Escape the City: 10 Unforgettable Short Trips from Paris
In August, when Paris keeps heating up and locals flee the city, I’ve learned to follow their lead. There is nothing quite as Parisian as running away from Paris! Just beyond the city limits lie charming little towns where the air is fresher and time moves a little slower, so you too can bask in the dolce far niente. I’ve gathered up our favorite nearby spots to help you relax, recharge, and enjoy the summer like a true Parisian-on-holiday. Whether you want nature, food, or culture, I’ve been there, tried that, and have scouted out the must do’s and must see’s.
Please note that all of these locations are accessible by primarily train, but you may find a Paris taxi or Paris bus service is helpful on either side of the journey!
Grab your sunglasses and a fan, we are about to do some serious relaxing.
Outdoorsy and Nature Filled
1 hour 20 minutes from Gare de l’Est
Crécy-la-Chapelle, often called the Venice of Brie for its winding canals, is a perfect peaceful, family-friendly escape along the Grand Morin river. Pack a picnic or cycle beside the canals, wander pastel streets lined with medieval charm, and explore the belfry, Saint-Georges church, and the gothic Collégiale Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. If you have kids, they will love visiting Parrot World, a nearby zoo and park, or splashing in the local campsite’s pool and playground. With its flower-decked bridges and quiet beauty, this little slice of France is a refreshing breath of fresh air (literally!).
1 hour from Gare de Lyon
Fontainebleau is an ideal August getaway for nature and culture lovers alike. You can hike, bike, or boulder your way through the vast Forêt de Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting ground now popular with outdoor adventurers. You can take a tour of the Château de Fontainebleau, where you’ll find opulent royal apartments and Napoleon’s original throne. Afterward, browse the town’s lively market, which stays active even in August when much of Paris shuts down. Need more detail? We loved this little town so much be gave it its own post! Read on about chateau hopping and taking to the woods!
1 hour 30 minutes from Gare de Lyon
Moret-sur-Loing is a postcard-perfect escape where history meets Impressionist charm, just south-east of Paris. Glide along the Loing river by canoe or paddleboard, then stroll the ancient stone bridge and pass through the medieval fortified gate. Follow in Alfred Sisley’s footsteps with marked viewpoints that inspired his paintings, and explore local galleries and artisanal shops tucked into cobbled streets. It’s an ideal day trip for art lovers like us and outdoor explorers alike.
Food, Wine, and Cheese!
1 hour from Gare de l’Est
Meaux is a lively riverside town where food, history, and charm come together, just far enough from Paris to feel like an escape. Meaux is known for its brie, so stop by the Maison du Brie for a delicious cheese tasting. Then dive into local art and history at the Bossuet Museum, set beside peaceful gardens overlooking the Marne. Cap off your visit with a tour of the impressive Cathédrale Saint‑Étienne, a gothic masterpiece at the town’s heart.
2 hours from Gare de l’Est
Step into medieval magic with a summer trip to Provins, a UNESCO-listed town just outside Paris. Try the Provins speciality of rose flavored anything, from pastries to liqueurs, then climb the César Tower and walk the ramparts for sweeping views. Underground, take a tour of the underground caverns or Souterrains, while above ground, watch a jousting and falconry show. End your day dining in one of the many candlelit taverns nestled within the town’s ancient stone walls.
1 hour 15 minutes from Gare de l’Est
Reims is one of my personal favorites! It’s a part of Cook’n With Class’s sister company Let’s Eat The World’s Week in Paris, and Reims get’s its own little spotlight. It’s an enriching blend of royal history and modern indulgence, perfect for if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated. The highlight of this town is its champagne. Make sure to visit our favorite Champagne houses, Pommery, Mumm, and Champagne Le Gallais with tastings, of course! Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims and Palais du Tau, where many French kings were crowned and stroll through the lively Place Drouet d’Erlon. And when you’re ready to unwind, cool off in the shady Parc de la Patte d’Oie.
Art, Culture, and Architecture
2 hours from Saint-Lazare (with taxi or bus)
Giverny in August is a painter’s dream come to life, with Monet’s gardens at their most vibrant and crowds have died down a little. Tour the iconic house and walk around the lily-filled ponds, then wander the peaceful village lanes that have inspired generations of artists. Stop by the Musée des Impressionnismes for seasonal exhibitions, and enjoy lunch at one of the many flower filled terraces around town. Before heading back, go souvenir shopping at the local boutiques.
2 hours from Gare Montparnasse
Chartres is a charming mix of history and grandeur, just two hours from Paris. Visit the Cathédrale Notre‑Dame de Chartres, widely considered to be the most well preserved cathedral of its kind. Go inside (and downstairs where it’s cooler!) to see Le Voile de la Vierge, a relic believed to be Mother Mary’s veil. Next, wander through timber-framed streets filled with boutiques and cafés. Sample local treats at the lively market, a favorite for regional cheeses and produce. Stay after sunset to experience Chartres en Lumière, a dazzling light festival that transforms the city’s landmarks into colorful works of art.
1 hour and 20 minutes from Gare du Nord
Auvers-sur-Oise is the quiet, artsy village where Van Gogh spent his final days. You can visit his grave and the Auberge Ravoux, the café and inn Van Gogh spent his final 2 months staying at, then follow scenic trails through the landscapes he painted. Explore the Maison du Docteur Gachet, a haven for artists of the era, and admire works by Van Gogh’s peers at the Musée Daubigny. Auver-sur-Oise is a thoughtful, inspiring day trip for art lovers seeking calm and connection.
2 hours from Saint-Lazare
Rouen, which blends Gothic grandeur with medieval charm, is a perfect escape for architecture enthusiasts. Admire the facade of the Cathédrale Notre‑Dame de Rouen, famously painted by Monet, and wander the half-timbered streets of Vieux‑Rouen. Don’t miss the Musée des Beaux‑Arts and its impressive collection of Monets and Sisleys, or the Gros‑Horloge, a stunning 14th-century clock archway.
After exploring these peaceful havens, you’ll have a taste for the simple joys of France. Carry that spirit with you, wherever your travels take you next.