12 weekend getaways less than 2 hours from Paris

Looking for family weekend getaway ideas within 2 hours of Paris? Less than 2 hours from Paris, there are plenty of easy-to-reach destinations that are great for all and perfect for a break from the everyday. Nature, heritage, fun activities: these spots offer the ideal setting for a short trip with family or friends. In this article, you’ll discover 12 escape ideas near Paris, reachable by train or car, for a lovely time without travelling far.

See all the places from this article at a glance on the map below!

1- Stay at Ferme de Fontenille in the Aisne

Just 1.5 hours from Paris, spend a weekend on a farm with “Un lit au pré” and unplug in the countryside with the kids. We tried it in the Somme Bay and the experience was genuinely brilliant. The idea behind “a bed in the meadow” is to sleep on a farm, in a fully comfortable countryside lodge.

Ferme de Fontenille, run by Delphine and Grégoire and their two four-legged companions Java and Thalys, in Wissignicourt in the Aisne, offers a real taste of countryside life. Between mixed farming and livestock, you’ll stay in one of six spacious lodges set right in the meadows, surrounded by animals roaming free: cows, sheep, goats, hens, rabbits and ponies. Two sheepdogs watch over the herds, while the house cats wander about freely.

On site, there’s a natural pond for swimming, a farm shop, a private pond for watching wildlife, pony rides for the children, and welcoming spaces to relax. Plenty to fill up on nature close to Paris.

And if you fancy exploring the area around the farm, here’s what you can visit:

• Discover Laon, its medieval city and ramparts (20 min)
• Visit Soissons and its famous Vase of Soissons (20 min)
• Explore Chateau de Villers-Cotterêts and the International City of the French Language (30 min)
• Walk the Chemin des Dames, a major First World War memorial site (10 min)
• Hike in the Saint-Gobain forest, just 5 minutes away
• Swim or unwind at Lac de Monampteuil (15 min)
• Take a foodie trip to Reims and its Champagne cellars (1h)

Book your weekend at Ferme de Fontenille in Wissignicourt.

2- Chantilly and its château

What to do around Chantilly?

Just 2 hours from Paris, Chantilly is an ideal destination for combining nature, heritage and relaxation as a family or with friends.
The must-see is the Château de Chantilly, which we’ve visited twice in under two years. The estate is vast, with its French-style gardens, a little train the kids can ride (April to October), and the Horse Museum housed in the Grandes Écuries (Great Stables).

The equestrian dressage show is also a highlight of the weekend. Suitable for children, it lasts around 30 minutes and lets you discover one of Europe’s grandest stables in an exceptional setting.

A few kilometres away, the Oise – Pays de France Regional Nature Park offers a proper breath of fresh air. Between walks, cycling and spotting local wildlife, it’s a perfect stop for everyone who is after nature.

Book your tickets online to visit the Château de Chantilly.

The Oise Regional Nature Park is home to around 20 hectares of forest, a great chance to rediscover local flora and fauna, go cycling or hike with the children. A green weekend less than 2 hours from Paris!

Where to stay near Chantilly?

We tried and loved the Château de la Tour, a peaceful, elegant spot perfectly suited for a romantic getaway, a trip with friends or a family holiday. Some rooms interconnect, and the large grounds let kids play safely after a day of sightseeing. Discover the Château de la Tour.

> > > Read our story about Château de la Tour

For a romantic stay, we can only recommend the Château de Montvillargenne. A real gem of a hotel! We recommend it wholeheartedly. The rooms are gorgeous, especially in the older part of the château, the welcome is warm and the restaurant is a treat for food lovers.

Practical information

• Getting there: about 1h by car, or 25 min by train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux station
• Best time to go: spring and autumn
• Recommended age: from 3, ideal from 5-6 to make the most of the estate

3- A family break in Chamarande, 2 hours from Paris

What to do with children in Chamarande?

