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

An Authentic Day in the French Countryside: Food, Horses, and Rural Charm

This guided day trip from Paris offers a delightful look into rural French life, combining home-cooked, organic food, scenic countryside walks, and horse interactions—all within a manageable 7-hour experience. The tour is led by Emilie, a knowledgeable host who shares her passion for nature, food, and her horses in her historic stone house.

One of the standout features is Emilie herself—her warmth, expertise, and ability to make visitors feel at home. We love that the experience is deeply authentic, with a real focus on organic produce, local wines, and hands-on activities like egg collecting and horse walking. However, potential travelers should note that this isn’t a gourmet dining experience or a high-adrenaline adventure; it’s about savoring simple pleasures and rural charm.

This tour is best suited for those who crave a relaxed, educational escape from the city, enjoy hands-on farm activities, or simply want to see a different side of France beyond Paris’s streets. If you’re craving authentic local cuisine, scenic tranquility, and meaningful rural interactions, this trip hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience with a local host in an old stone house.
• Hands-on activities like egg collecting, horse walking, and garden visits.
• Organic, farm-to-table lunch paired with French wines and local cheese.
• Accessible trip from Paris, via train, Uber, or private transportation.
• Families welcome, with kids enjoying farm chores and outdoor fun.
• Small group feel with personalized attention and knowledgeable guides.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Ease of Access and Transportation Options

One of the first things we appreciated was how easy it is to reach Emilie’s home in Bellot, just about an hour and 20 minutes from Paris. Travelers can choose to go by private driver, Uber, or the local RER train, which is a great budget-friendly option costing just 2.5 euros. The convenience of having multiple ways to get there means it suits different travel styles—whether you prefer a hassle-free private transfer or want to experience local transport.

While the private driver option provides the most comfort, traveling by train and Uber makes for a more economical alternative, especially for solo travelers or small groups. The exact address is provided after booking, making navigation straightforward.

Emilie’s Home and Setting

Arriving at Emilie’s old stone house feels like stepping into a storybook. The house, dating from the 1700s, is situated at the end of a 2 km forest road, adding a sense of adventure and seclusion. Emilie lives there with her family, two horses, and a friendly dog, creating a cozy, welcoming environment.

Guests often comment on the peaceful, almost magical atmosphere of her property. One reviewer noted that Emilie’s passion for her vegetable garden shines through, making the visit feel authentic and personal. The house’s rustic charm, combined with the lush garden and surrounding forest, makes for perfect photo opportunities and a calming backdrop for your rural adventure.

The Garden, Greenhouses, and Hands-On Farming

A significant part of the experience involves exploring Emilie’s garden and greenhouses (which are open March to September). You’ll learn about plants, herbs, and vegetables that Emilie grows herself—and even participate in collecting eggs from her henhouse, which really feels like stepping into a small farm.

Reviewers highlight how Emilie’s enthusiasm makes the garden tour engaging. We loved the way she explained her cultivation practices and her passion for organic gardening. It’s a chance to see the effort that goes into sustainable farming, and kids especially enjoy this interactive element.

The French Lunch: Simple, Fresh, and Delicious

The highlight for many is the lunch, which Emilie prepares using produce from her garden. The meal includes appetizers, a main course made predominantly from organic ingredients, local cheese, and a homemade dessert, all complemented by a glass of French wine or Emilie’s homemade wine.

While this isn’t a gourmet, Michelin-starred feast, it’s a heartfelt, home-cooked meal that emphasizes freshness and authenticity. Several reviews mention how delicious and satisfying the food is—perfect for those who appreciate simple, well-prepared dishes paired with good wine.

Horse Interactions and Countryside Walks

After eating, visitors get to feed Emilie’s horses and take them for a walk in the paddock—an activity that appeals to animal lovers and families alike. The horses are friendly, and Emilie’s gentle guidance makes this activity accessible for beginners.

Following this, you’ll take a leisurely stroll in the countryside, soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of Emilie’s surroundings. Guests often say that the peaceful environment and Emilie’s storytelling make the walk a restorative experience.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Guests consistently praise Emilie’s knowledgeable, warm hosting style. One reviewer mentioned how Emilie’s explanations about her herbs and plants were detailed enough to feel educational but engaging. Others appreciated how the experience exceeded expectations, describing it as a “soulful escape” and “a moment of bliss.”

Many reviewers also highlight the quality of the food and drinks—noting especially the wines and cheeses as standout elements. The personal touch Emilie adds to the meals and farm activities makes visitors feel like they’re guests in a friend’s country home, not just travelers.

Some feedback points out that, while it’s not a gourmet culinary tour, the focus on organic, homemade, and local ingredients makes the meal genuinely special. The fact that Emilie shares her knowledge of plants and herbal remedies adds depth to the visit—turning it into a learning experience as well as a leisure one.

Practical Details and Value

At $121.43 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines local cuisine, rural activities, and scenic beauty. The inclusion of transportation, lunch, and guided insights makes it good value for those wanting an authentic, unplugged day outside Paris.

The flexible options for transportation also cater to different budgets and comfort levels. The small group setting ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace—ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a meaningful rural connection.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who enjoy learning about local food production, interacting with animals, or simply want a peaceful countryside escape. It’s great for families with children who can participate in egg collecting and horse walking, as well as for those interested in organic gardening and sustainable farming.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day that combines culinary delights with natural beauty and informative storytelling, this tour offers a genuine slice of rural France. It’s not about high-energy activities, but rather about savoring the moment and appreciating the simple pleasures.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Paris is a charming and authentic opportunity to step away from the city’s hustle and experience the calm, rustic lifestyle of rural France. Emilie’s warm hospitality, her homemade meals, and her horses create a welcoming atmosphere that makes the experience memorable.

It’s ideal for travelers who crave hands-on farm activities, organic food, and scenic countryside walks—especially if they want a more personal, less commercialized slice of French life. While it may not satisfy those seeking gourmet cuisine or fast-paced adventures, it offers a genuine, heartfelt connection to rural traditions and sustainable living.

For anyone wanting to see a different side of France—beyond the museums and cafés—this tour is a calming, enriching escape that leaves you with new stories and a fresh appreciation for the land.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
You can choose the “Transportation included” option with a private driver, or arrange your own travel by Uber or train. The exact address is provided after booking, making planning straightforward.

How long does the trip last?
The total experience lasts about 7 hours, with approximately 4 hours spent at Emilie’s property and 1.5 hours each way for travel.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome! They can enjoy activities like egg collecting, feeding the horses, and exploring the garden. Emilie and her family are great with kids.

What is included in the meal?
A full French meal is served, featuring appetizers, main dishes made from organic produce, local cheese, a homemade dessert, coffee or tea, and a glass of French wine or Emilie’s homemade wine.

Are the greenhouses open year-round?
The greenhouses are open from March to September, so during these months, you can explore Emilie’s greenhouse and see seasonal plants.

How physically active is this tour?
Most activities are gentle—garden strolls, horse walks, and farm chores—making it accessible for most travelers. Comfortable shoes recommended.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and walking. Depending on the season, layers and perhaps rain gear could be helpful.

Is this a group tour or private?
This is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized and relaxed visit.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for unforeseen changes.

This trip offers a peaceful, authentic taste of French country life, perfect for those wanting a meaningful, relaxed day outside Paris. Whether you’re a foodie, animal lover, or simply in need of a quiet escape, Emilie’s farm provides a genuine, heartfelt experience.