Paris is incredible, but sometimes a weekend away is just what you need.
And of course, you will definitely want to make the most of your France trip by visiting some cool places near Paris.
From cute villages to memorable city escapes, these trips offer a refreshing break without the hassle of long travel.
We have visited each one of these destinations, and we will be traveling to the coast in the coming months, so I'll keep this list fresh and updated with more fantastic travel delights.
Rouen
Rouen is probably Northern France's most beautiful town, and surprisingly, it still hasn't gained that much attention outside of Europe.
The city is the capital of the Normandy region, and while it was damaged during WWII, it still has a better-preserved old town compared to other cities in the north.
Half-timbered colorful houses, a charming cathedral, the astronomical clock, great food, and many more attractions await you in Rouen.
Insider Tip: Taste high-quality calvados, and look out for the Neufchâtel cheese in Rouen.
Reims
Reims is the unofficial capital of the historical Champagne region, but not only Champagne lovers will want to head to this city, which is just 1 hour by TGV from Paris.
The cathedral of Reims, with the breathtakingly beautiful rose windows and Marc Chagall windows behind the nave, is one of the most important historical buildings for the former royal succession of France. Every French king was crowned here over the centuries.
The city is great for a laid-back weekend trip where you get to sip fine Champagne and visit the legendary Champagne cellars of France.
Insider Tip: Plan a day trip to the Champagne vineyards.
Hautvillers
Which takes us to Hautvillers, the origin of every high-quality Champagne in France.
This inconspicuous village sits on a hill overlooking some of the most precious grape vineyards in France. A monk at the monastery in Hautvillers invented Champagne over 400 years ago at this exact place.
The village itself is beyond charming, with Champagne tasting opportunities and vineyard tours waiting to be explored by every true Champagne fan.
It's a pilgrimage of some sort, and every bubbly wine lover should visit Hautvillers and the neighboring Épernay on a weekend trip from Paris.
Insider Tip: Explore the French countryside with a rental car from Paris over the weekend.
Gerberoy
You probably have never heard of Gerberoy because tour guides won't take you there, but it's one of France's most beautiful villages.
The village is located in the rural Picardy region, just 1 ½ hours by car from Paris. Public transport won't get you there, but a road trip is a fun way to explore the lesser-known northern French areas.
Flowers, half-timbered houses, paved roads, and practically zero tourists await you here in this authentic, unspoiled village.
Insider Tip: Pair it with a trip to Beauvais to see the Beauvais cathedral, which is the tallest vaulted cathedral in the world. Not many know that, but the astronomical clock in the cathedral is one of the best-preserved still-functioning mechanical timepieces of its kind.
Lille
Lille is the northernmost city bordering Belgium, and the border influence shows in the architecture and food.
This city offers a thoroughly unique and fresh perspective on French culture, and you should head to Lille if you know France very well.
People mostly visit Lille to go shopping and to relax in this slow-paced city. If you like fries Belgian, British, and Canadian food, head to Lille to immerse yourself in the local food culture.
Explore all the things to do in and around Lille.
Insider Tip: Book a table at the Estaminet Chez La Vieille and try either the Welsh (cheddar cheese, ham bread, and beer dish), Carbonnade Flamande (beef ragout cooked in Belgian beer), or Poulet au Maroilles (chicken cooked in a stinky Maroilles cheese from the region).
Amiens
Amiens is a university city to the north of Paris, and it's a 2-hour trip by car or train from the French capital.
We loved Amiens in spring with the apple and cherry blooms in full swing, adding to the grand view of the old town and cathedral.
The Amiens cathedral is the largest of its kind in France and a grand medieval masterpiece.
People also love Amiens for the floating gardens, which are a lush floral garden islands amidst slender water canals. You can hop on a barge to experience and see the floating gardens of Amiens.
Insider knowledge: The current president of the French Republic, President Macron, is from Amiens.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is located in eastern France, and it's the capital of the picturesque Alsace region. It might seem far away, but thanks to the TGV fast train railway network, you can make it to Strasbourg from Paris within 2 hours.
This bustling city is one of the most stunning destinations in France, and it makes for a perfect extended weekend trip, especially if you add other destinations in Alsace to your bucket list (Alsace wine route).
Additionally, you are going to love immersing yourself in the Alsatian food culture. Add sauerkraut and sausage, flammkuchen, and goose liver to your must-try food list.
Insider Tip: Enjoy a dinner outdoors in the summer months, or come to visit the legendary Strasbourg Christmas market in winter.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small country bordering France, and the capital city is known as Luxembourg City.
It takes about 2 hours via the TGV to get to Luxembourg city, and therefore I think this place makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Paris.
Luxembourg is known for its harmonious blend of modern and old world architecture, and most visitors frequent the city to do their upscale shopping.
Add the city to your bucket list if you're looking for a Paris weekend getaway with a fantastic nightlife, delightful food, and a luxurious atmosphere.
Insider Tips: All 2nd class public transport in Luxembourg is free of charge. You can take the train to go hiking in the rural mountains of Luxembourg.
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