Located in the Essonne, less than 2 hours from Paris, the Domaine de Chamarande is a nature retreat accessible by public transport. This history-rich estate is perfect for a day out or a green weekend with the children.

The château regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions, but it’s really the vast grounds that draw families here. The park, free to enter, offers wide open spaces to run around, picnic or simply watch nature. You’ll find a lovely variety of old trees, ponds and rich aquatic wildlife, making it a calming, educational spot for the youngest visitors.

The estate also offers free activities for families, including occasional weekend workshops and events.

Where to stay near the Domaine de Chamarande?

You could opt for charming accommodation, a stone holiday home with a lovely garden such as la Poussinière, ideal for families after independent, comfortable accommodation.

Practical information

• Getting there: RER C from Paris to Chamarande station (about 50 min), then a 5-minute walk
• Best time to go: May to October to make the most of the park
• Recommended age: any age, ideal from 2-3

4- City break in Lille

What to do in Lille with children?

I couldn’t leave Lille out of this round-up of escapes less than 2 hours from Paris. Just 1h by high-speed train or 2h by road from Paris, Lille is a perfect city for a short break. Culture, heritage and nature combine easily here, making it a great base in the Hauts-de-France region.

For a cultural city break, there’s plenty to choose from: wander around Vieux Lille, visit the Louvre-Lens museum, or explore Roubaix’s industrial heritage, with old mills converted into cultural venues. The Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde (mining heritage centre) is also a great outing with children to learn about the region’s history.

Prefer nature? Head to the Phalempin forest, about thirty minutes from central Lille. You can organise a walk, a picnic, or even spend the night in a treehouse. A trip that combines a change of scenery with proximity. To go further, take a look at our full guide: what to do in Lille as a family?

Make the most of it and stay somewhere unusual with the kids near Lille: sleeping in the treetops less than an hour from Lille.

Where to stay in Lille?

We have several places to recommend in Lille. We’ve tried ALL of them:

• Eklo Hotels: a family-friendly hostel, great for smaller budgets and anyone after a sociable atmosphere. This place also takes the environment seriously. Read our article on Eklo Hotels.
• Novotel Centre Gare: ideal for a Lille city break. Right by the station and the centre. A great compromise.
• Les Nids de Chlorofil: a guaranteed change of scenery in the forest
• B&B Hotel: the B&B Hotel chain is a safe bet for a family stay.

Practical information

• Getting there: 1h by high-speed train from Paris, or 2h by car
• Best time to go: all year round, with a preference for spring and autumn
• Recommended age: from 4 to make the most of the museums and outdoor activities

Why not go for a road trip through the Hauts-de-France? There’s so much to discover as a family! Read our article on the subject for more ideas >> What to do in the Hauts-de-France as a family: 10 outings that work for kids!

5- Pont-Audemer and Norman charm

What to do in Pont-Audemer with children?

Pont-Audemer is an ideal escape less than 2 hours from Paris if you’re after cultural discovery, calm and nature. Nicknamed the “little Venice of Normandy”, this charming small town appeals to adults and children alike.

Here’s what you can do there:

• Explore the old town at your own pace: a free audio tour is available on your smartphone. It’s fun, interactive and suitable for children from 6. You’ll discover the canals, half-timbered houses and local stories.
• Spot wildlife at Marais-Vernier: this nature reserve is perfect for a walk in the fresh air. Hides let you spot birds and free-roaming horses. Ideal for children curious about nature.
• Walk in Montfort forest: this state forest is easy to reach and well laid out. Short trails suit little legs.
• Try cycling as a family: the tourist office offers safe routes, perfect for a first family cycling trip.

Where to stay in Pont-Audemer?

If you want to stay in a traditional thatched Norman house, head to Le Petit Coq aux Champs – Les Collectionneurs or, in the old port, la Bonne Auberge.

>> We’d also recommend this place to stay in Serquigny, read the article.

