courances-

10 refreshing getaways under 1.5 hours from Paris

undefined undefined 30 octobre 2023 undefined 10h00

undefined undefined 18 avril 2025 undefined 13h41

The Editor

Shutterstock - Strikernia

We love our capital, we adore it, but sometimes it can be a bit exhausting: noise pollution, crazy waiting times to visit a museum, aggressiveness... In those moments, nothing beats a little getaway to freshen up your mind and come back feeling relaxed. Fortunately, we've put together the best little escapes for you to experience something new, all within 1.5 hours of Paris!


The best getaways within 1.5 hours of Paris 

If living in the capital is truly a blessing, who said that the countryside and its treasures should be abandoned? We promise, there are places as beautiful as the Louvre, the Sacré-Cœur, and the Palais Royal, all just a stone's throw from Paris. Check out the proof below! 


Châteaux 

The Palace of Versailles

Let’s start off with a classic: while it’s best to avoid visiting on weekends and during school holidays unless you want to feel like you’re at Disneyland in terms of queueing, a trip to the former home of the Sun King is definitely worth it. The Hall of Mirrors is a must-see. The gardens are splendid too. Every respectable Parisian should set foot here—it's not an order, but almost! The Palace of Versailles is precisely 55 minutes by RER from Austerlitz.

litz, a wonderful opportunity. 

See this post on Instagram

A post shared by Château de Versailles (@chateauversailles)


The Château de Courances 

Head towards the Fontainebleau forest to discover this little gem of Renaissance architecture, classified as a Historic Monument ! Besides the château, the Courances estate stretches over 75 hectares surrounded by water, trees, and the sky. A true wonder!charming and historic place, where you'll leave with stars in your eyes. 

However, when you check the map, it might show that public transport could take you there in… 12 hours minimum (except on Tuesdays, when you can take the RER D and bus 284-006). We therefore recommend going by car : you can get there in 1 hour and 20 minutes.


The Château de Fleury 

Still close to Fontainebleau, nestled between Essonne and Seine-et-Marne, we recommend you take a little trip to the Château de Fleury, a true gem. This impressive building features a grand cobblestone courtyard, enhanced by a park and a large canal nearly 800 meters long, inspired by Venice, symbolizing the power of the former master of the place. It’s your chance to experience the castle life you’ve always dreamed of, even if just for a day, or more if you desire! 

According to the map, it's located 1 hour and 24 minutes from Paris, taking the R line from Gare de Lyon to your connection in Melun, where you’ll hop on a second train (line 14) to Sorbiers. 


Château de Chantilly

We couldn't list the castles near Paris without mentioning the stunning estate of the Château de Chantilly, one of the gems of French heritage, home to the untouched treasures of Prince Henri d'Orléans. On the agenda: a stroll through the castle, exploration of the art collections housed in the Condé Museum, a visit to the park, the Chantilly Forest, and also the buildings, including several historical monuments, notably the Great Stables.

You will also be charmed by its short distance from Paris: just 45 little minutes on the RER D (get off at Chantilly-Gouvieux) or 25 min by train (Gare-du-Nord -> Chantilly-Gouvieux).


The Château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye 

Also known as the "Old Château," this place is a former residence of the kings of France, where many peace treaties and royal edicts were signed. Today, it is dedicated to the National Archaeology Museum. Don't miss the balcony at the far right of the room called "Gaul of Origins," which offers a perfect moment to pause with a view of the château courtyard, basking in the sunshine in the middle of the afternoon… Tempting, isn’t it ?

Great news : you'll be there in 30 minutes via the RER A, heading straight to the end station ! 



The Villages

Senlis

You might not know Senlis, this charming little village of 15,000 residents just 50 kilometers from Paris, but its oldest part is a remarkable hamlet. Here you'll find half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th century, private hotels from the 18th century, remains from the Gallo-Roman era, a 900-year-old cathedral, and an art and archaeology museum… It’s a delightful mix of all eras, sure to please everyone!

Senlis is easily accessible by public transport in just 1h18 (RER D - bus R114), or you can hop in your car and get there in 1 hour.


Saint-Sulpice-de-Favières

According to Actu.fr, Saint-Sulpice-de-Favières is one of those enchanting villages in Île-de-France that you must see at least once in your life. Calm and serenity are the key words for this charming little village of 300 residents, which features a church dating back to the 13th century, described as the “most beautiful village church in the entire kingdom” by Abbot Claude Chastelain in the 17th century. The Segrez estate, with its 6,500 species of trees, is also worth a visit: classified as a Historic Monument and awarded the Remarkable Garden label, it is one of the largest arboretums in Europe.

We suggest you take a drive there: in just 57 minutes, you'll arrive!

See this post on Instagram

A post shared by Corentin Gobé • 🇨🇵 • Heritage (@le_gaulois_itinerant)


Chevreuse

Off to the Yvelines to discover this quaint little village by the water: nestled next to a tributary of the Seine, this village is filled with woodland paths perfect for a stroll, charming homes full of character, and remnants of history.Oyen Age is waiting to be discovered among charming cobblestone streets. Its village and valley are prime spots for hiking and cycling: perfect for stretching your legs somewhere other than the Parisian gardens, just exactly 1 hour from the capital by car!


Auvers-sur-Oise

This village is a true gem of culture and heritage. Nicknamed the "village of the Impressionists," its charming lanes along the Oise make you forget the hustle and bustle of Paris, and the views almost make you feel like you're stepping into an Impressionist painting. Things to visit include the Auvers-sur-Oise Castle, as well as the Charles-François Daubigny Workshop House, Castel Val, the home of Doctor Gachet, and the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church, all visible in the works of Van Gogh. The famous painter spent his final weeks of life in Auvers-sur-Oise, and from this tumultuous and productive period, he left us with about a hundred canvases.

Good news: until early September, this stunning place is accessible by train!

on the Navigo pass via a direct train from Gare du Nord in 40 minutes. Off we go ! 


Giverny

Let’s wrap up with a second artist village: Claude Monet lived in Giverny, a village full of timeless charm, from 1883 until his death in 1926. The artist's house and its landscaped gardens are where he created his famous Water Lilies series.

now forms the Claude Monet Foundation Museum. The presence of the painter in Giverny has indeed attracted many artists from various nationalities, making it a symbolic place. The Impressionism Museum also contributes to making this town an international tourist hotspot. This little nest of culture is just waiting for you, only about 1 hour by car or train!