Welcome to France, a country rich in history, culture and diverse landscapes. If you have the chance to visit Paris in 2024, don't miss the opportunity to explore the treasures that are less than 3 hours from the capital. Whether you prefer a quiet countryside escape, a historical exploration or a gastronomic adventure, France has it all. Here are some suggestions to enrich your trip beyond the City of Lights.
1. Lille (1h)
Known for its Flemish architecture, chic boutiques and delicious cuisine, Lille is a bustling destination just an hour from Paris by TGV (you can book your tickets here)
Morning
Explore the Grand-Place and the Old Stock Exchange. When the weather is favorable, enjoy a tour of Lille aboard a Citroën 2CV convertible and admire the city’s famous monuments in style. Cross the cobbled streets in one of France’s most famous cars with the roof open when the sun shines.
Afternoon
Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts and stroll through the Old Lille district. If you would like to be accompanied by a local guide, you can book your 2-hour visit to Old Lille here.
Evening
Taste the local cuisine in one of the city’s restaurants like The Sebastopol, “the place to be”, don’t forget to book your table! To taste a traditional local dish (La Carbonade Flemish), go to Al’Carbone about 4 km from the city center.
Tips
- Consider the 24-hour City Pass option to benefit from preferential rates on different access points to the city’s monuments (Buy here)
- Low-cost visit option, download a Treasure Hunt app and walking tour in the city! (Download here)
2. Reims (45 minutes)
The capital of champagne, Reims is approximately 45 minutes from Paris by train. Explore the champagne cellars, Reims Cathedral and the charm of this historic city.
Morning
Visit the majestic Reims Cathedral and the old city center.
Afternoon
Discover champagne cellars such as Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot. If the discovery of Champagne calls you, we recommend the day trip: Excursion to the Veuve Clicquot family farm and lunch, simply wonderful!
Evening
Dine in the historic center of the city, in french tables like Le Condorcet or l’Atelier.
3. Strasbourg (1h45)
Nestled near the German border, Strasbourg is famous for its Gothic cathedral, its Petite France district and its European ambiance. About 1h45 from Paris by TGV.
Day 1
Explore Strasbourg from a unique perspective with a guided sightseeing cruise. Glide through the Big Island, Neustadt and the European Quarter while learning and admiring the city. Ideal with young children who have difficulty walking or for the elderly or disabled.
For a guided walking tour of the city, from Place Kléber, to the cathedral via the famous and charming Petite France district, you can choose this option.
To enjoy a hot chocolate or a refreshing drink, don’t hesitate to stop at the legendary Maison Kammerzel, at the foot of the cathedral!
To eat, if you want to discover local gastronomic specialties (sauerkraut,flammekueche etc.), we recommend one of the essential authentic “Winstub” of Old Strasbourg: Chez Yvonne or Le Clou.
If you prefer to try the new flavors of the rising tables, we suggest Le Picobello, a stone’s throw from the cathedral, or L’Oignon in the Petite France district.
Day 2
Visit the European Parliament and stroll through the Orangerie Park.
Alsace also offers a very rich terroir for its vineyards and its Alsatian wines. Visit picturesque medieval villages on a day trip through the Alsace Wine Route from Strasbourg. Discover the character and history of the region and taste wines at an Alsatian wine estate.
Tips
For small budgets, opt for the audio guide tour of the city with your smartphone.
4. Dijon (1h35)
Capital of Bourgogne, Dijon is renowned for its cuisine, wines and medieval architecture. Around 1h35 by TGV from Paris.
Day 1
Explore the Palace of the Dukes of Bourgogne, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Maison Millière, an old half-timbered house from the 15th century where the film Cyrano de Bergerac was filmed! Rehabilitated into a tea room, you can have a snack there.
For an original lunch, we suggest the Burgundy Wine Masterclass with a Sommelier. Around a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie, you will taste a wine, learn to understand its Burgundy classification, grape varieties, history and terroirs, food and wine pairings, viticulture, winemaking, etc.
If you just want to enjoy an hour of tasting great Burgundy wines, opt for La Cave du Palais.
For dinner, treat yourself with your eyes closed to one of the tables of the legendary great chef Bernard Loiseau, Loiseau des Ducs.
