About an hour from Paris by train, Montargis offers a welcome change of scenery. This town in the Loiret department is nicknamed the “Venice of the Gâtinais” thanks to its canals, bridges, and small islands. It’s an easy weekend getaway to keep in mind, especially when you’re looking for some fresh air outside the capital.
A “Little Venice” just an hour from Paris
As you leave the train station, just walk toward the center to see the first canals, footbridges, historic houses, and quays where you can stroll peacefully. Nothing complicated, nothing overly touristy: you can explore the city at a leisurely pace, following the water.
Its nickname, “Little Venice of the Gâtinais,” is well-deserved—Montargis boasts 132 bridges and footbridges, which lend the stroll a real charm. You’ll cross from one bank to the other, walk along the Briare Canal, pass through streets lined with water, and then come upon a flower-adorned footbridge or a reflection that makes you want to stop for a few minutes.
Canals, footbridges, and praslines: the perfect combo for a day out
To explore Montargis, start at the quays, cross the Victor Hugo footbridge, head into the downtown streets, and then continue on to the greener areas along the water. History buffs can also check out the historic buildings, the Sainte-Madeleine Church, or the remains of the old castle. For a sweet treat, you can’t miss the praslines of Montargis, a local specialty made with caramelized almonds.
Montargis is particularly well-suited for sunny days. In summer, walks along the water offer a bit of cool relief, while in spring the flower-bedecked footbridges instantly give the town a pleasant atmosphere.
It’s not the most famous of France’s “Little Venices,” but Montargis checks all the boxes: canals, bridges, a city that’s easy to explore, and a day that makes you feel like you’ve traveled much farther than just the Loiret.
📍Location: Montargis