Free ride - activities

Unusual: take a river shuttle for a ride on an island in the heart of Paris

Many people are familiar with the Bois de Boulogne, yet few really know that it's home to two of the capital's most beautiful lakes and their picturesque islands. Come on board with us: we're off to discover these hidden treasures of Paris!

Top 25 most beautiful villages and walks near Paris, nuggets in Ile-de-France

Escape around Paris with these 25 must-see getaways less than 100 km from the capital.

Discover Crécy-la-Chapelle (77), a bucolic village on the banks of the Grand Morin river

For an outdoor getaway less than an hour from Paris, head for Crécy-la-Chapelle, a small village at the terminus of the Transilien line P, charmingly nicknamed "Venise Briarde".

A historical walk in the footsteps of Alexandre Dumas in Paris and the Île-de-France region

After the Three Musketeers, the Count of Monte Cristo has been adapted for the big screen. What better way to follow in the footsteps of the prolific writer Alexandre Dumas across the Île-de-France region!

French Flower Day: bouquet hunt and free events in the Paris region

To celebrate French, local and seasonal flowers, on September 21 and 22, 2024, a collective action invites you to take part in numerous events and bouquet hunts all over the country, with horticulturists and florists near you.

Vétheuil (95), discover this picturesque village on the banks of the Seine, cradle of Monet's art.

How about discovering Vétheuil, one of France's most beautiful villages and the inspiration of artist Claude Monet? Located in the French Vexin regional nature park, this is a real treasure trove to be discovered, as you stroll along the banks of the Seine.

Trúc Lâm Thiền Viện: discover the traditional Vietnamese pagoda in Villebon-sur-Yvette (91)

Take a one-way ticket to Hanoi - or rather, Villebon-sur-Yvette - and discover the Trúc Lâm Thiền Viện pagoda, a little-known nugget in the Essonne department.

A day in Meaux (77), the bucolic destination on the banks of the Marne River

Less than an hour's drive from Paris, discover the pretty historic town of Meaux, an ideal destination for a stroll around the Ile-de-France region.

Did you know? This Belvédère kiosk in the Yvelines is a remnant of the Universal Exhibition.

How about discovering the Kiosque du Belvédère de Châtillon, nestling in the Rosny-sur-Seine forest in the Yvelines department? We tell you all about its history and how to find it.

Fête de la Salade Nouvelle 2024 in Montesson (78): field walks and tastings

The Fête de la Salade Nouvelle, a gourmet, country-style celebration, takes place on April 28, 2024! Organized by the Association Plaine d'Avenir 78, this 12th edition invites you to an escapade in the heart of the plains of Montesson (78). Join local farmers and beekeepers on this bucolic hike, and discover the treasures of our terroir in a friendly, festive atmosphere!

Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France

Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history.

Grez-sur-Loing: Discover this superb authentic medieval village in Seine-et-Marne along the river

Located in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, Grez-sur-Loing is an unmissable getaway to recharge your batteries and discover a pretty village frozen in time. This medieval village is brimming with charm and history. Stroll, hike or canoe along the water's edge, it's a place well worth the detour.

Bourron-Marlotte in Seine-et-Marne: discover the artistic nugget and historical gem of a village

Bourron-Marlotte, a charming village in Seine-et-Marne, reveals its rich artistic and architectural past. Between cobbled streets and sandstone walls, embark on a singular exploration of nature, history and culture.

L'Isle-Adam: the green nugget in Ile-de-France, 25 km from Paris

L'Isle-Adam, one of France's most beautiful Detours and a source of inspiration for many a landscape painter, is a veritable green nugget to be discovered just a few kilometers from Paris. On the banks of the River Oise, with its seaside resort and beautiful monuments, this village in the Val d'Oise has plenty to tempt those in search of strolls and discoveries.

Rueil-Malmaison's superb Parc des Impressionnistes, inspired by Monet

The Parc des Impressionnistes in Rueil-Malmaison, located on the banks of the Seine opposite the Ile des Impressionnistes, is a sublime 1.2-hectare park that honors the color palettes of the Impressionists. Water, plants and flowers in abundance recall Claude Monet's garden at Giverny.

Parc de l'Amitié, the superb Japanese park in Hauts-de-Seine

Looking for an original park and garden just outside Paris? Head for Rueil-Malmaison in the 92 region to discover the Parc de l'Amitié, an astonishing park full of treasures, including a Japanese garden with its emblematic red bridge and flourishing vegetation.

The free Arbor&Sens walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, the Franchard Arboretum

Arbor&Sens is the name of this free, easy-to-use walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, near the Château. Free, accessible to all and educational, this walk takes us on a discovery of tree species, their origins and their uses.

Free rooftop, the Philharmonie's Belvedere reopens with an exceptional view

Fancy a free rooftop? Head for the roof of the Philharmonie de Paris, overlooking the Parc de la Villette, which is once again open to us from April to October. This is your chance to enjoy a 360° view without paying a penny.

International Forest Day 2024 in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: free walks and events

Activities and forest walks await us on International Forest Day 2024! In Paris and the Ile-de-France region, conferences, workshops and, of course, walks are being organized to raise public awareness of the sustainable management of this ecosystem, from March 16 to 24, 2024.

Fête des Parcs et Jardins à Barbizon 2024

Barbizon is once again hosting its Fête des Parcs & Jardins on Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5, 2024. A great opportunity to stroll through one of Seine et Marne's most beautiful villages, discovering plants and biodiversity.