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Paris is my favorite large European city with the most charming streets, lively atmosphere, and exciting things to do. Another great thing about the City of Lights is that there are dozens of beautiful cities near Paris that you can visit as part of a day or weekend trip.
The French countryside is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris but still experience hundreds of years of history through these small towns. If you have an extra day or two on your itinerary and have had the chance to explore the French capital’s top attractions, take some time to discover the surrounding areas.
I’ve detailed 18 charming cities near Paris that you can get to in under three hours. To help you with your planning, I’ve grouped the cities by region in case you want to visit more than one in your day. I’ve also added some popular chateaux and attractions near each with tour options if you rather not explore on your own.
Overview of the Cities Near Paris
Ile-de-France Region
- Provins
- Versailles
- Auvers-Sur-Oise
- Fontainebleau
- Moret-sur-Loing
Grand Est Region
- Troyes
- Reims
- Strasbourg
Burgundy Region
- Beaune
- Chablis
Hauts-de-France Region
- Lille
- Amiens
- Chantilly
Centre-Val de Loire Region
- Tours
- Orléans
- Chartres
Normandy Region
- Rouen
- Giverny
Best Ways to Explore the Nearby Paris Cities
Guided Tour
Guided tours are the most expensive option, but they have many perks that make them worthwhile. For example, most tours include tickets to the attractions you visit, transportation, lunch, and guides. Another bonus about joining a tour group is that you usually skip the lines for attractions and have all the tedious plans taken care of for you.
Tour guides are also a great way to see several different places in a short amount of time. Tours are an efficient option if you do not have that many days in Paris but would like to get a taste of the surrounding areas.
Check out some popular day trips from Paris
Take the Train
One nice thing about many European countries is they have an extensive train network. For example, France’s larger cities are connected by the SNCF railway, which makes traveling from place to place much more accessible.
The benefit of taking trains from one place to another is that they are relatively inexpensive, reliable, and take out most of the guesswork from getting around. Trains are also a great alternative if you do not feel comfortable driving yourself around a foreign place.
Rent a Car
After spending some time in France and becoming more familiar with the country, car rentals have become my transportation of choice. Although Paris is not the easiest city to get around by car, the countryside is much simpler and far less crowded.
Renting a car allows you to be much more flexible and is the only form of transportation that can take you anywhere you want. In addition, unlike tour groups and trains, you are not under any time constraints with a car rental.
Since Paris is very congested and not the easiest city to navigate by car for nonlocals, I would opt for getting a car rental away from the city center. Many car rentals are available at Charles de Gaulle or Gare du Nord. From there, you can go anywhere you want without the worry of the traffic in the city.
Most Beautiful Cities Near Paris Map
Best Cities Near Paris in Ile-de-France
Provins
The city of Provins is located around 70km from Paris. It is more of a town than a city due to its size, but it is one of the best examples of a medieval village close to Paris.
Provins was one of the leading trade towns in Europe for wool for almost nine centuries and has stayed relatively the same since. The medieval town feels like you’ve been transported back over 800 years with its charming timbered houses and fortified walls. For that reason, Provins was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
One of the main reasons visitors come to the French town is to partake in the annual Medieval Fair held every June. The city also has a Christmas market each holiday season.
Inside the fortification is the Tour César, a 12th-century tower that Julius Cesar was rumored to have built. Although there has been no proof that this is true, the tower is still a spectacular piece of architecture with views of the city from the top.
One of the most exciting parts of the town is the underground tunnels. These tunnels are called Les Souterrains de Provins and run under most of the town. They are not just passages, however. Here you can find faulted rooms built under the inhabitant’s homes and used as meeting places, storage warehouses, and galleries.
Getting from Paris to Provins
Take the Train: Provins is an easy city to get to since the train from Paris stops directly in Provins at the Dare de L’Est station.
Rent a Car: If you plan on staying for more than just a day, you can get to Provins in about an hour and 20 minutes by car. A large parking lot is available near the Tourist Office and plenty of free street parking.
