Weekends 2 hours from Paris: destination Grand Est
Need a weekend away? Head for the Grand Est! With a wealth of things to discover, this destination offers a multitude of possibilities for getting together and sharing good times with family, friends or lovers. Just 2 hours from Paris by train or car, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend just outside the capital... or for a break between two Paris 2024 Olympic Games competitions!
A charming weekend in Alsace, 2 hours from Paris
Why not swap the capital for another place for a weekend with friends, lovers or family? From Paris, reach the capital of Europe and Alsace in just 2 hours by TGV: welcome to Strasbourg!
If you've got your sea legs, you can take a tour of the city on a bateau-mouche, cruising along the Rhine. The more land-loving can take a trip through the typical half-timbered houses and exceptional monuments! Strasbourg is undoubtedly the dream destination for heritage, history and treasure hunt enthusiasts! Strasbourg's Notre-Dame cathedral, the Parc de l'Orangerie, the Maison Kammerzell and the Palais Rohan are just some of the places you can explore during a thrilling escape game.
A renowned wine destination, the Alsace Wine Route is famous throughout France and beyond for its excellent grape varieties. Starting out from Strasbourg, spend a day meeting passionate winegrowers from village to village. The ideal way? Hop on your bike and head off for a delicious wine tasting at a local winery*! On the way, don't miss a glimpse of the medieval châteaux along the Alsace Wine Route!
To finish the day in style, head to the idyllic setting of a spa hotel in the heart of Strasbourg or along the Alsace Wine Route. Take the opportunity to get a bit of height by opting for a room with an uninterrupted view of the famous Petite France district or the vineyards... A different way to admire Alsace!
A weekend 2 hours from Paris, an unforgettable holiday in Lorraine
Explore contemporary Metz during your next weekend in Lorraine! Creative and sustainable, the city is the ideal destination for fun for all the family: treasure hunts or escape games to explore the city, a trip on the Moselle river... It's a fun way to explore the city, from the Musée de la Cour d'Or to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, via the Porte des Allemands! With its wealth of expertise, Metz (and indeed the whole of Lorraine!) offers you the chance to try your hand at a wide range of skills: lithography, charcoal, leatherwork... Which will you prefer?
The good news is that Nancy 's golden gates are just an hour and a half away by train! On Place Stanislas (voted the most beautiful square in France and one of the best in the world, if you please!), let the city's unique architectural heritage fill you with wonder between two bergamot tastings. A true witness to history, the city can be visited over a weekend, with its blend of classicism and Art Nouveau.
For a memorable stay, take a train to Verdun. For a weekend of nature and heritage, walk in the footsteps of the First World War by surveying the former battlefield. This place of remembrance includes the Verdun Memorial, the forts and the emblematic Douaumont Ossuary. A visit to a part of French history that promises to be unforgettable.
And for a holiday that's 100% Lorraine, 100% cycling, get on your two-wheeler and cycle the Voie Bleue itinerary! More than 250 km of it criss-crosses the Grand Est region, most of it on towpaths, ideal for a weekend just 2 hours from Paris that combines sport, culture and soft mobility!
A weekend 2 hours from Paris, a sparkling break in Champagne
What could be better than a weekend in the Champagne region, on the doorstep of the capital? Just 2 hours from Paris, head to Reims for a royal getaway. During a tour of the city centre, discover the Cité des Sacres and its architectural wonders, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accompanied by an enthusiastic guide... or during a fun treasure hunt! From the Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral to the Saint-Rémi museum, not forgetting the exploration of its Art Deco monuments, Reims is a real treat!
In the Champagne region, Épernay is the leading destination for lovers of the precious nectar! Here, for a weekend near Paris, the bubble is celebrated in all its forms: the effervescent Jacuzzi in a hotel spa, a gourmet lunch accompanied by a flute of champagne or a country-style tasting* in the heart of the Champagne vines during a cellar tour. So, which one are you going to choose for your weekend?
Just 1? hours from Paris by train (2 hours by car), take a real trip back in time on a weekend in Troyes. The medieval spirit is omnipresent, from the typical half-timbered houses to the ancient stained-glass windows of the Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul cathedral. As you stroll along the cobbled streets of Troyes, you'll be transported back in time. While the city's heritage sets it apart, it is also home to the largest number of factory outlets in Europe. Ideal for a shopping session during your weekend in Champagne! And if you want to get out and explore the countryside just outside Troyes, head for the Forêt d'Orient Nature Park and its large lakes!
Finally, in Châlons-en-Champagne, enjoy a weekend 100% in the Champagne region... and only 2 hours from Paris by car and train! Take a segway, electric bike or rowing boat ride, or try your hand at a round of golf!
