20+ Pretty French Towns Near Paris You’ll Just Love!

Last Updated on 14th October 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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There’s something about the charm of French villages that just makes them so appealing. Perhaps it’s the little lanes, maybe it’s the charming architecture. I’m not sure, but of course, there’s always oodles of history just waiting to be discovered. Here are 10+ pretty French towns near Paris you’ll just love!

Quick picks:

• Best for medieval history: Provins
• Best for royal history: Versailles
• Best for art and Impressionism: Auvers-sur-Oise
• Best for riverside scenery: Moret-sur-Loing
• Best for a château and gardens: Chantilly
• Best for cherry blossoms: Sceaux
• Best for a quieter escape: Chevreuse

Town	Best for	Approx. journey from Paris	Transport
Sceaux	Cherry blossoms and gardens	30–40 minutes	RER B
Versailles	Palace and royal history	30–45 minutes	Train or RER
Senlis	Medieval streets and history	Around 1 hour	Bus or car
Saint-Germain-en-Laye	Château, museums and forest	Around 30–40 minutes	RER A
Provins	Medieval walls and heritage	Around 1.5 hours	Train
Auvers-sur-Oise	Van Gogh and art history	Around 1 hour	Train; check connections
Fontainebleau	Château and forest walks	Around 40–60 minutes	Train plus local transport
Chantilly	Château, art and gardens	Around 25–30 minutes	Train
Moret-sur-Loing	Riverside scenery and medieval architecture	Around 45–60 minutes	Train
Chevreuse	Countryside and village scenery	Around 45–60 minutes	RER B plus a walk or local transport

Best towns near Paris

Sceaux

Accessible via one end of the RER B, you’ll find the charming town of Sceaux. The journey from Paris’ Gare du Nord to Sceaux takes around half an hour. The French settlement near Paris is pretty as a postcard during the spring thanks to an abundance of spring blossom.

In the grounds of the Sceaux château, there’s even an entire cherry blossom orchard which blooms in April of each year. Even if you can’t visit the town during the first few months of the year, Sceaux is just as lovely throughout the rest of the seasons.

After all, there’s a château to visit, a park to wander around and plenty of eateries to be enticed by. Other things to do in Sceaux include discovering the magnificent Château that has been used as many a filming location (such as the TV series of Versailles), and enjoying a cup of tea at Plaisirs des Thés.

Best things to do in Sceaux

• Wander through Parc de Sceaux and its formal gardens.
• Visit during cherry blossom season, usually in spring, with exact dates depending on the weather.
• Explore Château de Sceaux and its museum.
• Stop for tea or coffee in the town centre.

How to get there from Paris: Take the RER B towards Sceaux and choose the station most convenient for the park or town centre.

How long to spend: Half a day is ideal for exploring the park and town.

Best time to visit: Spring for the cherry blossoms; summer for the gardens and outdoor walks.

Versailles

There are several cities close to Paris, and undoubtedly the picturesque Versailles is the most famous of them all. Versailles also happens to be one of the closest cities to Paris. Of course, for first (or second or third) time visitors to Paris, you can’t visit the twinkling city of lights and not make the (at least) half day trip out of the city to see Versailles.

After all, outside of Paris proper, it’s one of the main attractions that the Île de France region has to offer. Aside from the grand palace, there’s an entire town to be discovered, with plenty of museums, cafés, and quirky architecture.

Best things to do in Versailles

• Tour the Palace of Versailles and its State Apartments.
• Explore the gardens and the Grand Trianon, subject to opening arrangements and ticket requirements.
• Enjoy Hameau de la Reine
• Wander through the historic Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame districts.
• Browse the local market and independent shops.

Book now: Versailles by Train Tour From Paris with Skip-The-Line

How to get there from Paris: Trains run from Paris to Versailles via several routes. Check which service best matches your destination, as Versailles has multiple stations.

How long to spend: Allow a full day if you want to see the palace and gardens as well as the town.

Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn are lovely for the gardens. Book palace tickets ahead of time, particularly during busy periods.