Versailles
Versailles is one of the closest cities to Paris as well as one of the most popular to visit. Home to the Palace of Versailles, the city is a popular day trip from the city. However, most people do not take the time to explore the city itself. If you have the opportunity to spend more than half the day in Versailles, take the opportunity to explore the rest of the city.
Entry to the Palace of Versailles is included in the PARIS PASS. It does not include skip-the-line entry.
Of course, I defiantly recommend you visit the Palace of Versailles while you are there. Try to get there as soon as it opens to beat the long lines to get in. After spending two hours in line on our first visit, I would spend the extra euros to purchase a skip-the-line pass for my next visit.
Versailles is an extravagant estate with so much to offer. If you are interested in learning more about the chateau, read about it in this detailed guide to Versailles. I’ve included travel tips, details on each area of the estate, and tour options for you to make the most of your experience.
Getting from Paris to Versailles
Take the Train: You can take both the SNCR and RER for around €5 each way. Using the RER C train, the easiest route is from Musee d’Orsay to Versailles Chateau River Gauche station. From there, it is just a short 10-minute walk to Versailles Palace. —- Check train schedules and times
Rent a Car: Versailles is a short 40-minute drive from Paris by car. Unless you are planning on staying in the city for more than just the day or are passing through on your way to another destination, renting a car may be more expensive than it is worth. Besides the cost of a car rental, you will also have to pay for parking. There are several parking lots near the Palace of Versailles or on the streets, but it is hard to find free anywhere.
Join a Tour: If your main goal is to visit the Palace of Versailles, many tour groups are available. Some focus solely on the palace and can be done in half a day, while others include other nearby attractions. Since there is so much to see in Versailles, tour groups are not a bad idea! Here is a top-rated tour that includes transportation to and from Paris and skip-the-line entry.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Versailles is the perfect city to spend the night. The Palace of Versailles is extensive and hosts some late-night shows throughout the week. After finishing your entire day exploring the palace and grounds, grab dinner at a local restaurant and have a quiet night wandering around the city before heading back to Paris in the morning. —– Look up Hotel Rates & Availability
Auvers-Sur-Oise
This small hamlet is not that well-known. However, it was a town where Vincent Van Gogh lived for a short time and painted dozens of paintings inspired by the city. Auvers-Sur-Oise was also inspirational to other artists in the 19th century, including Cézanne and Pissarro.
If you are an art lover, there is a spectacular self-guided tour called the Painters’ Pathways. The path will take you around the town to areas that inspired many works of art. On the way, stop by Van Gogh’s house, Auberge Ravoux. The top attic room was where Van Gogh lived, which you can visit for a few euros. Downstairs there is a delicious French restaurant.
Besides being the muse of many influential painters, Auvers-Sur-Oise has some intriguing historical buildings. One of the most visited is the magical Chateau d’Auvers, that is free to enter. The small town is also home to the Church of Auvers.
For a unique experience, visit Musee de l’Absinthe, where you can learn more about the famous absinthe drink.
Getting From Paris to Auvers-Sur-Oise
Take the Train: On the weekends, you can get to the small town directly by train from the Paris Gare du Nord station to the Auvers-Sur-Oise, a total of 40 minutes. However, you will need to take a second train during the week. You will still start at Gare du Nord, but will get off at Valmondois and switch trains (towards Pointoise) to Auvers-Sur-Oise. From there, the town is a 5-minute walk.
Rent a Car: Auvers-Sur-Oise is a short 35km from Paris, which makes your commute only 30 minutes. To beat the traffic, leave early in the morning.
Join a Tour: Take a full-day tour from Paris that takes you to the towns of Auvers-Sur-Oise and Giverny. The tour includes transportation to and from Paris, and entry tickets, and a tour of several locations.
