last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Paris-Île de France
Location Map of Paris-Île de France
Paris-Île de France
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Île de France has four sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Banks of the Seine in Paris (1991)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Seine Riverbanks feature stunning architecture, iconic landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame), bridges, riverside booksellers, and various events that make them a must-see in Paris. Also worth exploring on a *bateau-mouche* cruise along the Seine.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Seine Riverbanks feature stunning architecture, iconic landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame), bridges, riverside booksellers, and various events that make them a must-see in Paris. Also worth exploring on a *bateau-mouche* cruise along the Seine.
Fontainebleau Palace (1981)
Magnificent and vast, this former royal residence of the kings of France, including Francis I, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with its 115 hectares of stunning parks and gardens. Though less famous than Versailles, this palace remains one of France’s most beautiful.
Magnificent and vast, this former royal residence of the kings of France, including Francis I, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with its 115 hectares of stunning parks and gardens. Though less famous than Versailles, this palace remains one of France’s most beautiful.
Palace of Versailles (1979)
A must-see for any trip, Versailles, which owes much to King Louis XIV, is one of France’s top tourist symbols. The park, with its magnificent formal French gardens, as well as the palace and other buildings on the estate, are UNESCO-listed.
A must-see for any trip, Versailles, which owes much to King Louis XIV, is one of France’s top tourist symbols. The park, with its magnificent formal French gardens, as well as the palace and other buildings on the estate, are UNESCO-listed.
Provins
80 km from Paris, Provins is a fortified medieval town with remarkable heritage, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
80 km from Paris, Provins is a fortified medieval town with remarkable heritage, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Paris (75)
Paris
Both a city and a department, Paris is the most visited city in the world thanks to its countless landmarks—starting, of course, with the Eiffel Tower, known to all—its dozens of museums, parks and gardens, and the wide range of activities the capital offers its visitors.
Both a city and a department, Paris is the most visited city in the world thanks to its countless landmarks—starting, of course, with the Eiffel Tower, known to all—its dozens of museums, parks and gardens, and the wide range of activities the capital offers its visitors.
Seine-et-Marne (77)
Jouarre Abbey (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Jouarre)
This is a Benedictine abbey on the route from Paris to Reims.
This is a Benedictine abbey on the route from Paris to Reims.
Barbizon
Famous small village near Fontainebleau known for its role in the 19th-century art scene. Several museums and period "artist houses" can be visited here.
Famous small village near Fontainebleau known for its role in the 19th-century art scene. Several museums and period "artist houses" can be visited here.
Château de Champs-sur-Marne
A beautiful 18th-century château and gardens located in the town of the same name, east of Paris.
A beautiful 18th-century château and gardens located in the town of the same name, east of Paris.
Fontainebleau Palace
Magnificent and vast, this former royal residence of the kings of France, including Francis I, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with its 115 hectares of stunning parks and gardens. Though less famous than Versailles, this palace remains one of France’s most beautiful.
Magnificent and vast, this former royal residence of the kings of France, including Francis I, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with its 115 hectares of stunning parks and gardens. Though less famous than Versailles, this palace remains one of France’s most beautiful.
Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle
Built in the 17th century, Vaux is one of the country’s most beautiful castles, thanks in part to its magnificent park designed by Le Nôtre.
Built in the 17th century, Vaux is one of the country’s most beautiful castles, thanks in part to its magnificent park designed by Le Nôtre.
Coulommiers
This town has a notable religious heritage, including the Knights Templar Commandery of Coulommiers, which dates back to the 12th century.
This town has a notable religious heritage, including the Knights Templar Commandery of Coulommiers, which dates back to the 12th century.
Disneyland Paris
Located in Marne-la-Vallée, about thirty kilometres from Paris, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios make up one of the world’s most visited theme parks, with 15 million visitors a year. Worth a visit at least once...
Located in Marne-la-Vallée, about thirty kilometres from Paris, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios make up one of the world’s most visited theme parks, with 15 million visitors a year. Worth a visit at least once...
