Weeks go by and those famous long weekends in May are getting closer. If we’ve already shared our selection of destinations to (re)discover in Europe for this occasion, here we are again with 5 destinations in Île-de-France, guaranteed to be 100% budget-friendly as they are reachable in less than 2 hours by car, or even less by train.
Giverny
Giverny, is truly the crème de la crème of Francilien villages. So, of course, when a long weekend is on the horizon, we rush there with our eyes closed. Why? Because over there, everything is about relaxation. The landscapes are soft and charming, and the atmosphere is peaceful and artistic. Known for its beautiful gardens and...the place where Claude Monet lived for over 40 years, every landscape looks like an impressionist painting and you'll never tire of it. Plus, at just 45 minutes by train and about 9€, how can you resist?
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Chevreuse
Chevreuse is somewhat of the underrated gem of Île-de-France. Yet, it hides some fabulous treasures just waiting to be explored. For a stay in the heart of nature, you can take delightful strolls over the small bridges or through the beautiful regional natural park of the Vallée de Chevreuse. History lovers will be tempted to visit the Château de la Madeleine, the Château de Breteuil, or the Château de Dampierre. And of course, you can't miss the Abbey of Vaux-de-Cernay. To get there, plan for about 1 hour and between 4 and 7€.
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Chantilly
Famous for its stunning chateau, which is a must-see, Chantilly certainly deserves your full attention. Recognized as a "City of Art and History" for over fifteen years, people flock to Chantilly not just for its unique architectural heritage, but also for its horse racing and the lovely surrounding forests. You can easily spend a weekend here to discover everything it has to offer, so go for it! It’s just 30 minutes from Paris, and TER tickets start at only 2€!
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Fontainebleau
Nature lovers will be delighted. Fontainebleau offers not only charming cobblestone streets and historic squares but also, and most importantly, hectares of forest that provide opportunities for plenty of hikes. The more adventurous might want to try out a climbing session. It’s just a 45-minute trip from the Gare de Lyon, and prices start at just 3€!
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Milly-la-Forêt
Head to Essonne for an even more refreshing getaway! In Milly-la-Forêt, you can enjoy a charming little village that feels timeless. Here, you can go for a hike, try your hand at rock climbing, experience a glider flight, or even take a hot air balloon ride. Jean Cocteau had his home here from 1947 to 1963, which is now open to the public. By train, this lovely town can be reached in about 3 hours and ticket prices range from 9 to 14€.
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