From the historic artistic legacy of the Giverny’s beautiful Gardens for its relation to the parodist art and to the lavish Palace of Versailles. If you love the French capital at heart, don’t delay it by adding to the list of exploring the activities in the nearby towns.
Museums, palaces, temples, castles, gardens, and you may get many other ideas to visit are very hard to consider about the places to visit first.
These places are very easy to access by car, train, which makes them a perfect weekend getaway or a day trip from the lovely capital.
Here are the 12+ Pretty French Towns Near Paris You’ll Just Love!
This guide will help you to visit the Pretty French Towns Near Paris You’ll Just Love! and experience the beautiful surrounding places of the iconic capital city.
12+ Pretty French Towns Near Paris You’ll Just Love!
1. Giverny
Giverny is situated in the region of Normandy, which is 50 miles to the west-northwest of the city of Paris. It is famous for the lily ponds with water, colourful, amazing gardens that are created by the caricaturist, Claude Monet, at his heavenly home in Giverny, which is close to Paris as well as to Rouen.
The most famous 30 series of paintings related to Rouen Cathedral was created between 1892 – 1894. That gave him the artistic inspiration and made this small river a scenic side village, which made it famous all over the world.
This village has a nickname as the “Village of Painters”, and this French painter is the Impressionism’s founder for over 4 decades.
Take a stroll through the flourishing heaven, which is very pleasant to walk around. You may find the delicious restaurants that are hidden around the rose bushes and many trees.
Along with his artwork, the carpets and the furniture are still preserved to till date.
Take a walk around the majestic gardens of Claude Monet. You can visit the Romanesque church, which is on the west side of the village.
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2. Versailles
Versailles was originally a poaching lodge, and later it was converted into a luxurious palace under King Louis XIV. In today’s world, this palace has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extensive gardens, a great epitome of French architecture, which makes the palace a popular attraction in the world. Earlier, this palace was a royal French residence and the government centre.
The palace will host many of the events, like Musical Fountain Shows that are arranged annually, Various exhibitions, and the most prestigious summits.
The estate palace is beautifully designed and well-maintained with the elaborate landscaping, fountains, and terraces.
Versailles is one of the very closest cities to Paris, and it is 12 miles away. The palace is spread around 2000 acres of land with manicured gardens. If you are missing while walking in the gardens on a different route, then you can see the different side of Versailles city. Here you can find the beautiful mansions in the neighbourhoods.
The delights of the Notre-Dame district welcome you with the sophisticated restaurants and many stores that are antique.
3. Provins – French Towns Near Paris
Provins can be toured as a day trip, and it is a medieval town near the city of Paris, 55 miles away. It is well preserved with medieval architecture, and it is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can tour the charming streets, towers, underground galleries, and ramparts. All these were preserved from the 17th century.
The specialty of the town is surrounded by many rose-flavoured products, and the rose garden has more than 450 varieties of rose plants.
You can walk along the 1200-meter-long ramparts for the best panoramic views by climbing the Tour Cesar. Grange aux Dimes is a medieval sheltered market, now it is a museum.
Souterrains de Provins can be explored with many underground galleries and the crypts.
4. Reims
Reims can be reached either by bus or train, and it is most popular as a day trip from north-east Paris, with 1.5 hours as a journey. It is a major town for its rich art and history, which can not be missed by visiting the stained glass windows of the remarkable Chagall and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
This place is one of the major producers of Champagne. Reims has high-producing champagne houses like Marques and Les Grandes. These production houses will allow for the tours for the visitors and for tasting purposes.
Another location that can not be missed by history lovers is Palais du Tau. And once it was a residence of the Archbishop of Reims.
For the distinctive experience, head towards the Cryptoporticus tunnels. It was originally planned to build for around 200 kilometres. Underground cellars of the buildings are still being used as a store for the champagne bottles in Reims.
You can travel to Reims in style on the European Waterways (Ultra Deluxe Kir Royale). By booking the luxurious cabin and enjoy the great meals inside with your partner.
5. Sceaux
Sceaux is a pedestrian-friendly town loaded with many cafes, bakeries and gourmet shops. The town is 15 kilometres away from the city of Paris. It is one of the luxurious areas in France with high residential costs.
There is an annual cherry blossom festival which happens at the Parc de Sceaux from late March to late April, where you can participate in the event in beautiful nature, along with the Japanese culture.
You can visit the Château de Sceaux is a 19th-century castle that now serves as a museum, which is voted to the history of the Île-de-France region.
There will be many cultural happens at the Domaine de Sceaux, which hosts many events throughout the year with art exhibitions, festivals and concerts.
The vibrant streets of Reu Houdan is popular for the award-winning boutiques, patisseries and the culinary artisans.
6. Nogent-Sur-marne
Nogent-sur-Marne is 15 kilometres away from the eastern suburbs of Paris. This town has a beautiful riverside setting on the banks of the River Marne.
It is a lively town with the iconic “Pavillon Baltard”, which is a historic market moved from Paris and now used for many of the events. There is a famous painter, Henri Matissie, who worked and lived here.
There are many events that are held annually during the weekend of early June, like craft markets or banquets, fighting knights, and acrobats.