Practical information

• Getting there: 2h by car from Paris, or train to Bernay then 25 min by car
• Best time to go: spring and summer to make the most of the outdoors
• Recommended age: from 3-4 to enjoy the walks and the audio tour

6- A family weekend in the Somme Bay, 2 hours from Paris

What to do with children in the Somme Bay?

Fancy a nature-filled weekend less than 2 hours from Paris? The Somme Bay is a perfect destination for a family break. It’s one of the few places in France where you can spot seals in the wild, which delights children and adults alike.

Here are our tested and approved activity suggestions:

• Beach and fresh air at Le Crotoy: summer swimming, sandcastles, and walks along the sea wall. It’s also the starting point for many family activities.

• Watch the seals from the Baie d’Authie beach (near Berck-sur-Mer) or at low tide near Pointe du Hourdel. Bring binoculars, kids love searching for them!

• Discover Parc du Marquenterre: a must-see. This large managed nature reserve has several trails, hides, and remarkable wildlife. Pushchair-friendly and ideal from 3-4.

• A walk in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: wander the flower-filled streets or the harbour, then hop on the little steam train to Le Crotoy. A vintage activity kids always love.

Where to stay in the Somme Bay with children?

During our stay, we tried the Pierre & Vacances village at Le Crotoy. Really cute little houses. We went out of season, so there was no activity, but the spot was lovely. In summer, we tried the “Camping Paradis” site at Berck-sur-Mer.

Practical information

• Getting there: 2h by road from Paris, or train to Noyelles-sur-Mer or Abbeville
• Best time to go: April to September to make the most of nature and walks
• Recommended age: from 2-3, and also great for pre-teens curious about wildlife

>> Discover our Somme Bay getaway.

7- Discover the Perche!

What to do in the Perche with children?

Sitting between the Eure-et-Loir and the Orne, the Perche Regional Nature Park is a lovely weekend idea if you’re after calm, nature, and activities within less than 2 hours of Paris.

Here are our activity ideas with children:

• Visit educational farms: the Perche is full of small organic producers who open their doors. Children can get close to the animals, taste local produce, and understand where their food comes from.

• Visit the Maison du Parc in Nocé: a good starting point for discovering the region. It offers interactive exhibitions and marked trails in a charming countryside setting. Suitable for children from 3-4.

• Walk with pack donkeys: several farms in the Perche offer hikes with a donkey to carry the bags… or tired children. An original experience the whole family enjoys.

• Explore the forests of the Perche: great for all-terrain pushchair walks or mini hikes. Bellême forest is ideal for a nature outing with a picnic stop.

Where to stay in the Perche with children?

• A gîte or country house with a garden: plenty of options around Bellême or Mortagne-au-Perche, ideal for a green getaway.
• An unusual night in a caravan or cabin: several places to stay in the Perche offer this kind of accommodation, perfect for an unforgettable memory with the kids.
• Family-friendly guesthouses: often set up to welcome children, with homemade breakfasts and personalised tips for walks.

Practical information

• Getting there: 1h45 by car from Paris via the N12
• Best time to go: spring through autumn to enjoy the green scenery and open farms
• Recommended age: from 2 for walks, and ideal from 4-5 for hikes and nature activities

8- Lyons-la-Forêt

What to do in Lyons-la-Forêt with children?

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Lyons-la-Forêt is a charming escape less than 2 hours from Paris. It’s an ideal destination for a calm, refreshing weekend with children, between walks, heritage and nature.

Here’s what you can do as a family:

• A treat: plenty of small cafés and restaurants welcome families, some even with kids’ menus and terraces to enjoy the setting.
• Wander the village: the half-timbered houses, flower-covered façades and central market hall create a setting straight out of a storybook. Even the youngest visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the details of the buildings.
• Walk in Lyons forest: one of the largest beech forests in France. Several easy trails suit families, including with young children. Autumn is especially magical here.
• Discover the Abbaye de Fontaine-Guérard: a romantic ruin a few minutes away by car, beside a small stream. Suitable for children, and ideal for a gentle walk.