For a more accessible meal, think bistronomy with L’Evidence.
Day 2
Explore one of France’s most famous wine regions with a small-group full-day tour of the Burgundian vineyards of Dijon and the town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy.
Tips
If you visit Dijon with children, try the city exploration game where you follow step-by-step instructions to reach the next location, solve challenges and be rewarded with lesser-known facts. You will visit unique places such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the legendary owl of Dijon!
5. Bourges (2h30)
Bourges, an emblematic town of Berry, seduces with its exceptional Gothic cathedral, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, and its charming medieval historic center, where cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and lively squares mingle. This city offers a captivating immersion in the region's medieval history and architecture.
Day 1
Explore Bourges, visiting the magnificent Saint-Étienne Cathedral (Closed on Mondays between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. and subject to ceremonies) and the Palais Jacques Cœur.
Pass through the imposing Gallo-Roman rampart, stroll through an unusual and quiet area of the old town. At the foot of the ramparts, stop for your snack break at Cake-Thé.
After this Roman interlude we pass through Rue Bourbonnoux, a preserved medieval area with more than 400 half-timbered houses as well as numerous craftsmen and traders.
Discover the Prés Fichaux garden and stroll through the old quarter.
For lunch, next to the cathedral, reserve a table at Louis XI, a tiny tavern where you will find excellent meats and homemade sauces.
For dinner, try Le Rez-De-Chaussée, one of the city’s rising restaurants, which will not disappoint you with its refined, homemade dishes, or La Suite, a Michelin’s Restaurant.
Day 2
Explore the vineyards of Berry and taste local wines. After a tour of the historic town of Sancerre (French Favorite Village 2021), discover renowned wineries, a goat cheese farm and (on certain days) a traditional street market (book your day here)
Tips
From May until September, discover the city by following the enchanted Nuits Lumière route. The historic streets and alleys are colored blue and offer visitors several light displays on the facades of the buildings! The route is free, departing from the cathedral.
6. Tours (1h10)
Located in the Loire Valley, Tours is famous for its castles, vineyards and provincial charm. Around 1h10 from Paris by TGV.
Day 1
Explore the old town of Tours, have a drink in Place Plumereau, stroll along the banks of the Loire.
For a simple lunch in a friendly and popular place among Tourangeaux, Place Plumereau, go to Le Vieux Murier.
For a friendly and gourmet evening, opt for the wine bar (not recommended with children…) Le Cave se Rebiffe.
Passing through Tours, don’t miss a getaway to Amboise (30 minutes by car) to discover the Château d’Amboise as well as Le Clos Lucé, the residence of Leonardo da Vinci during the last years of his life. Clos Lucé is today a museum dedicated to the genius of the Renaissance. Visit the workshops and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci in an enchanting setting.
Day 2
Discover the iconic castles of Chenonceau and Chambord in the enchanting Loire Valley. Explore UNESCO sites, architectural wonders, lush gardens and rich history.
The Loire castles are quite far from each other, so we recommend that you book an organized outing with a guide, in order to optimize your travels and your discoveries. From Tours, book your day trip to discover the most beautiful emblematic castles.
Tips
Little tip, know that it is possible to visit the castles of the Loire from Paris. The excursion is possible from 6 years old. Please note, the journey is by bus (air-conditioned), expect an early morning departure and return in the evening. You can book your visit to the Chateaux de la Loire from Paris, directly here at the best price.
For a private group, exclusive and magical service here.
7. Nantes (2h)
The port city of Nantes, about 2 hours from Paris by TGV, offers a dynamic artistic scene and interesting cultural sites. A few steps away, also enjoy all the natural beauties of the Guérande peninsula, open to the ocean.
Day 1
Discover the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Island of Nantes.
Visit the Machines de l’île and stroll through the Bouffay district.
To ensure you don’t miss anything, treat yourself to a guide to discover the city and its attractions (book here).
For lunch, opt for a small neighborhood restaurant, to taste gourmet French specialties like Le Bistro des Enfants Nantais.
For more refined cuisine, choose La Maison Bagarre.