Marne-la-Vallée
This new town actually groups 26 municipalities in eastern Paris and is home to the famous Disneyland Paris. Beyond that, it may interest architecture and urban planning enthusiasts for its organization and urban morphology.
This new town actually groups 26 municipalities in eastern Paris and is home to the famous Disneyland Paris. Beyond that, it may interest architecture and urban planning enthusiasts for its organization and urban morphology.
Meaux
It is the second-largest city in the department. It features a cathedral, several historic houses, and remnants of its old ramparts.
It is the second-largest city in the department. It features a cathedral, several historic houses, and remnants of its old ramparts.
Melun
The prefecture of Seine-et-Marne has a rather pretty centre with various traces of its history.
The prefecture of Seine-et-Marne has a rather pretty centre with various traces of its history.
Moret-sur-Loing
Just a few kilometres from Fontainebleau, this is a charming medieval town with its fortifications, towers, gates, and old castle.
Just a few kilometres from Fontainebleau, this is a charming medieval town with its fortifications, towers, gates, and old castle.
Nemours
South of the Fontainebleau forest, Nemours is known for its 12th-century castle-museum and, secondarily, its Museum of Prehistory.
South of the Fontainebleau forest, Nemours is known for its 12th-century castle-museum and, secondarily, its Museum of Prehistory.
Provins
80 km from Paris, Provins is a fortified medieval town with remarkable heritage, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
80 km from Paris, Provins is a fortified medieval town with remarkable heritage, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Natural Heritage
Fontainebleau Forest
This vast forest (along with its neighbours) is a favourite spot for residents of Île-de-France, who come here to hike its 360 km of marked trails or climb its large boulders. The Fontainebleau Forest has also inspired many painters and artists over the centuries.
This vast forest (along with its neighbours) is a favourite spot for residents of Île-de-France, who come here to hike its 360 km of marked trails or climb its large boulders. The Fontainebleau Forest has also inspired many painters and artists over the centuries.
Notre Dame Forest
Between Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne, this is a large forest ideal for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
Between Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne, this is a large forest ideal for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
Gâtinais Français Regional Nature Park
You can go horseback riding in this park spanning Essonne and Seine-et-Marne.
You can go horseback riding in this park spanning Essonne and Seine-et-Marne.
Sorques Plain
This former quarry in the municipality of Montigny-sur-Loing is now a birdwatching site.
This former quarry in the municipality of Montigny-sur-Loing is now a birdwatching site.
Yvelines (78)
Château de la Madeleine
This fortified castle in the commune of Chevreuse overlooks the valley and the regional nature park of the same name.
This fortified castle in the commune of Chevreuse overlooks the valley and the regional nature park of the same name.
Breteuil Castle
It is a beautiful 16th-century building located in Choisel, about forty kilometres southwest of Paris.
It is a beautiful 16th-century building located in Choisel, about forty kilometres southwest of Paris.
Rambouillet Castle
One of the most famous castles in the Île-de-France region, which served as a presidential residence until recently. It is located in the Rambouillet forest and dates back to the 13th century.
One of the most famous castles in the Île-de-France region, which served as a presidential residence until recently. It is located in the Rambouillet forest and dates back to the 13th century.
Palace of Versailles
A must-see for any trip, Versailles, which owes much to King Louis XIV, is one of France’s top tourist symbols. The park, with its magnificent formal French gardens, as well as the palace and other buildings on the estate, are UNESCO-listed.
A must-see for any trip, Versailles, which owes much to King Louis XIV, is one of France’s top tourist symbols. The park, with its magnificent formal French gardens, as well as the palace and other buildings on the estate, are UNESCO-listed.
Maisons-Laffitte
The town is known for its racecourse and horses (its nickname is the "City of the Horse"), as well as its magnificent 17th-century château, which is open to visitors.