Fontainebleau
Another exquisite chateau is Fontainebleau, named of course, after the town. Fontainebleau is about 25km southeast of Paris near Versailles. The Chateau of Fontainebleau was a popular place for the French Kinds to hunt and live for over seven centuries.
While most French royalty would migrate from palace to palace, Fontainebleau is one place royal families loved to call home. So naturally, it is the second largest caste in France, next to Versailles.
King Louis XIV adored the estate and spent much of his time contributing to the construction of Fontainebleau. He was incredibly proud of the Grand Parterre garden on the chateau grounds.
Entry to the Fontainebleau is included in the PARIS PASS
The chateau is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and hoses some spectacular artifacts, such as Marie Antoinette’s bed and Napoleon’s throne. One benefit to visiting Fontainebleau is that it is much less crowded than the Palace of Versailles.
Besides visiting the chateau, there are several other things to do in the small town. For outdoor lovers, take a hike through the 130 acres of Fontainebleau’s forests and parkland.
Getting from Paris to Fontainebleau
Take the Train: Fontainebleau is another beautiful city near Paris to visit by train. The town has its own train station that connects to Paris, the Fontainebleau-Avon station. From there, a shuttle will take you the rest of the way to Fontainebleau. Altogether, it will take about n hour to reach the chateau from Paris.
Rent a Car: Another option is to rent a car and drive to Fontainebleau. The chateaus are about 70 km from Paris and take about the same time as the train.
Join a Tour: Book your guided tour to Fontainebleau from Paris with skip-the-line entry transportation and a tour guide. Want more freedom to explore Fountainebleau on your own? This day tour from Paris includes transportation to and from Fontainebleau but offers an audioguide instead of a tour guide, giving you the flexibility to move around on your own.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Although Fontainebleau makes for a great day trip as part of a group, you may want to choose to stay near the grand chateau for a night or two. If you have a car, you can get to some smaller villages around the area.
—– Look up Hotel Rates & Availability
Moret-sur-Loing
Another lesser-known of the cities near Paris is the gem of Moret-sur-Loing. A small town is a place to explore for a quiet escape from the countryside. Walk around the river, grab a bite at a local café, and admire the city’s medieval walls.
When you first arrive in town, you will walk through two large gates. From there, visit some of the small museums around town. During your stroll, stop for a unique sweet treat. Moret-sur-Loing is known for its sucre d’orge. It is a special candy that the nuns have made of the city since 1638.
One of the best parts of Moret-sur-Loing is the outdoors. The town sits on the Canal du Loing and has a long pathway parallel to the water. You will also spot the impressive viaduct built in the 1840s that stretches across the water.
Besides being close to the Fontainebleau forest, there are great places for hiking and renting bikes along the river.
Getting From Paris to Moret-sur-Loing
Take the Train: You can take the Gare de Lyon station from Paris to Moret-sur-Loing in about an hour. You will get off at the Moret – Veneaux-Les Sablons station and then walk about 10 to 15-minutes the rest of the way.
Rent a Car: It takes almost the same time to get to Moret by car. You can reach the town in about an hour. A car would be a great option if you plan to explore the region over a few days.
Best Cities Near Paris in Hauts-de-France
Lille
Lille is a fascinating city near Paris that borders Belgium. As a result, there is a unique blend of French and Dutch cultures, food, and architecture. Lille is a popular place for young travelers due to its lively night scene, but there is also lots for history lovers to do around town.
The town is quite idyllic with its cobblestone street and bourgeois style buildings. You can see the Flemish influence in the overall charm of Old Lille.
Grab the LILLE CITY PASS for entry to over 30 attractions
History lovers will also want to explore the Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle, where de Gaulle was born and raised. Another beautiful building is La Vieille Bourse, comprised of 24 Flemish houses built in the 17th century. The ornate building is one of the prettiest in Lille and is where many people like to spend their time strolling around the courtyard and perusing the markets.
There of course is a place for art lovers here as well. Le Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille has a fascinating antiques and art pieces collection. The museum is one of the largest in France, which in itself is very impressive.
