What are the best destinations within 100 kilometres of Paris?

Provins

The town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts the largest medieval festival in France every year. On this occasion, its ramparts, its Caesar tower and its tithe barn come alive to the rhythm of troubadours, knights and eagle shows. But rest assured: the rest of the year, the charm is just as strong!

Chartres

In addition to its famous cathedral and its Maintenon castle, with its French gardens, this city in the heart of the Eure valley offers beautiful walks along the river: its many bridges and footbridges offer beautiful views of the mills or the arches of the Saint-Hilaire washhouse.

Versailles

The official residence of the kings of France is not only famous for its sumptuous castle and its world famous gardens. The Antiques district will appeal to lovers of fine objects, while the city's 70 kilometres of cycle paths will delight nature lovers.

Soissons

With family or friends, the first capital of the Franks offers you a real step back in time, in the footsteps of Clovis and the famous Soissons vase. Between two historical walks, explore the banks of the Aisne on foot, horseback or by bike.

Nogent-le-Roi

Its timber-framed houses, charming water mills and its castle, recognisable by its Second Empire buildings and the deer that roam freely in its gardens, make Nogent-le-Roi the ideal destination for a little green getaway, less than an hour and a half from the capital.

Beauvais

One of the jewels of this city in the heart of the Oise region is hidden in Saint-Pierre Cathedral: the astronomical clock, a gigantic Romanesque-Byzantine piece of furniture, no less than twelve metres high. A true masterpiece of almost 100,000 mechanical parts, which does not overshadow the other typical know-how of Beauvais: tapestry, which can be discovered in particular at the Quadrilatère, the former National Tapestry Gallery.

Chantilly

Who doesn't know this delicious, slightly sweetened whipped cream recipe, which is found in many French desserts and bears the same name as this town between forest and countryside? Don't miss a visit to the Château, a look at the Grandes Ecuries and a trip to the racecourse, located in the heart of the city. Not to be missed if you are planning a trip to the nearby Parc Astérix.

Gisors

The capital of the Vexin Normand, at the crossroads of Normandy, Picardy and Ile-de-France, has all the assets of an ancient medieval town. Its fortified castle is a good example of Gisors' position as a master military fortress between the French and Norman Vexin.

Compiègne

At the confluence of the Aisne and Oise rivers, this royal and imperial town, on the edge of vast forests, offers many possibilities for visits, starting with the castle, a royal residence commissioned by Louis XV. The town was also strongly marked by the First World War, which can be seen at several memorial sites, such as the French military necropolis of Compiègne-Royallieu, the Internment and Deportation Memorial, located on the former internment camp of Royallieu, as well as the Clairière de l'Armistice Memorial.

Barbizon

The impressionist painters were not mistaken in the 19th century when they settled in this small village on the western edge of the Fontainebleau forest. It was in particular at the Père Ganne inn that many artists found refuge and formed the "Barbizon School". For an inspiring stopover, breathe in the cobbled streets and the art shops and galleries.

Fontainebleau

Are you ready to live the life of a squire for a few hours? Head to Fontainebleau and its castle! With its 22,000 hectares of lush green forest and its waterways, Fontainebleau is the ideal place for a short break.

The Chevreuse Valley

At the gateway to Paris, this natural setting is full of hidden treasures - mysterious forests and nature reserves bordering picturesque villages. Whether on foot or by bike, you can explore this vast territory through its main monuments - the Vaux-de-Cernay abbey, the châteaux of Dampierre, Rambouillet or Breteuil.

Auvers-sur-Oise

The last home of Vincent Van Gogh, Auvers-sur-Oise is a peaceful hamlet that will delight painting enthusiasts. On a pilgrimage in the footsteps of the painter, visit the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, immortalised by Van Gogh before his death, the house of Doctor Gachet, whose portrait he painted, and finally the artist's grave, buried next to his brother, Theo. Don't miss the unusual visit to the Absinthe Museum!

Giverny

It is impossible not to mention here the capital of the Impressionists and more precisely the village of Claude Monet. On the right bank of the Seine, many visitors from all over the world flock every year to visit the painter's former house and garden, the Musée des Impressionismes, and to eat at the mythical Hôtel Baudy, where many artists came to seek inspiration among the old roses.

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