Not far from Mantes-la-Jolie, on the border with the Yvelines département, the French Vexin is particularly well known for its chalk cliffs, which give the landscape a cartoonish air. This is where Impressionist painters came in the 19th century, to paint "sur le motif" some of their most famous canvases. Monet, Caillebotte, Renoir, Riopelle... were inspired by the bucolic landscapes, Gothic churches and picturesque banks of the Seine.
Spend a weekend discovering this region, less than an hour from the capital, and explore its many treasures: villages chosen as one of France's most beautiful villages , charming market towns, all set in an immense natural area. There's plenty to do for a change of scenery and, above all, to marvel at the beauty of the French Vexin, from Vétheuil to La Roche-Guyon.
The more sporty will opt for a hike from Mantes-la-Jolie station to this corner of the Vexin, while others will prefer to come by car, to discover the treasures of this territory more freely.
Discover the house where Claude Monet lived before settling in Giverny, the beautiful Notre-Dame-de-Vétheuil and its bell tower overlooking the village, or the bucolic banks of Vétheuil.
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. [Read more]
In fine weather, a shuttle bus runs non-stop (Friday lunchtime, Saturday and Sunday daytime only) between Vétheuil and Moisson, on the other side of the river.
Along the river Seine, in the Val-d'Oise region of France, a boat links Vétheuil, the village that inspired the Impressionists, to the opposite bank in the village of Lavacourt. Come aboard this little boat, which offers you a quick - and free - crossing of the Seine. [Read more]
Perched on the heights of the Vexin region, the arboretum takes you on a stroll through the trees and shrubs of the Île-de-France region.
In the heart of the Roche-Guyon forest, the arboretum is a little-known 13-hectare green space hidden away in the heart of the French Vexin. We'll take you on a tour to discover it. Are you coming? [Read more]
Overlooking the valley, the Château de la Roche-Guyon is carved out of the rock: after a somewhat strenuous climb, you'll reach a panorama that's well worth the effort!
Have you heard of Ile-de-France's only troglodyte castle, nestled in the only village in the region to be named one of France's most beautiful villages? We'll take you on a tour of the Château de la Roche Guyon, an unusual castle in the Val-d'Oise, with an eventful past that also inspired the adventures of Blake and Mortimer. [Read more]
Fruits, vegetables and herbs are still grown here: discover this vegetable and fruit garden, listed as a Remarkable Garden, after your visit to the château.
At the foot of the troglodyte château of La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département, nestles a large vegetable and fruit garden, designated a Remarkable Garden. [Read more]
At the corner of an alleyway, the Yoga Garden invites you to practice this discipline with 18 statues whose postures you can reproduce.
Hidden away in a little street, indicated by a single small sign, the Jardin du Yoga is one of the least-known parks in La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département. So, we're taking you there to discover it with us! [Read more]
Les Chocolats de Vétheuil (95), the excellent artisan chocolate and ice-cream maker where to treat yourself
When we visited in early June, there was no mistaking it: even if you don't know the address of Chocolats de Vétheuil, the shop is easy to spot in the queue. A great place to treat yourself to artisanal ice creams and chocolates in the area. [Read more]
Tourism: Val-d'Oise village named one of France's most beautiful villages retains its title
Did you know that there's a town in the Paris region that's on the prestigious list of France's most beautiful villages? And the good news is that this year, it has retained this famous label. So which village is it and where exactly is it located? We've got the answers! [Read more]
Remarkable Gardens in Paris and Ile-de-France, that we love
Are you looking for a walk in an unusual garden in Ile de France? The Ministry of Culture has created a label to recognize extraordinary gardens: "Jardins Remarquables". In Paris and Ile de France, 40 public and private gardens wish to make us discover these treasures hidden a few kilometers from Paris, or even in the capital. [Read more]
How about a weekend in the French Vexin?
Location
Château de la Roche Guyon
1 Rue de l'Audience
95780 Roche Guyon (La)
Vétheuil (95), discover this picturesque village on the banks of the Seine, cradle of Monet's art.
Cross the Seine from Val-d'Oise to Yvelines on the Vétheuil ferry
The arboretum at La Roche-Guyon (95), an open garden featuring plant species from the Ile-de-France region.
Château de la Roche Guyon, a troglodyte castle in the Val-d'Oise with a breathtaking view over the Seine valley
The fruit garden at Château de la Roche-Guyon (95), a remarkable garden for a country stroll
Le Jardin du Yoga, secret playground at La Roche-Guyon (95)
