Day Trip from Paris – French Food Experience in a Country House

A Taste of France Outside Paris: Food, History, and Countryside Charm

Imagine escaping the bustling streets of Paris for a peaceful, scenic journey that takes you into the heart of rural France. For around $120 per person, this Day Trip from Paris offers just that—visiting a 17th-century stone house in a quiet hamlet, enjoying a homemade French meal, and strolling along the river with locals who share their stories and passions. With a total duration of about six hours, this experience is a wonderful blend of history, genuine hospitality, and authentic cuisine.

What we really appreciated about this trip is the personal touch—your hosts, Cosima and Frédéric, are not professional guides but passionate locals who open their home and hearts. This creates a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that’s hard to find in more commercial tours. We also loved the variety of sights, from the lush bamboo garden to medieval ruins, giving a colorful backdrop to your day and a real sense of rural life.

One thing to keep in mind is the transportation logistics. While the tour offers a convenient round-trip option from Paris, getting there on your own involves some planning—either a train plus Uber or renting a car. This might be a small hassle but is worth the effort if you want flexibility.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a genuine, off-the-beaten-path experience—those who love good food, quiet scenery, and meeting local people in their daily environment. If you’re after a structured, museum-style visit, this might not be for you. But if you cherish authentic moments and beautiful landscapes, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Key Points

• Authentic hosts: Cosima and Frédéric are locals who share their home and stories, not professional guides.
• Genuine French cuisine: A homemade, multi-course meal with wine, cheese, and surprise dishes—no pre-set menu.
• Historical and scenic elements: Inside the house, uncover WWII shrapnel and WWI graffiti; stroll along the river and explore medieval ruins.
• Accessible day trip: Just about an hour from Paris, with options for private transport or DIY travel.
• Personalized experience: Small group or private tour, perfect for families or couples seeking intimacy.
• Cost-value: At roughly $120, it offers a memorable mix of food, history, and scenery for a reasonable price.

Discovering the Charm of the French Countryside

This particular day trip begins with a 55-minute journey from Paris, either via a private driver, Uber, or train. The train option, costing around 2.5 euros, is an inexpensive alternative that offers you a chance to see the outskirts of Paris and the rolling landscape beyond. Once in Coulommiers, a short Uber ride (roughly 20 euros) drops you in the quaint village of Mauperthuis, where your hosts await.

The real magic begins when you step inside Cosima and Frédéric’s 17th-century stone house. It’s a place that whispers stories of past centuries—exposed beams, traditional interiors, and a lush bamboo garden boasting 50 different species. Visitors have noted the interior’s timeless charm, and some even find themselves fascinated by the remnants of history, like WWII shrapnel and WWI graffiti still visible inside the house. These details provide a tangible link to France’s turbulent past, woven into a setting that’s quiet and inviting.

Exploring the House and Garden

Your hosts take pride in sharing their home’s history and character, giving you a private tour of the interior. It’s not a polished museum, but rather an authentic space filled with personal touches and stories. The garden, with its bamboo grove, offers a relaxing backdrop for photos or a quiet moment. The variety of species makes it a botanical treasure, especially for plant lovers.

The Culinary Experience: More Than a Meal

The highlight for many is the French meal—a two-course feast that’s as much about the experience as the food. With no preset menu, you’re treated to surprises, which adds an element of fun. The meal includes a main course, cheese and bread, and a dessert, all homemade and paired with French wine and an apéritif.

The food is simple but flavorful—homemade, hearty, and representative of French countryside traditions. Coffee or tea rounds out the meal, and the entire experience underscores the UNESCO recognition of the French gastronomic meal as an intangible cultural heritage.

Scenic Walks and Local Life

Post-lunch, your hosts lead a leisurely stroll along the river, passing medieval ruins and Cosima’s art studio. These walks are less about ticking off sights and more about soaking up the authentic rural atmosphere. You’ll see medieval ruins—remnants of France’s historic past—and pass by Cosima’s creative workspace, giving insight into the local artistic scene.

Many travelers find that the personal nature of the tour—being invited into a private home and walking with hosts who are not professional guides—creates a genuine connection to local life. It’s a chance to see everyday France beyond the tourist areas.

The Logistics and Practicalities

Getting to Mauperthuis is straightforward but requires some planning. The tour’s price includes round-trip transportation if you select the private transfer option. If you prefer to go on your own, you can take a train to Coulommiers, then Uber to the village.

The train from Gare de l’Est costs just 2.5 euros and takes about an hour. From Coulommiers, a quick Uber ride (about 20 euros) will get you to Mauperthuis. If you rent a car, expect approximately 150 euros for two days of rental, offering the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The tour departs at 11 a.m. and returns around 3 p.m., fitting nicely into a day’s itinerary. It’s recommended to book at least 25 days in advance since it’s in high demand—average bookings are quite proactive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous food lovers, history buffs interested in WWII and WWI remnants, and anyone craving a genuine, intimate encounter with French village life. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small group or private tours and are willing to plan a little transportation logistics for a more personalized day.

Authentic, Rewarding, and Truly French

In all, this tour offers a well-rounded look at rural France, far from tourist crowds but rich in character. The hosts’ passion, combined with the delicious homemade meal and the scenic surroundings, make it a memorable escape.

The value for the price is notable—not just for the food and scenery, but also for the chance to connect with local people in an authentic setting. If you’re someone who enjoys learning through experience rather than just sightseeing, this trip is a real treasure.

For families or couples looking for a peaceful retreat with cultural depth, it’s an ideal choice. Those seeking more structured or luxury-focused tours might find this a little understated, but for anyone who values authenticity and personal stories, this day out hits the right notes.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip private transportation, including pick-up from your hotel. If you prefer to go on your own, you can take a train and Uber, or rent a car.

How long does the trip last?
About six hours in total—departing Paris at 10 a.m., arriving in Mauperthuis at 11 a.m., and returning around 3 p.m.

What is the meal like?
You’ll enjoy a homemade French two-course meal with cheese, bread, dessert, wine, and an apéritif. There’s no preset menu, so surprises are part of the fun.

Are children welcome?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s friendly for families, especially those who appreciate countryside tranquility and authentic experiences.

How do I get there if I don’t take the private transfer?
Take the train from Gare de l’Est to Coulommiers (about 2.5 euros), then Uber to Mauperthuis (~20 euros). This option requires some coordination but is budget-friendly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience suitable for history enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The house interior features WWII shrapnel and WWI graffiti, adding a tangible link to France’s past.

What language support is available?
Guides speak Spanish, English, and German, ensuring broader accessibility.

This tour offers a real slice of rural France—perfect for those craving authentic food, scenic beauty, and heartfelt hospitality. It’s a flexible, intimate experience that’s worth considering if you want more than just sight-seeing on your trip to Paris.