Senlis

An hour’s drive from the centre of Paris, you’ll find the charming town of Senlis. This French commune sits fondly in my memory as a place with plenty of history and oodles of sunshine as I visited on my Birthday a couple of years ago.

The town has three museums (the museum of art and archaeology, the museum of the hunts & the museum of Spahis.) There’s also a historic abbey, the ruins of a Roman arena and a medieval cellar, all waiting to be discovered and explored…

The ancient town of Senlis also has links with French heroine, Joan of Arc.  Between the 15th and 16th of August 1429, Joan of Arc led her French troops in the historic battle of Montépilloy (close to Senlis), leading them to victory against the English. There’s a commemorative plaque in the church celebrating her victory.

Best things to do in Senlis

• Admire Notre-Dame de Senlis Cathedral.
• Explore the cobbled streets and historic town centre.
• Discover the remains of the Roman arena and ancient ramparts.
• Visit the town’s museums, checking opening days before travelling.
• Learn about Senlis’s connections to French royal history and Joan of Arc.

How to get there from Paris: Senlis is straightforward to reach by car. Public transport generally involves a train and/or bus connection, so check the complete route before setting off.

How long to spend: Half a day is enough for a stroll through the historic centre; allow longer to enjoy the museums.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn, when the historic streets are particularly pleasant to explore on foot.

Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Only half an hour away on the RER A from the centre of Paris, you’ll find the sweet town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. This town makes the list of pretty French towns near Paris not only because of its lovely architecture and wonderful eateries but also because it has a large forest and charming château (which now houses a fantastic museum of archaeology).

Aside from the museum, the château itsself is well worth a look, if only for its impressive architecture and the fact that Louis XIV was born there!

Elsewhere in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, there’s the real-life Château de Monte Cristo (Alexander Dumas’ country mansion) and Musée Claude Debussy in the iconic composer’s birthplace.

Best things to do in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

• Visit the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the National Archaeology Museum.
• Walk along the château terrace for views across the surrounding landscape.
• Explore the town centre’s shops, cafés and historic streets.
• Discover the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
• Visit the Château de Monte-Cristo, associated with Alexandre Dumas, if opening arrangements allow.

How to get there from Paris: Take the RER A to Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

How long to spend: Half a day for the town, or a full day if you plan a substantial forest walk.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for walking and outdoor activities; autumn is lovely for woodland scenery.

Chartres

Of all the cities near Paris, Chartres is one of the top places to visit. Located in the Loire Valley, Chartres is a gateway to the land of castles. Located in the Eure-et-Loire department of France, the city is best known for its impressive cathedral, oodles of medieval architecture and fascinating museums.

Since the middle ages, the town has also been the destination for many Catholic pilgrimages, meaning that there’s also a wealth of ecclesiastical buildings and history to learn about as well.

Best visited by car so as to head out to the Loire Valley (i.e. the Garden of France) straight after your visit, Chartres is located around an hour and a half’s drive from the City of Light, meaning this city near Paris is definitely worth a visit.

Best things to do in Chartres

• Visit Chartres Cathedral, famous for its Gothic architecture and stained glass.
• Wander through the medieval streets around the cathedral.
• Explore the lower town and its riverside setting.
• Discover local museums and historic buildings.
• Check whether the seasonal Chartres en Lumières light displays are running during your visit.

Book now: Chartres Cathedral and Old Town: 6-Hour Tour from Paris

How to get there from Paris: Direct trains operate from Paris-Montparnasse to Chartres; check the timetable for your travel date.

How long to spend: A full day allows time for the cathedral, old town and museums.

Best time to visit: Spring through autumn for comfortable sightseeing, with evening visits particularly appealing during the light-display season.

Provins

Provins is a fully preserved medieval town just under an hour away from the city centre of Paris. Although a little further away from the city than some of the other pretty French towns near Paris, Provins is well worth the (slightly) longer journey.

After all, it’s not every day that you get the chance to visit a basilica where Joan of Arc attended mass, or that you get the opportunity to climb a medieval tower dating all the way back to the 12th-century.

