City break from Paris: Pierrefonds 🏰✨
If you're looking for a weekend getaway from Paris, you've come to the right place. Pierrefonds is a small, charming town that should be added to your bucket list immediately! This guide will give you an idea of how to spend the perfect weekend in Pierrefonds. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, there is something for you to do in this underrated, overlooked area of France. Be sure to give this guide a save and stay tuned for the Paris Museum Bucket list - coming soon! 🇫🇷
10 Places • ago
Free

This guide is just a teaser of some of the wonderful hidden gems you can find around Paris. I am focusing this guide just on the area around Pierrefonds but stay tuned for other day trip guides for other underrated areas around Paris! ✨

*Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links to attractions and/or tickets. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support my work.* 🫶🏼

Where to stay:

We chose to stay at the Moulin Royale because not only is it extremely picturesque but it is packed with history. 

This history bed and breakfast is located in a textile mill from the 1300s that was restored by Napoleon III's wife, Eugenie De Montijo. The space is absolutely beautiful with exposed wooden beams and historic touches around the building. 

MOULIN ROYALE
@czphoneshome
This historic stay will make your weekend getaway from Paris complete! It is a historic estate that was used as a textile mill and was brought back to life by Empress Eugenie De Montijo. This property has: -Free parking -breakfast included -an outdoor pool -gorgeous grounds -option to for picnics in the surrounding region -located less than a 10 minute drive from Chateau de Pierrefonds
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How to get around: 

🚂 You can get to Pierrefonds from Paris by train. Take the train to Compiègne Station and from there you can either take a taxi/uber or take the 658 bus. The train rain takes roughly 45 minutes and the drive from the station takes roughly 20 mintues. 

🎟️ You can book your trains using sites such as Trainline or Omio. Both compare travel options and show you the best prices. 

🚗 Alternatively, if you have access to a car during your visit, this might be the most straightforward way to visit the region as you can come and go as you please. The drive from the center of Paris takes roughly 1.5 hours or 50 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport. 

Where to eat: 

Le Chalet du Lac
@czphoneshome
This was a nice little restaurant with a beautiful view of the Pierrefonds Lake. It's right in the center of town so its the perfect place to grab a bite before or after visiting the castle. The food was great, the view was beautiful and the prices were affordable!
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Crêperie "Les Remparts à Pierrefonds"
@czphoneshome
Although I personally didn't have time to eat here during my most recent visits, this restaurant is the highest rated restaurant in town so definitely worth checking out!!
Add to
Details

What to do: 

For history buffs: 

Château de Pierrefonds
@czphoneshome
I've visited this castle 2 times now and loved both of my visits. This beautiful 14th-century castle sits atop a hill overlooking the town of Pierrefonds, and the Pierrefonds lake. It was restored to be a 'museum of the middle ages' and they did a beautiful job! It was also used as the backdrop for Camelot in the BBC show 'Merlin'.
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Château de Compiègne
@czphoneshome
Whats great about this castle is that its very different than the Chateau de Pierrefonds so you can have an entirely different experience visiting here. This castle is more like a palace and it was built by Louis XV and remodeled by Napoleon I and III.
Add to
Details

For nature lovers: 

Forest of Compiègne
@czphoneshome
My 2 visits to the region were during the fall and winter so we didn't have the best chance at taking advantage of how close the forest are to the town of Pierrefonds. But there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Where we stayed at the Moulin Royale, they also offered picnic and other activities to visit the forest which looked super cool!
Add to
Details
Les Beaux Monts
@czphoneshome
This is one of the most popular hikes in the forest that offers a really beautiful view of the area!
Add to
Details
Ruines du prieuré de Saint-Pierre-en-Chastres dans la forêt de Compiègne à Vieux-Moulin
@czphoneshome
Another one of the most popular hikes in the area but along the way you will run into some ruins - how cool is that!
Add to
Details

For more hiking ideas check out AllTrails 👇🏻

Lac de Pierrefonds
@czphoneshome
Right in the center of town you can also enjoy the Pierrefonds lake. In the summer months it looks like there are activities and boat rentals to enjoy some time outside! There are also some hiking trails around the lake as well!
Add to
Details

For families & thrill seekers: 

Astérix Park
@czphoneshome
If you're traveling with family, you can check out Parc Asterix as a less busy or touristy attraction than Disneyland Paris. The park is a great choice for all ages!
Add to
Details

Want some more information for your weekend getaway? Check out my blog post below! 

