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

A Quick Look at the Experience

If you’re craving a break from Paris’s bustling streets, this day trip to a charming 17th-century stone house in the French countryside offers a perfect escape. We’re not talking about a formal tour but rather a warm, informal immersion into rural life, history, and delicious home-cooked French flavors.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the genuine hospitality of your hosts, Cosima and Frédéric — a retired researcher and artist couple. Second, the chance to enjoy an authentic, multi-course French meal paired with local wines in a cozy setting. Third, the mix of history, art, and nature, from WWII shrapnel to medieval ruins.

A potential consideration? It’s a small-group experience, so if you’re seeking a high-end luxury tour, this might feel more down-to-earth than some might expect. But if you’re after genuine connection, local cuisine, and authentic sights, this tour hits the right notes. Suitable for couples, families, or anyone looking for a heartfelt slice of French life outside the city.

Good To Know

• Authentic Hosts: Meet locals who are not professional guides but passionate about sharing their home and region.
• Gourmet Home Cooking: Enjoy a surprise French meal, cheese, wine, and coffee, all prepared by your hosts.
• Historical & Artistic Touches: Inside the house, uncover WWII graffiti and WWII shrapnel, and explore Cosima’s art studio.
• Scenic Nature & Ruins: Walk along the river passing medieval ruins, with plenty of picturesque views for photos.
• Convenient Access: Reach the countryside in just under an hour from Paris by car or train, with optional transportation.
• Flexible & Personalized: No preset menu, allowing the meal and experience to unfold naturally, with live guidance in multiple languages.

An Authentic Getaway: What to Expect

This tour offers a different pace for those wanting to escape the busy city life of Paris and dive into a more personal, local experience. We loved the way the experience balances history, art, and culinary delights—something that stays with you long after the last sip of wine.

Transportation & Arrival

Starting from Paris at 10am, you have options: a private driver, an Uber (about 80 euros), or a local train (just 2.5 euros plus a short Uber ride for about 20 euros). The journey takes approximately 55 minutes, making this not just a day trip but a true mini-escape. The proximity is a huge plus—no long travel hours, just enough to get out of the city and into rural tranquility.

The Village of Mauperthuis & Your Hosts

Upon arrival around 11am, you’re greeted by Cosima and Frédéric in their stone house—a picture of rustic charm with a lush bamboo garden containing around 50 species. The couple isn’t professional hosts; they’re locals sharing their personal space and passions. Frédéric’s background as a researcher and Cosima’s as an artist and retired tour guide add layers of interest and authenticity.

Exploring the House & Garden

You’ll wander through the house’s interior, which features treasures like WWII graffiti and shrapnel—small details that connect you to the past. The bamboo garden is a peaceful spot to stroll, enjoy the greenery, and take photos. Cosima’s art studio adds an extra touch of creativity to the property, giving insights into local artistic expressions.

The Culinary Experience

The highlight of the day is the French gastronomic meal—a multi-course feast with wine, cheese, and coffee. No preset menu here; instead, the hosts surprise you with dishes that reflect home-style French cuisine. One reviewer described it as “delicious,” emphasizing the homemade quality and authentic flavors. Expect to enjoy local cheese and bread along with a main course and a sweet dessert—pairing perfectly with the French wine provided.

Walks & Scenic Sights

Post-lunch, your hosts lead a stroll along the river, where you pass by medieval ruins—adding a medieval fairytale element to the trip. You’ll also visit Cosima’s art studio, where you see her creative works and get a glimpse into local art life. The walk offers a relaxed way to digest and soak up the peaceful surroundings.

Why It’s a Great Value

For $119.81 per person, this experience packs quite a punch. You get round-trip transportation, a personalized guided tour, an authentic homemade meal, wine, cheese, coffee, and time exploring countryside sights. Compared to typical Paris tours, it offers a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at French rural life—something you can’t get from a museum or monument.

