Are you looking for beautiful cities near Paris?
Paris is a major tourist destination in France and one of the most visited cities in the country. The romantic atmosphere that the city exudes is one reason why Paris is considered to be the ‘City of Love’.
An excursion to Paris is yet another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will give you the chance to learn about the city’s illustrious history, artistic legacy, and fascinating culture.
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There is so much to do in Paris. But if you want to explore more and discover other places close to Paris, there are a lot of beautiful cities to visit near Paris that will make your trip to France more memorable.
Find out the best cities and towns you can visit near Paris by going through this list.
Things you'll find in this article
8 Beautiful Cities Near Paris
1. Chantilly
Chantilly is always on the list of cities near Paris. It is famous for its castle, which is actually comprised of two different chateaux: the Grand Chateau and the Petit Chateau.
The castle is connected to the extensive history of France because it was once home to the artists of the 17th century. During your time spent exploring the castle, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning old art collections in France that are stored in the Conde Museum.
However, in addition to the Conde Museum, the city of Chantilly is home to a number of other museums that are also well worth checking out. The Musée du Cheval, the Musée de la Dentelle, and the Great Stables, also known as the Grandes Ecuries, are some examples of these museums.
Chantilly is also surrounded by beautiful greenery. It is possible to go hiking in the Chantilly Forest for tourists who are interested in engaging in exciting activities.
Following your exploration of the city’s many tourist attractions, you might enjoy taking a leisurely stroll through the picturesque park that is located close to the castle. Moreover, Chantilly is widely known for its famous Creme de Chantilly. It was invented by one of the castle’s maîtres d’hôtels- François Vatel.
In addition, Chantilly can easily be incorporated into your day trip itinerary from Paris because it can be reached by train in just one hour.
Read More: Best Things To Do In Chantilly
2. Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is located in the Seine-et-Marne, which is only an hour train ride from Paris. It is one of the gorgeous towns near Paris that is also known for its royal castle, Château de Fontainebleau.
Since 1981, the castle has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also considered to be the second-largest royal castle in France.
There are a lot of activities to enjoy in Fountainbleau which is perfect for picnic goers, hikers, and equestrians. The city is well-known for equestrian sports, thanks to its racecourse and its Forêt de Bière forest, which spans 15,000 acres.
Read More: Best Things To Do In Fontainebleau
3. Lille
Lille is yet another place to visit near Paris that can be reached in about an hour by train. This picturesque city is well-known for its mesmerizing architecture, which features a blend of Gothic, Haussmannian, and modern styles.
This city located in the north of France has a vibrant nightlife, which is ideal for tourists who enjoy meeting new people and making new connections.
However, the Old Lille district is the most popular tourist destination in the entire city. It is an ideal destination for people who are interested in history because it is home to a number of baroque buildings, houses from the 18th century, and cobbled streets.
Lille’s rich culture and history can be seen in a number of places, including the Le Palais Des Beaux Arts De Lille, one of France’s largest museums dedicated to art and antiquities, and Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle, the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, a former President of France who played a significant role in shaping the country’s history.
Read More: Best Things To Do In Lille
4. Giverny
One of the best cities near Paris is Giverny. It is a 1-hour drive by car from Paris. But you also have the option to take the train which will take you approximately 2 hours and 30 mins. This small village in Normandy can be easily explored on a leisurely day trip from Paris.
Giverny is a famous city because this is where the impressionist painter Claude Monet settled for over 4 decades. The picturesque landscape of the city serves as a source of inspiration for artists as they work on their craft.
In fact, the stunning natural scenery of Giverny served as the inspiration for the majority of Claude Monet’s landscape paintings. One of his most famous paintings was inspired by the iconic water lily pond and Japanese bridge of the Giverny Gardens.
Moreover, the city of Giverny is home to a museum that is dedicated to the art and history of the Impressionist movement. One of these is the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, also known as the Museum of Impressionism Giverny.
Read More: Best Things To Do In Giverny
5. Chartres
Another accessible city near Paris which is only an hour ride by train is Chartres City. Located in the Eure-et-Loir department, Chartres is a city near Paris that is home to a number of different places to worship. Due to this, it came to be the destination of pilgrims on Palm Sundays and during Whitsun.
The Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral is the most well-known structure in all of Chartres. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved cathedrals from the 13th century.
Its exquisitely decorated exterior draws tourists to visit the cathedral, where they are enthralled by the Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows that spruce up the interior.
Chartres is also known as the city of lights because of the annual Chartres Light Show. This event takes place between the last week of April and mid-October and features impressive light shows at 25 different buildings across the city, including Notre Dame de Chartres.
6. Troyes
A 2-hour drive from Paris will take you to the city known for its textile industry, Troyes. Buildings dating back to the 16th century, as well as cathedrals and more modern structures, will be revealed to you as you travel throughout the city of Troyes.
In addition, the park in the Orient Forest, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, is open to visitors. Moreover, taking a trip to Troyes will give you the opportunity to try some of the regional delicacies, such as the prunes from Troyes, andouilette, and Chaource cheese.
Furthermore, McArthur Glen is situated just outside the city, making it a convenient location for those who want to go shopping for local and international brands at affordable prices.
Read More: Best Things To Do In Troyes
7. Reims
Located in the north of the Champagne region is the city of Reims which is a 2-hour drive away from Paris. It has a very rich history where a vast number of significant buildings have been preserved.
The Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, which is located in Reims and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributes to the city’s popularity. This architectural masterpiece was designed by Marc Chagall, and it features a Gothic architectural style.
The cathedral is known to be the crowning place of many Carolingian and Capetian kings, making the city nicknamed the ‘City of Kings’.
But aside from the Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, Reims is a popular place in France that has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Musee Saint-Remi an archeology and art museum, and Palais du Tau which was once the palace of the Archbishop of Reims.
After visiting Reim’s world-famous structure, you can take a break and unwind in one of the city’s many tourist cafes, which serve up delectable meals and beverages.
Read More: Best Things To Do In Reims
8. Provins
Although there are still quite a few cities close to Paris, Provins ought to be included on the list. If you want to go to a place that will make you feel like you traveled back in time, Provins is a perfect place to go.
It is approximately an hour drive from Paris making it an ideal day trip. The town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in January 2002 due to the presence of numerous ancient buildings from the medieval period.
During your time in Provins, there are many different activities that you can participate in and enjoy. Visitors can take in the awe-inspiring scenery from the emperor’s castle, or they can watch the knight’s performances. Moreover, you are welcome to pay a visit and attend mass at the Saint-Quirirace Collegiate Church, which is also situated in Provins.
In addition, now that Christmas is fast approaching, Provins hosts an annual medieval Christmas market where you can pick up some holiday decorations as well as presents for you or your loved ones.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.