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Looking for a quick escape from Paris this Toussaint? Discover these 10 exotic destinations, all less than 1h30 away!

undefined undefined 30 octobre 2023 undefined 10h00

undefined undefined 14 août 2024 undefined 13h51

The Editor

Shutterstock - Strikernia

We love our capital, we adore it, but sometimes it can be a bit tiring: noisy pollution, long waits just to visit ONE museum, and a touch of aggression... In these moments, there’s nothing better than taking a little break to refresh our minds and come back feeling relaxed. Luckily, we’ve put together the best getaways for you to escape to and dive into in less than 1.30 hours from Paris. 


The best getaways within 1.5 hours from Paris 

Living in the capital is wonderful, but who says we should ignore the charm of the countryside? Believe it or not, there are places that are just as stunning as the Louvre, the Sacré-Cœur, and the Palais Royal, all just a short trip from Paris. Check them out below! 


The castles 

The Palace of Versailles

Let's kick things off with a classic: try to steer clear of weekends and school holidays unless you're in the mood for Disneyland-style lines, but a trip to the former home of the Sun King is totally worth it. You can't miss the Hall of Mirrors—it's absolutely breathtaking! And don’t overlook the lovely gardens. Every proud Parisian should pay a visit to Versailles; it’s not a command, but it’s pretty close! The Palace of Versailles is just 55 minutes away by RER from Austerlitz station.


The Château de Courances 

Head over to the Fontainebleau Forest to uncover this little gem of Renaissance architecture, proudly recognized as a Historical Monument! The Courances estate stretches across 75 hectares, surrounded by water, trees, and sky. It's a truly enchanting place. And the story will leave you with twinkling eyes.

So, when you check the map, getting there by public transportation might take about... at least 12 hours (except on Tuesdays, if you take the RER D and bus 284-006). We suggest driving instead: it's only a 1 hour and 20 minutes trip!


The Château de Fleury 

Not far from Fontainebleau, nestled between Essonne and Seine-et-Marne, we invite you to explore the delightful Château de Fleury, a true treasure. This stunning building features a grand paved courtyard, a charming park, and an awe-inspiring grand canal nearly 800 meters long, inspired by Venice, showcasing the splendor of its former owner. It's your chance to experience the castle life you've always dreamed of, whether just for a day or even longer if you fancy! 

According to the map, it's just 1 hour and 24 minutes from Paris. Just take the R line to Gare de Lyon, switch in Melun, and hop on a second train (line 14) to Sorbiers. 


The Château de Chantilly

We simply must mention the amazing Château de Chantilly estate when discussing castles near Paris! It is truly a gem of French heritage, where you can explore the preserved treasures of Prince Henri d'Orléans. Your visit will include wandering around the castle grounds, admiring the art collections in the Condé Museum, exploring the park and Chantilly forest, and marveling at the various historical buildings, like the Great Stables.

And the best part? It's so close to Paris: just 45 minutes by RER D (stop at Chantilly-Gouvieux) or 25 minutes by train (Gare-du-Nord -> Chantilly-Gouvieux).


The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Also known as "Château Vieux," this beautiful place used to be the residence of the kings of France, where many peace treaties and royal decrees were signed. Nowadays, it is home to the National Archaeology Museum. Don’t forget to visit the charming balcony at the back right of the "La Gaule des origines" room, where you can take a lovely break and enjoy a sunny view of the castle courtyard in the afternoon... Isn't that inviting?

Great news: you can reach it in just 30 minutes by taking the RER A all the way to the end!



The villages

Senlis

You might not have heard of Senlis, this charming little village with 15,000 residents, just 50 kilometers from Paris, but its historic center is truly a gem! With delightful half-timbered houses from the 16th century, elegant 18th-century mansions, remnants from the Gallo-Roman period, a stunning cathedral that's 900 years old, and a museum filled with art and archaeology, Senlis has something special for everyone, no matter what time period you love!

Getting to Senlis is super easy - you can catch public transport and be there in just 1 hour and 18 minutes (RER D - bus R114), or if you prefer, you can drive and arrive in about an hour!


Saint-Sulpice-de-Favières

According to Actu.fr, Saint-Sulpice-de-Favières is one of those must-visit villages in Île-de-France that you absolutely have to see at least once! Peaceful and serene perfectly describe this charming little village of 300 inhabitants, boasting a 13th-century church, which was called the “ most beautiful village church in the whole kingdom ” by Abbot Claude Chastelain in the 17th century. Don’t miss the Segrez estate with its 6,500 species of trees—it’s classified as a Historical Monument and Recognized Garden, making it one of the largest arboretums in Europe!

We recommend driving there: in just 57 minutes, you'll arrive!


Chevreuse

Join us in exploring the charming village of Chevreuse in the Yvelines! Nestled by a serene little river that flows into the Seine, this village is filled with enchanting forest paths perfect for leisurely walks, adorable character-filled houses, and medieval ruins just waiting to be discovered on the scenic cobblestone streets. The town and its beautiful valley are ideal for hiking and biking, offering a delightful escape from the bustling parks of Paris, just a quick hour's drive away! So bring a picnic and get ready for a fun-filled day of outdoor adventures in Chevreuse!


Auvers-sur-Oise

This charming village is a delightful mix of culture and history. Known as the "village of the Impressionists," its picturesque streets along the Oise River whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. The scenic views feel almost like stepping into an Impressionist painting. Must-see attractions include the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, Maison-Atelier de Charles-François Daubigny, Castel Val, Dr. Gachet's house, and Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church, all featured in Van Gogh's masterpieces. The renowned artist spent his final weeks in Auvers-sur-Oise, creating over a hundred paintings during this productive period.

Exciting news: Until early September, you can easily access this enchanting destination with your Navigo pass!

by taking a direct train from Gare du Nord that only takes 40 minutes. All aboard! 


Giverny

Let's conclude our journey with another delightful artists' village: Claude Monet made Giverny his home from 1883 until he passed away in 1926. His charming house and the stunning gardens he designed, where he created his famous Water Lilies series, are now part of the Claude Monet Foundation Museum. Monet's magical influence in Giverny has drawn artists from all over the globe, turning it into an iconic place. The Impressionism Museum also helps make this lovely town a top international tourist destination. This cultural gem is just about an hour away by car or train, waiting for you to come and explore!