18 Fairytale Cities & Cities Close to Paris You will Love (2023)

You have got seen Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum; now it’s time to go to some stunning cities close to Paris to get a style of France.

For those who’re visiting the Metropolis of Love, you could need to go to different cities close to Paris which can be simply as quaint and dreamy. 

You’ll be astounded at what number of picturesque cities to go to close to Paris match in magnificence.

For those who’d like a information to the gorgeous nearest cities, this one will present you that there are various choices to select from.

Probably the most stunning cities close to Paris have spectacular structure, historic worth, and artsy power like no different. 

There are fascinating issues to do and see past simply Paris that can go away you with experiences that can final a lifetime.

18 Fairytale Cities & Cities Close to Paris You’ll Love

Listed below are our favourite cities and small cities close to Paris in no specific order. You may simply go on a day journey from Paris to those locations with some planning or an expert information who will prepare every thing for you.

1. Versailles

For those who’re on the lookout for a day journey to a picturesque city close to Paris, Versailles is likely one of the hottest vacationer selections, primarily as a result of it’s dwelling to some of the visited UNESCO World Heritage Websites in France: the Palace of Versailles.

The French-style gardens, beautiful fountains, and unimaginable structure are sufficient to attract anybody into the previous home of Louis XIV. 

This near-Paris location can get fairly crowded, so it’s best to go to in spring, autumn, or on weekdays in case you’re in season. Alternatively, you possibly can merely purchase a skip-the-line ticket and save all the effort.

There are many guided excursions in Versailles, however in case you’d wish to discover by yourself, the Palace of Versailles is completely beautiful and was the house of Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI.

The palace has many issues to see, like The Corridor Of Mirrors or its lush Gardens of Versailles. 

You can even go to The Property of Trianon, the Park of Versailles, the Le Potager du Roi backyard, and the Royal Stables. 

Professional tip: put on comfy footwear as a result of you’ll stroll loads!

Distance From Paris to Versailles:

Versailles is likely one of the closest cities close to Paris at 12 miles away, only a 25 to 30-minute prepare journey from RER C and SNCF Line N.

Click on right here to purchase your skip-the-line ticket plus tour of Versailles

2. Auvers Sur Oise

Cities near Paris embody Auvers Sur Oise, a picturesque place simply reachable by prepare. 

This location is named La Ville des Impressionistes as many well-known Impressionist artists, like Monet, visited Auvers Sur Oise for its magnificence, and so they painted landscapes of the French countryside. 

Vincent Van Gogh additionally populated Auvers Sur Oise for the final two months of his life and painted 70 artworks in that point, together with the well-known ‘Church at Auvers.’ 

He handed away on the Auberge Ravoux, which it’s also possible to go to. 

For those who go to Paris for artwork, this quaint city has a self-guided stroll known as The Painters’ Pathway, the place a number of well-known impressionist work had been impressed. 

You can even go to the favored Absinthe Museum commemorating the well-known French drink and its significance in France’s 19^th-century social and cultural life. 

Distance From Paris:

This picturesque city is 17 miles from the middle of Paris and takes about 40 minutes to succeed in through prepare from Gare du Nord or Gare Saint-Lazare. 

Click on right here to purchase a day journey to Auvers Sur Oise

3. Chantilly

Of all of the cities close to Paris, Chantilly is likely one of the most well-known for its most interesting porcelain and lacework. 

For those who’re a foodie, this stunning metropolis makes the tastiest signature Chantilly Cream – a tastebud must-have. 

In addition to, the Château de Chantilly is solely some of the astounding castles in France. This fort is dwelling to the second-largest artwork assortment within the nation after the Louvre. 

The work are nonetheless positioned within the place the final French King’s son, Henri d’Orléans, selected! 

The museum is known as Grande Galerieone and includes a library and exquisite gardens. 

You’ll additionally need to go to the Grandes Écuries, the Chantilly Stables, and Horse Museum. 

These are the second largest stables in Europe, constructed because of the 18th century seventh Prince de Condé’s ardour for horses. 

You’ll have a beautiful time exploring the Chantilly Gardens and Chantilly Racecourse. 

Distance From Paris:

Chantilly is 26 miles away, and it’ll take round 22 minutes to get there through prepare from the Gare du Nord station. 

4. Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is an enthralling city near Paris, boasting a quaint ambiance, and is dwelling to the Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Website. 

In contrast to Versailles, Château of Fontainebleau was a sovereign residence constructed as a searching lodge within the twelfth century however has been graced by many members of the royal household. 

The structure, artwork, and finishings are value exploring, together with the remainder of the architectural city. 

Fontainebleau Gardens are simply as fantastically designed as different cities close to Paris, with zero crowds blocking the view. 

Right here you possibly can take pleasure in a time out mountain climbing Fontainebleau Forests, the second-largest forest in France, or you possibly can discover it on a scorching air balloon! 

Distance From Paris:

Fontainebleau is 35 miles away and takes 45 min to 1 hour through prepare from Paris Gare de Lyon station.

