Have you heard of the"Plus Beaux Détours de France" guide? Since 1982, this association of small towns has been offering tourists the chance to discover lesser-known towns and villages. This year, the "Plus Beaux Détours de France" network is publishing the 25th edition of its famous tourist guide, the most widely distributed in France.
For this 2023 edition, four new towns have been added to the list of the 100 "Most Beautiful Detours in France": Aups in Var, Lescar in Béarn, Nantua in Ain and Saint Pierre in Martinique!
And what about the Île-de-France region? To date, three towns in the Paris region have joined this community of unique and inspiring destinations in the 100 "Plus Beaux Détours de France". Let's discover them!
Who hasn't heard of this fascinating medieval town in the Paris region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001? Considered an essential part of France's medieval history from the 11th to the 13th century, Provins is surrounded by ramparts, making it one of France's most imposing enclosures.
Provins is also known for its sublime rose garden, its unusual underground passageways and the Médiévales de Provins, considered the biggest medieval festival in France. Every year, young and old come together for this flagship event, where troubadours and acrobats give spectators a truly timeless experience!
The Roseraie de Provins, an enchanted garden near Paris
Looking for a haven of peace in the Paris region? We'll take you to the Roseraie de Provins, a bucolic getaway in a beautiful green setting. An addictive spot! [Read more]
If you like to stroll along the water's edge, L' Isle-Adam is the place for you. This Val-d'Oise town is famous for its beach, the largest river beach in France, where onlookers can admire 1920 cabins modelled on those in Deauville.
And don't forget to visit the market, a benchmark in the Paris region! Housed in a 1980s-era wooden market hall, fresh seasonal produce is sold three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays).
And let's not forget theChurch of Saint-Martin, which, after surviving several fires, destruction during the French Revolution and bombardments, was restored to its former glory some ten years ago.
L'Isle-Adam, one of France's most beautiful Detours and a source of inspiration for many a landscape painter, is a veritable green nugget to be discovered just a few kilometers from Paris. On the banks of the River Oise, with its seaside resort and beautiful monuments, this village in the Val d'Oise has plenty to tempt those in search of strolls and discoveries. [Read more]
If you're not far from the Fontainebleau forest, be sure to stop off at Moret-sur-Loing. You may not know it, but this is where the famous barley sugar was born. Created by the Benedictine Sisters of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, it's considered one of France's oldest sweets!
Other treasures to discover in Moret-sur-Loing? The fortified medieval gates, the keep and the bridge... And don't forget: Moret-sur-Loing has been designated a"Remarkable Heritage Site" and"Destination Impressionisme".
And here's where the Impressionists come in. The commune of Moret-sur-Loing was home to the great Impressionist landscape painter Alfred Sisley, who lived there for some twenty years.
Discover Moret-sur-Loing, this medieval and impressionist city among the Most Beautiful Detours of France, only one hour from Paris. Visit this charming town, famous for its Sucre d'Orge, its royal city and the landscapes of Alfred Sisley. [Read more]
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So, would you like to discover these three towns in the Ile-de-France region named among the"Most Beautiful Detours in France" 2023? To be included on this highly selective list, each commune must meet a number of criteria, such as having a population of between 5,000 and 20,000, offering an interesting architectural and intangible heritage, or possessing an artisanal and gastronomic identity. The town's capacity to accommodate visitors, its development and planning dynamic, and the general atmosphere of its historic or commercial center are also closely analyzed.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts June 19th, 2023
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.plusbeauxdetours.com
The Roseraie de Provins, an enchanted garden near Paris
L'Isle-Adam: the green nugget in Ile-de-France, 25 km from Paris
Moret-sur-Loing : Medieval and Impressionist city among the most beautiful detours in France