The town is known for its racecourse and horses (its nickname is the "City of the Horse"), as well as its magnificent 17th-century château, which is open to visitors.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
West of the capital, Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers a stunning Renaissance château with its grand terrace overlooking the Seine Valley, numerous 17th- and 18th-century townhouses in its historic centre, and its nearby forest.
West of the capital, Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers a stunning Renaissance château with its grand terrace overlooking the Seine Valley, numerous 17th- and 18th-century townhouses in its historic centre, and its nearby forest.
Thoiry
Located in the northern part of the department, this was once considered a "benchmark" for zoos. Visitors could drive freely among the animals at Thoiry Zoo.
Located in the northern part of the department, this was once considered a "benchmark" for zoos. Visitors could drive freely among the animals at Thoiry Zoo.
Versailles
About twenty kilometres southwest of Paris, the prefecture of Yvelines is world-famous for its UNESCO-listed palace and gardens. Beyond the palace, the city also boasts charming old quarters dating back to Louis XIV and many interesting buildings.
About twenty kilometres southwest of Paris, the prefecture of Yvelines is world-famous for its UNESCO-listed palace and gardens. Beyond the palace, the city also boasts charming old quarters dating back to Louis XIV and many interesting buildings.
Natural Heritage
Rambouillet Forest
Covering 200 km², it is one of the main forested areas in the Île-de-France region. A favorite among walkers and hikers, it is the second most visited forest in the region after Fontainebleau.
Covering 200 km², it is one of the main forested areas in the Île-de-France region. A favorite among walkers and hikers, it is the second most visited forest in the region after Fontainebleau.
Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park
South-west of Paris, in the 78 and 91 départements, this is a prime spot for hiking and walks for residents of the Paris region.
South-west of Paris, in the 78 and 91 départements, this is a prime spot for hiking and walks for residents of the Paris region.
Vexin Français Regional Nature Park
It covers a large part of Val d'Oise and a small section of the Yvelines department. Its primary aim is to preserve the landscape and agricultural activity in this part of the Paris region.
It covers a large part of Val d'Oise and a small section of the Yvelines department. Its primary aim is to preserve the landscape and agricultural activity in this part of the Paris region.
Essonne (91)
Chamarande Castle
This castle and its park, located in the municipality of Chamarande, are the most visited site in the department.
This castle and its park, located in the municipality of Chamarande, are the most visited site in the department.
Marais Castle
Beautiful 18th-century castle built by the riverside in the commune of Le Val-Saint-Germain.
Beautiful 18th-century castle built by the riverside in the commune of Le Val-Saint-Germain.
Dourdan
A well-preserved 13th-century castle and a vast forest are the main attractions of this former royal town.
A well-preserved 13th-century castle and a vast forest are the main attractions of this former royal town.
Étampes
South of Paris, this former royal city still retains some architectural remnants from that era.
South of Paris, this former royal city still retains some architectural remnants from that era.
Évry
Évry is both the prefecture of Essonne and a new town. It features a cathedral with strikingly futuristic architecture, inaugurated in 1995.
Évry is both the prefecture of Essonne and a new town. It features a cathedral with strikingly futuristic architecture, inaugurated in 1995.
Natural Heritage
Gâtinais Français Regional Nature Park
You can go horseback riding in this park spanning Essonne and Seine-et-Marne.
You can go horseback riding in this park spanning Essonne and Seine-et-Marne.
Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park
South-west of Paris, in the 78 and 91 départements, this is a prime spot for hiking and walks for residents of the Paris region.
South-west of Paris, in the 78 and 91 départements, this is a prime spot for hiking and walks for residents of the Paris region.
Hauts-de-Seine (92)
Boulogne-Billancourt
The second most populous city in the Paris region, Boulogne-Billancourt boasts France’s most significant architectural heritage from the 1930s. It is also home to the Albert Kahn Museum, dedicated to the "Archives of the Planet.".
The second most populous city in the Paris region, Boulogne-Billancourt boasts France’s most significant architectural heritage from the 1930s. It is also home to the Albert Kahn Museum, dedicated to the "Archives of the Planet.".
