Looking for some Christmas cheer? So, in addition to the traditional Christmas music, illuminations and romantic comedies, here are the most beautiful Christmas villages near Paris to escape to before the annual stressful family meal. Enough to keep you dreaming without having to travel too far from Paris.
Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne – A magical getaway from Paris
This ancient fortified village still retains all the beauty of yesteryear. Here, you can see ancient dungeons and other vestiges of the Middle Ages that have inspired many an artist. In winter, you can stroll through the village’s Christmas market, and (if you’re lucky) bump into Santa Claus. A lovely village to see with the whole family!
🚗 Approximately 1 h to 1 h 30 from Paris by car
🚆 45 minutes to 1 h from Gare de Lyon station
Rochefort-en-Terre – France’s favorite village, 2 h 30 from Paris
Voted France’s favorite village in 2016, this Morbihan nugget is simply worth a detour during the holidays. Rochefort-en-Terre is a pretty village, bursting with charm, made up of 12th-century fortified stones that bear witness to years gone by.
🚗 About 4 h 30 from Paris by car
🚆 About 2 h 30 from Montparnasse station
Barbizon – One of the most romantic Christmas villages near Paris
Known as the village of artists, Barbizon is a romantic getaway that we can’t recommend enough during Christmas. Surrounded by a majestic forest, and just a few kilometers from Fontainebleau, the village exudes a magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend!
🚗 About 45 minutes from Paris by car
🚆 Approximately 1 h 10 from Gare du Nord station
Provins – A charming medieval village close to Paris
Provins is a charming, bucolic village less than 2 hours from Paris. If you’ve never visited this charming village, it’s in winter and particularly at Christmas that we really recommend you go. In December, there’s a great medieval Christmas market. It’s a great way to find original gifts for Christmas while enjoying a stroll through the picturesque streets.
🚗 About 1 h 45 from Paris by car
🚆 1 h 23 from Gare de l’Est station
Janvry – To see one of the most beautiful Christmas markets near Paris
Nestled in the west of Essonne, Janvry is a pretty little village that’s a must-visit. For Christmas, the village pulls out all the stops: pony rides, nativity scenes from around the world, animals… A lovely stroll to enjoy with family or friends during this season.
🚗 About 40 minutes from Paris by car
🚆 1 h 23 from Gare du Nord station
Senlis – One of the oldest Christmas villages near Paris
With over 2,000 years of history, Senlis is a charming medieval city. The Chaalis Abbey is a masterpiece of architecture, bearing witness to the town’s past. For Christmas, several markets are organized, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. A nugget of the Oise to explore.
🚗 About 50 minutes from Paris by car
🚆 1 h 20 from Gare du Nord station
Gerberoy – For a charming getaway
This pretty hamlet, less than 2 hours from Paris, offers a delightful change of scenery during Christmas. In autumn, the village is decked out in flamboyant colors, but it’s in winter that you may be lucky enough to spot a few snowflakes. One of the most beautiful villages near Paris to discover!
🚗 Approximately 1 h 30 to 2 h from Paris by car
🚆 1 h 14 from Gare du Nord station
Rochefort en Yvelines – One of the most picturesque villages near Paris to discover this Christmas!
The cobbled streets of this pretty village tucked away in south-eastern Yvelines bear witness to its medieval past. It’s a great place to stroll and admire its natural surroundings, in the heart of the Rambouillet forest, whatever the season. It’s also a great place to take a breath of fresh air at Christmas, and enjoy the markets.
🚗 Approx. 30 minutes from Paris by car
🚆 1 h 42 from Gare du Nord station