If you would like help planning your trip to Paris, check out how I can help you with my customized trip-planning service below! I would love to help make the most of your trip to Paris! 

COMING SOON: Paris Museum Bucketlist! Be sure to save this guide and follow my page for updates! 

Want help planning your trip to Paris? 

I consider France to be my area of expertise. I've lived here for 2 years and have traveled around many times to many regions! I would love to help you with your trip planning - let's make the most out of your trip! 

How can we make your trip EVEN BETTER? 

Curated recs are great if:

you know where you want to go, but don’t have the time or energy to research where to eat, what to do, or where to stay!

Custom itinerary is great if: 

you know where you want to go but cannot commit the time to planning and researching the logistical details. You can choose whether you want an in-depth itinerary or a trip outline!

Consultation calls are great if:

you want to chat face-to-face with someone who has lived in Europe for 4 years and can give you advice, tips, or even feedback on your itinerary. We can talk about everything and anything you need help with!

* * *
CURATED BY
Hi, I'm Caity! I'm a Canadian ex-pat who is on her second working holiday visa in Europe! 🇨🇦🇫🇷 I specialize in France & UK travel! Both of these 2 countries I have lived in and traveled around extensively and I love helping travelers explore more underrated and unique sides of these great countries! **Travelling to France for the Olympics in 2024? I'd love to help make your trip memorable!** I am a foodie at heart! When traveling I love speaking with locals to find the best food recommendations and I'm always open to trying the local specialties and dishes! I come from a teaching background which means I am very detail-oriented & someone who is deeply motivated by being as helpful as possible - something I hope you see in every single one of my guides, itineraries, and consultations! Fast facts about me: ✨ I've lived in the UK, France, and (of course) Canada ✨ I've traveled to 30 countries ✨ I've taken 8 different cooking classes/food tours abroad ✨ I'm a history & geography teacher with a foodie alter ego How I can help you? 🌎 Browse through my pre-made France & UK travel guides ☎️ Book a consultation call with me 📝 Order a customized itinerary ✅ Order a personalized list of travel recommendations I hope I can help you plan your next adventure! ✨
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City break from Paris: Pierrefonds 🏰✨
If you're looking for a weekend getaway from Paris, you've come to the right place. Pierrefonds is a small, charming town that should be added to your bucket list immediately! This guide will give you an idea of how to spend the perfect weekend in Pierrefonds. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, there is something for you to do in this underrated, overlooked area of France. Be sure to give this guide a save and stay tuned for the Paris Museum Bucket list - coming soon! 🇫🇷
10 Places • ago
Free

This guide is just a teaser of some of the wonderful hidden gems you can find around Paris. I am focusing this guide just on the area around Pierrefonds but stay tuned for other day trip guides for other underrated areas around Paris! ✨

*Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links to attractions and/or tickets. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support my work.* 🫶🏼

Where to stay:

We chose to stay at the Moulin Royale because not only is it extremely picturesque but it is packed with history. 

This history bed and breakfast is located in a textile mill from the 1300s that was restored by Napoleon III's wife, Eugenie De Montijo. The space is absolutely beautiful with exposed wooden beams and historic touches around the building. 

MOULIN ROYALE
@czphoneshome
This historic stay will make your weekend getaway from Paris complete! It is a historic estate that was used as a textile mill and was brought back to life by Empress Eugenie De Montijo. This property has: -Free parking -breakfast included -an outdoor pool -gorgeous grounds -option to for picnics in the surrounding region -located less than a 10 minute drive from Chateau de Pierrefonds
Add to
Details

How to get around: 

🚂 You can get to Pierrefonds from Paris by train. Take the train to Compiègne Station and from there you can either take a taxi/uber or take the 658 bus. The train rain takes roughly 45 minutes and the drive from the station takes roughly 20 mintues. 

🎟️ You can book your trains using sites such as Trainline or Omio. Both compare travel options and show you the best prices. 

🚗 Alternatively, if you have access to a car during your visit, this might be the most straightforward way to visit the region as you can come and go as you please. The drive from the center of Paris takes roughly 1.5 hours or 50 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport. 