Want to experience more of what Lille has to offer? Check out some great guided and self-guided tours of the city.
Getting From Paris to Lille
Take the Train: The fastest way to get to Lille is by train from Paris Gare du Nord to the Lille-Flandres station in around an hour.
Rent a Car: You can also access Lille by car, but it will take twice as long as taking the train. However, this is a good option if you plan to explore other cities around the area.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Lille is a lively city with lots to do. If you decided to spend the night, there are plenty of vacation rentals and hotels available in town.
—– Look up Hotel Rates & Availability
Amiens
Amiens is a magical city full of things to do and just an hour away from Paris. What makes this town so charming is the small canals that weave their way through the area. Throughout the city are these beautiful floating gardens.
The gardens are also known as “hortillonages,” which are essential marshes used to grow vegetables and flowers sold at the market. The best way to explore these is by boat. Connected by 65km of canals, you can take a tour around Amiens by water, the best way to see these beautiful lush areas. When you visit Amiens, you will understand why it is compared to Venice!
One of the most beautiful structures is the Amiens Cathedral. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed in 1220 and is the largest Gothic cathedral in the country. The cathedral was built to house the head of St. John the Baptist and is one of Europe’s most intricately designed cathedrals. Unfortunately, a large portion of the structure was damaged during WWII but has since been restored.
Another great place to visit in Amiens is the Picardy Museum. The building itself is a work of art. Inside you will find a range of artifacts such as sculptures, archaeological items, paintings, and revolving exhibitions.
Getting from Paris to Amiens
Take the Train: The train takes you directly from Paris to Amiens. You will get on the Gare du Nord and take it straight to the Gare D’Amiens. The fastest trains will get you there in just over an hour.
Rent a Car: If you decide to drive, you can get to Amiens in about an hour and a half without traffic. Once in the city, plenty of free and paid parking lots are available.
Chantilly
The city of Chantilly is one of the nearest cities to Paris. Only a 28-minute commute by train and 40 minutes by car, you can easily visit as part of a day trip from Paris. The Main attraction is the lavish Château de Chantilly.
For many reasons, the chateaux have had to be rebuilt several times. The current structure was constructed in the 19th century. Château de Chantilly has been home to many royal inhabitants over the centuries. Henri d’Orléans is someone who called the estate home and the reason behind the extensive art collection we can enjoy today.
Entry to the Château de Chantilly is included in the PARIS PASS
Inside, you can tour both buildings that make up the estate and venture through the numerous museums housed inside. The Condé museum is one of the largest art collections in France.
While there, stroll through the green gardens to the horse stables. The stables were built by Louis-Henri de Bourbon, the Prince of Condé, who owned the chateau in the 18th- century. Now the large stables are used as both a horse museum and host to some world-class dressage events.
Want to explore the grounds? Join this two-hour guided bike tour.
Chantilly is also the birthplace of Chantilly cream. The decadent whipped cream is a popular topping in desserts and pastries. You can walk into almost any restaurant or café in Chantilly for some!
Getting from Paris to Chantilly
Take the Train: Chantilly is very close to Paris, so you can get there in a short 30-minute train ride. You will take the Paris Dare du Nord train strain to Chantilly-Gouvieux.
Rent a Car: Chantilly is actually reached quicker by train, but it is a short 40-minute car ride.
Join a Tour: Book your day tour from Paris to Chantilly, which includes everything from hotel pickup, lunch, and tour of the entire estate.
Best Cities Outside of Paris in Normandy
Located in the northern part of France on the English Channel is the region of Normandy. This is one of the most popular areas near Paris, with a list of historical ties.
Normandy is where you can spend several days exploring, as there are several things to do in the area. From museums, castles, beaches, and delicious seafood, Normandy can be a trip on its own.
