We love the hustle and bustle of Paris. However, once in a while it is nice to leave Paris for the surrounding countryside, enjoying the beautiful views, the fresh air, the country smells and the fresh food! In just 45 minutes by car, you can be enjoying a very different France. Each year on the first Sunday of June, some of the farms in La Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse open their gates to the general public, for free!
Fête des Fermes
La Haute Vallée de Chevreuse
Close to Paris and Versailles, the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse remains a charmingly rural escape just 45 minutes from Paris.
Though the Fête des Fermes is an annual event, you can visit this place all year round, with many of the local farms selling local produce to tourists, Parisians and locals alike.
Beautiful Countryside
As stated on the region's website "Beautiful landscapes, charming villages, historical heritage and rich natural environments, this green region boasts a diverse range of sites and activities which are waiting for you to discover them during a weekend break or a holiday, with family or friends". There are some great sites to visit, such as Château of Breteuil, the Château of Dampierre and the Abbey of Port-Royal-des-Champs. And considering it is just a short drive from Paris, you would be crazy to miss out.
Ferme de la Noue
We visited a farm called Ferme de la Noue (see map to the right) as it opens from March 1st to December 1st every year, not just for the annual Fête des Fermes.
The main produce of this farm is sheep and goat based, with some delicious cheeses, pâte, sausages and other local produce like fresh eggs, honey etc.
France has around 350-400 regional cheeses. We are sure you will agree it is hard not to think of cheese when you think of France. We cannot think of a better way to sample some of this cheese than actually visit one of the producers!
Close to Paris and Versailles, the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse remains a charmingly rural escape just 45 minutes from Paris.
Though the Fête des Fermes is an annual event, you can visit this place all year round, with many of the local farms selling local produce to tourists, Parisians and locals alike.
Beautiful Countryside
As stated on the region's website "Beautiful landscapes, charming villages, historical heritage and rich natural environments, this green region boasts a diverse range of sites and activities which are waiting for you to discover them during a weekend break or a holiday, with family or friends". There are some great sites to visit, such as Château of Breteuil, the Château of Dampierre and the Abbey of Port-Royal-des-Champs. And considering it is just a short drive from Paris, you would be crazy to miss out.
Ferme de la Noue
We visited a farm called Ferme de la Noue (see map to the right) as it opens from March 1st to December 1st every year, not just for the annual Fête des Fermes.
The main produce of this farm is sheep and goat based, with some delicious cheeses, pâte, sausages and other local produce like fresh eggs, honey etc.
France has around 350-400 regional cheeses. We are sure you will agree it is hard not to think of cheese when you think of France. We cannot think of a better way to sample some of this cheese than actually visit one of the producers!
Once you leave Paris and hit those country lanes, the driving is such a pleasure. You will enjoy the beautiful sights and no doubt be tempted to ditch the car and explore by foot!
Living in one of the many villages around here must be wonderful, though we think we might miss the Paris night life! Whilst you are here for the Fête des Fermes, why not take a look around?
Living in one of the many villages around here must be wonderful, though we think we might miss the Paris night life! Whilst you are here for the Fête des Fermes, why not take a look around?
If you do go for a walk along one of the many public accessible trails, there is usually a nice comforting bench to sit on somewhere along the trail. A perfect spot for a nice picnic.
You will definitely be forgiven for taking a breather with the amount of hills there are. Perfect for burning off those calories you gained from all the cheese!
Luckily it is not all up hill though:)
Luckily it is not all up hill though:)
The farms are well sign posted and easy to reach by car, or by foot if you park somewhere locally. They are close enough together to visit several in one day.
They also have ample parking if you decide you want to drive to each farm. Check out our Car hire page if you need to hire a car.
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