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A visit to Paris is always a good idea. The idyllic streets oozing history and culture and the Parisian bistros on every corner make it a charming place to see.
But there is more to the city of love than the Louvre and fresh croissants. The quaint towns and villages on the outskirts of Paris are just as magical and worth a visit.
From the medieval town of Provins to the lavish Château Versailles and its exquisite gardens, each of the towns below has something unique to offer.
Get ready for a whimsical experience as we explore the best cities in Paris to visit, as well as the surrounding areas and countryside. There’s a rich culture and history to be discovered in all of these places, so let’s see where you’ll be spending your time in Paris.
Provins is an enchanting, fully preserved Medieval town. Just over an hour away by train, this is one of the best cities close to Paris. The fortified town is well known for its Medieval fairs, usually held in June, and for some festive season magic at the Medieval Christmas Market later in the year.
This ancient city was once the capital of the Counts of Champagne. Given its strategic position, it quickly became a significant area for international trade. This created a powerful and well-established city and remnants of this can be seen as you wander through this fascinating town.
You travel back in time when roaming the streets of Provins. The impressive Gothic architecture and half-timbered homes are something to behold. Provins also has some more mysterious things on offer. You can visit the Église Saint-Quiriace Basilica (church) where Joan of Arc attended mass, or join a guided tour of the underground tunnels and galleries.
Opulence and grandeur are what define the area of Versailles. Only 20 km south of Paris, this is one of the most picturesque cities to visit near the centre. Renowned for the Château Versailles (Palace of Versailles) it’s not something you should miss when visiting the area. Here you’ll get a glimpse of the lavish life lived by French royalty many years ago.
Once you have explored the grand palace and the exquisite Gardens of Versailles, there is also a very wonderful city waiting to be discovered. Grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint cafés and decide where you’d like to head to next – a great way to get around is by renting a bike.
You’ll be able to pick from the Academy of Equestrian Arts, the Carriage Museum, the King’s Kitchen Garden and the Church of Notre Dame. If you get an early start, you may even be able to fit them all in.
There are many reasons that this stunning town makes the list of best cities around Paris. Perhaps the most iconic attraction is the Château Saint-Germain-en-Laye, as this is where Louis XIV was born. A tour of the château will show you intricate interior details within the impressive walls of the castle. There is also an archaeology museum worth visiting within the château.
The magnificent National Forest of Saint Germain is another reason to visit the area. The 3,500 hectares of lush grounds historically belonged to the Kings of France. There are many footpaths and biking trails you can take to explore the green area. During your expedition in the Paris countryside, you may come across deers, rabbits, squirrels and a plethora of plant life.
Another place of interest is Château de Monte Christo, once the house of the famous writer Alexander Dumas. The country mansion is now a historic museum memorializing the writer’s world through his documents, paintings and furniture.
Senlis is another one of the charming cities near Paris, France. This is a royal town that became part of the French Royal domain under Hugh Capet. Capet was the founder of the Capet Dynasty, the ruling house of France from 987 to 1328. Since Capet, Senlis has seen many noble residents, making it one of the most historic Paris villages.
Still keeping much of its medieval structure, the cobbled streets and mesmerizing 10th-18th century architecture are reflective of what the town must have been like many centuries ago. Visiting the cathedral, historic abbey, and the Roman arena and fortress ruins are great ways to learn more about the history of the area.
There are also a couple of interesting museums worth checking out when in Senlis. You are sure to learn something new at the Museum of Hunts, The Museum of Spahis and the Museum of Art & Archeology.
Characterized by stunning Gothic architecture and a rich historic centre, Chartres is one of the best cities to visit near Paris. Located in Loire Valley, an hour’s drive from the centre of Paris, there’s lots to discover in this French gem.
Most famous for the Chartres Cathedral, a symbol of French Gothic art and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, your visit should start here. The designed labyrinth from the 13th century is one of the main reasons this cathedral is so significant to French history. Located on the pavement leading to the church, it’s the largest labyrinth in France and was walked by many pilgrims seeking healing.
Apart from the cathedral, you’ll also see fascinating medieval influences in other buildings around town, including half-timbered homes. A walk down to the river Eure is a great way to see all of the exquisite buildings.
If you are visiting between October and January, you have to take advantage of the annual Chartres en Lumière (Chartres light show). Seeing the 23 buildings and sites illuminated in coloured lights every night is a unique way to experience Chartres and its beauty.
Paris and the surrounding areas have so much to offer. Steeped in a rich historical past with magnificent Gothic architecture, cathedrals and châteaux to show off, a visit to any of these towns won’t disappoint.
Easily accessible from Paris, try and fit in a visit to all of these incredible towns and villages on your trip. However, if time doesn’t allow, you’ll just have an excuse to come back to Paris and discover these French gems another time.
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