Elsewhere in Provins, there are medieval tunnels with a mysterious history. During winter, a fantastic Christmas market is held in the ancient city on an annual basis during an advent weekend in December that makes for the perfect day trip from Paris.

Best things to do in Provins

• Walk along the medieval ramparts.
• Climb Tour César for views across the historic town, when open.
• Visit the historic churches and the old town’s picturesque streets.
• Discover the underground galleries on an organised visit.
• Look out for seasonal medieval events and the Christmas market.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Est to Provins. Check the timetable and any local walking requirements.

How long to spend: A full day is recommended to explore the main historic sights without rushing.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn for outdoor sightseeing and seasonal events.

Meaux

Around 40 minutes away from the centre of Paris, you’ll find Meaux. Famous for its Brie and Mustard (although little-known is that much of the Meaux Brie is now fabricated in the Lorraine region of France).

If you’re not a great foodie, then Meaux offers plenty of other historical and cultural activities. There are plenty of outdoor fun for those who want to experience life in France outside of Paris in the form of walks, water activities, and hiking.

In Meaux, you’ll also find the Musée de la Grande Guerre (Museum of the Great War) which is one of the biggest museums about WWI in all of Europe, if not the world.

Those who are looking to escape into a little nature during their time out of Paris might also consider the walk along the Canal de Meaux à Chalifert, especially during the summer when a stroll alongside the water is particularly pleasant.

Best things to do in Meaux

• Visit the Musée de la Grande Guerre to learn about the First World War.
• Explore Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the historic centre.
• Sample local Brie de Meaux and discover regional food shops.
• Walk along the Canal de Meaux à Chalifert.
• Enjoy the riverside scenery and local parks.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Est to Meaux.

How long to spend: Half a day for the centre, or a full day if visiting the war museum.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for waterside walks, although the museums make Meaux a useful year-round destination.

Auvers-Sur-Oise

Some of the towns which form the ‘Paris countryside’ as it were, still lack in green space, much like the French capital itself. However, the commune of Auvers-Sur-Oise is surrounded by rolling green hills.

What’s more is that Auvers-sur-Oise even has its own château (which is open to the public and can be visited for a fee). Those looking for small villages near Paris won’t be disappointed with the bucolic charm of this countryside settlement.

Head to Auvers-Sur-Oise to learn all about the infamous drink absinthe in the absinthe museum, and to trace the footsteps of Van Gogh who lived here for a few months before his death. It’s even possible to visit the final place where the famous artist once resided.

In the town’s cemetery, you’ll find the final resting place of the great artist himself as well as the grave of Van Gogh’s brother Theo.

In the rest of the town there are trails inspired by Van Gogh’s final paintings. A day trip to Auvers-Sur-Oise can easily be combined with a trip to nearby L’Isle Adam, a charming town with its own sandy beach.

Best things to do in Auvers-sur-Oise

• Follow the Van Gogh trail to locations associated with his paintings.
• Visit the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption.
• See the cemetery where Vincent and Theo van Gogh are buried.
• Explore Château d’Auvers, subject to opening times.
• Walk through the town and surrounding countryside.

How to get there from Paris: Train connections vary by day and season, and some journeys require a change. Check the current timetable before travelling.

How long to spend: A full day is ideal if you want to visit the main attractions and follow the art trail.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn, when the countryside is green and walking routes are most appealing.

Book now: Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise Full-Day Tour from Paris

Fontainebleau

Beautiful countryside near Paris is never too far away thanks to fantastic transport links in the Île de France region. And with a pretty castle to rival Versailles, Fontainebleau definitely can’t be missed off the list.

After all, the château is easily one of the most fairytale-like day trips from the city of love. “Versailles without the crowds” is one of the best ways to describe the château, and the town is equally as magical…

Apart from the castle, you can wander through the great forest (which was used as hunting grounds for the French royal family in the 12th-Century) and visit the charming house museum of Musee Stephane Mallarme. So as to save time during your visit, book your Fontainebleau tickets here in advance prior to your trip.

