5 Must-See Weekend Escapes from Paris

Anyone who has visited the City of Light knows there’s so much to explore that you could easily fill your entire trip here. However, as travel begins to recover—2023 visitor numbers are projected to be slightly lower than in 2019—and crowds return, it’s a great idea to venture beyond the city, even for just a weekend, to discover another facet of France.

Grab a rental car or head to one of the regional train stations in the city. As soon as you leave the urban limits, Paris’s iconic Haussmanian architecture gives way to open wheat fields, charming farmhouses, and eventually the coastline on the horizon. Whether you crave the countryside, majestic châteaux, or the seaside, these five delightful weekend getaways from Paris are not to be missed.

The Loire Valley

A top activity in the Loire Valley is exploring its stunning châteaux, including the famous Château de Chenonceau, renowned for its Grand Gallery that spans the Cher River. (You can also rent an electric bumper-like boat to glide beneath it, a spectacular and enjoyable experience during spring, summer, and fall.) This magnificent all-white turreted castle was originally gifted by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, and it feels like stepping into a (somewhat scandalous) fairy tale.

Continue exploring Henri’s scandalous liaisons by visiting Château de Chaumont. Although it’s a bit further towards the city of Blois, the journey is worthwhile—not just to see where Diane de Poitiers was exiled after Catherine de Medici reclaimed Chenonceau, but also for its annual International Garden and Art Festival. Keep an eye out for wineries and vineyards along the way and feel free to stop for a tasting at any that catch your interest.

Where to stay in the Loire Valley

While the region is renowned for its châteaux, Loire Valley Lodges offers a more natural stay: a luxurious tree house. Established in 2020 by a Parisian art dealer, each of the 18 tree houses on the property was designed by a different artist, resulting in various themes like the Nordic-inspired “Ekologic” and the feather-themed “O’Plumes” (featuring light fixtures made of quills). Each elevated tree house includes a deck with tables, chairs, and a hot tub, while the property boasts unique wellness features such as charcoal-infused water. Use one of the hotel’s bicycles to explore the forest before unwinding in the pool and dining at the on-site restaurant, where wood-fired lamb chops and stuffed chicken are among the delicious lunch and dinner options.

What is the distance from Paris to the Loire Valley and how can I reach it?

Most of the châteaux are situated between Tours and Blois along either side of the Loire River, approximately 148 miles southwest of Paris. For a quick weekend trip, your best option is to take the TGV high-speed train to Tours (1 hour and 20 minutes from Gare du Montparnasse; prices vary), and then either grab a 20-minute taxi to Loire Valley Lodges (if that’s your only stop) or rent a car from the station for more exploration.

Giverny

Filled with lily pads and wisteria vines, Claude Monet’s former residence and gardens in Giverny are an enchanting destination worth exploring—just 47 miles from Paris. Whether you visit for the vibrant outdoor flora and fauna, much of which inspired the French impressionist’s renowned paintings, or to see the indoor spaces where he lived with his family for 43 years, prepare to be transported to a bygone era where art beautifully mirrored nature. Context Travel offers a personalized day tour of the estate led by an art historian.

Where to stay in Giverny

At actress Catherine Deneuve’s former estate, Domaine de Primard, the focus is on unwinding in nature: Enjoy the gentle rustle of the wind among towering oak trees or stroll through the property’s garden where strawberries and apples flourish in summer and fall. Your day will flow from a lounge chair by the pool to an Adirondack chair by the Leure River, and finally to a comfy deck chair on the terrace for an apéro.

The 39 uniquely designed rooms are distributed across three distinct buildings, each showcasing its own design flair and picturesque views. In the main house, Maison sur Leure, your room may overlook the river, while in Maison du Luc, you could enjoy your own private garden. The Barn also offers three rooms, along with France’s first spa by renowned Austrian beauty brand Susanne Kaufmann, featuring Japanese soaking tubs and a cedar sauna. The on-site dining options include hearty bistro dishes and, on weekends, a multi-course gastronomic dinner experience curated by chef Eric Frechon, known for earning Michelin stars at his previous establishments.

