8 Best Hotels in Side Trips from Paris, France

You’ll enjoy the warmest welcome at this cozy B&B set in an 18th-century mansion in the heart of the city and an easy walk to restaurants and all the major sights. Beamed ceilings, old-fashioned armoires, Oriental carpets, sumptuous wallpapers, and rich colors create an old-world atmosphere equipped with all the contemporary amenities. Rooms offer beautiful views over the old city and the countryside, with large, well-equipped bathrooms. A fresh and copious breakfast is included in the very reasonable price.

Expect a warm welcome and loads of charm at this recently refurbished boutique hotel set in Chantilly's old coach house, an excellent alternative to the pricier offerings in town. Charming beamed ceilings are your only clue that the fully modernized building dates back to 1722. Everything else, including the comfy beds and spacious bathrooms, are fully in the 21st century.

A family-run hotel in a foursquare stone building, the Harlay is conveniently situated by the bridge linking the train station and downtown. Guest rooms are soberly decorated—the best overlook the River Oise and are soundproofed with double glazing.

The old Auvers-sur-Oise post office is the setting for this charming, functional hotel a two-minute walk from the Maison de Van Gogh and other sights in town. Cozy rooms, with spacious bathrooms, borrow from the great artist's palette for their pretty color schemes. Exceptional prices, welcoming service, and a bright, cheerful tearoom for breakfast, lunch, and teatime all recommend this small boutique hotel.

A great choice for families and travelers on a budget, this rustic-contemporary hotel just outside the palace grounds fills a much-needed niche in this upscale city. The chic lodge’s 30 raw-wood-paneled rooms—some with spacious garden terraces—are spare, bright, and serviceable and can sleep up to four people. Hostel-like dormers are well-suited for families, solo travelers on a budget, and groups, with shared rooms for up to six people starting at €26. The on-site bistro’s all-day hours and spacious terrace make it a pleasant spot to enjoy a well-priced menu of homemade wood-fired pizzas, copious salads, and traditional French favorites from breakfast to late-night drinks or snacks in a “no-fuss” atmosphere.

Built in 1676, this unpretentious option is in a corner of the market square, close to the château and strongly recommended if you plan to explore the town on foot. Some rooms around the old stable courtyard have their original wood beams; several have been brought up to date and redecorated in pastel colors (the most spacious, No. 108, is also one of the few rooms with a bath rather than just a shower).

You will not find a hotel in Chartres as charming, welcoming, or well priced as this chambre d’hôtes a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. All three contemporary guest rooms are comfortably furnished and perfectly private, with ample baths and spacious outdoor terraces in a large, attractive garden. Breakfast is included in the price.  

Barbizon's best hotel offers unusually spacious rooms (all tastefully decorated in a contemporary style), a wellness area (with an extensive menu of spa treatments), and an indoor-outdoor pool, making it a good choice for couples or families. A top dining choice in town, the hotel's restaurant is a draw for both locals and nonguests alike.