Château de Malmaison
This 17th-century château in Rueil-Malmaison was the home of Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s first wife. It is also a museum dedicated to the Emperor.
This 17th-century château in Rueil-Malmaison was the home of Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s first wife. It is also a museum dedicated to the Emperor.
Châtenay-Malabry
South of Paris, the town is home to the estate of Chateaubriand and its gardens, a popular spot for walks. They are part of the Parc de la Vallée aux Loups, a large network of parks and gardens within the town.
South of Paris, the town is home to the estate of Chateaubriand and its gardens, a popular spot for walks. They are part of the Parc de la Vallée aux Loups, a large network of parks and gardens within the town.
La Défense
Located across three municipalities in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the La Défense business district is also a tourist destination (fully pedestrian) due to its distinctive architecture, which also features green spaces and contemporary artworks.
Located across three municipalities in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the La Défense business district is also a tourist destination (fully pedestrian) due to its distinctive architecture, which also features green spaces and contemporary artworks.
Meudon
Its forest, its underground quarries, its Rodin Museum, and its observatory—all just a stone’s throw from Paris.
Its forest, its underground quarries, its Rodin Museum, and its observatory—all just a stone’s throw from Paris.
Neuilly-sur-Seine
One of France’s wealthiest and most upscale towns, with some beautiful architecture in places.
One of France’s wealthiest and most upscale towns, with some beautiful architecture in places.
Sèvres
This is where the National Ceramics Museum, one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to the subject, is located.
This is where the National Ceramics Museum, one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to the subject, is located.
Natural Heritage
Seine-Saint-Denis (93)
Drancy
This town, whose history is tied to the Second World War, is home to the Historical Conservatory of the Drancy Camp, a memorial to the thousands of Jews interned there by the French State.
This town, whose history is tied to the Second World War, is home to the Historical Conservatory of the Drancy Camp, a memorial to the thousands of Jews interned there by the French State.
Le Bourget
This is where Paris's only civil airport was located for many years. The town remains aviation-focused, hosting Europe's leading business airport, a major biennial aerospace show, and the Air and Space Museum.
This is where Paris's only civil airport was located for many years. The town remains aviation-focused, hosting Europe's leading business airport, a major biennial aerospace show, and the Air and Space Museum.
Saint-Denis
The sub-prefecture of the 93 department is known for being home to the Stade de France and a 12th-century Gothic-style basilica that long served as the necropolis for the kings of France.
The sub-prefecture of the 93 department is known for being home to the Stade de France and a 12th-century Gothic-style basilica that long served as the necropolis for the kings of France.
Natural Heritage
Ourcq Canal
This northern Parisian canal, which then continues into the suburbs (including the 93), has been partly developed for walking or cycling. The Ourcq Canal is connected to the Saint-Martin Canal via the Bassin de la Villette, which also serves a recreational and tourist purpose.
This northern Parisian canal, which then continues into the suburbs (including the 93), has been partly developed for walking or cycling. The Ourcq Canal is connected to the Saint-Martin Canal via the Bassin de la Villette, which also serves a recreational and tourist purpose.
Val-de-Marne (94)
Créteil
It is the prefecture of the department. The city has a major leisure base with its large artificial lake.
It is the prefecture of the department. The city has a major leisure base with its large artificial lake.
Haÿ-les-Roses
On the southern outskirts of Paris, Haÿ-les-Roses is home to the world's first rose garden, created in 1894. Over 3,000 rose varieties can be seen here.
On the southern outskirts of Paris, Haÿ-les-Roses is home to the world's first rose garden, created in 1894. Over 3,000 rose varieties can be seen here.
Nogent-sur-Marne
Beyond its famous riverside guinguettes, the town borders the Paris Tropical Garden.
Beyond its famous riverside guinguettes, the town borders the Paris Tropical Garden.