What is the distance from Paris to Giverny and how can I reach it?

To get to the Domaine, take the one-hour TER train from Gare St. Lazare to Bueil. It’s a quick 10-minute car ride to the property, and the hotel will arrange transfers for you. If you’re planning to go directly to Monet’s gardens, catch the train to Vernon (also from Gare St. Lazare), or if you’re booking with Context, meet your guide at the station.

Versailles

While many visit Versailles on a day trip, transforming it into a weekend escape offers a truly special experience. After capturing your must-have photos in the Hall of Mirrors, you can wander the grounds of Marie Antoinette’s hamlet at the Petit Trianon or enjoy a picnic by the Grand Canal. Spend leisurely hours exploring temporary gallery exhibits, including Noël Coypel, Painter of Monumental Works (through January 28) in the Queen’s Guard Room and Grand Trianon, or the significant retrospective of painter Horace Vernet, showcased in the Africa and Crimea Rooms from November 14 to March 17, 2024.

For a truly lavish weekend in Versailles, consider staying at the newly opened Le Grand Contrôle, which offers guests exclusive access to private guided tours before and after the palace opens to the public, along with golf carts for exploring the grounds. Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can savor a meal at the property’s Alain Ducasse restaurant. Dinner becomes a theatrical experience with servers performing a short play while serving dishes like creamy egg foam with caviar and blue lobster with aspic.

Where to stay in Versailles

For enthusiasts of history and theater, Le Grand Contrôle on the grounds of the famed Château de Versailles offers an unparalleled experience. Yes, it’s located directly on the estate of the château. From the moment you awaken—especially if you opt for the “Queens Wakeup,” where a staff member greets you with “Good morning, my queens!” before drawing open your luxurious curtains—until you retire at night, when a lavender mist is spritzed on your plush pillow, you’ll feel like royalty. Each of the 14 rooms and suites is adorned with 18th-century antiques, including canopied four-poster beds and mahogany desks with feather quills.

However, it’s not solely about the past. While there are no televisions in the rooms, they come equipped with tablets, smartphones, and Marshall speakers for all your modern needs. Luxurious touches include advanced Japanese toilets with built-in bidets and heated seats, lemongrass-scented toiletries, and Alain Ducasse chocolates upon arrival. The staff is dressed in period attire, and each room has its own dedicated butler available around the clock to assist with anything from ironing your silk skirt to helping you start your mini golf cart to explore the L’Orangerie.

What is the distance from Paris to Versailles and how can I get there?

Unfortunately, there's no horse-drawn carriage option available, but the RER C train is the most economical and quickest way to get to Versailles, located around 23 miles from Paris. Depending on your starting point in the city, the journey to the Château Rive Gauche station takes about 35 minutes. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the château.

Étretat

This charming coastal town in Normandy gained fame through local artists like Monet, who captured its iconic failese, or cliffs, in his dreamy impressionist paintings. Since then, it has become a popular destination for those eager to witness these natural wonders firsthand—and for the adventurous, to hike them.

Three towering chalk cliffs flank the white, pebbly beach, and while the view from sea level is beautiful, the more breathtaking perspectives are from above. For a more challenging hike, head south to ascend the Porte Aval cliff and follow the dirt path through wildflower fields and cow pastures toward the lighthouse.

If you prefer a gentler stroll, walk along the northern cliff of the beach, Porte Amont; after taking in the view, you can also visit the Monument Nungesser & Coli, which commemorates the French pilots who attempted (but did not succeed) in making the world’s first transatlantic flight in 1927.

Nearby, Les Jardins d’Étretat is also a must-visit for its beautifully trimmed hedges and contemporary sculptures thoughtfully placed among them.