After a day in the fresh air, why not take a look at our accommodation options: a charming mansion set amidst the vines, a spa hotel in the town centre or an unusual escape-game-themed property... make up your own mind!
A weekend 2 hours from Paris, an artistic and historic getaway in the Ardennes
Charleville Mézières and Sedan have been awarded the "Cities of Arts and History" label, and boast a rich and varied heritage... less than 2 hours from Paris! In Charleville Mézières, the Place Ducale has nothing to envy the capital. Parisians will easily recognise its similarities with the Place des Vosges! In the land of Arthur Rimbaud, what could be more typical than enjoying an Ardennes beer* on this famous square? Take the time to admire it!
In Sedan, your weekend promises to be a royal one to say the least: moats, loopholes and ramparts go hand in hand in the town's fortified castle, the largest in Europe! Here, a real immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages awaits you, with visits and folklore activities. Apprentice knights will even be tempted to spend the night in the castle!
What better way to cool off with the family than a trip along the Voie Bleue? With paddles in hand, take to the water in your kayak and explore the Ardennes countryside. If you prefer to stay on land, hop aboard a two-wheeler to cruise along the banks of the Meuse between Charleville-Mézières and Sedan. Perfect for a breath of fresh air (and nature!) made in the Ardennes!
Finally, take advantage of the Ardennes' rural setting to spend a night close to nature in a cosy guest house or unusual accommodation. What could be better than waking up to the gentle chirping of the birds?
* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
A weekend 2 hours from Paris: we answer all your questions!
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The Grand Est region is located in the north-east of France. It is made up of different destinations such as the Ardennes, Vosges, Lorraine, Champagne and Alsace. Some of these, such as Ardenne, Lorraine, Champagne and Alsace, are located close to Paris, around 2 hours by train.
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Are you in Paris during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games or just looking for a weekend away from it all? Then head for the Grand Est!
City-trip enthusiasts can choose their favourite city! In the Champagne region, Troyes, Epernay, Reims and Châlons all welcome travellers looking for a sparkling break. Alsace, meanwhile, attracts visitors to the European capital, Strasbourg, for a weekend full of charm thanks to its typical half-timbered houses. Nancy, Metz and Verdun are the must-see resorts for lovers of heritage and history in Lorraine. Finally, the Ardennes, a more intimate destination, charms travellers to Charleville Mézières or Sedan.
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For a weekend or a short break in the Grand Est near Paris, enjoy a multitude of activities in each of our destinations! Whether you're with the family, the kids, lovers or even friends, the Grand Est will surprise you! Whether it's a city-trip, a sporting holiday or a gastronomic experience, there's plenty to do in the Grand Est!
Here are a few ideas for things to do in the Grand Est, just 2 hours from Paris:
- Visit the Musée Saint-Rémi in Reims
- Take a stroll along the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay
- Admire the Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul cathedral in Troyes
- Photograph the facades of the half-timbered houses in the Petite France district of Strasbourg
- Visit the Centre Pompidou-Metz
- Stroll around Place Stanislas in Nancy
- Visit the Verdun Memorial
- Discover the Place Ducale in Charleville Mézières
- Explore the fortified castle of Sedan
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Depending on your preferred destination, there's a wide choice of accommodation to choose from! While a family with children might like to spend a night in a period château or a guest house with swimming pool, lovers might prefer to coo in the jacuzzi of their hotel spa.
Ideal for your city trip just 2 hours from Paris? A prestigious hotel in the heart of a prestigious city! Perfect for getting from one visit to another quickly.
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In the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, accommodation is often in short supply for travellers attracted by the event in Paris... but also in the surrounding destinations! Just 2 hours from the capital, the Grand Est is a prime destination for those wanting to get close to the Olympics. And very often, the best accommodation, such as spa hotels and châteaux, are the first to be affected by the crowds.
Our advice in a nutshell: plan ahead! Booking your accommodation in advance also offers you a number of advantages, including lower prices and the chance to choose your hotel room.
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It's perfectly possible to attend the Paris Olympic Games while staying in the Grand Est region. Thanks to a well-developed transport network, you can reach Paris quickly and easily by train (TGV) or car. This means you can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the Grand Est region while taking part in the capital's Olympic events.
Note that this summer, extra trains will be running to allow late returns to the Grand Est:
Departure from Paris Est at 00:36 - Arrival at Epernay at 1:56 then at Châlons at 2:14. Then departure by coach from Epernay at 2.00 am, arriving in Reims at 2.42 am.
Departure from Paris Est at 00:42 - Arrival in Troyes at 2:11By staying in the Grand Est region, you'll benefit from more affordable accommodation rates than in Paris and the surrounding area, while having the opportunity to discover exceptional tourist sites and landscapes.