What to do in île de france this weekend - activities

The confidential Café Ginori Place Vendôme in Paris, tea time and magical aperitivo

Discovery alert! We've unearthed a sublime, confidential, ephemeral café that should put stars in your eyes: Café Ginori, the result of a collaboration between Ginori 1735 and Potel & Chabot. Don't miss their tea time, aperitivo and pop-up store from December 16 to 23, 2024 and January 4 to 11, 2025, at the Hôtel d'Évreux, Place Vendôme, Paris.

Lueurs de Mantes: the free light trail in the heart of the Yvelines 2024-2025, is unveiled

Mantes-la-Jolie is shining brightly this winter! For the second time, this Yvelines town is organizing a large-scale, original nocturnal event in the footsteps of its cultural heritage. Join us from December 13, 2024 to February 1, 2025 to discover "Lueurs de Mantes", a luminous and artistic itinerary where illuminated scenographies mingle with digital artworks.

Christmas market in Crécy-la-Chapelle: an authentic and magical getaway in Seine-et-Marne (77)

The Crécy-la-Chapelle Christmas Market awaits you from Friday December 13 to Sunday December 15, 2024. Come and discover this enchanting Christmas village with almost 100 exhibitors and great family entertainment, all under the sign of magic and conviviality.

Bo Ranch, the huge restaurant-bar and reining venue unique in the Fontainebleau region

At La Chapelle-la-Reine, just a few minutes from Fontainebleau in the Seine-et-Marne region, Bo Ranch immerses you in an authentic western atmosphere. Europe's largest ranch, this unique venue combines a convivial restaurant-bar with a venue for reining competitions, all in a natural setting. An ideal getaway to enjoy tasty cuisine, admire horses in action and share warm moments, whether you're with family, friends or even lovers.

Unusual: the PanoraMagique balloon at Disney Village, a hot-air balloon for a magical view

Did you know that you could fly over Disneyland Paris and enjoy a unique view of the park and its village? The PanoraMagique balloon, the largest tethered balloon in the world, offers an unusual experience, so why not take to the skies?

Paris 2024 Horse Show: the weekend's must-attend equestrian event

The Salon du Cheval de Paris opened its doors today, December 6, 2024, at the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles. Until December 8, this emblematic event offers a complete immersion in the equestrian universe, combining competitions, shows and discoveries for all enthusiasts and the curious.

11 free castles around Paris this Sunday, December 1, 2024, the 1st Sunday of the month

On the first Sunday of the month, certain monuments, notably châteaux, open their doors to us for a free visit. Why not take advantage of this Sunday, December 1, 2024, to treat yourself to one of the sublime châteaux of our Ile-de-France heritage? Don't forget, some of them require free advance reservations, so be sure to check and prepare your visits in advance.

The giant Christmas Market at La Défense is open! Festive entertainment and ice rink on the program

The Paris la Défense Christmas Market is back from November 14 to December 29, 2024. This year, the market expands to include some 250 wooden chalets, bringing the parvis de la Défense to life with gift ideas, gourmet stalls and entertainment galore! As an added bonus, a real ice Christmas skating rink will be set up at the foot of the arch.

Médiévale de Mantes 2024: free festive immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages in Mantes-la-Jolie

La Médiévale de Mantes awaits us on Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23, 2024 in Mantes-la-Jolie. For one day, on the occasion of the 574ᵉ Foire aux Oignons, the town takes us on a journey back in time, where medieval animations, theatrical strolls, and a craft village will transport young and old to the Middle Ages. Both festive and educational, this unique experience is the perfect opportunity to rediscover history in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Vulcain, the largest dinosaur auctioned this Saturday, November 16 in Dampierre-en-Yvelines

The Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is set to host an unprecedented event: the auction of Vulcan, a 150 million-year-old specimen of Apatosaurus, the largest dinosaur ever offered for sale. Scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, this exceptional auction promises to exceed its estimate of between 3 and 5 million euros. You still have until November 15 to admire it before it leaves for its buyer.

All Saints' Day vacations and Halloween in Provins, the medieval town's events are multiplying

Looking for great ideas for family outings during the 2024 All Saints' Day vacations? We invite you to plunge into the heart of the Middle Ages in the town of Provins, just an hour from Paris. With shows, banquets, visits to monuments and a rose garden, this medieval town has a great program in store for you!

The Parc de l'étrange, when Halloween takes over the Parc de Saint-Cloud to send shivers down our spines

Oyez folks, the Parc de Saint-Cloud will be transformed into a Parc de l'Étrange for the first time this Halloween, from October 18 to November 2, 2024. Will you be brave enough to cross the haunted forest to await the gates of hell?

The excellent all-you-can-eat brunch at the Auberge des 3 Hameaux in the Yvelines department

Brunch at the Auberge des 3 Hameaux in Choisel, just behind the Château de Breteuil, is undoubtedly one of the best brunches in the Yvelines, if not the whole of Ile-de-France. Affordable, all-you-can-eat, with good local produce and changing recipes, not to mention homemade pastries, we love it. Mind you, it only takes place one Sunday a month!

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.

Fête des Tuileries 2024 moves to Bois de Boulogne

The Fête des Tuileries, this year known as the Paris Summer Fair, is moving to the Bois de Boulogne for the 2024 edition. Initially scheduled to start at the end of May, the funfair will now run from July 6 to September 1.

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.

Royal all-you-can-eat lobster brunch at Château d'Hardricourt in Yvelines, France

The Château d'Hardricourt, in the Yvelines department, unveils its lobster brunch every Sunday. How about an all-you-can-eat brunch with lobster and champagne, all in the château's magnificent garden?

Nuit Blanche 2024: a high-flying show at Hangar Y in Meudon (92)

For an atypical Nuit Blanche, we're off to Meudon, and more precisely to Hangar Y, which is welcoming us free of charge this Saturday, June 1, 2024. Discover the program for this very special evening.

Escales d'Ailleurs Festival at Château de Plaisir, a program of free shows and concerts

The Escales d'Ailleurs Festival awaits you this Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Château de Plaisir en Yvelines. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend this free, open-air cultural event. Click here for the program!

The Roseraie du Val-de-Marne at l'Haÿ-les-Roses, the world's first rose garden

Looking for the most beautiful rose garden around Paris? We'll take you to L'Haÿ-les-Roses in the Val-de-Marne to discover the world's first rose garden, created in 1894! Both a conservatory of plant collections and a Jardin Remarquable, this rose garden, open from May to September, is sure to delight your eyes.