Day Trip from Paris – French Food, Rural Experiences & Horses!

A Day Trip from Paris to Experience French Countryside, Food, and Horses
This 7-hour experience offers a chance to escape the hustle of Paris and enjoy a slice of rural French life with Emilie, a local host who combines farming, culinary skills, and a love of nature. For around $121, you’ll visit Emilie’s 1700s stone house in Bellot, explore her lush garden, meet her two horses, and indulge in a home-cooked organic lunch paired with French wine. The trip is accessible by car, train, or Uber, with a total travel time of about 2.5 hours round trip, making it a manageable half-day escape.

What we love most about this tour is the personal touch Emilie provides—she’s not just a host but a teacher and naturopath, sharing her knowledge in an informal, friendly way. The chance to pick eggs, walk horses, and stroll through the countryside makes this experience feel genuine and hands-on. Plus, the homegrown food and wine make for a memorable meal that highlights the best of local, organic ingredients—far better than standard café fare.

A potential consideration is that the experience is largely dependent on the seasons—gardening visits are from March to September, and the food is freshest then. Also, for those seeking a gourmet dining experience, this might feel more rustic and simple, but that’s part of its charm.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy authentic local encounters, nature, and good food. If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly outing that offers real insight into French countryside living, Emilie’s place is a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience with hands-on activities like egg gathering and horse walking.
• Gourmet, organic meal prepared from Emilie’s garden, complemented by French wine and local cheese.
• Personalized tour led by Emilie, a knowledgeable guide, who shares insights into plants, herbs, and village life.
• Accessible location just 1 hour 20 minutes from Paris by train or car, ideal for a quick escape.
• Family-friendly with activities suitable for children and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Seasonal highlights such as greenhouses and garden visits from March to September.

Exploring the Countryside with Emilie: A Genuine French Experience

When we think about traditional French country life, we often picture lavender fields, vineyards, or bustling markets. But this tour offers something more intimate—a glimpse into a living, breathing home environment where Emilie and her family have created a tranquil life surrounded by nature.

The journey begins in Paris, where you can choose your mode of transportation—whether a private driver, Uber, or train. The most straightforward option is the train to Coulommiers, followed by a short Uber ride, which keeps costs reasonable and offers flexibility. Once you arrive in Bellot, the quiet charm of the village and Emilie’s stone house immediately makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.

The heart of the experience is Emilie herself. She greets you warmly and takes you on a tour of her garden and greenhouse (season-dependent), explaining her passion for organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Many reviews praise her knowledge and friendliness, with one describing her as a “true artist of living.” She’s quite fluent in English, which helps make the tour accessible for international visitors.

The Garden and Farm Life

Expect to see herb beds, vegetable plots, and possibly greenhouses if you visit between March and September. You’ll learn about the plants, herbs, and vegetables that Emilie grows—an educational touch that makes the visit feel like a true learning experience. Kids are especially encouraged to collect eggs from the henhouse, adding a hands-on element that delights children and adults alike.

Following the garden walk, Emilie offers a tasting of her homemade aperitifs and wines, which are crafted from fruits she has grown herself. Many visitors note how authentic and flavorful these drinks are—far from the mass-produced wines you might be used to. This is a highlight that makes the entire experience feel genuine and personal.

Traditional French Cuisine with a Twist

The lunch is a highlight, featuring dishes made almost entirely from Emilie’s own produce. The meal includes a starter of appetizers, a main course of organic homemade food, cheese, a dessert, and coffee. The emphasis on local, organic ingredients ensures a fresh and wholesome taste. Emilie’s approach isn’t haute cuisine, but rather simple, hearty, and lovingly prepared. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious” and “right from the garden.”

Adding to the convivial atmosphere, alcohol is included—a glass of French wine or Emilie’s homemade wine—which complements the meal perfectly. The reviews repeatedly mention how much guests appreciated Emilie’s passion for good food and wine, making the meal more than just sustenance but a memorable part of the experience.