Where to stay in Lyons-la-Forêt?

You could opt for a flat in a typically Norman building: the Manoir de la Vente de Rouville, or perhaps you’d rather stay in one of the region’s many châteaux?

Practical information

• Getting there: 1h45 by car from Paris
• Best time to go: spring, summer or autumn to enjoy the forest and the walks
• Recommended age: suitable from 2-3, ideal up to 10 for the nature and gentle discoveries

9- Blois and the Chateaux of the Loire Valley

What to do around Blois with children?

A weekend among the Chateaux of the Loire Valley is a lovely, fun cultural getaway for the family. From Paris, you can reach Blois in under 2 hours, making it an excellent base for exploring several iconic sites.

Here are the activities we’d recommend with children:

• Visit the Chateau de Blois: a human-scale chateau, geared towards children with events, models, and evening sound-and-light shows.
• Explore Chambord the fun way: book skip-the-line tickets to avoid queues, and go for a treasure hunt or a family-friendly tour. See our full article here.
• Have fun at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire: the château is splendid, but it’s mainly the gardens that children love. Every year, the Festival des Jardins showcases striking, colourful creations.
• Nature and cycling trails: plenty of trails let you explore the Loire by bike or on foot, with picnic stops by the water.
• Treasure hunts, archery and barefoot trails: at the Loisirs Loire Valley centre, children can explore nature in a different way, away from the crowds.

Save time by choosing skip-the-line tickets for Château de Chambord, or for Domaine de Chaumont.

Where to stay near Blois and the Chateaux de la Loire?

We tried the Loisirs Loire Valley centre. Right in the heart of nature, this little haven offers nature-based activities: archery, barefoot trails, treasure hunts and, above all, relaxation surrounded by incredible countryside.

>> Read our article about our weekend at Loisirs-Loire Valley

Practical information

• Getting there: 1h40 by train from Paris-Austerlitz to Blois, or 2h by car
• Best time to go: March to October to make the most of the grounds and events
• Recommended age: from 6 for the visits of the chateaux, though plenty of nature activities suit children from 3-4

10- The charming town of Troyes

What to do in Troyes with children?

Located in the Aube, east of Paris, Troyes is an excellent alternative to Normandy for a family weekend packed with discoveries. In under 2 hours by road, you’ll find yourself in a lively, colourful, human-scale town with plenty to do for all ages.

Here’s what we’d recommend doing in Troyes:

• A bonus activity for older kids: a Champagne cellar visit nearby is possible (with parents keeping things moderate, of course!).
• Explore the historic centre: the colourful half-timbered houses feel like a film set. A great way to spark children’s curiosity.
• Go on a heart hunt: a fun spotting game for children (and parents) is to find the many hearts carved into the buildings.
• Wander around Les Halles de Troyes: a chance to sample local specialities and pick up a picnic to enjoy in a park.
• Visit the Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière (House of Tools and Workers’ Thought): a fascinating museum that appeals to children who love tinkering or old objects.
• Discover the Forêt d’Orient lakes: about thirty minutes away by car, these large natural areas offer beaches, walks and water sports in summer.

Where to stay in Troyes and the surrounding area?

Choose a charming spot in the countryside such as the Résidence du Moulin, with its river and mill.

Practical information

• Getting there: 1h50 by car from Paris, or train from Paris-Est to Troyes (around 2h)
• Best time to go: spring and autumn to enjoy the town on foot
• Recommended age: great with children aged 5 to 12 for a mix of culture, walks and discovery

11. When nature gives way to magic: parks near Paris

So far, we’ve mostly talked about nature, calm, and slow living. But let’s be honest: sometimes we also feel like having fun and getting a few thrills, all with a touch of magic. Good news: around Paris, you can combine a green escape with a magical day out without hours on the road. Here are our ideas for adding a bit of entertainment to your weekend and putting sparkle in your eyes, while keeping the restorative spirit that’s dear to Parents-Voyageurs.

