10 Best Towns Near Paris

Just 12 miles from Paris lies Versailles, a name synonymous with unparalleled royal grandeur and the epitome of French classical architecture. The town's crown jewel, the Palace of Versailles, is a magnificent testament to the ambition of Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father's hunting lodge into Europe's most spectacular royal residence. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and 2,000 acres of meticulously manicured gardens.

The town itself offers a charming glimpse into authentic French life with its elegant 18th-century architecture and bustling market squares. The historic Quartier Saint-Louis features well-preserved buildings housing artisanal shops and traditional French bistros, while the Notre-Dame district delights with its antique stores and sophisticated restaurants.

Getting lost in Versailles' side streets reveals a different side of the town, where peaceful neighborhoods showcase beautiful mansions and hidden gardens. The Municipal Library offers a wonderful glimpse into the town's literary heritage, while tranquility can be found at the Pièce d'Eau des Suisses, an artificial lake that provides a perfect setting for afternoon strolls or picnics.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Known as the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, Giverny opens a beautiful window into the artist’s life through the stunning gardens and lily ponds that inspired many of his paintings. Walk through Monet’s former residence, which is filled with his personal items, and the two-section garden that inspired him. The Clos Normand area features vibrant flower beds and neatly arranged plants, while the Water Garden is famous for its lily ponds, weeping willows, and a Japanese bridge.

In the village, take a seat at one of Giverny’s many cafés and restaurants to sample cuisine like Marmite Dieppoise, a rich seafood stew, or Omelette à la mère Poulard, which is famous for its fluffy texture. The Impressionist Museum is another highlight, showcasing works from Monet’s contemporaries and exhibitions on Impressionist art and its impact on the region.

If you are looking to explore further, Giverny has several walking and biking trails through the picturesque Normandy countryside. You can also try your hand at capturing the essence of the village on canvas as it hosts several art galleries and workshops where local artists continue the tradition of Impressionism.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

About 53 miles from Paris, you will find Provins, a medieval town with UNESCO World Heritage status. Known for its well-preserved ramparts and underground tunnels, Provins was once a major center for trade and commerce in medieval Europe. Its strategic location made it a fortified stronghold for the Counts of Champagne, who built impressive defenses that have remained largely intact. Explore the ramparts to enjoy panoramic views of the countryside or head for Tour César, a massive 12th-century watchtower, for an even more elevated perspective of the town's defensive strategies.

Provins’ network of underground tunnels was once used by merchants for storing goods and as escape routes during sieges. These add to the town's mysteriousness and allow you to experience a hidden side of medieval life. Provins also hosts a variety of museums and exhibitions that delve deeper into its past. The Provins Museum houses artifacts that trace the town’s evolution from a bustling medieval trading center to a modern-day cultural heritage site.

Provins’ delightful shops and cafés along its cobblestone streets provide a relaxed atmosphere in which to savor the medieval ambiance and local specialties at a leisurely pace. Try rose-flavored products like jam or candy, a nod to the town’s historical rose cultivation that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Chantilly can be found about 31 miles from Paris. It is famous for its eponymous château, a masterpiece of Renaissance and Classical architecture that features intricate woodwork and stunning frescoes. It also houses a significant art collection and the Musée Condé, where you will find one of France’s most important collections of paintings. It includes works by Raphael and Delacroix, as well as valuable manuscripts and rare books. The Chantilly Library is another highlight, with one of the oldest and most extensive collections of medieval manuscripts in Europe.

Beyond the château, the Gardens of Chantilly are a peaceful retreat. These extensive grounds include a formal French garden, an English garden, and an Anglo-Chinese garden with pavilions, canals, and winding paths. For something different, watch live horse shows at the Living Museum of the Horse, which is housed in the impressive 18th-century stables.

Recognized as the home of Chantilly cream, the town also offers many culinary delights, with local cafés and patisseries giving you the opportunity to sample the famous whipped cream in desserts like strawberries with Chantilly cream.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Fontainebleau is known for the Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal residence that is surrounded by an expansive forest ideal for outdoor activities. The château, situated about 34 miles from Paris, boasts over 1,500 rooms, with lavish decorations, Renaissance art, and architectural elements with medieval origins, as well as opulent additions by Napoleon.

The surrounding Forest of Fontainebleau covers nearly 50,000 acres and is excellent for hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking among scenic wooded trails. Known as a favorite retreat for Parisian artists, the forest features unique rock formations and viewpoints, so it’s wonderful if you are a nature lover or artist.

