts a number of private mansions dating back to the Renaissance. One of the finest examples of this period is the imposing château, renowned for its spiral staircase. Further along the Denis-Papin staircase, you can see the Jacques-Gabriel bridge and the majestic Loire River. Strolls along its banks or aboard a traditional boat are other must-sees in Blois. Take the kids to the Maison de la Magie! Art lovers, the Fondation du Doute is dedicated to the radical Fluxus movement, a network of multidisciplinary artists in the 60s and 70s. So many options that make the prefecture of Loir-et-Cher a great place to get away from it all.
Blois can be reached by TER train in 1h50 from Paris Austerlitz station.
18. Chenonceau and Chambord, Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher
From Paris, it's easy to get to the wonderful châteaux of the Loire. For example, you can stop off at Blois or Amboise, which themselves boast magnificent châteaux overlooking the royal river. Among these jewels of French heritage is Chenonceau in Indre-et-Loire. This magnificent Renaissance château, known as the Château des Dames, features arches spanning the Cher River. On site, you'll discover richly decorated rooms, magnificent formal gardens and you can even go canoeing at the foot of the building. In the neighboring department of Loir-et-Cher, the Château de Chambord is also an exceptional work of architecture. Set in a vast wooded estate, the monument is a sight to behold, with its numerous windows and fireplaces, panoramic terraces, furnished apartments and double spiral staircase. Its formal gardens are splendid. Horse and bird of prey shows, electric boats or cycling, guided tours of the vegetable gardens, footpaths and cycle paths, the choice of activities is wide at Chambord.
Amboise, a must-see among the Châteaux de la Loire, is 1h40 from Paris by Montparnasse, taking the TGV and then the TER. Blois is 1h50 by TER from Paris Austerlitz.
19. Tours, Indre-et-Loire
Tours is a beautiful historic city in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Stroll through the medieval streets of Le Vieux-Tours, then take a break on Place Plumereau, where terraces are set up in front of incredible 15th-century timber-framed buildings. It's also a district rich in restaurants and trendy boutiques. The tour continues along rue Colbert, one of the city's oldest streets. It offers privileged access to Saint-Gatien Cathedral, with its flamboyant Gothic architecture. Tours is a city where eating well is an art of living. It's also a place where you can savour the great vintages of the Loire. In fact, this wild river runs through the city. It's an ideal spot for walking and cycling. There are many museums to visit, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the CCCOD, one of the region's leading contemporary art centers. The botanical and Prébendes gardens, as well as the Simon and Balzac islands, are all natural settings where you can recharge your batteries right in the city.
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Tours is 1h10 from Paris Montparnasse by TGV.
Where to go for a weekend less than 2 hours from Paris by car?
Less than 2 hours from Paris by car, you can go to Fontainebleau to discover its forest and castle, to Auvers-sur-Oise to follow in Van Gogh's footsteps, to the Chevreuse Valley to wander through rolling green countryside, or to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's magnificent gardens and home.
Where to go for a romantic weekend less than 2 hours from Paris by car?
For a romantic weekend less than 2 hours from Paris by car, the Chevreuse Valley is the perfect destination. There are many medieval villages with a romantic atmosphere. And the countryside lends itself perfectly to long strolls hand in hand through lush green hills and flower-filled meadows. Fontainebleau is another option. For its château, the Etang des Carpes on which to take a boat ride, and its forest with its magnificent vantage points from which to exchange a kiss.
Where to go for a family weekend less than 2 hours from Paris by car?
Provins is a destination that appeals to families. Its heritage offers the feeling of stepping back in time. Shows, fun and educational tours, cookery workshops and sports initiations - everything is designed to entertain parents and children alike. The whole family can also join Giverny for a stroll through the gardens and have fun naming the flowers, visit Vernon aboard the little train, or head for the countryside and banks of the Seine for walks and playtime.
What are the most beautiful villages less than 2 hours from Paris?
From Paris, you can easily reach some of the most beautiful villages in less than 2 hours. These include Provins and its medieval monuments, La Perrière and its colorful houses, Giverny and Claude Monet's gardens and all the villages of the Chevreuse Valley. Chevreuse, Montchauvet and Monfort-l'Amaury are real gems in this verdant valley just outside Paris.