Disneyland Paris, magic within RER reach

Two Parks, rides for all tastes, parades and shows, meetings with Disney Characters, restaurants, shops… In short, Disneyland Paris promises a day out of time that will delight young and old alike.

• Getting there: 40 min by RER A east of Paris (Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy station), 40 min by car
• Best time to go: all year round. Disneyland Paris is open every day and offers a different atmosphere each season. The magic is constantly renewed!
• Recommended age: both Parks are accessible to all ages, with attractions suited to everyone.
• Slow tip: stay overnight to experience the magic even more fully. Information and booking here.

And if you’re going with children under 6, here is the list of attractions suited to that age.

Parc Astérix, the Gaulish adventure in the heart of nature

Nestled in the forest near Chantilly, it combines thrills with a wooded setting, in an authentic atmosphere.

• Getting there: 40 min by car north of Paris (Plailly, Oise)
• Best time to go: from late June to September (seasonal opening), on weekdays to avoid the crowds
• Recommended age: ideal from age 6 to 7 for the big rides, with teens or friends
• Slow tip: pair it with the Château de Chantilly (destination no. 2)

And for a gentler outing: La Mer de Sable

A nature park between dunes and forest, with gentle Wild West themed attractions.

• Getting there: 45 min by car north of Paris (Ermenonville, Oise)
• Best time to go: April to September (seasonal opening)
• Recommended age: perfect from age 2 to 3
• Slow tip: combine it with a walk in the Ermenonville forest
• Information and booking here.

France Miniature

French heritage in miniature: more than 100 monuments to discover outdoors.

• Getting there: 45 min by car west of Paris (Élancourt, Yvelines)
• Best time to go: April to September to enjoy the outdoor trail
• Recommended age: fun and educational from age 4
• Slow tip: plan a picnic on site for a stress-free day
• Information and booking here.

Discover our full article on amusement parks around Paris.

12- Wimereux on the Opal Coast

What to do in Wimereux with children?

It’s a little further from Paris, but I can’t resist mentioning this last favourite spot. At just under 3 hours from Paris, Wimereux is a family gem on the Opal Coast. Less touristy than Le Touquet, this seaside village charms visitors with its authentic feel, Belle Époque villas and breathtaking scenery.

Here’s what you can do in and around Wimereux:

• Go pebble and shell hunting: on Wimereux beach, at low tide, this is little explorers’ favourite game.
• Enjoy the beach: huge at low tide, perfect for games, swimming (supervised in summer), or even kite flying and sand yachting!
• Explore the Two-Capes site (Gris-Nez and Blanc-Nez): a must, with spectacular views over the cliffs, easy to reach with children.
• Walk the Dunes of Slack: a wild, calm, refreshing space, ideal for a family walk in the fresh air, away from built-up areas.
• Discover Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer: one of the largest aquariums in Europe, 15 minutes away by car. A huge hit with children of all ages.

Where to stay near Wimereux?

We’d suggest a charming gîte with lovely hosts who know how to welcome you the Northern French way. Le Clos Saint Pierre in Ambleteuse is the ideal spot for a family holiday on the Opal Coast.

>> Read our article about Le Clos Saint-Pierre in Ambleteuse.

Practical information

• Getting there: 2h45–3h by road from Paris
• Best time to go: April to October, with a soft spot for spring or late summer (less wind, fewer crowds)
• Recommended age: from 3-4 for the beach and walks; Nausicaá and the Two-Capes also appeal to teens

I hope these ideas for destinations less than 2 hours from Paris inspire your next family getaways. Mostly places away from mass tourism, and right at the heart of nature, for a slow-travel family break.

♥♥♥ Emilie & Flo ♥♥♥

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This article includes content written as part of partnerships. Last updated September 2026.