If you’re looking for a great place to spend a day out of the main city of Paris, consider spending it in one of the country’s beautiful towns. If you love architecture, old town charm, and are looking for beautiful places to visit in the Paris countryside, these five towns are sure to please.
Auvers-sur-Oise
You’ll find a variety of scenic areas in and around Auvers-sur-Oise, including vineyards, lakes, and fields. This is one of the most beautiful places in Paris, France.
In the 19th century, many famous artists spent time in Auvers. Some of the most famous of them include Vincent Van Gogh and Charles-Francois Daubigny. You can also visit the Chateau d’Auvers, which is full of 17th-century architecture. A fountain is located in the garden, and parking is available for your convenience.
Fontainebleau
A historic town 55.5km south of Paris, Fontainebleau is surrounded by a beautiful forest and boasts a Sunday food market. The town was once a hunting lodge for the kings of France and remains a popular weekend destination for Parisians. There are numerous places to stay in this charming town and two trains an hour make getting there easy.
The RER line A takes you to Fontainebleau, located on the A-line. A little further west, you can visit Rueil-Malmaison, which is home to a beautiful French Chateau. This is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Paris countryside.
Seillans
Seillans is considered one of the most beautiful places in Paris, France. It is a charming little medieval town with cobbled streets, charming stone facades, and cafes on the village square. The town is also home to horse riding, petanque, and hiking trails. Seillans has also attracted artists including Max Ernst, who stayed in the town while painting the surrounding countryside. One of the town’s most important squares, Place du Thouron, has a 17th century fountain and wash house.
The medieval fortress of Chateau-Gaillard was built by King Richard Lionheart to protect his lands. The town is about an hour’s train ride from the city. It has different religious buildings dating back to the 13th century, as well as beautiful family homes from the 16th and 19th centuries.
Bourg-en-Bresse
Bourg-en-Bresse is a charming town in the countryside of Paris, and you can enjoy the French countryside from its many attractions. This historic town is home to the Royal Monastery, founded by Margaret of Austria. Its architecture is reminiscent of that of medieval France, but the town also features modern exhibition spaces. These include costumes, models of construction techniques, and musical instruments.
This medieval town is also home to the cathedral of Bourg-en-Bresse, also known as the church of Notre-Dame. The cathedral, built in the 16th century, has a Gothic interior and Renaissance facade. The interior is also decorated with sixteenth-century stalls and is a beautiful place near Paris to visit for art lovers especially.
Rueil-Malmaison
If you’re looking for a place to spend a day in the countryside of Paris, the countryside of Rueil-Malmaison is a great choice. This charming little town is tucked along the Seine and boasts a charming chateau once owned by Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. The town is dotted with small churches, museums, and bakeries.
For those who like antiques, Rueil-Malmaison has a souvenir shop that’s worth visiting. Located in the town center, this shop has a great selection of souvenirs and even a historical bookstore. The store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. It closes at 7 pm on August 1 and 23.
Concluding with a Bonus Tip!
If you love to shop, visit Rocamadour or Bourg-en-Bresse. Both are located in the Bourgogne region. They offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy browsing the boutique shops and taking in the historic buildings and churches. During your stay, don’t forget to spend time in the town’s main square, where you will get to witness the sights of a lifetime.
The beautiful places to visit in the Paris countryside listed in this blog are a dream come true for nature enthusiasts and art and history buffs. Book your next trip now before it gets crowded!
Photo by Chris Linnett, Isaac Arnault on Unsplash
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