Most people relate Normandy to its involvement in World War II. Home to the famous D-Day beaches such as Omaha beach, many travels to Normandy to learn about the important battle and pay homage to the soldiers that fought on the beaches.
There are several day tours from Paris that will take you to different areas in Normandy
Another popular site is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel. What makes this history Abbey so unique is that the entire town becomes engulfed by the tide, turning it into its own island. There is a road that can get you in and out of the village at all times of the day.
One downfall of Mont Saint-Michel is that it came to be very crowded, so visiting as early as the morning will help you beat the crowds. Another travel tip is to wait until after your visit to grab lunch or dinner. Since Mont Saint-Michel is such a popular tourist attraction, the prices for everything are much higher.
Rouen
Rouen is the capital city of the Normandy region and has become known for its connection to both Claude Monet and Joan of Arc. It is another of the cities near Paris that many people adore visiting. Located only an hour and a half from Paris, Rouen is right off the Seine River.
The most interesting section of Rouen is Old Rouen and its market square. Here you will find medieval timbered buildings and quaint cafes. One of the buildings, La Couronne, is the oddest auberge (inn) in France and can be found here.
Another great part of Rouen is its markets that are available throughout the week. One of the best is the Vieux-Marché located in the Old Market Square. You will find all the produce and flowers you could ever want here. The market switches from fruits and vegetables to a flea market on Saturdays.
Into history? There is plenty of that here as well. For example, Rouen is where the Saint Joan of Arc spent the remainder of her life. She was imprisoned here in a dungeon, which has since been renamed the Joan of Arc Tower. You can also find the statue of Joan of Arc in the Old Market Square and the Historial Jeanne d’Arc Museum, which focuses on her life.
Join this guided tour of Rouen to learn more about the city’s history.
Lastly, stop by the Musée des Beaux-Arts and see one of France’s largest collections of Impressionist art collections. There is also the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles and Musée des Rouen, both very unique places to visit.
Getting from Paris to Rouen
Take the Train: You can get to Rouen in about an hour and a half by train. Take the train from Saint-Lazarre and Paris straight to Gare de Rouen using the SNCF.
Rent a Car: If you want to drive, it will take around two hours and 20 minutes to get to Rouen from Paris. Once there, you will find many places to park. The best way to get around the city is by foot. Unless you plan on exploring other areas in Normandy, then the train is the most efficient option.
Giverny
One of the most picturesque cities near Paris is Giverny. This small village was home to Claude Monet and is the inspiration behind his famous water lily paintings. The Giverny Gardens are the precise location of some of his paintings, including his Japanese bridge.
While in Giverny, stop by the quaint gardens and explore the Musée des Impressionisms, which focuses on the history of Impressionism art. If you are interested, you can also visit Monet’s house, which he lived in for 43 years.
Besides all the lovely Money attractions, Giverny is the perfect place to stroll around, shop, and grab lunch before heading back to Paris or continuing to another picturesque town nearby.
Getting from Paris to Giverny
Take the Train: There is no direct train to Giverny. However, it is still simple to get there from Paris. First, you must take the train from Saint Lazare station in Paris to Vernon-Giverny. From there, jump on a shuttle to Giverny.
Rent a Car: Since Giverny cannot be reached directly by train, the fastest way to get there is by car or a day tour. You can get there in under an hour if you rent a car.
Join a Tour: Due to the amount of planning the train takes, the easiest way to get there is by taking a tour from Paris to Giverny. Both self-guided and group tours are available, depending on how much freedom you would like. Take a full-day tour from Paris that includes transportation to and from Paris, entry tickets with a tour to several locations, and free time to explore Giverny on your own.
Best Cities Near Paris in Grand Est
Home to some of the best champagne producers in the world, the region is quite a delightful area for wine lovers and those looking to explore the lush countryside. While in Champagne, visiting some local vineyards is a must on everyone’s itinerary. If you have some time to spare, make a pitstop in some of Champagne’s beautiful cities.