Vincennes
Right next to Paris, Vincennes is known for its castle and, secondarily, its zoo. As for the Bois de Vincennes, it actually belongs to the city of Paris and is, in fact, the capital’s largest green space.
Right next to Paris, Vincennes is known for its castle and, secondarily, its zoo. As for the Bois de Vincennes, it actually belongs to the city of Paris and is, in fact, the capital’s largest green space.
Natural Heritage
Notre Dame Forest
Between Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne, this is a large forest ideal for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
Between Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne, this is a large forest ideal for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
The Marne
It is in the department that France’s longest river (525 km) flows into the Seine. It is also along its banks, in Val-de-Marne, that you can enjoy the famous *guinguettes* (Joinville, Nogent).
It is in the department that France’s longest river (525 km) flows into the Seine. It is also along its banks, in Val-de-Marne, that you can enjoy the famous *guinguettes* (Joinville, Nogent).
Val-d'Oise (95)
Auvers-sur-Oise
This is the "village" of painters (Cézanne, Corot, Van Gogh, Picasso…). Naturally, tourism here has developed around this theme (museums, various buildings…). You’ll also find a much-visited château.
This is the "village" of painters (Cézanne, Corot, Van Gogh, Picasso…). Naturally, tourism here has developed around this theme (museums, various buildings…). You’ll also find a much-visited château.
Cergy-Pontoise
A grouping of two municipalities with the status of prefecture of Val d'Oise. The urban area is home to a major leisure base.
A grouping of two municipalities with the status of prefecture of Val d'Oise. The urban area is home to a major leisure base.
Méry-sur-Oise Castle
A beautiful castle and its park in the town of the same name, facing Auvers-sur-Oise.
A beautiful castle and its park in the town of the same name, facing Auvers-sur-Oise.
Enghien-les-Bains
The only spa town in Île-de-France, known for its lake and one of France’s most important casinos.
The only spa town in Île-de-France, known for its lake and one of France’s most important casinos.
La Roche-Guyon
This small village, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," is known for its château, one of the most visited in the Paris region.
This small village, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," is known for its château, one of the most visited in the Paris region.
Montmorency
In addition to its forest, Montmorency boasts a beautiful collegiate church and the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum, whose presence has left a mark on the town.
In addition to its forest, Montmorency boasts a beautiful collegiate church and the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum, whose presence has left a mark on the town.
Natural Heritage
Montmorency Forest
One of the main forested areas in the department. With its hiking opportunities, it is very popular with Parisians.
One of the main forested areas in the department. With its hiking opportunities, it is very popular with Parisians.
Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park
A large park straddling the Île-de-France and Picardy regions, encompassing the Trois Forêts massif (Halatte, Ermenonville, Chantilly). Its focus is more "historical and cultural" than natural, though hiking is possible.
A large park straddling the Île-de-France and Picardy regions, encompassing the Trois Forêts massif (Halatte, Ermenonville, Chantilly). Its focus is more "historical and cultural" than natural, though hiking is possible.
Vexin Français Regional Nature Park
It covers a large part of Val d'Oise and a small section of the Yvelines department. Its primary aim is to preserve the landscape and agricultural activity in this part of the Paris region.
It covers a large part of Val d'Oise and a small section of the Yvelines department. Its primary aim is to preserve the landscape and agricultural activity in this part of the Paris region.