Where to stay in Étretat

Luxurious comfort? Absolutely. Trendy getaway? You bet. Les Tilleuls, a five-room 18th-century villa nestled behind an unpretentious facade in the heart of town, was established in 2019 by the daughter of a Belgian chef and hotelier. Staying here feels like being at a well-to-do friend’s home—complete with Tilia, the golden retriever, playfully following you or resting in the entrance. Guests can indulge in homemade chouquette pastries, while the elegant sitting areas evoke nostalgia, featuring Monocle magazines and charming dried flower arrangements. The spacious, sun-filled rooms blend Martha’s Vineyard style with Montauk vibes, showcasing floral curtains, wooden armoires, and, in one, a claw-foot bathtub. Some rooms boast balconies that overlook the lush garden where breakfast is served on sunny mornings. There’s also an attic for yoga sessions and a basement screening room for cozy movie nights when the weather turns or you simply want to relax.

How far is Étretat from Paris and what’s the best way to get there?

Reaching Étretat via public transport can be a bit tricky, as it's approximately 140 miles from Paris and parking is often a challenge. Unless you have other plans in Normandy, it’s wise to stick to the schedules to save some money: First, take a regional train to Bréaute-Beuzeville from Gare St. Lazare; then transfer to bus line 17 to Étretat. The entire journey takes about three hours: two hours on the train, a 15-minute wait for the bus, and a half-hour ride into town. Although there are only about three departures daily in the off-season, the round trip can be as low as 40 euros (US$42). If you prefer driving, expect the trip to take around three hours each way.

Colmar and the Alsace wine region

Nestled on the border with Germany, Alsace offers a unique blend of French and German influences that may have you feeling as if you’ve crossed into another country. Renowned for its exceptional wines—especially white varieties like riesling, gewürztraminer, and the increasingly favored sparkling crémant d’Alsace—this region is dotted with picturesque towns like Colmar and Eguisheim. To take in both, consider renting a bike or e-bike and exploring the region’s vineyard cycle route, a scenic 131-kilometer (81-mile) trail that winds past castles, charming countryside, historic villages, and wineries where you can enjoy tastings.

On a weekend getaway, you probably won’t have time to bike the entire route, so start in Colmar at Le Vélo Libre, a self-service e-bike rental shop. Inside, you’ll find recommended routes for all skill levels, complete with QR codes to download bike maps to your phone. After your ride, treat yourself to local delicacies like bretzels (pretzels) and spaetzle (a type of small pasta), or simply stroll through Colmar’s La Petite Venise (Little Venice) and admire the Renaissance architecture before stowing your bike for the evening.

If you're visiting between November 24 and December 24, forgo the bike ride and hop on a quick train to the region’s capital, Strasbourg, home to France's oldest Christmas market.

Where to stay in Alsace

Snuggle up in one of the 21 luxurious rooms at La Maison des Têtes, a five-star hotel located in the heart of old Colmar; like many buildings in this area, it is a historic landmark. Constructed in 1609, its exterior is adorned with 106 sculpted heads (têtes) that remain impressively intact. While the hotel takes its name from this unique feature, its appeal extends far beyond first impressions. Upon entering through a welcoming courtyard, guests will find modern, minimalist rooms (renovated in 2016) outfitted with contemporary beds, Nespresso machines, and opulent marble bathrooms.

On-site, guests can dine at the one-Michelin star Restaurant Girardin, which offers a seasonally rotating seven-course prix fixe menu in a bright dining room adorned with stunning stained-glass windows. In contrast to the light and airy ambiance of Girardin, its more casual counterpart, Brasserie Historique, reflects a traditional regional flair, featuring dark wood decor and contemporary takes on Alsatian classics like pike quenelles, a type of fish dumpling, and chicken suprême, a rich and buttery roast chicken dish.

How far is Alsace and what’s the best way to get there?

Traveling from Paris, you can take a direct train to Strasbourg, the region’s capital, which takes about one hour and 45 minutes on the TGV, or opt for a 2.5-hour direct train ride to Colmar. Trains frequently run between these two cities, with each journey taking around 30 minutes.

This article was first published in 2021 and updated on October 19, 2023, with the latest information. Jessie Beck contributed to this report.