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IN BRIEF
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The May 1st weekend is expected to be sunny, and it’s the perfect opportunity to escape the Parisian hustle and bustle! Less than two hours’ drive away, three picturesque villages, all labeled “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” are waiting for you. Ready to swap Parisian pavement for flower-filled streets, ancient castles, and a good dose of typically French charm? Follow the guide!
Need some fresh air, history, and postcard landscapes? Take advantage of the May 1st weekend and the sunny weather in northern France to conquer three picturesque villages, labeled “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” all located less than two hours from Paris. Old cobbled streets, flower-filled gardens, authentic markets, and unforgettable viewpoints await you in La Roche-Guyon, Lyons-la-Forêt, and Gerberoy. From Île-de-France to Picardy through Normandy, here are three perfect destinations for a spring weekend away from the capital!
La Roche-Guyon: a medieval getaway and scholarly gardens in Île-de-France
Imagine a village nestled between white chalk cliffs and the peaceful loop of the Seine: welcome to La Roche-Guyon, just 75 kilometers from Paris. The first stop of this enchanting trio, this village is anything but ordinary. Its enigmatic castle, part medieval fortress, part Renaissance palace, is both a historical and architectural marvel. The mysterious underground tunnels, carved into the rock, contrast with the elegant façade that gazes over the Seine.
The narrow streets, lined with local stone houses clustering on the hillside, tell centuries of village life. The castle’s garden, reconstructed according to plans from the 18th century, transports you to a time when circles and rectangles of rare vegetables were the pride of gardener-mathematicians. After a stroll through the garden and the tunnels, settle on the terrace to enjoy a good meal, before climbing up to the lookout point: the view over the valley and the Seine is worth a contemplative pause before heading back.
Want to compare with other medieval towns? Get inspired by this selection of Metz, a charming medieval city.
Lyons-la-Forêt: Norman elegance in the heart of the woods
Head to Normandy and a charming village nestled in one of Europe’s largest beech forests: Lyons-la-Forêt. At 99 kilometers from Paris, this bucolic stop plunges you into a delightful village whose 18th century hall is its vibrant heart. On Friday mornings, the market buzzes with local delicacies: cheeses, farm cider, fresh produce, and radiant smiles. It’s the perfect spot for preparing a picnic before venturing onto the trails.
Lyons is also home to artists’ workshops and a musical past, as this is where Maurice Ravel found his inspiration. Stroll through the streets, discover the creative spirit of local artisans, then explore the nearby great beech forest via a marked walking trail. Between carpets of wildflowers and birdsong, the forest and its paths invite young and old to rejuvenate in nature.
And if the exploration of villages enchants you, let yourself be surprised by other little gems of France, to discover in this gallery of picturesque villages around Sarlat.
Gerberoy: a festival of flowers and enchanting streets in Picardy
Welcome to the sweetness of Picardy with Gerberoy, whose charm works at every corner. A little over an hour and a half from Paris, this perched village offers a dream setting for flower and cobblestone street lovers. In May, the roses begin to bloom and the half-timbered houses adorn themselves with their typical colors, a pale pink obtained artisanally.
Here, everything is discovered on foot: the St. Peter’s church, with its Romanesque and Gothic façade, houses precious treasures of polychrome wood. The gardens created by painter Henri Le Sidaner add an impressionistic touch to the whole, while the ramparts provide an unobstructed view of the countryside at the end of the day, bathed in gold by the setting sun.
For a gourmet break, absolutely try the famous rosé cider, a subtle nod to the scent of the omnipresent flowers and the perfect accompaniment to local specialties. Restaurants and cafes offer dishes combining local products and floral inventiveness, all while enjoying the spring warmth of the terraces.
Want to push the adventure beyond borders? Escape with this road trip through the white villages of Andalusia or discover the beauty of Provençal towns with this selection of secret villages in Provence.
And if it’s the medieval circular towns that fascinate you, don’t miss this medieval gem with a surprising shape.