Click on right here to purchase the day journey to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte Castles

5. Chartres

Probably the most stunning cities close to Paris is Chartres, the house of the spectacular Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

You may discover the fantastic thing about the European milestone Gothic cathedral with most of its unique stained-glass home windows. 

The cathedral additionally has a Thirteenth-century labyrinth for these in search of a religious stroll to clear their thoughts. You can even benefit from the charming homes by strolling down the river Eure. 

Distance From Paris:

Chartres is 59 miles and a median 1-hour and 10-minute prepare journey from Paris. 

6. Provins

Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage Website of the Center Ages, and in the present day you possibly can see knights’ performances as a vacationer enjoyment in some of the stunning cities close to Paris.

You can even take pleasure in a time out experiencing the panoramic views of twelfth and Thirteenth-century buildings, the medieval tower Tour César, and Les Souterrains de Provins tunnels. 

There’s additionally a Provins Medieval Pageant in June, which is properly well worth the expertise!

Distance From Paris:

Provins is 56 miles south of Paris, an hour and 30-minute prepare journey away.

7. Amiens

For those who’re on the lookout for cities near Paris, Amiens is value placing in your itinerary. Right here you’ll discover the biggest Gothic cathedral in France – the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens. 

Amiens additionally presents vacationers the Musée de Picardie, an enormous museum with a powerful assortment of artifacts, some courting from prehistoric instances.

Quartier Saint-Leu in Amiens has medieval structure, boutiques, eating places, and cafes for vacationers to find, so it’s worthwhile to make a day journey and even to remain over at this stunning metropolis.

Distance From Paris:

Amiens is a metropolis close to Paris that’s one hour and 40 minutes away through prepare from Gare du Nord. 

8. Lille

Lille isn’t the town nearest to Paris, however it’s shut sufficient and properly value a go to. 

Positioned on the Deûle River, Lille has been round because the eleventh century, and in the present day it’s an industrial hub. 

La Grand Place is an efficient place to begin in Lille, as there are various shops, cafes, and eating places to take pleasure in, surrounded by classical 17^th-century Flemish Renaissance structure. 

Lille is the place to be if you wish to expertise the excitement of French life. 

Marché de Wazemmes is a Lille market that runs all through the week the place you could find healthful meals, flowers, clothes, and lots of different goodies. 

For those who’re on the lookout for a dose of artwork, you possibly can go to Palais des Beaux-Arts or Lille Métropole Museum of Fashionable, Up to date, and Outsider Artwork.

Distance From Paris:

This stunning metropolis close to Paris is a 204-mile, 1-hour prepare journey from Gare du Nord, metropolis heart. 

Click on right here to purchase a ticket to a 2-hour strolling tour in Lille

9. Giverny

The cities close to Paris checklist can be incomplete with out Giverny. 

The well-known French painter Claude Monet (actually, one of many most well-known folks from France) settled right here till he handed away in 1926, and his dwelling and backyard are on show for artwork connoisseurs to go to. 

There are different sightseeing alternatives in Giverny, as it’s populated with quaint outlets and cafes ready to be explored. 

You can even go to the gardens and artwork on the Museum of Impressionism Giverny.

Distance From Paris:

The journey from Paris takes about an hour utilizing Gare Saint Lazare to Vernon prepare station after which a shuttle to your required location. 

10. Reims

Reims is an attractive metropolis close to Paris and is bursting with issues to do and see. This prime location is understood for the best champagne value tasting. 

The Reims Cathedral is the place practically the French King was topped, and the structure is astounding, with many effective sculptures to see. 

Subsequent to the cathedral is the Palace of Tau, adorned with effective tapestries and sculptures. 

Another Reims sights embody Villa Demoiselle, Saint-Remi Basilica, 18th century Champagne Homes and tunnels, and the effective arts museum Musée des Beaux-Arts. 

You received’t run out of actions to do within the stunning metropolis of Reims. 

Distance From Paris:

Reims from Paris solely takes a 1-hour 20-minute prepare journey. 

11. Rouen

Rouen is a picturesque city with Outdated Market Sq., an ideal place to drink espresso and people-watch. 

You may go to Jardin des Plantes, a big metropolis backyard, for a pleasant picnic or stroll round admiring the structure. 

If you would like a visit close to Paris that isn’t overcrowded by different vacationers, Rouen is a superb alternative.

Their most notable attraction is the tallest French cathedral, Notre Dame de l’Assomption de Rouen. Rouen additionally has loads of little villages and beautiful countryside to tour. 

Distance From Paris:

For those who’re taking the prepare, Rouen is 1 hour and half-hour from Paris metropolis heart. 

12. Strasbourg Metropolis

Strasbourg has the beautiful Saint-Pierre Le Jeune Church, full of an enchanting historical past of adjusting from Catholic to Protestant and vice versa. 

At this time the church is Protestant, and lots of vacationers love to go to its wealthy magnificence. 