The fact that the meal is not pre-set but tailored by your hosts ensures a personal touch. Plus, the chance to explore a historic house with WWII artifacts and to walk along the river passing medieval ruins means you leave with more than just a full stomach—you leave with memories of a day spent with local people, not just travelers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking:

• A genuinely authentic experience away from typical tourist spots
• An interest in local food and wine paired with personal stories
• A love for history, art, and scenic walks in a quiet rural setting
• Those who enjoy small-group, intimate tours with flexible timing
• Anyone looking to connect with local citizens, not just professionals in hospitality

If you’re after a laid-back, heartfelt day that combines good food, history, and nature, this experience is a hidden gem just outside Paris.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

10am: Departure from Paris

Whether you choose the private driver, Uber, or train, your journey begins with a 55-minute trip out of the city. The train route—using the RER P line to Coulommiers—offers budget-friendly travel at just 2.5 euros, with a short Uber ride afterward. For those wanting maximum comfort, the private transfer is convenient but adds to the cost.

11am: Arrive & Welcome in Mauperthuis

Your hosts, Cosima and Frédéric, greet you warmly at their stone house, a building that’s seen centuries unfold. The interior is filled with intriguing WWII graffiti and shrapnel, offering a tactile connection to history. Their home isn’t a polished hotel but a lived-in space full of character, which reviewers noted as a highlight—feeling like visiting friends rather than a tourist attraction.

11:30am – 1pm: House & Garden Tour

You’ll explore the interiors, discovering artifacts that tell stories of wartime, and walk through the bamboo garden—an oasis of greenery and peace. Cosima’s art studio adds a creative flair, and many visitors appreciate the chance to see art created locally.

1pm – 2:30pm: French Meal & Wine

The meal is prepared by Cosima and Frédéric themselves. No set menu—just seasonal, homemade dishes that showcase simple but flavorful French country cooking. Expect a balanced meal featuring cheese, bread, a main dish, dessert, and paired wines—all served in an informal, convivial setting.

2:30pm – 3pm: Scenic Stroll & Art Visit

After lunch, walk along the river, passing medieval ruins—imagine a quiet medieval village frozen in time. The hosts also take you to Cosima’s art studio, adding a personal touch and insight into local creative pursuits.

3pm: Return to Paris

The trip wraps up with the return journey, giving you a relaxed afternoon back in the city, with plenty of stories and photos to share.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Transportation: Booking UBER in advance ensures a smooth trip, especially if you prefer not to organize your own travel. Expect about 95 euros one way for four people.
• Timing: The tour runs from 10am to around 3pm, perfect for a relaxed day without rushing.
• Group size: Limited to your private group, which means a more personalized experience.
• Language: Guides are available in Spanish, English, and German, ensuring clear communication.
• Suitability: Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for a casual, farm-like environment; comfortable shoes are recommended for the walk.

FAQs

How do I get to Mauperthuis from Paris?
You can opt for a private driver, book an Uber (about 80 euros), or take the RER P train to Coulommiers (just 2.5 euros), then call an Uber for the short ride to the village.

Is transportation included in the tour price?
You can choose the “Transportation included” option with a pick-up, or organize your own trip using the detailed instructions provided.

What is the meal like?
Expect a surprise, home-cooked French meal with two courses, cheese, bread, dessert, and wine. It’s homemade and seasonal, with no preset menu.

Are children allowed?
Yes, most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families or couples seeking a relaxed countryside outing.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the tour, giving flexibility if needed.

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, live assistance is provided in multiple languages, and your hosts serve as informal guides, sharing stories and insights.

Final Thoughts

This day trip offers a heartfelt glimpse into rural France, blending history, art, and culinary delights. It’s perfect for those who want to experience authentic local life without the fuss of a large group or commercialized tour. The chance to share a home-cooked meal with genuinely passionate hosts, explore centuries-old artifacts, and wander scenic riverside paths makes it a memorable escape from Paris’s hustle.

While it’s not a luxury gourmet experience, the value lies in its intimacy, authenticity, and the stories shared by your hosts. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager for a real connection, good food, and a slow-paced day immersed in the countryside’s quiet beauty.

If you’re after a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s more about connection than checklist ticking, this experience deserves a spot on your Paris itinerary.