Best things to do in Fontainebleau

• Tour the Château de Fontainebleau and its historic rooms.
• Explore the formal gardens and grounds.
• Walk in the Forest of Fontainebleau.
• Discover the town centre’s cafés, restaurants and shops.
• Visit nearby Barbizon if you have a car and want to explore the area’s artistic heritage.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon, followed by a local bus or other transfer to the château and town.

How long to spend: A full day is recommended for the château and a forest walk.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are especially appealing for outdoor exploration; check the château’s opening arrangements before your visit.

Book now: Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris

Rueil-Malmaison

Situated on RER line A, Rueil-Malmaison is only around thirty minutes from the centre of Paris, making it one of the top places near Paris to visit. Complete with a French Château, it’s the epitome of a typical French town.

The Château here was once the official residence of Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon, meaning that chances are when you’re wandering through the property, you’ll be walking in the very steps that the empress herself walked in.

The rest of the town is full of bakeries, patisseries and located along the Seine (which is lovely to go for a cycle along or to go for a quick jog along on a warm summer’s evening), in Rueil-Malmaison you’ll find plenty of small churches and museums. Of all the pretty French towns day trips from Paris, Rueil-Malmaison may well be the most underrated…

Best things to do in Rueil-Malmaison

• Visit Château de Malmaison and its historic rooms.
• Learn about the lives of Napoleon and Joséphine.
• Explore the town centre’s shops and cafés.
• Enjoy a walk through local parks and green spaces.
• Discover the riverside landscape around the Seine.

How to get there from Paris: Rueil-Malmaison is served by the RER A. Check the onward journey to Château de Malmaison, which is not directly beside the station.

How long to spend: Half a day is suitable for the château and town centre.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn for combining the château with walks in the surrounding area.

Chantilly

Easily one of the most underrated towns which can be reached as a short day trip from Paris, Chantilly is a magical settlement which is just twenty minutes from Gare du Nord (should you opt to take the fast train).

A quintessentially French town with plenty of bars, restaurants, and independent shops, Chantilly also happens to be home to a magical Château which boasts the second largest art collection in France, as well as grounds which inspired Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de La Reine at Versailles.

Best things to do in Chantilly

• Visit the Château de Chantilly and Musée Condé.
• Explore the gardens and grounds.
• Discover the Great Stables and the Living Museum of the Horse, subject to opening times.
• Try traditional crème Chantilly.
• Stroll through the town centre and its local shops.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux, then walk or use local transport to reach the estate.

How long to spend: Allow a full day for the château, gardens and equestrian attractions.

Best time to visit: Late spring and summer for the gardens, though the château and museum can make a visit worthwhile throughout much of the year.

Chevreuse

The charming French town of Chevreuse. It’s the kind of settlement you see in the movies. And the type of place you’d think no longer exists. But it does. And it’s totally worth your time since it’s one of the most beautiful towns near Paris.

The fairytale town is located in the Île de France region, south of Paris and is overlooked by the haunting ruins of a medieval château. Wander through the town itself and you’ll soon discover a gently flowing river which you can walk along while admiring many a traditional French garden.

Just a short drive away the the beautiful Monastic remains and chapel of Port-Royal-des-Champs Abbey are well worth a visit, provided that you have access to a car.

Best things to do in Chevreuse

• Walk along the river and the historic town centre.
• See the ruins of Château de la Madeleine.
• Explore the surrounding countryside and walking trails.
• Discover local churches and traditional architecture.
• Visit the remains of Port-Royal-des-Champs if you have a car and time for a wider excursion.

How to get there from Paris: Take the RER B to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, then continue on foot or by local transport. The walking time takes around half an hour.

How long to spend: Half a day for the town and château ruins; longer for countryside walks.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn for walking and exploring the natural park.

Enghien-les-Bains

For a taste of Deauville (the Normandy resort town) on the fringes of Paris, you simply need to visit Enghien-les-Bains, à spa settlement which has been populated since at least the Middle Ages and perhaps even earlier.

Though the main highlights of the lakeside town is its casino (one of the largest and most popular in all of l’Hexagone), the other draw of Enghein-les-Bains is that it’s situated just a ten-minute train ride away from Gare du Nord and yet feels as if it’s a world away.