Troyes
Troyes is an ancient city with buildings dating back to the 1500s. The sloping rooflines and wooden beams make the town quite pleasant.
There are few attractions in Troyes. Part of the charm is just getting lost in the small side streets and peering at the mix of modern and medieval architecture and cathedrals throughout town.
One of the most unique streets in Troyes is Cates Alley. The houses are so close together that the roofs almost touch. For that reason, they called it Cat’s Alley, or Ruelle du chats, because they can jump from one rooftop to the other.
Other things to see while you walk around are the 16th-century Goldsmith’s Tower and the many churches around the town. One of the prettiest churches in Troyes is the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Getting from Paris to Troyes
Take the Train: To get from Paris to Troyes, jump on the Fare de l’Est and take it to Gare de Troyes. From there, it is a half-mile walk to the town.
Rent a Car: You can drive to Troyes from Paris in about an hour and a half. I recommend you visit the city as part of your day trip itinerary, with stops at some local vineyards or nearby towns.
Reims
Reims is another one of Champagne’s cities near Paris. Although probably the most well-known, many people visit Reims for its beautiful Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, which sits in the city center. The gothic cathedral was where France’s kings were crowned and are an exquisite example of architecture from that time.
Reims is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, with its cathedral being one of them. Other sites include the Palace of Tau and the Abbey of Saint-Remi. Both are extremely beautiful and worth a visit.
Want to experience more of what Reims has to offer? Check out some popular tours of the city and surrounding area.
Another interesting thing to see is the prominent Porte de Mars. The structure is the largest Roman arch in the world and was built in the 200s. For its age, it is still very well intact.
Of course, you can’t visit Reims without tasting some champagne. One of the top things to do in the city is to visit one of the champagne houses. When you visit, join a tour that will take you down into the ancient cellars and teach you about the champagne-making process before ending in a delicious tasting.
Getting from Paris to Reims
Take the Train: There are around 20 trains that run from Paris to Reims daily and start around 7:00 am. The trip takes an hour if you take the direct train from Paris. Instead, jump on at Gare de l’Est and get off at the Reims station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the town center.
Rent a Car: If you are making a trip to the vineyards after your stop in Reims, then a car is a good idea. You can get to the city without traffic in just over an hour and a half.
Join a Tour: Interested and taking a tour of Champagne? This guided tour will take you to two champagne houses for wine tasting and includes transportation from Paris and traditional french lunch.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is one of the prettiest cities near Paris. The picturesque city has one of the best Christmas Markets around, just under a two-hour train ride.
It is still a wonderful place to visit during the other months of the year. Places like the Saint-Pierre Le Jeune Church and Cathedral Notre Dame des Strasbourg are remarkable works of architecture with long and fascinating histories.
The Saint-Pierre Le Jeune Church played a part in the turbulent divide that plagued France between Catholics and Protestants. At one point, a wall was placed through the center of the building, dividing the Catholics from the protestants. In the late 1890s, a second church was constructed for Catholics to assemble, and the old church is used as a Protestant church in modern days.
The Cathedral Notre Dame des Strasbourg is another place of worship with a long past. It was built in the 12th century and retained most of its original architectural details, such as stained glass windows.
The town is quite remarkable and unique as it is one of few towns that blends French and German architectural elements. The Place Kleber is a charming square. One of the prettiest sections of Strasbourg is Petite France. This is where you will find many vivid half-timbered homes bordering the river.
Strasbourg is a city that I encourage you to either spend a couple of days in or experience as part of a guided or self-guided tour.
Getting from Paris to Strasbourg
Take the Train: Get on the train at Gare de l’Est in Paris and take it directly to Strasbourg station. Overall, the ride is about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Rent a Car: It would take around 5 hours to get to Strasbourg by car. I would only drive if you were planning to visit other towns in the area, such as Reims, which is on the way. If you only plan to visit the region for the day, then a train or guided tour is your best option.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Strasbourg is such a romantic town in the northern part of France. Although you can visit as part of a day trip, it is a popular place to spend a night or two.
