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

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

If you’re looking for a break from the busy streets and iconic sights of Paris, this day trip offers a refreshing glimpse into authentic French countryside life. It combines the pleasures of organic food, hands-on farm experiences, and some quality time with horses—all just over an hour from the city. With a focus on natural, simple pleasures, this experience promises a peaceful escape with plenty of genuine charm.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: the chance to enjoy a home-cooked, garden-fresh meal in a rural setting and the opportunity to interact directly with farm animals and horses, making it ideal for families or anyone craving a relaxed, authentic taste of country life. One possible drawback is that it’s not a gourmet culinary adventure—expect hearty, homemade dishes rather than haute cuisine. Still, if you value authenticity and simplicity, this trip hits the mark.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate slow-paced, nature-focused outings, those curious about rural France, or families with kids who enjoy animals. It’s also ideal for anyone wanting a meaningful connection with local food and countryside without venturing too far from Paris.

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience: Visit Emilie’s old stone house and learn about her organic garden and herbal knowledge.
• Hands-on activities: Collect eggs, walk horses, and explore greenhouses (spring/summer).
• Genuine French cuisine: Enjoy a homemade, garden-based meal paired with local wine and cheese.
• Flexible transport options: Choose private transfer, train + Uber, or self-drive based on your preferences.
• Family-friendly: Kids are welcome to join in farm activities and pet animals.
• Simple but authentic: No gourmet-level culinary feats, but hearty, homemade food in a peaceful setting.

The Detailed Experience: What to Expect

How to Get There

This tour begins in Paris, with several transport options. You can opt for a private driver who will pick you up directly at your hotel—convenient if you want to avoid logistical worries. Alternatively, taking the RER train from Gare de l’Est to Coulommiers costs just 2.5 euros, followed by an Uber ride to the house, or you can rent a car. The village of Bellot is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Paris, making it a manageable day-trip destination.

The precise meeting address in Bellot will be provided after booking. The combination of options caters to different travel styles: door-to-door comfort or a more budget-friendly, independent approach.

Arrival at Emilie’s Old Stone House

Once you arrive, Emilie greets you with warmth. Her home, dating from the 1700s, sits at the very end of a 2 km road through forest, giving a real sense of escaping into nature. Emilie is a teacher and naturopath, with excellent English skills (9/10), making her an engaging guide through her little slice of paradise.

Exploring the Garden and Greenhouses

Your visit begins with a walk through Emilie’s garden, where she shares her knowledge of herbs, vegetables, and plants (spring to September). The gardens are lush, and the setting is peaceful. Kids especially enjoy collecting chicken eggs from the henhouse and exploring the greenhouses in warmer months.

Farm Activities

After the garden walk, you’ll visit Emilie’s horses. You can feed them, walk them in the paddock, and even take them for a gentle ride. Reviews highlight how much visitors appreciate the chance to connect with the animals—many describe this as a favorite part of the experience.

Tasting Traditional French Food and Drink

The highlight for many is the lunch, which Emilie prepares using mostly organic produce from her garden. The meal includes appetizers, the main course, local cheese, a homemade dessert, and coffee. It’s complemented with a glass of French wine and a homemade wine—offering a genuine taste of local terroir.

While this isn’t a gourmet extravaganza, reviews praise the quality of the food and the authenticity of her cooking. One visitor raves about the “delicious French meal” and appreciates how Emilie’s passion shines through in her simple, hearty dishes.

Additional Activities

Depending on the season, you might visit her greenhouses or participate in a workshop. The tour also includes a stroll in the countryside, allowing you to enjoy the rural landscape and perhaps snap some photos of the scenic surroundings.

Return to Paris

After a satisfying lunch and farm visit, you’ll head back to Paris by around 3 pm. You’ll arrive back after about 1.5 hours, feeling refreshed and more connected to the French countryside.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

Authenticity and simplicity are the core themes. Emilie’s home and garden provide a genuine setting—no touristy frills, just a real farmstead. Visitors often mention how Emilie’s passion for her lifestyle enriches the visit. Several reviews describe her as a knowledgeable and engaging host, who shares her love for her plants, animals, and homemade wine.

The opportunity to interact directly with farm animals—feeding horses, collecting eggs, walking in the paddock—is especially valued. It’s a rare chance to experience rural life without leaving the outskirts of Paris, and kids tend to love it.

The food and drink are straightforward but hearty and fresh, emphasizing local, organic ingredients. Many reviewers note how much they enjoyed Emilie’s homemade dishes, which feel more like a shared family meal than a restaurant experience.

Transportation flexibility is another highlight. Whether you prefer a private transfer or a DIY approach using train and Uber, the tour accommodates different needs, making it accessible for various budgets and schedules.

Analyzing the Value

At around $121 per person, this tour offers a memorable, hands-on experience that combines culinary delights, rural scenery, and animal encounters. While it doesn’t aim for haute cuisine, the value lies in the authenticity and personal touch Emilie provides. The included activities—garden visits, horse walks, egg collecting—are generous and give a real sense of connection to the countryside.

The reviews reinforce that this is a peaceful, meaningful outing, especially appreciated by those who value slow, natural experiences. The appeal is for travelers seeking a quiet escape rather than high-energy sightseeing. It’s also a good choice for families or anyone wanting to learn about local food and farming traditions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy authentic, hands-on farm visits and are curious about gardening, rural life, or horses. It’s well-suited for families with children, thanks to animal activities and open space. If you’re looking for a relaxing day in nature, with good conversation and hearty, home-cooked food, you’ll find this a rewarding outing.

It’s less ideal for travelers seeking a gourmet culinary tour or a highly structured guided museum visit. Instead, it offers a peaceful, genuine glimpse into rural France—a welcome change from urban tourism, with plenty of opportunities for storytelling, photo-taking, and simply soaking in the slow pace.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a traditional French lunch with appetizers, a main dish made from organic garden produce, local cheese, a homemade dessert, and coffee. It also includes a glass of French wine and a homemade wine, visits to the garden, greenhouse (seasonally), henhouse, and horse paddock, plus a countryside walk.

How do I get to the meeting point?
You can choose a private driver for door-to-door pickup, take a train plus Uber, or rent a car. The exact address in Bellot is provided after booking. The train option involves taking the RER from Paris Gare de l’Est to Coulommiers and then an Uber for about 25 euros.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids are welcome! They can enjoy collecting eggs, feeding horses, and exploring the outdoor farm environment.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 7 hours, including transportation, farm activities, and lunch.

What’s the maximum group size?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring a personal and relaxed experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual outdoor clothes are best—think layers, sturdy shoes, and sun protection if needed.

Is the experience available year-round?
Yes, but note that greenhouse visits and some activities may be seasonal, mainly spring and summer.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Paris offers a rare chance to step into the quiet rhythm of the French countryside, away from crowded tourist spots. It’s a simple, heartfelt experience that emphasizes authentic food, rural charm, and animal interactions. Emilie’s genuine hospitality and her farm’s peaceful setting make it a memorable and worthwhile outing.

It’s especially well-suited for those who value slow travel, local traditions, and organic living. If you’re craving a calm, authentic slice of rural France, this tour might just become a highlight of your trip.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this experience combines education, relaxation, and a taste of French country life—something you’ll remember long after returning home.