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

Introducing a day trip from Paris focused on authentic French country living, delicious homemade food, and charming horses. This experience, rated a perfect 5 out of 5 by six travelers, takes you just over an hour from the city into the scenic village of Bellot. Here, Emilie’s old stone house becomes your gateway to a relaxed day of rural delights, farm life, and local flavors.

What makes this tour stand out is Emilie’s warm hospitality and her ability to combine a genuine farm experience with a hearty, organic meal. Two things I really appreciate about this experience are the chance to collect eggs from the henhouse and the opportunity to walk horses in the paddock, both offering a hands-on feel of country life. Plus, the meal itself, made mainly from Emilie’s garden produce, paired with French wine, cheese, and homemade dessert, feels like a true taste of France’s simple pleasures.

A single consideration might be the transportation logistics—though options like private pickup or train plus Uber are available, some travelers may prefer the convenience of a direct drive or private transport, especially if traveling with family or friends. Still, the effort is well rewarded with the peaceful setting and authentic rural charm.

Key points / Takeaways

• Easy access from Paris: Just 1 hour 20 minutes by car or a €2.50 train ride, making it ideal for a day trip without a long commute.
• Authentic farmstead: Emilie lives in a 1700s stone house at the end of a forest-lined road, giving you a real slice of rural France.
• Hands-on farm activities: Collect eggs, visit greenhouses, feed horses, and take them on a walk—completely interactive and engaging.
• Farm-fresh French cuisine: The meal highlights organic produce from Emilie’s garden, culminating in a hearty, homemade lunch with wine and cheese.
• Informative guide: Emilie is a teacher and naturopath, fluent in English, and shares her knowledge of herbs, plants, and country life in a friendly way.
• Flexible transportation options: From private driver to train and Uber, various methods accommodate different travel styles and budgets.

The Journey Begins: From Paris to Emilie’s Farm

Starting from central Paris around 9:30 am, you’ll quickly realize how accessible this rural escape is. The tour offers the convenience of a private driver or the option to use Uber (about 150 euros for four people one-way) or a local train (just 2.50 euros). The address in Bellot is provided after booking, making it straightforward to plan your journey.

Traveling in a mid-range vehicle, I appreciated the comfort and the chance to relax while heading through the scenic countryside. The 1 hour 30-minute drive or train+Uber route means you’ll arrive at Emilie’s farm in good time to start your immersion into country life.

Visiting Emilie’s Old Stone House and Garden

The moment you arrive, Emilie greets you with a warm smile in her 1700s stone house. It’s a genuine step back in time compared to the hustle of Paris, with a peaceful setting that invites you to slow down. Emilie, who speaks excellent English (9/10), shares stories of her life, her garden, and her farm.

A highlight is the stroll through her lush garden, where you’ll learn about herbs, vegetables, and plants, especially if your visit falls between March and September. From aromatic herbs to colorful vegetables, Emilie’s passion for organic gardening is contagious. Many reviews mention how her explanations make you see the plants in a new light—whether it’s for cooking or medicinal uses.

Hands-On Farm Fun and Food

One of the most memorable parts is collecting fresh eggs from Emilie’s henhouse. This simple act turns into a small adventure, especially for kids, and is a real taste of farm life. Visitors also get to visit greenhouses during spring and summer, adding a layer of insight into how Emilie grows her produce.

The highlight, of course, is the French lunch. Emilie prepares a meal mainly from her own garden—delicious, organic, and heartfelt. This includes appetizers, a main course with local cheese, and a homemade dessert. The meal is complemented by French wine, and many reviewers note the quality and care put into the food. Emilie’s hospitality makes the meal feel like dining with a friend rather than in a commercial restaurant.

Horse Interactions and Countryside Walks

Post-lunch, you’ll have the chance to feed the horses and take them for a walk in the paddock. Many reviews emphasize how engaging and genuine this experience is—feeding, petting, and walking these gentle animals offers a real connection to the countryside. Emilie’s love for her horses is evident, and her guidance makes even novice horse lovers feel comfortable.

Afterward, a peaceful stroll around the countryside with Emilie allows you to soak in the scenery, listen to bird songs, and enjoy the rural silence. It’s a perfect chance to step away from the city noise and reconnect with nature.

Return to Paris and Final Thoughts

By 3 pm, you’ll head back to Paris, feeling relaxed and refreshed. The total duration of around 7 hours makes this a manageable day trip, especially if you’re craving a break from urban life. The journey back offers a chance to reflect on the authentic experience you’ve just enjoyed.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits travelers seeking an authentic, peaceful glimpse of French rural life, especially those interested in organic farming, horse interactions, or simply escaping the city for a few hours. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups who appreciate personalized, hands-on activities and home-cooked meals. If you’re after a gourmet restaurant experience, this isn’t it—this is more about heartfelt, homemade food and genuine countryside charm.

Price and Value Analysis

At around $121.43 per person, this experience offers excellent value considering the personalized guidance, farm activities, and a full organic meal with wine. The small group setting and Emilie’s engaging hospitality elevate the experience beyond just the scenic attraction. The transportation options give flexibility, though some travelers might prefer the convenience of private pickup—an added comfort worth considering.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Paris offers a delightful mix of authentic farm life, organic French cuisine, and scenic countryside walks. Emilie’s warm welcome and her passion for sharing her rural lifestyle make this a memorable escape from the city’s hustle. It’s best suited for those who enjoy hands-on experiences, natural settings, and genuine local culture. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or seeking a peaceful retreat on your own, this trip promises a simple yet deeply rewarding taste of France’s rural soul.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
You can opt for a private driver or arrange your own transportation via train and Uber. The address in Bellot is provided after booking, and options vary from private pickup to train plus Uber.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, with approximately 4 hours spent at Emilie’s farm and the rest traveling to and from Paris.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome! Kids especially enjoy collecting eggs, feeding the horses, and exploring the garden.

What kind of food is served?
A hearty, organic French meal made mainly from produce grown in Emilie’s garden, complemented by cheese, wine, and a homemade dessert.

Is the guide fluent in English?
Yes, Emilie speaks English very well, with a proficiency of 9/10, making explanations about plants and farm life accessible to all.

What is the best time to visit?
Spring through early fall (March to September) is ideal to see the greenhouses, gardens, and lush countryside at its best.

This experience offers a genuine look at rural French life, perfect for those craving a relaxed, authentic, and interactive escape from Paris.