Many Parisians want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend or a few days. For this, there's no need to go far: the Île-de-France region has many charming communes where you can enjoy a country atmosphere. Historic villages, flower-filled gardens, thick forests where you can hike for hours - there are plenty of ways to unwind and feel a real sense of change of scenery. So, for those Parisians who dream of escaping and relaxing far from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, here are 10 destinations where you can get closer to nature in no time.
1- Senlis in Oise, one of the nature destinations around Paris
Located 45 km north of Paris, Senlis is home to an incredibly rich heritage. Start by strolling along the ramparts, then make your way to the cobbled streets of the old town and admire its main monuments. The château, the flamboyantly Gothic Notre-Dame de Senlis cathedral, the Hôtel des Trois-Pots and the royal chapel of Saint-Frambourg are just some of the wonders to be admired. Not forgetting, of course, the beautiful mansions lining the streets. Around town, you can wander through the forests of Chantilly and Halatte. You can also take advantage of the Oise-Pays-de-France Regional Nature Park to marvel at the greenery and breathe in the fresh air.
Read the article to discover the must-sees in Senlis.
2- Provins, Seine-et-Marne
Parisians looking for a medieval getaway must visit Provins, a fortified town less than 1h30 from the French capital. It's quite simply one of the most beautiful fortified villages in France, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ramparts are impressive, and the pretty half-timbered buildings are a sight to behold. The collegiate church of Saint-Quirance, the Tour de César and the fortified gates all bear witness to medieval times. And don't forget the museums and the Grande aux Dîmes, whose playful staging lets you put yourself in the shoes of an old-time merchant. Magnificent valleys also border the commune, and are ideal for walking and cycling.
Further reading to discover the must-sees of Seine-et-Marne.
3- Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne
Let's stay in Seine-et-Marne and head for Fontainebleau, a classic just outside Paris. You can get there in just 40 minutes by public transport. Once there, it's hard not to take the time to admire the sublime château, the most furnished in Europe. Then it's on to the forest, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Fontainebleau also offers quick access to the beautiful countryside of Seine-et-Marne, where you can enjoy bike rides, horseback rides and stops in picturesque villages.
Activities to book a visit to Fontainebleau and the châteaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte, departing from Paris.
Curious? Discover Fontainebleau's must-sees.
4- Auvers-sur-Oise, one of the nature-lovers' destinations around Paris
Situated in the heart of the pleasant and picturesque Val d'Oise valley, Auvers-sur-Oise is famous for having attracted numerous artists, including Van Gogh. A visit to theAuberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent the last years of his life, is an essential part of any tour of the town. Follow the Painters' Trail to discover the landscapes that inspired so manyImpressionists. As for the château, built in the 17th century, it features pretty French gardens. Auvers-Sur-Oise also offers the chance to stroll through charming alleyways and ivy-covered walls. Nearby, you'll also find the forest and wheat fields in summer. A perfect getaway to get closer to nature, less than 40 km from Paris.
A trip to Auvers-sur-Oise can be perfectly incorporated into a few days' stay in Paris.
5- Giverny, one of the nature destinations around Paris
Located in Normandy, Giverny is a village of timeless charm. "The light here is like nowhere else," as the great Claude Monet so aptly put it. Giverny is a calm, soothing commune that has retained much of its charm of yesteryear. Many visitors come here to visit the Claude Monet Foundation. Here, you can admire his sublime home, his salon-atelier and his collection of Japanese prints. You won't want to miss the impressive gardens, with their many flowerbeds. In the Water Garden, the weeping willows, water lilies and Japanese bridge immediately give you the feeling of stepping into one of the artist's paintings. It's a place of striking beauty. Giverny also offers the pleasure of strolling through its narrow streets. Take a look at the Hôtel Baudy, where Rodin and Cézanne once stayed. A nearby retro train also takes you through the beautiful Eure valley.
6- Blandy-les-Tours, Seine-et-Marne
Welcome to Blandy-les-Tours, some 60 km from Paris, in the heart of the French Brie region. This is where you'll find the charming village of Blandy-les-Tours, with its interesting heritage and peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect place to take a stroll through its streets and alleys. It's a gentle journey back to the Middle Ages, the age of dungeons and knights. The village is home to a remarkable castle with high, well-preserved towers. Blandy-les-Tours is also the ideal base for exploring the Val d'Ancoeur. It boasts seven sites recognized as Zones Naturelles d'Intérêt Écologique, Faunistique et Floristique (ZNIEFF). This makes for memorable nature walks.
Read the article to discover the most beautiful medieval villages in France.
7- Barbizon, Seine-et-Marne
Located on the western edge of the Fontainebleau forest, Barbizon is another charming village ideal for pleasant strolls. This former lumberjack's hamlet is one of the mythical sites of pre-impressionist painting in France. In the 19th century, the Auberge Ganne, now a museum, was home to the painters who came here to seek inspiration and who founded theBarbizon School. There are museums and art galleries, and the houses are each more beautiful than the last. And for nature lovers, the forest is nearby. You'll also have access to the Gâtinais Français Regional Nature Park and its contrasting landscapes.
8- Chevreuse, Yvelines
In the Yvelines region, Chevreuse is considered one of the most romantic places in Ile-de-France. It's here, some 30 km from the capital, that you can explore a village with a remarkable heritage, including the church of Saint-Martin, the priory of Saint-Saturnin, the Maison des bannières and the château de la Madeleine and its keep, which offer a splendid view over the commune. You'll also discover the pleasure of strolling along the banks of the Yvette. And how could you fail to fall under the spell of La Promenade des petits ponts, a canal-side path lined with old houses, bridges and ancient wash-houses? And if you're a keen walker or cyclist, there are plenty of paths through the gentle Chevreuse Valley and its Regional Nature Park.
Read the article to discoverother activities for lovers in Paris.
9- Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, Seine-et-Marne
One of France's most beautiful detours! The town has preserved its medieval splendor, with monuments such as the Porte de Bourgogne and Porte de Samois, churches and ancient fortifications, and superb Renaissance facades. With the banks of the Loing, bridges and plenty of greenery, the area has all the assets of a country village, and it's no surprise that the painter Sisley once settled here to paint. You can visit his house, pay your respects at his grave and discover the sites he painted. From Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, you can also cycle the bucolic paths and canoe down the river to marvel at the flora and fauna.
10- Gerberoy, Oise
You'll have to drive a little further to reach the village of Gerberoy in the Oise department. But it's well worth the drive! As one ofFrance's "Most Beautiful Villages", you'll discover splendid streets and alleys with irregular cobblestones, and remarkable houses, some in brick, others in cob and with colorful half-timbered walls. Multicolored rosebushes adorn the façades, and the flower is celebrated on the first Sunday in June with "La fête des Roses". In the 19th century, the post-impressionist painter Henri Le Sidanier fell in love with the village, where he created superb gardens that can be visited, featuring numerous rose gardens and elegant furnishings.
Also not to be missed the path that runs alongside the Caumont state forest, offering superb panoramic views of Gerberoy and its rolling farmland.
Tempted by these destinations? Book your train tickets now:
