Or how to romanticise your French experience even more
– written by Heloise, our Paris New Homes and Account Manager

Paris is the capital of a thousand colours, a thousand facets and a thousand hidden treasures. But it is also the gateway to countless destinations, perfect for a day trip outside the city. While the capital is famous, among other things, for its picturesque terraces, its museums whose collections are among the most impressive in the world, and its iconic shops showcasing the very best of French craftsmanship, it is less well known for its public transport network, which connects it to many destinations that are perfect for a one-day escape.

Chevreuse

I wanted to share with you my own “little haven of peace”, where I retreat whenever I want to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.

Chevreuse owes its name to the goats that once populated the surrounding valley, where a tanning industry developed. Today, it is a small, flower-filled medieval town, with charming cobbled streets and the Yvette River running through it.

The best way to discover this little green gem? When you leave Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse station, head towards the Promenade des Petits Ponts, where you can admire the little flower-covered stone bridges and old washhouses. Along the way, don’t hesitate to stop at the Séchoir à Peaux, which is now an exhibition space where you can admire the work of local artists. On my last visit, I discovered a painter specialising in cat portraits — so adorable!

Then, make your way back towards the Place de l’Église and climb up to the Château de la Madeleine, an 11th-century fortress which, rather than serving as a dragon’s lair, has become a favourite hideout for the cats of the surrounding houses.

On my way back to the station at the end of the day, I always stop at the Ferme de Coubertin, where you can buy farm products directly from the producer: fresh milk, cheese, apple juice, butter…

Getting there: RER B, 50 minutes from Châtelet-Les-Halles, get off at Saint-Rémy-Lès-Chevreuse.

Moret-sur-Loing

The perfect little medieval town for spending a day strolling along the river — and if that’s not enough for you, you can go canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding on the Loing. Fancy getting even wetter? Since summer 2026, part of the river has been open for swimming, making Moret-sur-Loing the perfect place to cool off in summer!

For lunch, don’t hesitate to stop at the Gavotine crêperie, where you can enjoy excellent buckwheat galettes and wheat crêpes in a charming old house with exposed wooden beams.

Before heading back, don’t forget to stop at La Caravane des Arts to take home a handmade souvenir created by a local artisan!

Getting there: Less than 1 hour on Line R from Gare de Lyon, get off at Moret – Veneux-les-Sablons.

Château de Monte-Cristo

“…until the day when God deigns to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words: ‘Wait and hope!’”

You may recognise these words from one of the most famous works of French literature in the world: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

While staying in Paris, you can take the opportunity to step into the world of Edmond Dantès by visiting the author’s former home. More than just a house, it is a little château with such an intricately decorated stone façade that you would need weeks to discover all of its motifs and hidden details: flowers, angels, real and imaginary animals…

A visit inside the château will also teach you more about Alexandre Dumas’s family history. He was the son of the son of a formerly enslaved woman and a general of the French Revolution. You’ll also discover his passion for entertaining guests, for whom he would even cook himself!

The château is surrounded by a beautiful green setting, making the visit even more magical, with its little stream and the Château d’If, the author’s writing studio.

Getting there: RER A to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 30 minutes from Châtelet-Les-Halles, followed by a 30-minute walk or 4 minutes by bus 259.

Chartres

After visiting Notre-Dame de Paris, head to Chartres to discover another jewel of French Gothic architecture: Chartres Cathedral, particularly renowned for its magnificent medieval stained-glass windows, which are original and remarkably well preserved.

The cathedral is home to a mysterious relic: the veil that Mary is said to have worn while waiting for the birth of Jesus.

After your visit, take a break at Café Serpente for a coffee or a hot chocolate, with a view of the cathedral’s side façade. The most observant among you may notice the cathedral-shaped teapot in the window. It’s not for sale — I’ve already tried my luck!

The visit continues at the Musée du Vitrail, where you can admire some of the finest examples of stained glass craftsmanship in France!

In Chartres, getting lost in the streets of the town centre and strolling along the river is a must if you want to fully soak up the city’s romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss La Maison Picassiette, the house that Raymond Isidore, the artist, turned into a piece of art on its own.

Getting there: TER train from Montparnasse, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, get off at Chartres.

Giverny

A house with green shutters, a garden filled with a thousand flowers, and the place that inspired one of the world’s most famous paintings, complete with its little wooden bridge, pond and water lilies. This is what you will find in Giverny, at Claude Monet’s home.

The house feels frozen in time, as though it were still waiting for its master to return — the man who turned it into a place of eclectic and creative art and architecture. It truly feels like the home of a man who loved surrounding himself with beauty and peace.

To learn more about the Impressionists and the other artists who frequently visited Giverny to see Claude Monet, such as Cézanne, Rodin, Renoir and Pissarro, simply walk down the street after leaving Monet’s house and visit the Musée des Impressionnismes.

Getting there: TER train, 50 minutes from Saint-Lazare station, get off at Vernon-Giverny, then take bus 10 for 13 minutes and get off at Musardière.

Chantilly

Yes, this is where the famous whipped cream that accompanies our ice cream, crêpes and apple pies was invented. But this little town north of Paris has plenty more to offer if you want to discover France from a completely different perspective!

The most obvious — and most impressive — attraction is, of course, the Château de Chantilly, an absolute must-see. Set on the water, it houses a magnificent collection of paintings and furniture, as well as a beautiful library.

The most unique place in Chantilly is the Musée vivant du Cheval, which lives up to its name: you can visit the château’s stables and even attend an equestrian show.

For a sweet treat, this is the perfect opportunity to stop at the Atelier de la Chantilly, where you can enjoy whipped cream in all its forms: on its own, in a pastry, or with a hot chocolate. And if you’d like to go home with the skills needed to make the best homemade whipped cream, you can even book a cooking class at the Atelier.

Getting there: TER train, 25 minutes from Gare du Nord, get off at Chantilly-Gouvieux.