Hello - Two years ago I had my first trip from US to Europe, and visited the wonderful Chateau du Roussan and the beautiful little village of St Remy de Provence. We loved walking from the chateau to the town, wandering the quaint streets and shops, and enjoying simple meals in several nice restaurants.

We are again traveling, this time to Paris, and want to have a similar small village (and chateau if possible) experience, maybe 2 hours or so away? If anyone has a recommendation for a charming village with shopping, pretty streets, and maybe some nearby attractions such as ruins or other towns, that would be most appreciated.

Merci!

What's the significance of "2 hours or so away"?

Less than 2 hours, I like Fontainebleau. Villages don't usually have much shopping but a good sized town like this does, and a great market (Friday if I recall) plus the château right in town.

I've been thinking about the Château de Chantilly, staying in Senlis, described as a very nice town 5 or 6 miles away and walking between the 2 through the large "forêt" where both are located. Also closer than 2 hours.

Provins is a bit more than an hour away on one of the commuter lines. There is a train every hour.

http://tinyurl.com/provins2016

If on the other hand you have a car, Pierrefonds is the place to go. It is about 100km north of Paris.

http://tinyurl.com/pierrefondsmerlin

If you are after small villages, you could check this site
http://m.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-...bile/recherche

Pierrefonds sounds lovely, and I very much enjoyed the picture tour! Thank you for your help!

Consider Barbizon, an artists' enclave and lovely small town:

http://www.informationfrance.com/barbizon.php