A particular joy in visiting Enghien-les-Bains, is walking the 3.3 km walk around the lake and soaking up the unusual architectural features and pretty gardens en route. Make sure to bring a picnic and visit on a sunny day so as to enjoy a quiet moment halfway through the walk!

Best things to do in Enghien-les-Bains

• Walk around Lac d’Enghien and admire the lakeside architecture.
• Explore the town centre and its cafés.
• Discover the town’s spa heritage.
• Enjoy the gardens and lakeside views.
• Check the programme at the local theatre and cultural venues.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Gare du Nord to Enghien-les-Bains.

How long to spend: Half a day is enough for a lakeside walk and lunch.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for outdoor dining and walks around the lake.

Lagny-sur-Marne

Weeping willows line the banks of the Marne, a lazy flowing river along which you’ll find a hidden gem of a town in the form of Lagny-sur-Marne. And though the Île-de-France settlement is situated just under 30 km to the East of intra-muros Paris, even many Parisians don’t know of its existence.

Best things to do in Lagny-sur-Marne

• Walk along the banks of the River Marne.
• Explore the historic town centre and its church.
• Browse the local shops and cafés.
• Visit the market if it coincides with your trip.
• Enjoy a leisurely riverside lunch.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Gare de l’Est to Lagny-Thorigny.

How long to spend: Two to four hours is enough for the town centre and a riverside stroll.

Best time to visit: Late spring and summer for the riverside scenery and outdoor dining.

Nemours

Nemours is rather unique in that it lays claim to being the only town within the Île de France region to boast a château in the very heart of the town.

Situated an hour away from the city from the Gare de Lyon station in Paris, other highlights of this charming French town include a prehistory museum, plenty of riverside walks, and a church with an unusual wooden spire.

Best things to do in Nemours

• Visit the Château-Musée de Nemours, checking opening times.
• Walk beside the River Loing and explore the old bridges.
• Discover the historic town centre and its churches.
• Visit the local prehistory museum if open during your visit.
• Stop at a café overlooking the river.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Nemours-Saint-Pierre.

How long to spend: Half a day is a good amount of time for the château, town centre and river.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn for pleasant riverside walks.

Moret-sur-Loing

A particularly charming town which can be visited as a day trip from Paris and one that I only discovered recently is that of Moret-Sur-Loing. Roughly a fifty minute train ride away from the French capital from the Gare de Lyon station, the town is home to a medley of medieval structures and architecture.

The town was also once the haunt and home of Alfred Sisley, the English painter and artist, who painted many a scene of the picturesque town.

Other highlights of Moret-sur-Loing include admiring the medieval walls of the town, buying local sweets (the Sucre d’Orge is a local speciality), and taking a countryside walk along one of the many nearby rivers and tributaries.

Best things to do in Moret-sur-Loing

• Admire the medieval Porte de Bourgogne and Porte de Samois.
• Walk across the historic bridges and along the riverbanks.
• Explore the old town’s narrow streets.
• Look for locations painted by Alfred Sisley.
• Try the town’s traditional sucre d’orge sweets.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons, then walk into the historic centre.

How long to spend: Half a day is ideal for exploring the old town and riverside.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for riverside walks, outdoor cafés and photography.

Luzarches

Yet another charming off the beaten path town that can easily be visited as a day trip from Paris is that of Luzarches, a delightful French settlement with several medieval remnants, including a gateway you can walk through and a fairly large church that can be visited for free throughout the week.

Best things to do in Luzarches

• Explore the historic centre and its old streets.
• Admire the Church of Saint-Côme-Saint-Damien.
• Look for surviving medieval features and historic gateways.
• Enjoy a walk through the surrounding countryside.
• Stop at a local café for a relaxed break.

How to get there from Paris: Trains serve Luzarches from the Paris area, but routes and connections can vary. Check the timetable before travelling.

How long to spend: Two to four hours is a reasonable starting point for the town centre.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for combining a town visit with countryside walks.