You can explore the Willy Ronis exhibit, and there are many permanent historical images of the beautiful area. From there, you can head on to the city hall to visit the statue of Charles de Gaulle, who is famous as a frequent visitor to this city.
7. Senlis
Senlis is situated 40 kilometres away to north of Paris. It is known for its rich royal history of the Romans. The town is located between the forests of Ermenonville and Chantilly, and this town is well preserved with its architecture in the beautiful medieval streets.
You can wander through the cobblestone streets of the town, and there are many houses, which are half-timbered. The Gallo-Roman Arenas are also called the amphitheatres, and these are the monuments of the 1st century AD.
Norte Dome Cathedral is a masterpiece with its Gothic art. The construction of the cathedral took around 400 years, and it began in 1155 and was completed in the 16th century.
The town is known for its artistic ambience and for the old-world charm. It is a hidden gem for the perfect lovers of history and good for romantic strolls through the beautiful alleyways.
Vieille Ville de Senlis, where you can wander through the historic, old, charming streets.
Parc et Vestiges du Chateau, you can explore the park and the royal castle.
8. Saint Germain-en-Laye
Saint Germain-en-Laye is famous for its great royal history, with its wealthy commune in the department of Yvelines. Chateau de Saint Germain-en-Laye is the place for the National Museum of Archeology, and was formerly a royal residence.
The Terrace of Saint Germain-en-Laye is a 17th-century terrace built by Louis, and it is provided with the beautiful panoramic views of the valley with the Seine River around.
The town center has a historic fabric with the pedestrian walk streets, restaurants and many shops to roam around.
This town is highly populated with luxurious buildings and families with a high quality of life, surrounded by excellent schools.
Many of the dishes you can explore are the Gratin Dauphinois (Sliced potatoes baked in milk or cream). Boeuf Bourguignon is a hearty beef stew poached in red wine with many ingredients like mushrooms, bacon and onions.
9. Meaux
Meaux is a historic French city, and it is situated 60 kilometres away to east of Paris on the Marne River. The city offers rich medieval streets, numerous museums and a great cultural heritage.
The city has winding streets that are centred around the Gothic masterpiece of Saint Etienne Cathedral. The beautiful town hall square, natural-looking Gallo-Roman walls, with the resemblances of the medieval architecture, are still visible today.
You can visit the local dairy farms of the cows, where the production of the cheese happens here in this famous place, and they conduct sessions on the production of cheese on request of the visitors.
You can explore foods like Quiche Lorraine, a tasty savoury with cream, bacon and the fillings of the eggs. Macarons de Nancy is cookie made with almond flour from the nearby places of the Larrie region.
Patte Larrion is a pastry savoury made with seasoned shallots, butter, many herbs, along with the pork from the regions of Larrie.
10. Chartres
Chartres is famous for its amazing Gothic Cathedral, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is located to the southwest of Paris of 78 kilometers away. The beautiful city is situated on the Eure River, and visitors can enjoy boating and walking along the river.
City is famously known as “Perfume and City of Lights” due to its renowned perfume production made in this region and the light festival, which happens annually.
Chartres Cathedral is a masterpiece with its Gothic architecture, with a stunning stained glass window, and these are the collections of the 13th century. With the iconic, which is amazing, “Our Lady of the Beautiful Class”
Pate de Chartres is a crust pastry that consists mainly of game meat. Many dishes like Tarte Tatin, Rilletes de Tours, Pithiviers, Le Poirat, and Rellions de Touraine.
11. Chantilly
Chantilly is famous for the highly prestigious horse racing track with the enormous 18th-century stables. The city is surrounded by the Chantilly forests with the art, equestrian culture and a glimpse of the French history.
The historic paintings of France are being placed in the largest collection in the Musée Condé. This grand castle was reconstructed in the 19th century and is now used as a historic place.
You can visit the great stables of the 18th century, which are home to 240 horses, and these are open to the public today.
There are other places which are famous for many things, like whipped cream, a racecourse, equine heritage, and lace making.
Many dishes to explore are the Ficelle Picarde, Caghuse, Flamiche aux Poireaux, Bisteaux, Gratin Picard and creme Chantilly.
12. Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is a town 65 kilometres away to the southeast of Paris. The Chateau is a great royal palace that was home to the French monarchs for many centuries. Currently, the Fontainebleau is the home to the business school of INSEAD.
The Chateau is not built by a single ruler; it is a contribution from many French kings, which results in the modifications of the Chateau.
It is a major Forest gateway for serving as the renowned destination for Parsians, who are seeking outdoor recreational activities. The city is now known for its best education.
The Fontainebleau Forest is a 49000-acre forest and one of the biggest in France. Chateau Fontainebleau is spread over 130 acres of land with 1500 rooms inside, which is in the heart of the parkland.
Tourist Fontainebleau is the tourist office that will help you with all your travel needs as a visitor.
You can explore many of the local dishes like Escargots, Duck Confit, Foie Gras, Steak Frites, and also Bestronomic foods can also be explored.
12+ Pretty French Towns Near Paris You’ll Just Love! – Conclusion
That’s all about the 12+ Pretty French Towns Near Paris You’ll Just Love! from my end. I hope this article will help you plan your pretty French towns accordingly.
If you have already visited these French towns or you are a local there, share your experiences or any other gems that should be added to this list.
Don’t forget to comment below.
