Heritage yvelines - activities

Le Désert de Retz, the unusual Anglo-Chinese park in Yvelines

One of the most unusual spots in the Paris region is the Desert de Retz, at Chambourcy in the Yvelines. This 18th-century Anglo-Chinese garden is one of the few to have been preserved in its original state. This enchanting place, once frequented by the likes of Marie-Antoinette and Thomas Jefferson, stands out for its fanciful constructions. You'll also enjoy discovering the many remarkable trees that dominate the landscaped area.

8 unusual parks and gardens in Yvelines, treasures to discover

Why not take a stroll and discover the most beautiful and original parks and gardens in Yvelines? From hidden gardens to unique, historic and even downright zany, the 78 region has no shortage of unusual treasures to discover for those wishing to get off the beaten track.

The largest dinosaur to be discovered at Château de Dampierre, back in the Jurassic period

For dinosaur fans and budding paleontologists, the Jurassic is coming to Château de Dampierre from July 13 to November 15, 2024. Vaucain, the largest dinosaur ever sold at auction in the world, will take up summer residence in the château's Orangerie.

Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande, the natural beach and bathing area in Yvelines is now open

Discover the wonders of the Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande in Les Bréviaires, in the heart of the Rambouillet forest. Fancy a beach and a swim in the green? Head for the Yvelines to sunbathe and relax in the heart of nature.

A free medieval festival at Guernes in the Yvelines this weekend

A medieval festival and craft market with free admission awaits you this weekend of June 15 and 16, 2024 at Guernes in the Yvelines. Looking to step back in time? Equestrian shows and games, falconers and jugglers await you.

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.

Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2024 at Jardin de Yili, the superb Chinese garden in Yvelines (78)

From May 31 to June 2, 2024, Jardin Yili, an oasis of tranquility and Chinese culture, opens its doors to visitors as part of the Rendez-Vous aux Jardins event. Located in Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, just 33 km from Paris, this private garden is an invitation to travel to China without leaving the Ile-de-France region.

Unusual in the Yvelines: the superb waterfall grotto at Parc du Dr Fauvel in Villennes-sur-Seine

Villennes-sur-Seine, a charming commune in the Yvelines department, is home to a little-known treasure: the waterfalls of the Parc Fauvel grotto. Located some 36 kilometers west of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, this small town near Poissy on the left bank of the Seine boasts a park that combines history and nature. The park, an example of English romanticism, features an unusual grotto and waterfalls.

Les rendez-vous de la Madeleine, re-enactment weekends at the château de la Madeleine - photos

Les rendez-vous de la Madeleine are back from these April 27 and 28, 2024. Head for the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, where we invite you to relive medieval life, free of charge, over 4 lively weekends from late April to October.

Le Jardin Yili, the unusual Chinese garden hidden away in the Yvelines

Jardin Yili is the only privately-owned traditional Chinese garden in France. Head for Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, about 33 km from Paris, for a change of scenery. Discover this 10,000 m² green space, imbued with spirituality and tranquility, where you can discover the art of Chinese gardens and immerse yourself in a feng shui setting inspired by age-old traditions.

Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department

Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history.

La Maison de Fer de Poissy, the unusual museum nestled in the Parc Meissonnier

La Maison de Fer à Poissy, a monument dating from 1896, is an atypical museum on the town of Poissy, to be discovered in the heart of the Parc Meissonnier. Discover its unique industrial architecture and history, and immerse yourself in the story of Poissy's development.

The charming village of Médan in the Yvelines, its castle and its treasures

Nestled in a loop of the Seine just 30 minutes from Paris, the village of Médan offers a wonderful escape into time and history. Once the property of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Middle Ages, it now boasts a number of cultural treasures, including its famous 16th-century château and the home of the illustrious Émile Zola. We take you on a voyage of discovery.

Parc du Château de Plaisir, a green bubble in the heart of Yvelines

On the outskirts of old Plaisir, nestles the Parc du Château de Plaisir and its verdant setting, a veritable corner of nature for strolling, picnicking or playing sport. Classified as a historic monument in 1961, this site has many assets.

A bucolic walk on the Impressionist Island in Chatou

A few stations away from Paris, by taking the RER A, make a stopover in the footsteps of the Impressionists in Chatou, for a pleasant stroll along the water.