Modern French Town Tour: Exploring West of Paris

Exploring west of France, I stumbled on some low-key gems near Paris, from dreamy riverside art museums to secret cave walks and artisan cheese shops 🧀✨. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, here’s my go-to guide for Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Chatou, and Hauts-de-Seine!

Top Spots to Visit

Église Protestante Unie de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1 Av. des Loges, 78100): Worth a quick visit for peaceful vibes and impressive architecture.

Musee Claude Debussy (38 Rue au Pain, 78100): Perfect for music buffs – learn about the composer’s life in his birthplace. Pretty compact, so you can breeze through in less than an hour!

The Caves of the Ramp (Rpe des Grottes, 78100): Walk these cool, hidden passageways for a glance into old Saint-Germain’s history. Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes!

Musee Fournaise (3 Rue du Bac, 78400 Chatou): Set on the Seine, this spot oozes Monet vibes. Open year round (10:00-12:30, 14:00-18:00 Wed-Fri; 10:30-13:30, 14:00-18:00 Sat-Sun). Great for a slow afternoon and sketches!

Skatepark Rueil-Malmaison 2000 (Rue Henri Sainte-Claire Deville, 92500): Locals love this outdoor park. Open 09:00-19:00 Mon-Fri, 09:00-20:30 Sat-Sun. Super chill, even just to watch skaters roll by.

Pavillon Henri IV & Fromagerie Foucher: Grab a riverside snack then pick up some creamy cheese to go at Fromagerie Foucher.

Getting Around: Take the RER A train from Paris, then walk or rent a Vélib’ bike for easy access between towns.

Eat This: Try rustic brie and local bread at Fromagerie Foucher. Small bistros in Chatou serve classic French lunches—go for the plats du jour.

Essential Tips: Most spots in these towns accept card, but small cafés sometimes prefer cash. Weather can flip fast—pack a light rain jacket!

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