Interacting with the Horses and Countryside

Post-lunch, you’ll step outside to feed Emilie’s two horses and take them for a walk in the paddock. Many guests remark how peaceful and charming it is to walk horses in the open—a rare opportunity that adds a layer of authenticity to the visit. The countryside walk with Emilie afterward provides a chance to absorb the quiet beauty of the region, with some reviews describing it as a “moment of bliss.”

The Overall Experience

This tour’s real strength lies in its personal touch. Emilie’s passion, knowledge, and warmth shine through, transforming what could be a simple farm visit into a meaningful, family-friendly adventure. Visitors often leave feeling more connected to French rural traditions and with a newfound appreciation for organic farming and simple living.

How the Experience Breaks Down

Departure from Paris

The day begins at 9:30 am with your chosen transportation method. Most opt for the train to Coulommiers, which costs about 2.5 euros, or arrange private transportation for comfort. The journey itself is about 1 hour 20 minutes, during which you can relax and plan your countryside escape.

Arriving in Bellot and Meeting Emilie

Once you arrive, Emilie greets you at her 1700s stone house at 11 am. Her warm welcome sets the tone for the day. From there, the tour unfolds with a walk through her garden and greenhouse, learning about her organic practices and the plants she cultivates.

Farm and Garden Activities

The hands-on activities include collecting eggs, exploring the greenhouse, and feeding the two horses. These are real farm chores, not staged tourist moments, which many reviews highlight as a key highlight. Emilie’s care for her animals and plants shines through, offering a glimpse into her sustainable lifestyle.

Lunch and Tastings

The meal, served in Emilie’s home, is a French-style family lunch built on fresh, organic ingredients. Expect cheese, wine, and a homemade dessert, with plenty of conversation and explanations from Emilie. Guests often describe the food as “delicious” and appreciate the authenticity and simplicity of the homemade fare.

An Afternoon in the Countryside

After lunch, you’ll walk horses or take a stroll with Emilie through the surrounding countryside, soaking up the peaceful pastoral scenery. The experience ends around 3 pm, giving you plenty of time to return to Paris.

Overall Value and Who Will Enjoy This Tour

Compared to other day trips from Paris, this option offers a rare, genuine look at rural French life. While it’s not a gourmet extravaganza, the personalized attention, organic food, and farm activities deliver a satisfying and immersive experience. It’s especially good for families, couples, or anyone seeking a relaxing, down-to-earth outing that emphasizes authenticity and connection.

The price of about $121 per person includes transportation, a full meal, drinks, and hands-on activities, making it a very reasonable value, considering the personalized nature of the experience. The focus on seasonal gardening and farm life adds a layer of educational value that many travelers find enriching.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate local traditions, natural living, and a slower pace—perfect for travelers wanting to connect with France away from the crowds.

FAQ

How do I get to Bellot from Paris?
You can choose to travel by train, Uber, or private driver. The train from Gare de l’Est to Coulommiers costs just 2.5 euros and takes about an hour and 15 minutes, followed by a short Uber ride. Alternatively, a private driver can pick you up at your hotel for about 150 euros one way.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome. They especially enjoy collecting eggs and feeding the horses. The environment is family-friendly and relaxed, making it a suitable outing for all ages.

What is included in the meal?
The meal features appetizers, a main course made from Emilie’s organic produce, cheese, a homemade dessert, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages—French wine or Emilie’s homemade wine—are also included.

Can I visit the greenhouses?
Yes, greenhouses are part of the visit from March to September. During this season, you can explore her plant-growing spaces, which many reviews find fascinating.

What if I don’t speak French?
Emilie is highly proficient in English (9/10), so language shouldn’t be a barrier. She shares her knowledge in a friendly, approachable manner.

Is transportation included?
Transportation is optional. You can book a round-trip private transfer or arrange your own travel via train and Uber. The tour provider offers live assistance with directions and options.

To sum it up, this day trip offers a delightful chance to experience the true charm of the French countryside. Emilie’s warmth, her garden, her horses, and the homemade meal come together to create a memorable, authentic day out from Paris. It’s perfect for those who value personal stories, natural living, and delicious, simple food. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, this tour promises a peaceful retreat into the heart of rural France—an experience that stays with you long after you return to the city.