French Villages
 

Would any Fodorites know of any small, charming villages in Ile de France, or near Paris, which are accessable by train? Thank you!

Senlis is a medieval village of half-timbered houses. It's adorable, but a bit too much like a museum (or movie set) for my taste. It can be combined with a visit to the Chateau de Chantilly (which is lovely)as a nice day trip. There is also Barbizon, famous for the painters, which isn't far from Fontainbleu. (You take the train to Melun, and then a cab.) I have not visited but have always wanted to go to Moret-sur-Loing. I am assuming it is accessible by train.

P.S. My favorite daytrip from Paris is to see Monet's house and garden in Giverny. While the village is pleasant, that is not what most people go for. Anyway, it's easy to get to. Train to Vernon. Then a cab or shuttle bus to the house. I believe it's a 4 km walk from the train station, if you're energetic.

I think you can get to Gerberoy, the village of roses from the gare de Nord.

ttt

Visit: http://www.villagesdefrance.free.fr/

English website: http://www.cometofrance.com/page-vil...-villages.html

Auvers-sur-Oise is one of my favorites and it's very accessible. It is where Van Gogh lived for a while, and is buried there, and did some paintings. I also liked Moret-sur-Loing very much, and it's on the train line.

ON the other hand, Vernon didn't do anything for me, I thought it dull, but did like Monet's home in Giverny nearby.

Also taking any suggestions for charming old cities too!

Bourges is less than two hours by train from Paris and it is a gorgeous town with the timbered houses, old squares, ancient fountains, old churches, wonderful restaurants, and to top it all of, one of the most spectauclar cathedrals in France, St. Etienne, placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.

:)

St. Germain-en-laye is a suburb of Paris but well worth the trip. Take a look @ www.villagesdefrance.free.fr. This may be what you are looking for...

I'm actually looking for somewhere I could visit in one morning or afternoon (1/2 day).

Chartres is accessible by train/

Both Chartres and St-Germain-en-Laye would qualify. Chartres has fine medieval precincts around the splendid cathedral, while St-Germain is more a suburban town with an interesting central area. You could do either in a half day; Fontainebleau would be an alternative, both town and palace.

Maybe my choice is not by train, but I think it is.
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/jean-pierre....of_roses,_.htm

;)

lll

I have the same question as you, but everyone's advice has been excellent so far!