10 weekend ideas within 2 hours of Paris

If there is one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, it is that it is not necessary to fly to the end of the world to change air. The constraints of confinement and curfew measures have forced us to rethink our habits and rediscover our region and its surroundings. You can opt for a village in Ile de France if you prefer not to go too far from your home, or take the car or the train to go to one of these destinations less than 2 hours from the capital.

Amiens, the historic capital of Picardy

1h20 by train or 2h by car will take you to Amiens, the historic capital of Picardy. From the famous hortillonnages to the magnificent Notre-Dame cathedral, via the house of Jules Verne and the Picardy museum, there is no shortage of things to see here. The surrounding area also offers many possibilities for excursions, such as the prehistoric park of Samara, which will delight both young and old.

Senlis, near Chantilly

Looking for a quiet weekend without driving too far? Then head for the beautiful town of Senlis, located an hour from Paris. Its cobbled streets, its cathedral, its charming little restaurants and its proximity to Chantilly make it the ideal destination for a change of scenery.

Lille, the capital of Hauts-de-France

By train, Lille is only one hour from Paris! Easily accessible from the Gare du Nord station, the capital of Hauts-de-France offers a wide range of activities, both for art and history lovers and for food lovers. Among the must-see visits: the old town of Lille, the Fine Arts Museum, the Grand Place, the Wazemmes market on Sundays, the Heron Park.

Reims and its champagne cellars

Reims can be reached from Paris in just 45 minutes by TGV. If the destination is particularly attractive during the festive season with its Christmas market and its illuminations, Reims is above all a major place in French history. Not to be missed: the Episcopal Palace of Tau, the cathedral, the Champagne Park and the Saint-Rémi basilica. As for champagne lovers, they will rush to discover the great champagne houses of the region: Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin, Taittinger and Pommery are just a few steps away.

Rouen, the capital of Normandy

The capital of Normandy, Rouen is the perfect city for a weekend in the countryside, less than two hours by train from Paris. You can visit the Fine Arts Museum, the cathedral, the Joan of Arc Memorial, but also for a bucolic stroll on the Seine and a walk in the Jardin des Plantes. And if you push a little, the first beaches of the Normandy coast are 45 minutes away!

Giverny and the gardens of Claude Monet

Giverny is a timeless place. Located less than two hours from Paris by car or train, the town of the impressionists is a splendid place. Claude Monet 's house and its sumptuous garden are obviously not to be missed, especially in spring. If this visit can be done in a day, why not stay for the weekend in one of the hotels in the area? There are plenty of walking routes and excellent restaurants.

The medieval town of Provins

Head to Provins for a trip back in time to the Middle Ages. Provins is the perfect destination for a weekend where history, nature and gastronomy come together. In addition to the unmissable medieval city (with its colourful shows!), take the time to visit the underground passages, the church of Saint-Quiriace and the Rose Garden.

Barbizon, the village of painters

Barbizon is nicknamed the village of painters. On the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, this town in the Seine-et-Marne region gave its name to the Barbizon school, where Charles-François Daubigny, Jean-François Millet and Jean-Baptiste Corot set up their easels. There is no shortage of charming hotels and restaurants, and you will easily find a place to stay after visiting the museum and Jean-François Millet's studio.

Metz, in Moselle

Head east towards the Moselle to discover the city of Metz, 1h20 by TGV from the capital. Metz is a city where life is good and you feel good instantly. The people of Lorraine are warm and welcoming and will be happy to advise you on their favourite places. For a first visit, and after a boat trip on my Moselle, don't miss a visit to the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne and the Centre Pompidou-Metz.

Le Crotoy in the Somme Bay

Why not forget Le Touquet and Deauville and discover the Bay of the Somme? Less ostentatious than its Norman neighbours, more preserved, the charming little town of Le Crotoy is located just over two hours from Paris by car. After admiring the picturesque and charming fishing port of the town, and tasting a seafood platter in passing, venture out with a guide to observe the seals. A change of scenery guaranteed!

Also read:

⋙ 11 districts of Paris to re(discover) for a weekend
⋙ Where to go for a weekend this winter?
⋙ Weekend in the mountains: our 10 favourite destinations in France