Must-see & highly recommended
Seine Riverbanks
★★★★ A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Seine Riverbanks feature stunning architecture, iconic landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame), bridges…
Fontainebleau Palace
★★★★ Magnificent and vast, this former royal residence of the kings of France, including Francis I, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with its…
Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle
★★★★ Built in the 17th century, Vaux is one of the country’s most beautiful castles, thanks in part to its magnificent park designed by Le…
Palace of Versailles
★★★★ A must-see for any trip, Versailles, which owes much to King Louis XIV, is one of France’s top tourist symbols. The park, with its…
Disneyland Paris
★★★★ Located in Marne-la-Vallée, about thirty kilometres from Paris, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios make up one of the world’s most…
Paris
★★★★ Both a city and a department, Paris is the most visited city in the world thanks to its countless landmarks—starting, of course, with…
Recommended
Fontainebleau Forest
★★★ This vast forest (along with its neighbours) is a favourite spot for residents of Île-de-France, who come here to hike its 360 km of marked…
Provins
★★★ 80 km from Paris, Provins is a fortified medieval town with remarkable heritage, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
★★★ West of the capital, Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers a stunning Renaissance château with its grand terrace overlooking the Seine Valley…
Worth a look / Other
Auvers-sur-Oise
★★ This is the "village" of painters (Cézanne, Corot, Van Gogh, Picasso…). Naturally, tourism here has developed around this theme…
Barbizon
★★ Famous small village near Fontainebleau known for its role in the 19th-century art scene. Several museums and period "artist houses" can be…
Écouen Castle
★★ This 16th-century castle is also home to the National Museum of the Renaissance.
Breteuil Castle
★★ It is a beautiful 16th-century building located in Choisel, about forty kilometres southwest of Paris.
Chamarande Castle
★★ This castle and its park, located in the municipality of Chamarande, are the most visited site in the department.
Château de Champs-sur-Marne
★★ A beautiful 18th-century château and gardens located in the town of the same name, east of Paris.
Dampierre Castle
★★ A grand castle near the Chevreuse Valley in the town of Dampierre-en-Yvelines.
Ferrières Castle
★★ A castle featuring an extensive English-style garden in the town of Ferrières.
Rambouillet Castle
★★ One of the most famous castles in the Île-de-France region, which served as a presidential residence until recently. It is located in the…
Rambouillet Forest
★★ Covering 200 km², it is one of the main forested areas in the Île-de-France region. A favorite among walkers and hikers, it is the second…
La Défense
★★ Located across three municipalities in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the La Défense business district is also a tourist destination (fully…
Maisons-Laffitte
★★ The town is known for its racecourse and horses (its nickname is the "City of the Horse"), as well as its magnificent 17th-century château…
Meudon
★★ Its forest, its underground quarries, its Rodin Museum, and its observatory—all just a stone’s throw from Paris.
Moret-sur-Loing
★★ Just a few kilometres from Fontainebleau, this is a charming medieval town with its fortifications, towers, gates, and old castle.
Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park
★★ South-west of Paris, in the 78 and 91 départements, this is a prime spot for hiking and walks for residents of the Paris region.
Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park
★★ A large park straddling the Île-de-France and Picardy regions, encompassing the Trois Forêts massif (Halatte, Ermenonville, Chantilly). Its…
Versailles
★★ About twenty kilometres southwest of Paris, the prefecture of Yvelines is world-famous for its UNESCO-listed palace and gardens. Beyond the…
Vincennes
★★ Right next to Paris, Vincennes is known for its castle and, secondarily, its zoo. As for the Bois de Vincennes, it actually belongs to the…
Maubuisson Abbey
★ A Cistercian abbey located in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône.
Royaumont Abbey
★ In Asnières-sur-Oise, it is the second most visited site in the department.
Jouarre Abbey (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Jouarre)
★ This is a Benedictine abbey on the route from Paris to Reims.
Boulogne-Billancourt
★ The second most populous city in the Paris region, Boulogne-Billancourt boasts France’s most significant architectural heritage from…
Ourcq Canal
★ This northern Parisian canal, which then continues into the suburbs (including the 93), has been partly developed for walking or cycling…
Cergy-Pontoise
★ A grouping of two municipalities with the status of prefecture of Val d'Oise. The urban area is home to a major leisure base.
Grosbois Castle
★ This 16th-century castle is located in the town of Boissy-Saint-Léger.
Château de la Madeleine
★ This fortified castle in the commune of Chevreuse overlooks the valley and the regional nature park of the same name.
