Please recommend a small town 1-2 hours from Paris

[Houseplantmad]

I'm looking for a small town within 1-2 hours via train from Paris, ideally near a river/forest area for a short break. Can anyone recommend somewhere please?

I’ve been looking at Reims. Looks accessible to Paris and apparently very pretty with champagne houses nearby

Chartres
Amiens- river bang in the centre and you could stay on this boat- lovely owner
Amiens AirBnB

Orléans

Vernon is just under an hour from Paris by train I think. It lies on the banks of the Seine. From here you can easily visit Monet's gardens at Giverny.

Vernon is a really old city with quirky buildings and is on a river. You will be taking the same train as you would for Rouen, just getting off a few stops earlier, after about 45 minutes. From Vernon you can take a bus to Giverny (about a 20 mins) to see Monet’s house and garden.

Rouen or reims

Or nantes or tours? Might be more than 2 hours though

Chantilly:

www.french-weekendbreaks.co.uk/page/things-do-chantilly-recommended-locals

Or Fontainebleau

www.lonelyplanet.com/france/fontainebleau

Reims is lovely and interesting history. Champagne houses too. But why do you want a river? I don't remember the river being a feature in Reims even if there is one.

Thanks all. Some great suggestions. @todayissunny I just find water very relaxing! Prefer the sea but a river will do.