It is hard to be bored in Paris; there is so much culture, history, and beauty. Weekend vacations from Paris are a great way to see the world outside the city and recharge your mental, physical, and spiritual batteries.
While many visitors to Paris take the time to see the sights outside the city limits, many of the city’s residents do not. You may quickly reach other European cities from Paris by automobile or rail. However, for the time being, let’s talk about some fantastic French vacation destinations. Here are some suggestions for places to stay outside of Paris for a weekend, along with some information on the picturesque nearby villages.
Strasbourg
The best way to spend a weekend in this picturesque border town is to explore its pretty roads and cruise down the river to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Strasbourg is located in France’s historic Alsace region; despite this, the city has deep cultural links to Germany. Petite France is just a lovely neighborhood in the heart of the town. Picture buildings made of wood and a general aura of enchantment.
Strasbourg Cathedral is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking attractions in town. This incredible structure, the highest in the world in 227 consecutive years, was initially constructed over a thousand years ago.
Honfleur
Honfleur, a picturesque port city, is another fantastic weekend destination in France. Some of the attractions in this area are Le Vieux Bassin, the Church at Saint Catherine, the picturesque port, and the Musee Boudin.
London
Who says a weekend getaway from Paris has to stay inside France? The Eurostar makes traveling between Paris and London a breeze. Only over two hours is all it takes to go from Gare du Nord in Paris to London through the underground ChannelTunnel.
The UK’s capital is an international powerhouse on par with New York & Paris, with a lot to offer. Visit the neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament, ride the London Eye, find out how the Royal Family resides, go shopping at Harrod’s, enjoy a pint of lager at a London pub, and still make it back to Paris in time for a fancy restaurant meal.
Cap-Ferret
Cap-Ferret, an hour south of Bordeaux, is a trendy beach town frequented by Parisians on weekends. The wild Atlantic beaches are great for swimming or surfing, and the laid-back town is ideal for a natural getaway.
Weekend activities in Cap-Ferret are many and varied. During the day, stop by the Cap-Ferret Market, where hundreds of stalls offer everything from beach towels and souvenirs to gourmet foods and trendy apparel. Afterward, ride your bikes to L’Herbe, a coastal village, for lunch by the water. A chilled French white wine is a welcome treat on a sunny day.
Chantilly
You may take a train or a vehicle from Paris to the lovely French town of Chantilly. It’s a little over an hour by car from Paris. You will go through the tranquil Chantilly Forest before you reach the heart of town. Chantilly, France, is well known for its crème de Chantilly, a whipped cream. Give it a shot with some real strawberries!
This Musée de Condé has a beautiful collection of oil paintings and is a must-see. If you are searching for a fine dining establishment suitable for a celebration, go no farther than La Table du Connétable.
Nice
One of the most picturesque cities on the French Riviera is Nice. If you want to see the rest of the fascinating region, this is a fantastic place to stay as a base. You can take the high-speed TGV train from Paris in just over six hours or fly to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. When the temperature rises, Nice’s rock-strewn beaches are just as enjoyable as those with sand. Climbing to the summit of Castle Hill rewards visitors with stunning views of the Promenade des Anglais and its environs.
As a bonus, the sunrises and sunsets here are some of the most beautiful in the world. The mountain’s summit also has a waterfall, which is well worth seeing. Among the many things to see in Nice, a trip to the OId Port is a must. Here, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines and take in the sights of the port.
The Old City is a beautiful place to take a walk because of its historic buildings and charming plazas. A visit to the Cours Saleya Bazaar is highly recommended to stock up on local produce and cheese. It would help if you came to Nice with an appetite so that you may sample the cuisine at some of the city’s top restaurants, such as Ganoka and Chez Acchiardo.
We hope that one of these fantastic weekend getaways from Paris has piqued your interest. France has a lot to offer, and with its efficient rail system, you can see a lot of it even if you don’t have a vehicle. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.