What to visit in ile de france - 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.

Villa Savoye, a taste of modernism ahead of its time in Poissy

Want to discover the heritage of the Île-de-France region? Built between 1928 and 1931 by Le Corbusier, the Villa Savoye in Poissy offers a striking architectural immersion in the Modern Movement. Take a tour of this geometrically purist building.

6 Unesco World Heritage sites to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region

Do you know the Unesco World Heritage sites in the Paris region? We reveal 6 jewels to discover in Paris and the Paris region that are well worth the detour.

Stroll in Ile-de-France: from Paris, go vegetable picking by bicycle

Looking for adventure? The bike path along the Ourcq canal allows you to escape Paris by bike. On the program: a forest park, and, for those who want to continue, the possibility of picking fruits and vegetables in Seine-et-Marne. On your marks, get set, pedal!

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.

In Chessy, an astonishing walk through the Dhyus sculpture garden

Looking for nature and art? Head off to an undiscovered spot some forty kilometers from Paris, to discover original sculptures scattered across the landscape.