—– Look up Hotel Rates & Availability
Cities Neary Paris in Centre-Val de Loire
The Loire Valley is one of my favorite regions of France and where you can find a variety of local wines and, of course, chateaux. Located just over two hours from Paris, the Loire Valley is home to some beautiful small towns and larger cities that are perfect for exploring as a day trip or even a weekend from Paris.
Spend the day touring some of the best Loire Valley Châteaux. Read more about our day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley.
The Loire Valley is special because it has some of the most well-known and magical chateaux in France, not to mention a great blend of large cities and small towns. The Loire Valley is also one of the more affordable places to stay.
Tours
One of the larger cities in the Loire Valley is tours. The lovely city is situated between the Cher and Loire rivers. I love the city of Tours and think it is the perfect base for exploring the Loire Valley.
Some famous chateaux near Tours include Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord. You can explore them on your own or as part of a tour.
Visit the old part of Tours at the Place Plumereau. The charming street is where you will find the medieval half-timbered row of houses. Old Tours is also the best place to stop and grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Other things to do in Tours include the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours which is home to some famous works of art by painters such as Monet.
Getting from Paris to Tours
Take the Train: First, hop on the Gare de l’Est towards Bagneux-Lucie Aubrac and get off at Montparnasse. From there, you will hop on the train to Tours. Overall, it will take about an hour and 40 minutes to get to the city by train.
Rent a Car: The Loire Valley has many things to do and is a great place to get away from the bustle of the city. If you plan on spending the weekend there, a car is your best option. Tours is a great central location to explore the Loire Valley, and because it is a large city offers plenty of parking.
Orléans
Another spectacular Loire Valley city near Paris is Orléans. The city is steeped in history with close ties to Jeanne-d’Arc. The town played a large part in the Hundred Years’ War and was home to Jeanne-d’Arc herself.
You can still visit her house today, which has become a museum about her life and the Hundred Years’ War. Also, stop by Place du Martroi and see the large marble statue commemorating Joan of Arc’s heroic fight for freedom.
If you are an art lover, stop by the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The large museum has a vast collection of sculptures and paintings from famous artists such as Picasso, Rodin, and Corregio.
Of all the areas in Orléans, the Old Town is my favorite. There are still many old buildings here mixed in with newer 19th-century mansions. Rue de la Bretonnerie is where you will find many impressive mansions. This particular street is unique because you will find buildings built back in the 13th century up to the early 1900s.
Finally, rue de Bourgogne is a great place to stop for a drink after you have spent some time getting lost in the old streets.
Getting from Paris to Orléans
Take the Train: To get to Orléans, you first need to take the metro to Austerlitz station in Paris. From there, you can take the train directly into Orléans.
Rent a Car: It takes an hour and 50 minutes to get to Orléans from Paris without traffic. However, once you are in the city, you can reach most of the main towns, vineyards, and chateaux in the Loire Valley in under an hour.
Chartres
Home to the extravagant Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, Chartres is a popular large city near Paris to visit for the weekend. The 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is another gothic cathedral in the Paris area. The famous labyrinth design on the cathedral floor and its beautiful stained-glass windows make the extravagant building stand out.
Chartres is also home to some impeccable museums and a beautiful town to wander around. If you head to the city’s historic center, you will see the old houses from centuries ago. One street, particularly rue des Écuyers, is lined with beautiful lanterns and half-timbered houses.
Continue with a walk along the river Eure and admire the Tudor-style medieval buildings. Many have been turned into restaurants and cafes with charming sitting areas overlooking the river.
Lastly, stop by the Musée des Beaux-Arts. What makes this museum interested is that the artwork collection dates back to the Middle Ages. However, there are also many pieces from modern times.
Getting from Paris to Chartres
Take the Train: The train can get you to Chartres in one hour. Take the trains directly from Gare de Montparnasse in Paris to the Chartres station.
