Our weekend getaway ideas within 2 hours of Paris

1. Loire Valley Lodges: To Reconnect with Nature

As we set off for Touraine, the air already feels lighter, and our thoughts slow down. No castles in sight, just an intimate immersion in nature—a return to oneself. Welcome to Loire Valley Lodges, a sanctuary of art and silence nestled within 300 hectares of unspoiled nature. A place where you don’t just stay—you enter into a conversation with the forest; you experience it from within.

Eighteen lodges, suspended between the sky and the forest floor, are intimate retreats, each decorated by contemporary artists. Each lodge is a living work of art: the colors, shapes, and materials whisper a different story to be experienced in the understated comfort of raw wood and windows opening onto the tree canopy. In the morning, you wake to bright light and birdsong, without haste, without a schedule.

Here, nature isn’t just something to be admired… it’s something to be felt. You can wander aimlessly along the trails, try forest bathing, rediscover your breath during a breathing workshop, or treat yourself to an energizing massage on your terrace, facing the century-old oak trees. Some lodges feature a private sauna or hot tub to prolong that feeling of being enveloped by nature. Art even finds its way into the clearings, where sculptures and installations interact with the light. And when the body craves warmth and flavor, the gourmet restaurant Ardent reawakens the senses with a vibrant, locally rooted cuisine inspired by the forest. For adventurers or those seeking privacy, you can also order a bento box to enjoy on the go or in the comfort of the lodges. An almost wild luxury, for those seeking to reconnect with themselves far from the noise of the world.

Loire Valley Lodges
Rates starting at 400 euros per night
1 Allée de la Duporterie, 37320 Esvres
loirevalleylodges.com

2. Les Hauts de Sancerre: The Rebirth of a Château as a 5-Star Hotel

Closed to the public for more than 150 years, the Château de Sancerre has now been restored to its former glory under the name Les Hauts de Sancerre, embodying the perfect blend of heritage and contemporary design.

Perched atop its rocky outcrop, overlooking the Loire River and the surrounding vineyards, the château long belonged to the Marnier-Lapostolle family before being revitalized under the leadership of Audrey Dumont and David Chicard. In 2022, a simple letter sent to the former owners led to a fateful meeting and, in less than a week, to the realization of a dream: to breathe new life into this Sancerre gem. The result is dazzling. Behind its red-brick walls, architect Jérôme Lescrenier has created an interior of great purity. Light streams in at all hours, reflecting off the period hardwood floors and carved ceilings. The furnishings are understated, and the color palette is immaculate. Every detail—from glazed pottery to contemporary artworks and dried herbs—contributes to a sense of noble harmony.

The first phase of this revival includes the opening of the first eight suites, a wellness space called La Chênaie, inspired by the nearby forests, and a wine cellar nestled in the estate’s historic 12th-century cellar. In 2026, a second phase enhanced the experience with new guest rooms, the creation of a signature restaurant, a permaculture vegetable garden, and a landscaped swimming pool. Finally, by 2026–2027, the estate will expand further with the creation of ten to fifteen unique lodgings in the heart of the forest, designed to offer an experience blending privacy, nature, and absolute comfort.

Opened in 2024, the château quickly established its dual identity as both a cultural institution and a hotel. Following the success of the Vasarely exhibition, it continues its artistic mission under the direction of Stanislas de Poucques, former director of the Brussels Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring, in particular, works by Emma Terweduwe and Roan van Oort, which adorn the salons and suites, respectively, while a monumental sculpture—a remnant of the 2024 exhibition—further strengthens this connection between art and nature.

On the dining front, Chef Arnaud Munster—who was the youngest contestant on Season 15 of Top Chef—impresses with the caliber and quality of his menu. At "La Table d'Arnaud, the cuisine is delicate and full of bold choices. 

As for the French-style gardens, they unfold in terraces punctuated by ponds and sculptures, offering an unobstructed view of the medieval village. In keeping with this spirit, the estate invites guests to enjoy immersive experiences deeply rooted in the region: a tour of the Charlois Cooperage to discover woodworking and barrel-making, an artistic stop at La Borne, a mecca for contemporary ceramics, or a guided wine-tasting tour to explore the Sancerre terroir, featuring a tasting of the appellation’s iconic grape varieties.