Fontainebleau’s endearing town center, with its cafés and boutiques, adds an extra layer of appeal and is a fantastic place in which to unwind after a day of exploration. For a taste of its cuisine, try Fontainebleau cheese, which is made from whipped cream and fromage blanc, or Pâté de Campagne, a rustic country treat enjoyed with crusty bread.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

As Vincent van Gogh’s last home, Auvers-sur-Oise has sites related to the painter's life, including his room at the Auberge Ravoux, where he spent his final months and created some of his most iconic works. This quaint town, 22 miles from Paris, will give you a glimpse into Van Gogh's artistic and emotional journey through over 70 paintings. The Auberge Ravoux has been preserved as it was in Van Gogh’s time, allowing you to see the modest room where he lived and tragically passed away.

You can also visit the artist’s grave, a simple yet touching site where he rests beside his brother, Theo, surrounded by the fields he loved to paint. A walking tour through Auvers-sur-Oise will take you past locations depicted in his artwork, like the Church of Auvers and the town hall. The town also has several small galleries and exhibitions on Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, celebrating Van Gogh’s legacy and making Auvers-sur-Oise a moving destination for art lovers.

The town center is charming and steeped in artistic history, with quaint cafés, art galleries, and shops dedicated to Van Gogh’s legacy. Its peaceful streets invite you to step back in time, surrounded by scenes reminiscent of the artist’s paintings.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

This artists' village is associated with the Barbizon School of painters, who were inspired by the nearby forest of Fontainebleau. Drawn by the beauty of nature, artists like Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau settled here, pioneering a movement toward naturalistic landscapes and scenes of rural life.

Explore the Musée de l'École de Barbizon in the former inn where many artists stayed to admire their work and the legacy they left on landscape painting. Barbizon also has plenty of artist studios and charming shops where modern-day creatives continue the village’s artistic traditions.

Barbizon’s scenic walks lead into the Fontainebleau Forest, where you can stroll in quiet woods and fields that inspired the Barbizon painters. Meander along the village’s main street, lined with ivy-covered cottages and art studios, to enjoy the peaceful ambiance that first drew artists here in the 19th century.

Recommended length of stay: Half to 1 day

With its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, Senlis is a well-preserved historic town that feels like a step back in time. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Senlis stands as the town’s centerpiece, with intricate stonework and stunning stained-glass windows that date back to the 12th century. This Gothic masterpiece, surrounded by half-timbered houses and quaint streets, creates a timeless atmosphere that’s ideal for leisurely exploration and photography.

Approximately 31 miles from Paris, Senlis also boasts ancient Roman ruins, including the remains of an amphitheater and sections of the town’s original Roman walls, blending layers of history into its charm. Explore the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie in a former episcopal palace to learn more about the town’s Roman, medieval, and Renaissance past.

With its inviting squares, cozy cafés, and weekly markets, Senlis is a delightful escape into history and modernity. The town is known for its traditional French cuisine, especially dishes that showcase local ingredients like wild game, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Dining in Senlis will give you the chance to savor authentic French flavors in a historic, picturesque setting.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Known for the Château de Rambouillet, a former presidential residence, and beautiful forest trails, this town is perfect for history and nature lovers, offering a quiet retreat 31 miles from Paris. The château is a stunning example of Renaissance and Classical architecture, featuring elegant rooms and beautifully preserved gardens. Tour its opulent interiors, including the marble-walled bathroom of Napoleon and the picturesque Queen’s Dairy, where Marie-Antoinette once enjoyed fresh milk and cheeses.

The Forest of Rambouillet provides extensive trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, with scenic views of lakes, meadows, and ancient trees. Nature enthusiasts can explore this lush forest, which is home to diverse wildlife, including deer and bird species like black storks and honey buzzards.

For a different experience, visit a working farm to learn about traditional agriculture and taste local products like yogurt and cheese. You can also tuck into the signature Rambolitan, a cake that was invented in 1946. It features a macaron base topped with light praline cream and sprinkled with nuts.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

The medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, on the banks of the River Loing about 47 miles from Paris, will captivate you with its preserved architecture and artistic heritage. This picturesque commune was once protected by impressive fortified gates and walls, portions of which still stand today. The town's iconic bridge and waterfront were immortalized in numerous paintings by Impressionist master Alfred Sisley, who lived and worked here from 1839 until his death in 1899.

Moret-sur-Loing's historic center features the magnificent Notre-Dame church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture dating back to the 12th century. The town's medieval character is further enhanced by half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets that will take you back in time.

Moret-sur-Loing is also famous for its sucre d'orge, or barley sugar candy, which was first created by the nuns of the Benedictine convent in the 17th century. Purchase a selection, then head for the waters of the Loing for some peace and tranquility in a charming small town.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Each of the best towns near Paris offers a window into French history, culture, and art. From royal châteaux and medieval fortifications to Impressionist gardens and scenic riverbanks, these destinations showcase the incredible diversity of experiences waiting just outside the capital's borders. Whether you're seeking a day trip or a two-day getaway, the best towns near Paris will allow you to discover the authentic charm of France at a leisurely pace.

For more inspiration and detailed information, explore our comprehensive France travel guide or our France tours and vacations.