Saint-Leu-dʼEsserent(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Saint-Leu-d'Esserent, the standout boutique hotel is Hôtel Le Relais de la Couronne, a charming 18th-century inn restored with authentic French country charm. Each room features handcrafted wooden furnishings, vintage décor, and modern amenities. The on-site restaurant specializes in regional specialties using fresh ingredients from local farms, including duck confit and creamy gratin dauphinoise. Located just a 5-minute walk from the Église Saint-Leu, it’s ideal for travelers seeking an immersive rural French experience.

The city center is the prime area for lodging in Saint-Leu-d'Esserent. Surrounded by historic stone buildings, it offers easy access to the Église Saint-Leu, weekly market square, and local cafés. Most guesthouses and boutique hotels are located here, providing a quiet, authentic atmosphere. Staying near the town square allows guests to enjoy morning coffee at sidewalk cafés and evening strolls under soft streetlights, perfect for immersing in the village’s tranquil French countryside lifestyle.

Don’t miss the weekly farmers’ market in Saint-Leu-d'Esserent, where local producers sell regional specialties like Oise cheese, honey, and artisanal bread. Join a hands-on traditional French basket-weaving workshop hosted by the community museum, learning ancient techniques using willow and hemp. Every summer, the town hosts the Saint-Leu-d'Esserent Music Festival, featuring folk and classical performances in the church square. These events highlight the village’s deep-rooted traditions and offer authentic insight into northern France’s rural culture.

The Oise River Nature Trail is perfect for families, offering a 3-kilometer scenic path with interactive signage for children and picnic areas along the way. Stop by the old mill ruins for a glimpse into local history. Nearby, La Ferme des Enfants offers hands-on activities like milking goats and feeding lambs, plus pottery workshops and farm-to-table lunch experiences. It’s an ideal spot for kids to connect with nature while enjoying educational fun.

Local cuisine in Saint-Leu-d'Esserent centers on Oise-region ingredients. Must-try dishes include caramelized duck breast and creamy gratin dauphinois, made with locally raised duck and fresh potatoes. Another highlight is Saint-Leu d’Esserent preserves, crafted from local cherries and apricots—sweet yet balanced. Pair with a glass of regional apple cider for a true taste of northern French countryside. Many restaurants offer farm-to-table menus with traceable, seasonal ingredients.

The easiest way is taking a TER regional train from Gare du Nord in Paris to Saint-Leu-d'Esserent Station, a journey of about 1 hour. Trains pass through several towns in Oise, offering scenic views of the French countryside. From the station, it’s a 5-minute walk to the city center. For more flexibility, rent a car and drive via the A16 highway, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Book train tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.

The Église Saint-Leu, dating back to the 12th century, is the town’s most significant landmark, featuring Gothic arches and stained-glass windows. Inside, you’ll find preserved altarpieces and a historic bell. Next door, the Old Town Hall—a 17th-century stone building—now houses a local history museum showcasing farming tools and wartime artifacts. Also worth visiting is the ruins of the old mill, where original machinery remains partially intact, illustrating past grain-processing methods. Together, these structures offer a vivid glimpse into the town’s millennium-long heritage.