In the Val d’Oise, Maison Constance is set in five hectares of parkland with trails leading to a stunning national forest, only half an hour from Paris CDG Airport and around 25km by car from central Paris.
You are on the edge of the forest whilst not being remote as you have the amenities of local life within a very short drive – the area is home to supermarkets, shops and restaurants less than a 5-minute drive away whilst the nearby train station takes you to Paris Gare du Nord in just 30 minutes.
Beyond your private garden and surrounding parkland, you can walk straight out to the vast forest to the north of the house including a long hike to a small historic hunting château in the heart of the woods by a picturesque lake. A horse-riding centre is within a short drive, a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the centuries-old forest, whilst there are also cycling trails across the 2000 hectares of oaks, beeches, birches, chestnut trees and Scottish pines.
Elsewhere, away from the magnificent landscapes of the forest, visit the tourist resort of Enghien-les-Bains (8km) for its healing waters and thermal spas, also known for its large casino and theatre by the lake, Belle Époque architecture and many restaurants, cafes and bars.
Further north of the forest, on the River Oise, L'Isle-Adam (15km) is a picturesque town which is especially popular in the summer months with its gardens, public swimming pools, river beach and little beach huts. Look out for river cruises, pedalo and canoe hire, mini-golf and more. The town’s market, held three mornings a week, is known to be the most beautiful of the region.
This area is also known as the valley of the impressionists with the Parc naturel régional du Vexin close by, yet again a fantastic place for hiking, biking, horse-riding and other outdoor adventures. On the edge of the natural park, Auvers-sur-Oise (15km) is a pretty village close to the summer wheat fields painted by Van Gogh, also home to the iconic Château d'Auvers and its Italian gardens.
For visitors coming to one of the exhibition centres, it is also worth noting that Parc des Expositions de Villepinte is only 34km away whilst Paris Le Bourget is 24km by car.
The Region
Fall in love with la ville lumière during your time in Paris, one of the most famous capital cities in the world.
Everyone has different reasons for visiting this beautiful city. Perhaps you hope to visit some of Paris’ fine museums and art galleries, climb the Eiffel Tower or shop to your hearts content along the iconic boulevards. You may prefer to simply wander around the city parks, enjoy leisurely lunches on the left bank before strolling across Pont Neuf to admire the grandeur of the Louvre.
Discover the many charming neighbourhoods of Paris following the footsteps of famous writers, artists and philosophers. Start off on the right bank in Le Marais, the Jewish quarter, with its boutiques, old bakeries and kiosks selling delicious falafel (expect a queue!) – take a guided walking tour to learn all about this neighbourhood’s heritage. On the other side of the river, soak up the student ambience of the Latin Quarter, home to La Sorbonne, and sip coffee on a café terrace on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a truly iconic Parisian experience.
Meanwhile, a walk around Jardin du Luxembourg is a must, especially for families who will adore the little boats by the fountain, donkey rides, carrousel and a popular new playground (with an entry fee). Pack a picnic and sit on a bench beneath the shady trees as you people watch Parisians and tourists alike making the most of this atmospheric park.
Keen shoppers will appreciate the likes of Galeries Lafayette as well as the luxury stores of the Champs-Elysées. If you are visiting Le Centre Pompidou, you could also walk up to the vast Forum des Halles for recognisable brands in central Paris. Not forgetting the many markets from the twice-weekly Bastille Market selling delicious food to the sprawling weekend flea market at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen that dates back to the late 19th century.
Embrace the romantic ambience of Paris when you walk by the river on La Rive Droite with beautiful views as you pass Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. It’s especially lovely as evening nears with vibrant bars by the riverside whilst children will love the play areas and climbing walls as you stroll. Look out for the Eiffel Tower in the far distance which sparkles so magically on the hour from dusk.