Château de Malmaison
★ This 17th-century château in Rueil-Malmaison was the home of Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s first wife. It is also a museum…
Méry-sur-Oise Castle
★ A beautiful castle and its park in the town of the same name, facing Auvers-sur-Oise.
Sceaux Castle
★ This is a charming castle-museum with a park designed by Le Nôtre.
Marais Castle
★ Beautiful 18th-century castle built by the riverside in the commune of Le Val-Saint-Germain.
Châtenay-Malabry
★ South of Paris, the town is home to the estate of Chateaubriand and its gardens, a popular spot for walks. They are part of the Parc de la…
Coulommiers
★ This town has a notable religious heritage, including the Knights Templar Commandery of Coulommiers, which dates back to the 12th century.
Créteil
★ It is the prefecture of the department. The city has a major leisure base with its large artificial lake.
Dourdan
★ A well-preserved 13th-century castle and a vast forest are the main attractions of this former royal town.
Drancy
★ This town, whose history is tied to the Second World War, is home to the Historical Conservatory of the Drancy Camp, a memorial to the…
Enghien-les-Bains
★ The only spa town in Île-de-France, known for its lake and one of France’s most important casinos.
Étampes
★ South of Paris, this former royal city still retains some architectural remnants from that era.
Évry
★ Évry is both the prefecture of Essonne and a new town. It features a cathedral with strikingly futuristic architecture, inaugurated in 1995.
Meudon Forest
★ This is the forest closest to Paris. You can take short hikes here.
Montmorency Forest
★ One of the main forested areas in the department. With its hiking opportunities, it is very popular with Parisians.
Notre Dame Forest
★ Between Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne, this is a large forest ideal for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
Haÿ-les-Roses
★ On the southern outskirts of Paris, Haÿ-les-Roses is home to the world's first rose garden, created in 1894. Over 3,000 rose varieties can…
La Roche-Guyon
★ This small village, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," is known for its château, one of the most visited in the Paris…
Le Bourget
★ This is where Paris's only civil airport was located for many years. The town remains aviation-focused, hosting Europe's leading business…
Marne (river)
★ It is in the department that France’s longest river (525 km) flows into the Seine. It is also along its banks, in Val-de-Marne, that…
Marne-la-Vallée
★ This new town actually groups 26 municipalities in eastern Paris and is home to the famous Disneyland Paris. Beyond that, it may interest…
Meaux
★ It is the second-largest city in the department. It features a cathedral, several historic houses, and remnants of its old ramparts.
Melun
★ The prefecture of Seine-et-Marne has a rather pretty centre with various traces of its history.
Montmorency
★ In addition to its forest, Montmorency boasts a beautiful collegiate church and the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum, whose presence has left a…
Nanterre
★ It is the prefecture of Hauts-de-Seine and a university city.
Nemours
★ South of the Fontainebleau forest, Nemours is known for its 12th-century castle-museum and, secondarily, its Museum of Prehistory.
Neuilly-sur-Seine
★ One of France’s wealthiest and most upscale towns, with some beautiful architecture in places.
Nogent-sur-Marne
★ Beyond its famous riverside guinguettes, the town borders the Paris Tropical Garden.
Gâtinais Français Regional Nature Park
★ You can go horseback riding in this park spanning Essonne and Seine-et-Marne.
Vexin Français Regional Nature Park
★ It covers a large part of Val d'Oise and a small section of the Yvelines department. Its primary aim is to preserve the landscape and…
Sorques Plain
★ This former quarry in the municipality of Montigny-sur-Loing is now a birdwatching site.
Saint-Cloud
★ Next to Paris, Saint-Cloud is known for its parks and gardens.
Saint-Denis (93)
★ The sub-prefecture of the 93 department is known for being home to the Stade de France and a 12th-century Gothic-style basilica that long…
Sèvres
★ This is where the National Ceramics Museum, one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to the subject, is located.
Thoiry
★ Located in the northern part of the department, this was once considered a "benchmark" for zoos. Visitors could drive freely among the…