Post-quarantine: 10 idyllic villages less than 100 km from Paris

Old-world charm, narrow cobblestoned streets, large flowered gardens, artists’ villages… With May 11th fast approaching, set off to discover the lush greenery and unparalleled charm of these idyllic French villages, less than 100 km from Paris.

1) Le village de Moret sur Loing 

@marc_lopes & @siclairdelune

Welcome to the medieval village of Moret sur Loing in Seine et Marne, barely an hour’s drive from Paris. A favorite spot for yachtsmen from all over the world and endowed with an unspeakable bucolic charm, we can understand why Moret sur Loing was once a source of inspiration for painter Alfred Sisley.

2) Le village de Provins 

@vie_et_mop & @emcphotography77

Provins is a real treasure. With its antiquated atmosphere, this fabulous medieval city has visitors feeling like they’ve stepped back in time to the Middle Ages as soon as they enter the gates.  Boasting half-timbered houses, ramparts, and a dungeon, Provins promises to be an enchanting medieval excursion.

3) Senlis

@chantillysenlistourism & @photokiff

Less than 100 km north of Paris, Senlis bears witness to over 2,000 years of history with its unparalleled architectural and cultural heritage.  Narrow cobblestoned streets, ivy-covered walls, private mansions, flower-filled terraces, shop windows from another time… Senlis is the perfect destination for a weekend escape in nature.

4) Le village de Gerberoy

@oisetourism

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Gerberoy is a gorgeous commune found in Oise, in Hauts de France. Visitors simply enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets of this timeless hamlet on a hilltop, each one more charming than the last.  Only an hour and a half away from the capital, Gerberoy is a true haven of peace.

5) Le village de Chevreuse

@karine_atm & @mrkimjones

Nature in all its splendor can be found only 30 minutes from Paris. Have a stroll along the promenade de petits ponts to discover the charming small bridges that criss-cross the village canal and the timeless wash houses along it’s banks.  If you’d like to turn your trip into a full-on excursion, why not check out day-hiking options through the Vallée de Chevreuse.

6) Le village de Giverny

Giverny is a village of timeless charm about an hour outside of Paris where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Its idyllic water garden with an overhanging Japanese footbridge and water lilies inspired the impressionist painter to create some of his most beautiful paintings.

7) Le village de Barbizon 

@elena_s75 & @lost_somewhere_en

More commonly known as the “village of painters,” the village of Barbizon was an inevitable haunt for French pre-impressionist painters in need of inspiration.  Not far from Fontainebleau, at about 45 minutes from Paris, the ever-charming village of Barbizon is perfect for a nice afternoon stroll.

8) Le village d’Auvers sur Oise

@lesbaroudeurs & @jeremy.bourdon

If you feel like walking in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, head to the picturesque village of Auvers-sur-Oise, less than 30 km from the capital.  Visitors can discover the Église Notre-Dame, visit the tombs of Van Gogh and his brother Theo, and have a stroll through the narrow flowered streets leading to the village’s château and its gardens.

9) Montfort l’Amaury 

@judithpeonies & tourisme.fr

On the edge of the Rambouillet forest in les Yveliines, Montfort l’Amaury lies at the foot of the ruins of the city’s fortified castle. In the heart of this small medieval city, countless historic monuments bear testament to 1000 years of history. Visitors enjoy wandering along the village’s narrow, cobblestoned streets and admiring the Tower of Anne de Bretagne, the ruins of the medieval castle of the Counts of Montfort, and the city’s church with its exceptional collection of 16th century stained glass.

10) La forêt de Rambouillet 

@rayanlaroze & @axel_zitte

Since 2009, the massif de Rambouillet has been classified as a “protected forest,” which means that although open to the public, its environmental value has been preserved. This makes the Rambouillet forest the second largest protected forest in France. Head here if you’re looking for an enlightening experience in the heart of nature, sure to bring some perspective.

Source: 10 échappées belles bucoliques à moins de 100 km de Paris !