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg can also be a jaw-dropping web site properly well worth the journey. Its Gothic structure, stained glass home windows, and astronomical clock are magnificent.

If you would like royalty sprinkled in, you possibly can go to Palais Rohan, and different enjoyments embody the close by Place Kleber for eating places and different curiosities. Place Kleber is positioned on Grande-île de Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

Petite France in Strasbourg is an space the place vacationers can benefit from the picturesque intriguing half-timber homes alongside the river of this stunning metropolis close to Paris. 

Distance From Paris:

For those who’d like to go to Strasbourg through prepare, it’s 2 hours from Gare de l’Est Paris. 

13. Chablis

Chablis is one other medieval city the place you possibly can see the Obédiencerie monastery, identified for the monks that began winemaking. 

Chablis is a wine area with signature Chardonnay grapes grown in close by vineyards that vacationers can go to and go wine tasting on the many wineries on the town. 

There’s ample stunning structure in Chablis, together with the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Martin church buildings.

Distance From Paris:

Chablis is close to Paris, nevertheless it does take 3 hours by prepare to get there, so it could be higher to journey by automobile as that solely takes 2 hours. 

14. Excursions

This ‘cities near Paris’ checklist can be incomplete with out the magnificent Excursions. 

It’s the largest metropolis within the Centre-Val de Loire area, a area with the biggest focus of chateaus which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Website. 

You may go to the Excursions Cathedral, which took over 370 years to construct, which is why it captures Gothic evolution most fantastically.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts has a powerful artwork assortment, and you’ll journey round the remainder of Excursions experiencing its river, markets, wineries, and exquisite castles. 

The castles embody Château de Villandry and Château d’Amboise. Or the close by Château de Chambord, Château Royal de Blois, and Château de Chenonceau. 

Distance From Paris:

Excursions can take as much as a 2-hour prepare journey, the quickest with the direct TGV INOUI, so it’s best to make the journey an entire day journey. 

15. Caen

Caen is a bit additional away from Paris however shut sufficient to place in your checklist of locations to go to in France. 

William the Conqueror known as Château de Caen dwelling, and now it’s a powerful vacationer attraction. There are various wonders in Caen. 

You may fill your days in Caen admiring its medieval structure, interacting with exhibitions at Caen Memorial Museum, visiting the Honfleur waterfront, and exploring the oldest wood church in France, St. Catherine’s Church.

Caen can also be common for all of the WWII occasions that came about within the surrounding areas, together with many D-Day websites value trying out.

If in case you have a while left, make a day journey to Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island and mainland commune in Normandy with a powerful abbey on the high of the island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

Distance From Paris:

You may count on Caen to be a 3-hour prepare journey from Paris, which is round 124 miles away. 

Learn subsequent: Tips on how to Plan a Paris to Normandy Day Journey

16. Colmar

Colmar is a Medieval paradise adorned with half-timbered buildings, tiny, cobbled allies, market squares, and lots of different issues to uncover. 

Petite Venise is a canal that appears much like the one in Venice, and the homes will stun you with their magnificence.

You can even go to the stunning St. Martin’s Church, Unterlinden Museum, and the various markets, eating places, wineries, and cafes. 

Distance From Paris:

Taking a prepare from Gare de l’Est Paris metropolis heart to Colmar will take 2 hours and half-hour. 

17. Dijon

Dijon is close to sufficient to go to after Paris and is equally as wealthy in historical past, structure, and issues to do. 

You’ll need to see Place de la Libération, dwelling to the Dukes of Burgundy within the 14th and fifteenth centuries.

Musée des Beaux-Arts provides you a style of the inventive tradition of France, and Musée Magnin does the identical with over 2,000 artworks.

Whilst you’re there, you received’t need to miss a particular, fortunate carving the place you may make a want by touching the Parcours de la Chouette, The Owl of Dijon, along with your left hand. 

These 22 owl carvings had been sculpted within the 1500s, and the rock shines from all the desires folks made by means of the centuries. 

Distance From Paris:

Dijon takes round 2 hours to journey through prepare from the Gare de Lyon station. 

18. Épernay

You can begin your tour in Épernay in Avenue de Champagne to marvel on the divine structure. 

You may take pleasure in among the most interesting glowing wine on this near-Paris metropolis on the Mercier and De Castellane cellars. 

You can even go to Moët et Chandon underground tunnels on this route. It is usually value stopping on the Nineteenth-century mansion and museum Château Perrier. 

Distance From Paris:

A prepare from Paris metropolis heart to Epernay will take a minimal of 1 hour and 20 minutes from Gare de l’Est however can take as much as 2 hours and half-hour, relying on the interchanging trains.

Remaining Phrases

We hope you loved studying extra about these stunning cities close to Paris. As a result of the French capital metropolis has such good connections, it isn’t arduous to go to different picturesque cities and cities across the nation.

If in case you have some strategies for charming cities and beautiful cities close to Paris, be happy to drop their names under and assist us encourage others.

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