Étampes

A charming medieval town which was once used by royalty, Étampes is located around an hour away from Paris on the RER. The first attestation of the city of Étampes goes all the way back to the 7th-century.

However, the town close by to Paris did not gain true prominence until the 12th-century, when a council hosted in the town recognised Innocent II as the legitimate and true pope. Today, the charming French settlement has over two dozen historic monuments.

Best things to do in Étampes

• Explore the historic centre on foot.
• Admire the Tour Guinette, the remains of a medieval keep.
• Visit the town’s historic churches.
• Look for the town’s medieval and Renaissance architecture.
• Enjoy a walk through the surrounding streets and green spaces.

How to get there from Paris: Take the RER C or another appropriate rail service, depending on the timetable and departure point.

How long to spend: Half a day is enough to explore the main historic sights.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn for comfortable walking and sightseeing.

Montfort L’Amaury

If you have access to a car then one of the most beautiful and lesser known towns you can visit as a day trip from Paris is that of Montfort L’Amaury.

Though slightly smaller than some of the other French settlements on this list, once in Montfort L’Amaury you’ll soon discover why even Victor Hugo fell in love with the place on a visit during his early 20s.

Situated over 40km to the West of Paris, the medieval town is characterised by its centuries old church and charming timber-framed houses.

Châteaux lovers will also be delighted to discover that the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Tour d’Anne de Bretagne, while fans of ecclesiastical architecture will be interested in the Renaissance stained glass windows of the church of Saint Pierrre.

Best things to do in Montfort-l’Amaury

• Explore the medieval streets and timber-framed houses.
• Visit the Church of Saint-Pierre and admire its stained glass.
• See the ruins of the medieval castle and Tour d’Anne de Bretagne.
• Browse local shops and stop for lunch or coffee.
• Explore the surrounding countryside if you have a car.

How to get there from Paris: Driving is generally the most convenient option. Public transport may involve a train and bus connection, so check the full route before travelling.

How long to spend: Half a day is ideal for the town centre and its main historic sights.

Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn for pleasant walks and exploring the old town.

Marly-le-Roi

One of the more off the beaten path towns near Paris is that of Marly-le-Roi, which is around half an hour from Paris’ Saint-Lazare. The town is historically known as it was the former site of the Château Marly which was one of King Louis XIV’s (The Sun King) favourite leisure residences.

Though the Château was destroyed during the French Revolution, much of the former grounds have been transformed into a park, Marly-le-Roi National Estate and Park, which visitors can enjoy wandering around for free.

Best things to do in Marly-le-Roi

• Walk through the Domaine national de Marly.
• Discover traces of the former royal estate.
• Explore the historic town centre.
• Admire the old streets and local architecture.
• Combine the visit with a walk through nearby green spaces.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Saint-Lazare towards Marly-le-Roi, checking the service for your travel date.

How long to spend: Half a day is sufficient for the town and estate.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for the gardens and outdoor walks; autumn is also attractive for the changing foliage.

Bougival

If you’re looking for a pretty town that is incredibly close to Paris and can be reached in around an hour from the city centre, then Bougival is the place to head to.

Situated to the West of the French capital, highlights of Bougival include the chance to follow in the footsteps of the impressionists, meander along picturesque waterways, and shop at plenty of independent stores and boutiques.

Best things to do in Bougival

• Walk along the Seine and enjoy the riverside views.
• Discover locations associated with Impressionist painters.
• Explore the historic centre and local churches.
• Look for heritage sites connected to the area’s artistic past.
• Enjoy a relaxed meal or coffee in town.

How to get there from Paris: Public transport routes vary and may involve a train or bus connection. Check the current journey planner before setting out.

How long to spend: Two to four hours is a good starting point for a walk and a look around the town.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn for riverside walks and exploring the surrounding landscape.

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

Of all the small towns near Paris that are worth visiting, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is one of the most beautiful. Lying lazily alongside the River Seine, the charming settlement boasts a medieval past, a charming port, and several fantastic eateries.

One of the more unusual things to do in the area is to check out the chapel barge. As its name would suggest, this is a place of worship on a literal early 20th-century boat which has since been transformed into a church barge.