Rent a Car: For about the same travel time as a train, you can get to Chartres by car. Once you are out of the city, there is little traffic throughout the Loire Valley.
Cities Near Paris in Burgundy
Burgundy is known as one of the best wine producing regions and France. Several charming villages in this area are close to each other. Being a good three hours from Paris, the Burgundy region is ideal for spending a few days. Pick one town to spend your time relaxing in, or hop from town to town, stopping at spectacular vineyards and castles along the way.
Burgundy is also home to the town of Dijon. Dijon is Burgundy’s capital city and the famous mustard’s birthplace. The well-preserved medieval city is centered around its mustard production but also has many nearby vineyards to visit.
Several other medieval cities near Paris in the Burgundy region are worth seeing. Two of my favorites include Beaune and Chablis.
Beaune
Beaune is the best town in Burgundy for wine lovers. They have an impressive number of well-known wine producers around the area and some great tasting rooms in the town. My personal favorite vineyard is Joseph Drouhin. Their wine assortment is impeccable, and we enjoyed their tour and wine tasting. Bouchard Père & Fils is another excellent vineyard to visit for wine tasting. Both are popular and get booked quickly. Reserve your tours well in advance.
Book Your Wine Tour around Burgundy
The town is worth your trip, even if you are not a wine lover. It is surrounded by a large rampart that surrounds the city. You can visit some old buildings around the rampart, such as the Théâtre de Verdure.
One of the most interesting things to see in Beaune is the Hospices. The Hospices were used to shelter the poor in the mid-1400s. Now, the building is used as a museum that is open year-round to turn. In addition, the Hospices of Beaune hosts a prestigious wine auction once a year, with much of the proceeds going toward charities.
Getting from Paris to Beaune
It is possible to get to Beaune from Paris by train, but it requires several different stops. If you want to take the train, stop in Dijon and rent a car to go the rest of the way. In general, renting a car is the easiest way to get to Beaune. The drive from Paris to Beaune by car is around 3 hours. Spend a few days exploring the Burgundy region before returning to Paris or continuing to the south of France.
Chablis
One of the most popular medieval towns in Burgundy is Chablis. So, of course, partaking in some wine tasting should be on your itinerary while visiting the area.
Once you finish exploring the town, stop by the 9th-century Obédiencerie Monastery, where the monks actually worked to perfect the winemaking processes.
There are also some old churches to visit, such as the Church Saint-Pierre. However, the real charm of Chablis is simply relaxing in the vineyards and taking the time to slow down after the lively Paris atmosphere.
Getting from Paris to Chablis
Take the Train: Chablis does not have a train station, so it is a little more challenging to get there by train. It can be done; however, it will require several changes along the way. First, you will have to take the train from Paris to Auxerre. Then, you can rent a car at the station to go the rest of the 20km or get a taxi.
Rent a Car: The simplest and quickest way to get to Chablis is by car. Taking a car from Paris will take around 2 hours, while the train will take a little over 3 hours due to the multiple stops.
Conclusion
France is a delightful country to visit with a little bit for everyone. From sandy beaches, historic towns, old châteaux, and bustling cities, you will find it not to fall in love. These are just some of the beautiful cities near Paris to visit, but there are plenty more. Stumbled upon a hidden gem I haven’t talked about? I’d love to hear about it!
Enjoyed this post? Read about some other French destinations!
Paris
- The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris
- Ultimate 5 Days in Paris Itinerary & Day Trip Ideas
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Paris
- 20 of the Prettiest Streets in Paris
Paris Day Trips
- Visiting the Palace of Versailles: First Timer’s Guide
- Day Trip from Paris: The Loire Valley
- Trip to the Loire Valley: Castles, Vineyards, Tours, and More
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | Book your Paris Walking Tours and excursions. If you plan on visiting multiple museums, the Paris Pass includes entrance to dozens of attractions around the city.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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