July is here, and perhaps for some of you, vacation is just beginning. If you have no idea where to escape to, we’ve found a little corner of paradise surrounded by water and greenery just 1 hour from Paris. Head to Seine-et-Marne to discover Crécy-la-Chapelle, a little gem nicknamed the “Venice of the Brie region.” With its canals, historic buildings, monuments, and bucolic atmosphere, this medieval village has everything to charm lovers of timeless strolls.
A picturesque medieval village surrounded by water, just 1 hour from Paris
Like its neighbor Blandy-Les-Tours, Crécy-la-Chapelle is the kind of village where every alley tells a story. As you stroll through the village, you’ll discover cobblestone alleys, a centuries-old belfry, washhouses, old bridges… and, above all, the canals that surround the town.
Dug in the Middle Ages to protect the town and divert water around the ramparts, these canals also powered the mills that brought the valley to life. Today , this small network of canals still stretches for about 2.5 km. It’s a refreshing stroll, to say the least, in a setting straight out of a period film.
Crécy-la-Chapelle is also home to the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Collegiate Church. Listed as a historic monument, this building is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in Île-de-France.The Château de Crécy-la-Chapelle, surrounded by greenery, is equally impressive. Its simple yet refined facades and its tree-lined grounds perfectly complement this picturesque scene.
A refreshing, timeless, and idyllic getaway to treat yourself to this weekend.