Elsewhere in Conflans, the medieval church is beautiful and boasts the remnants of centuries old murals, while the donjon offers views over the rest of the settlement. What’s more is that Conflans-Sainte-Honorine can easily be reached via the RER A or the line J from Saint-Lazare.

Best things to do in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

• Explore the historic riverfront and harbour.
• Visit the Musée de la Batellerie et des Voies Navigables, checking opening arrangements.
• Walk through the old town and admire its historic church.
• Look for the chapel barge, subject to access and opening arrangements.
• Enjoy views across the rivers from the upper town.

How to get there from Paris: Trains run from Paris-Saint-Lazare to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, and the town is also connected to the wider regional transport network.

How long to spend: Half a day is ideal for the old town, waterfront and maritime heritage.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn for riverside walks and outdoor dining.

Crécy-la-Chapelle

A quiet and secluded town to the east of the French capital, even many Parisians likely haven’t heard of the existence of Crécy-la-Chapelle, a sleepy town situated around 40 km from Paris and self-proclaimed to be the ‘Venice of Brie’ on account of its many ringed moats.

Though there is little by way of attractions in Crécy-la-Chapelle, highlights of the little town in Île de France include a Collegiate church which is one of the most impressive in the region, several historic buildings, and plenty of charming streets.

Best things to do in Crécy-la-Chapelle

• Wander through the historic centre and along the waterways.
• Admire the bridges and traditional architecture.
• Visit the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame.
• Explore the town’s historic lanes and small local shops.
• Enjoy a peaceful walk beside the water.

How to get there from Paris: Public transport options can require a connection, so check current rail and bus services before travelling. A car can make exploring the surrounding countryside easier.

How long to spend: Two to four hours is a useful starting point for exploring the town.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for the waterways, bridges and outdoor walks.

Yerres

If you love art and heading off the beaten tourist track, then Yerres is a no brainer. This delightful little town is situated around half an hour away from Paris’ Gare de Lyon and was the birthplace of none other than Gustave Caillebotte, a 19th-century impressionist painter.

I first visited Yerres on a sunny afternoon in late July. We had escaped the intense heat of the city for a few hours and I loved soaking up the non-touristy afternoon by strolling around the park and following in the footsteps of Gustave Caillebotte.

You won’t need more than a couple of hours to discover Yerres, making it an easy side trip from Paris if you don’t have very much time spare.

Best things to do in Yerres

• Visit the Maison Caillebotte estate and its landscaped grounds.
• Learn about Gustave Caillebotte and his connection to the town.
• Walk through the park and along the river.
• Explore the town centre and its local cafés.
• Enjoy the gardens and historic architecture.

How to get there from Paris: Take a train from Paris-Gare de Lyon towards Yerres.

How long to spend: Half a day is ideal for the estate and a walk around the town.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for the landscaped grounds, checking the estate’s opening times before travelling.

Barbizon

Though a little more complicated to reach via public transportation, one of my favourite small towns close to Paris is the delightful village of Barbizon. This sleepy little village rose to particular prominence during the 19th-century as it gained popularity among artists.

Today, you can visit the village frozen in time, which consists of a few criss-crossed streets on the fringes of the Fontainebleau forest. There are a smattering of museums and cafés in town, and it’s an altogether lovely place to spend a quiet afternoon.

I particularly liked exploring Barbizon because, even though it rained during part of our time there, there were enough activities that we could pop into shops and museums every time it started pouring heavily!

Best things to do in Barbizon

• Walk along the historic Grande Rue.
• Visit the museums and sites associated with the Barbizon school of painters.
• Discover the village’s galleries and artists’ studios.
• Explore walking routes in the Forest of Fontainebleau.
• Stop at a traditional café or restaurant.

How to get there from Paris: Driving is generally the simplest option. Public transport is possible but requires careful route planning and may involve a train and bus or taxi.

How long to spend: Half a day is suitable for the village; allow longer if you plan to walk in the forest.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are particularly appealing for combining the artistic heritage with woodland walks.

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