Les Hauts de Sancerre
Rates starting at 200 euros per night
Esplanade Porte César, 18300 Sancerre
hautsdesancerre.com

3. Domaine du Roncemay: So You Don’t Have to Choose Between Golf and a Spa

In the heart of Northern Burgundy, in the Auxerre countryside, the Domaine du Roncemay reveals itself as a well-kept secret. On one side, a typical Burgundian house, built of white stone with exposed beams, warm and inviting; on the other, a small 19th-century château, gracefully perched beside the green. Here, golf sets the pace of the day: 18 holes winding through century-old trees, offering both amateurs and seasoned players an exceptional course. And for those who prefer a slower pace to golf, the spa sets a different tempo. Inspired by the washhouses of yesteryear, it features five treatment rooms, an indoor pool, a hammam, a sauna, and sensory showers, promising you the rest you deserve. At mealtime, the cuisine celebrates the Burgundian terroir through authentic dishes, whether in the fine-dining restaurant or the bistro, paired with the finest local wines. Luxury in all its simplicity.

Domaine du Roncemay
Rates starting at 165 euros per night
Boisserelle, 89110 Chassy

4. Le Barn, for outdoor enthusiasts

​Nestled in the Rambouillet Forest, Le Barn is a country retreat where time slows down and minds find peace. Set on a 200-hectare estate, the rustic charm of the old barns—which now house the 73 guest rooms—is enhanced by decor inspired by the great outdoors, featuring soft, modern lines. Freedom is the watchword during this weekend getaway just two hours from Paris, and the fresh air is the key to a successful stay: bike rides, fishing, outdoor yoga... Parents and children explore the meadows, participate in workshops, or try their hand at horseback riding at the Haras de la Cense, nestled next to Le Barn, offering an experience where everyone—young and old alike—can set their own pace between outdoor activities and moments of relaxation. On the plate, the bounty of the vegetable garden and local producers satisfies guests after a day in the great outdoors. A weekend here, close to Paris, guarantees you’ll leave with rosy cheeks, a light heart, and memories to last a lifetime.

Le Barn
Rates starting at 230 euros per night
Le Moulin de Brétigny, 78830 Bonnelles

5. Château de Courcelles: Experience Life in a Castle

Head to the Hauts-de-France region, where the Château de Courcelles transports us back to the 17th-century: shaded paths, a French-style garden, and a majestic park with 200-year-old trees—the only thing missing is the Sun King himself. Come here to enjoy a weekend of regal luxury just two hours from Paris—without the fuss or unnecessary pomp, but with that old-world charm that turns every moment into a special escape. Elegantly renovated, the hotel offers 20 rooms with timeless French chic, while the restaurant—which was recently awarded a Michelin star—infuses traditional dishes with the subtle flavors of Italy, the chef’s homeland. You can have lunch under the trees, read in the shade of a balustrade, or linger over a drink just as Dumas or La Fontaine once did, as they were regular guests here. As you can see, taking your time isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. A haven of understated elegance for those who dream of having a château all to themselves—and the lifestyle that goes with it—for a weekend.

Château de Courcelles
Rates starting at 269 euros per night
8 Rue du Château, 02220 Courcelles-sur-Vesle

6. Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay: A Luxurious Stay in Chevreuse

A former Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay has been given a new lease on life without losing any of its mystical spirit. Straight out of a novel, nestled among medieval ruins and cozy lounges, this hotel—just two hours from Paris—retains the unspoiled charm of places forgotten by time. It’s so close to the capital that you can escape there for two days, just as you would head to the family country house. You can stroll through the cloisters, linger by the pond, and choose the cuisine that appeals to you from among the three restaurants before retiring to one of the 146 rooms. Scattered throughout the estate, they each feature a distinct style—sometimes rustic, sometimes opulent, sometimes cozy… but always bearing the refined touch of interior designer Cordélia de Castellane.

The estate lends itself to all kinds of activities, whether athletic, cultural, or gastronomic: tennis, pedal boats, bicycles, reading by the fire, movie nights, evening feasts… or a Hogwarts-style brunch. A luxury getaway in the countryside—both grand and deeply soothing.

Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay
Rates starting at 260 euros per night
78720 Cernay-la-Ville

7. Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, for a peaceful getaway

Nestled on the hillside, between the sky and the vineyards, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa invites you to rise above it all and fully experience the Champagne region. From the 47 rooms and suites, your gaze drifts over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyards that stretch endlessly into the distance, while inside the Champagne spa hotel, one pleasure follows another, each one unique. The vineyard’s finest wines complement the creations of Michelin-starred chef Christophe Raoux at the restaurant’s table; but the bubbles also whisper in the clear waters of the spa. A vast, ultra-luxurious haven of tranquility spanning 1,500 m², both magnificent and unique in the region, it is the jewel of the establishment and redefines the standards of wellness. Amid natural light, minimalist elegance, and hushed silence, nine treatment rooms host world-class rituals, while pools, steam rooms, and relaxation areas extend the sense of bliss. Royal Champagne is an exceptional place where you can savor the effervescence of the bubbles and the tranquility of moments suspended in time.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Rates starting at 1,000 euros per night
9 Rue de la République, 51160 Champillon

8. Maison du Val: Get some fresh air... without going far

​Less than an hour from Paris, the Maison Du Val offers an enchanting getaway where a change of scenery doesn’t mean traveling far. Nestled in a 4-hectare wooded park in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Louis XIV’s former hunting lodge offers an all-inclusive experience where every detail is designed to let you relax and enjoy yourself. ​The days unfold to the rhythm of hearty meals, varied activities, and moments of relaxation. Children marvel at the Kids Club, while parents unwind in the Nordic baths, play a game of pétanque, or treat themselves to a private movie screening. The 49 cozy, family-friendly rooms promise a well-deserved night’s rest after exciting days spent on the estate. The convivial dining table is always well-stocked, so you never have to worry about what to eat: from breakfast to afternoon snacks to aperitifs, indulge to your heart’s content—that’s the magic of all-inclusive. A cheerful spot, ideal for a family weekend or a carefree getaway with friends.

Maison du Val - Les Maisons de Campagne
Rates starting at 215 euros per night
Route Forestière des Brancas, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

9. Cabanes de la Réserve: For a Unique Stay

Just over an hour’s drive away, another world awaits us. Nestled in the heart of a 35-hectare nature reserve, amid forests, clearings, and ponds, the Cabanes de la Réserve offer a timeless getaway. Here, there’s no concrete or hustle and bustle: just 26 cabins perched in the trees, built on stilts, or nestled by the water, where you live in harmony with nature. Each one is unique and has that certain je ne sais quoi… it’s up to you to find your perfect match! You’ll appreciate it all the more each morning as the first rays of sunlight filter through the branches, bringing breakfast right to your doorstep. Once the day gets underway, treat yourself to a Nordic bath in the middle of a clearing, savor a gourmet basket, then let the hours slip by as you wander the trails or lose yourself in a page of a novel. A raw, untamed luxury, where you’ll learn to put real life on hold for a weekend just two hours from Paris.

Cabanes de la Réserve
Prices starting at 210 euros per night
Rue des Étangs, 60170 Saint-Léger-aux-Bois

10. Saint-Delis Hotel, the painter’s home, a breath of sea air

We leave Paris for Normandy, letting the salty air of Honfleur caress our faces. Tucked away in the heart of the historic district, behind the cobblestone streets and pastel-colored facades, lies the Saint-Delis. This former 17th-century artist’s home, once the residence of Impressionist painter Henri de Saint-Delis, has retained the peaceful spirit of an elegant country house. Here, there’s no ostentation, just understated luxury designed to help you slow down in nine guest rooms—reserved for adults—where tranquility is a promise kept. In the shade of century-old trees, the garden invites you to savor the passing of time, whether reading in the sun or daydreaming to the sound of birdsong. At dinnertime, guests make the most of the fact that there’s no on-site restaurant by heading out to the nearby harbor, before returning to settle back into this charming retreat.

Saint-Delis Hotel
Rates starting at 220 euros per night
43 Rue du Puits, 14600 Honfleur