Since the end of the lockdown, Parisians have one main goal: taking advantage of the upcoming long holiday week-ends to rediscover nature on the outskirts of the capital, in the authorized 100km range. And the good news is that Do It In Paris has concocted for you three programmes to organize very quickly with your group of buddies— accessible by public transportation for those who don’t have wheels.
So just simply think of reserving quickly (these services offered are already very much in demand) and packing a good picnic, because for the moment restaurants are still totally off limits… So are you more into visiting a château and its park, going for a bucolic stroll on a bike or horseback riding in the forest?
Horseback riding in fontainebleau
The promenade: from beginner level to confirmed riders, Horse Dreams organizes nice horseback riding promenades in the forest of Fontainebleau, for all levels. A wonderful way to discover this exceptional setting of 25 000 hectares with rocks, cliffs, large alleys, small paths, sand quarries… In short, many options to be enjoyed during two hours or more of an equestrian outing in the middle of nature. A dream come true!
The hot spot for lunch: after the promenade, head for the canal of the château de Fontainebleau where you can settle for a well-deserved royal lunch along this majestic water spot built under Henri IV and with very high instagrammable potential.
How to get there: to reach the equestrian centre, take the le Transilien R line until the train station of Fontainebleau-Avon (35min from Gare de Lyon) then 15km by taxi or bicycle.
Reservations on contact@horse-dreams.com or on 06 70 46 03 69, information and rates on www.horse-dreams.com
Picnic in the park with the perrault fairy tales
Photo credit: Michel Pampaloni
The promenade: the promise of a perfect family day, the château de Breteuil has reopened its doors to the public. In addition to the visit, it’s possible in good weather to enjoy the park installations featuring was figures from the fairy tales of the Contes de Perrault featuring.
The hot spot for lunch: all the lawns are accessible for a luncheon on the grass. Joy! You can also find a small spot in a shaded wood or around the ponds scattered along the hectares of nature. Indeed, you can finally enjoy your long-awaited freedom.
How to get there: by BALADOBUS from Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse (RER B, 1h since Châtelet), bus link-ups on Sundays and holidays. All the details on www.parc-naturel-chevreuse.fr
Bike outing in rambouillet
credit CD78 - N.Duprey
The promenade: with 14,000 hectares of forest and an intricate network of hiking trails and bike paths, Rambouillet is the paradise of bicycles. You can rent your wheels ahead of time with Loca Cycles, OuiBike (with the possibility of having your bike dropped off at a specific place), or even departing from Paris for the bravest by following the set course of France Vélo Tourisme, passing through the wonderful Parc de Sceaux.
The hot spot for lunch: while the leisure area remains closed, you can enjoy the stroll by settling with your snack along the Etang de Hollande, built in the middle of the forest at the request of Louis XIV. Ideal to take a small nap on the grass and start working on your tan along the waterfront.
How to get there: take the Transilien line N and get off at the Gare de Rambouillet train station (35min from Montparnasse). Plan on a little walking (about 1h), taking a taxi or renting bikes ahead of time.
Also discover a very unusual outing near Paris and the Chantilly countryside only 30 minutes from Paris.