Day 2
Not far from Nantes, 1 hour by train, don’t miss spending a refreshing day facing the ocean. Get off at La Baule station and go for a walk along the longest beach in Europe, depending on the season, or take a quick dip.
Set off to discover the salt workers and the famous salt marshes of Guérande.
Dare to take a guided tour through the wildlife and nature of these preserved spaces, the ultimate family outing! (from 3 years old) -> go to Terre de Sel.
To enjoy an enchanting setting with a view of the ocean, treat yourself to lunch at Castel Marie Louise, in La Baule.
Arriving in Southern Brittany, how can you leave the region without tasting a seafood platter or even a good Breton galette? For that, no doubt, go to Les Sablons, in La Baule.
Tips
Consider the 24-hour City Pass option to benefit from preferential rates on different access points to the city’s monuments (Buy here)
8. Deauville (2h20)
Deauville, an elegant seaside resort on the Normandy coast, enchants with its pristine beaches, its famous casino, and its emblematic surfboards. Nearby, the peaceful Pays d'Auge countryside reveals bucolic landscapes dotted with half-timbered mansions and picturesque villages, offering an ideal getaway between sea and countryside.
Morning
Discover the emblematic beach of Deauville and the famous casino. What better experience to feel all the beauty of Deauville beach than a horseback ride?!(book your ride here)
Explore the boards, the racecourse, and stroll through the authentic Trouville district.
Soir : Profitez d’un dîner dans l’un des restaurants de fruits de mer le long du port.
Afternoon
To explore the entire Côte Fleurie and taste the local specialties (cider etc.), we suggest the sidecar ride, open to everyone, even the youngest from 3 years old! From Deauville, Trouville to Honfleur.
9. Bordeaux (2h30)
Bordeaux, the pearl of southwest France, seduces with its elegant 18th century architecture, its lively quays along the Garonne, and its status as a gateway to the prestigious Bordeaux vineyards. In the surrounding area, the vineyards of Saint-Émilion and the charm of the Dordogne offer idyllic escapades between history, wine and picturesque landscapes just 2.5 hours from Paris
Day 1
Start with Place de la Bourse and its emblematic mirror of water. Admire the 18th century architecture.
Next, explore the old town (Saint-Pierre) with its picturesque streets and lively squares. Visit the Saint-André Cathedral and the Pey-Berland Tower.
Why not visit Bordeaux differently, by offering yourself a gastronomic tour of the city: chocolates, wines, artisanal confectionery in the 4 corners of the city with a dedicated guide!
For a traditional guided tour of the city on foot, it’s with Sophia here.
Dine in one of the restaurants in the historic district : for a friendly and gourmet cuisine, we recommend Le Chai Maestro. As a family, try the Zéphirine “urban inn”!
Day 2
Visit the town of Saint Emilion and its vineyard, and stop at a castle for a wine tasting, an unmissable excursion and always very appreciated by lovers of great wines and heritage (not under 16 years).
To discover the vineyards in a fun way, opt for the Médoc tour in a sidecar! There are two of you per vehicle, one behind the driver and the other in the basket, it’s great fun! Accessible to people in wheelchairs, but not recommended for pregnant women and people with back pain.
10. Avignon (2h40)
Avignon offers a rich heritage, gateway to Provence. Take a TGV for around 2 hours 40 minutes from Paris.
Day 1
Explore the Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet.
Visit the Petit Palais museum and stroll through the streets of the city center.
For a morning, be accompanied by a guide to discover the majestic Palais des Papes (book here).
Discover the old town of Avignon and taste the local gastronomy in charming restaurants along the road. Taste regional specialties including delicious tapenades, fougasse, traditional cakes and wine (book your gastronomic tour here).
Day 2
How can you resist the urge to explore the most beautiful villages of Provence, just a stone’s throw from Avignon?
Discover the best of Provence on a full-day tour from Avignon. Discover the history and culture of the region and stroll through the charming hilltop villages of the Luberon, Gordes and Roussillon (book your tour here).
If you only have half a day, focus on the villages of the Lubéron with driver-guide, the ideal option with children.
Tips
If you come to Provence in summer, plan your itinerary according to the weather. Remember to bring hats and sun protection, always have a bottle of water on hand, especially for children and the elderly.