Where to eat: 

Le Chalet du Lac
@czphoneshome
This was a nice little restaurant with a beautiful view of the Pierrefonds Lake. It's right in the center of town so its the perfect place to grab a bite before or after visiting the castle. The food was great, the view was beautiful and the prices were affordable!
Add to
Details
Crêperie "Les Remparts à Pierrefonds"
@czphoneshome
Although I personally didn't have time to eat here during my most recent visits, this restaurant is the highest rated restaurant in town so definitely worth checking out!!
Add to
Details

What to do: 

For history buffs: 

Château de Pierrefonds
@czphoneshome
I've visited this castle 2 times now and loved both of my visits. This beautiful 14th-century castle sits atop a hill overlooking the town of Pierrefonds, and the Pierrefonds lake. It was restored to be a 'museum of the middle ages' and they did a beautiful job! It was also used as the backdrop for Camelot in the BBC show 'Merlin'.
Add to
Details

Château de Compiègne
@czphoneshome
Whats great about this castle is that its very different than the Chateau de Pierrefonds so you can have an entirely different experience visiting here. This castle is more like a palace and it was built by Louis XV and remodeled by Napoleon I and III.
Add to
Details

For nature lovers: 

Forest of Compiègne
@czphoneshome
My 2 visits to the region were during the fall and winter so we didn't have the best chance at taking advantage of how close the forest are to the town of Pierrefonds. But there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Where we stayed at the Moulin Royale, they also offered picnic and other activities to visit the forest which looked super cool!
Add to
Details
Les Beaux Monts
@czphoneshome
This is one of the most popular hikes in the forest that offers a really beautiful view of the area!
Add to
Details
Ruines du prieuré de Saint-Pierre-en-Chastres dans la forêt de Compiègne à Vieux-Moulin
@czphoneshome
Another one of the most popular hikes in the area but along the way you will run into some ruins - how cool is that!
Add to
Details

For more hiking ideas check out AllTrails 👇🏻

Lac de Pierrefonds
@czphoneshome
Right in the center of town you can also enjoy the Pierrefonds lake. In the summer months it looks like there are activities and boat rentals to enjoy some time outside! There are also some hiking trails around the lake as well!
Add to
Details

For families & thrill seekers: 

Astérix Park
@czphoneshome
If you're traveling with family, you can check out Parc Asterix as a less busy or touristy attraction than Disneyland Paris. The park is a great choice for all ages!
Add to
Details

Want some more information for your weekend getaway? Check out my blog post below! 

If you would like help planning your trip to Paris, check out how I can help you with my customized trip-planning service below! I would love to help make the most of your trip to Paris! 

COMING SOON: Paris Museum Bucketlist! Be sure to save this guide and follow my page for updates! 

Want help planning your trip to Paris? 

I consider France to be my area of expertise. I've lived here for 2 years and have traveled around many times to many regions! I would love to help you with your trip planning - let's make the most out of your trip! 

How can we make your trip EVEN BETTER? 

Curated recs are great if:

you know where you want to go, but don’t have the time or energy to research where to eat, what to do, or where to stay!

Custom itinerary is great if: 

you know where you want to go but cannot commit the time to planning and researching the logistical details. You can choose whether you want an in-depth itinerary or a trip outline!

Consultation calls are great if:

you want to chat face-to-face with someone who has lived in Europe for 4 years and can give you advice, tips, or even feedback on your itinerary. We can talk about everything and anything you need help with!

* * *
CURATED BY
Hi, I'm Caity! I'm a Canadian ex-pat who is on her second working holiday visa in Europe! 🇨🇦🇫🇷 I specialize in France & UK travel! Both of these 2 countries I have lived in and traveled around extensively and I love helping travelers explore more underrated and unique sides of these great countries! **Travelling to France for the Olympics in 2024? I'd love to help make your trip memorable!** I am a foodie at heart! When traveling I love speaking with locals to find the best food recommendations and I'm always open to trying the local specialties and dishes! I come from a teaching background which means I am very detail-oriented & someone who is deeply motivated by being as helpful as possible - something I hope you see in every single one of my guides, itineraries, and consultations! Fast facts about me: ✨ I've lived in the UK, France, and (of course) Canada ✨ I've traveled to 30 countries ✨ I've taken 8 different cooking classes/food tours abroad ✨ I'm a history & geography teacher with a foodie alter ego How I can help you? 🌎 Browse through my pre-made France & UK travel guides ☎️ Book a consultation call with me 📝 Order a customized itinerary ✅ Order a personalized list of travel recommendations I hope I can help you plan your next adventure! ✨
Send A Tip
Support Caity Zagar’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Caity Zagar Privacy Terms