Paris is a romantic city, an artsy city, and a city where there’s always something to see and do. But admit it – sometimes you need a break and a breath of fresh air to stay grounded and keep your perspective. Weekend trips from Paris can renew your mind, body, and spirit and introduce you to a world of possibilities outside the city limits.
Many people who live in Paris rarely venture outside the city, and lots of tourists don’t make a point to explore the surrounding areas. It’s easy to take a quick trip by car or train from Paris to cities all over Europe. But today, we’re focusing exclusively on getaway spots in France. Here are some ideas for weekend getaway accommodations outside of Paris and a little bit about the beautiful towns they’re located in.
Lyon
Lyon is a must-visit city in France, perfect for anyone who is spending time in Paris. It’s the third-largest city in France and is known for its lovely cathedrals, nightlife scene, and shops. Many top-notch restaurants are located here too, including La Cave d’à Côté and Brasserie Chantecler. Rent a bike to get around town and experience Lyon like a local. When you visit, you can also take a leisurely stroll through the streets and don’t miss Cathédrale St-Jean and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Where to Stay: Villa Florentine is a five-star hotel with impressive views of Lyon and the historic Old Town. Expert chefs welcome guests to the hotel restaurant, and there’s also a wellness center that offers spa treatments and massages.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a cosmopolitan city in France that’s great to explore by renting a bike or using the city’s bike-share program. This is an ideal place to visit for foodies who love amazing local specialties. When you visit Strasbourg, don’t miss the Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Strasbourg Cathedral. It’s also fun to take a boat tour to relax and take in views of the canal.
Where to Stay: Regent Petite France is a great place to stay because it’s in the historic quarter of La Petite France and on the banks of the River Ill. Each of the rooms has its own unique character, and onsite you’ll find a restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center.
Honfleur
Another great place to visit in France for the weekend is Honfleur, a charming coastal town. Here you can check out the Musee Boudin, the lovely harbor, the Church of Saint Catherine, and Le Vieux Bassin.
Where to Stay: When you visit, stay at La Maison de Lucie, which is a charming three-star hotel in the historic center of the city. This is an ideal place to come for a peaceful retreat, and there’s a spa onsite for ultimate relaxation.
Meaux
It’ll only take you about 50 minutes to drive to Meaux from Paris, but this small town is a haven for city-dwellers. There’s a movie theater, a World War I museum, and lots of cheese. Cheese is what Meaux is known for, especially brie. You can learn about how the cheese is made at Fromagerie Ganot and Fromagerie de Meaux Saint Faron.
Where to Stay: Stay at the Kyriad Meaux, which is just five minutes from the historic center of the city and close to the region’s theme parks. There are double, twin, triple, and quadruple rooms here and a restaurant.
Chantilly
Chantilly is a beautiful French town that you can reach from Paris by train or car. It’s about an hour’s drive from Paris. Before you arrive in the middle of town, you’ll pass through the lovely Chantilly Forest that is incredibly peaceful. The city is famous for being the home of whipped cream, known as crème de Chantilly. Try some on fresh strawberries! Also, make sure to check out the Musée de Condé, which has a lovely collection of oil paintings. La Table du Connétable is a great place to dine if you’re looking for a high-end restaurant for a special occasion.
Where to Stay: Book a room at the Mercure Chantilly Resort & Conventions, which is in the heart of the Chantilly Forest and has rooms with forest and golf course views. There are chic rooms and suites in this four-star hotel that’s a favorite among golfers.
Reims
Reims is in the Champagne region of France and is famous for the sparkling beverage we all know and love. Top things to do include taking a tour at Pommery or Veuve Clicquot and visiting the caves where Champagne is stored. A recommended restaurant to try in Reims is Le Parc Les Crayeres.
Where to Stay: A recommended place to stay in Reims is Chateau Les Crayeres, which has plush rooms, antique-style furnishings, and a restaurant and bar.
Normandy
Normandy is a historic part of France that has been a significant place throughout the ages. Top attractions to add to your weekend list are the Normandy Beaches, Caen, Giverny, Falaise, and the seaside resorts.
Where to Stay: A great place to stay here is Hotel Carmin, which is just a five-minute walk to the beach and next to city hall. There are spacious rooms here, including double standard and double superior rooms.
Chartres
Another quaint town in France worth visiting for the weekend is Chartres, which is about an hour and a quarter’s drive west of Paris. There’s a famous cathedral here with spires and stained-glass windows that date back to the 1200s. If you visit in the summer, it’s fun to walk around the cathedral area in the evening to see the buildings illuminated.
Where to Stay: Book a room at the Mercure Chartres Centre Cathedrale in Chartres to be right by the cathedral and just two minutes by foot from the station. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and quick access to the main tourist sites.
Provins
Provins is about an hour and a quarter from Paris and is very charming. It’s a medieval village divided into two sections, the Upper Town and the Lower Town. Don’t miss the underground caverns and the historic fortifications on your trip. There’s also the Medieval Christmas Market to visit if you make this trip in December.
Where to Stay: Stay at Aux Vieux Remparts for a romantic weekend away. It has stylish rooms and suites, a spa, and a cozy atmosphere.
Fontainebleau
You’ll only need to travel about 45 minutes south of Paris to reach Fontainebleau if you take the commuter rail line or about an hour and a half if you’re driving. The big attraction here is the Chateau de Fontainebleau, which is a country castle that was inhabited by royal French dynasties and is one of the most beautiful castles in France. The nearby forest area is also great for rock climbing if you’re looking for a little adventure. Le Croix d’Augas is a fun and kitschy restaurant here to check out.
Where to Stay: La Demeure du Parc is a recommended boutique hotel with an in-house restaurant in Fontainebleau.
Orléans
Drive about an hour and a half south of Paris to reach Orléans, which was made famous by Joan of Arc. This is a great place to visit for history and architecture buffs because there are cathedrals and museums to explore. The town is small and offers a peaceful way to spend a weekend outside of Paris. Make a reservation for a table at Le Lièvre Gourmand for lunch.
Where to Stay: Plan to stay at the Empreinte Hotel in Orléans for your trip. This is a boutique hotel that’s urban, cozy, quiet, and romantic.
Le Mans
Anyone who has a need for speed will love a weekend trip to Le Mans. This town, about two hours southwest of Paris, is famous for its 24-hour car race. There are even races here involving trucks and bicycles! Aside from the fast-paced action, you can also explore cathedrals here and watch a light show on the historic buildings in the summer months.
Where to Stay: Chambres d’hotes Les Carrieres is a charming B&B that has hiking trails accessible from the property.
