To the east of Paris, in the outer suburbs, lies the département of Yvelines : known for its world-famous monuments, such as the Château de Versailles, the area is rich in cultural, heritage and natural discoveries. Shall we take you with us?
From the majestic Château de Versailles, with its sumptuous formal gardens and lavish galleries, to the charming town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, birthplace of Louis XIV, via the Château de Rambouillet, former presidential residence, every corner of this département takes you on a journey through the centuries and the history of France. Don't miss the Villa Savoye, Le Corbusier's masterpiece and a symbol of modern architecture, or the unusual Château de Monte-Cristo, where Alexandre Dumas lived... Not to mention the medieval castles, historic abbeys and artists' houses that make up the region's cultural wealth.
Budding adventurers will love the Thoiry zoo-safari, where you can observe wild species evolving within their enclosures, or the Rambolitrain, the museum dedicated to the Rambouillet toy train. The Yvelines are full of surprises and pretty spots to explore. Hiking enthusiasts will also be well catered for: between the Chevreuse valley and the Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest, not to mention the region's remarkable parks and gardens, there's plenty of scope for beautiful walks, with a little bit of elevation gain.
Heritage, cultural outings & walks
February vacations 2025: a family investigation at the Bergerie Nationale
From February 15 to March 2, 2025, the Bergerie Nationale welcomes you and your family every day. Come and investigate and unravel the mysteries at the farm... [Read more]
Free Castles, Museums and Monuments in Yvelines, Sunday, February 2nd 2025, 1st Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of the month, many monuments, castles, museums and historic sites in Yvelines open their doors to you free of charge. But that's not the case all year round. To help you find your way around, we've compiled a list of cultural sites in Yvelines to visit this Sunday, February 2, 2025. [Read more]
L'Enduro du Barn: a solo or relay bike race near the Moulin de Brétigny (78)
If you love nature and cycling, this is the race for you! Alone or in a group, come and ride for several hours on the Barn estate, near the Moulin de Brétigny, in the Yvelines department! [Read more]
Chinese New Year at Houilles 2025 in Yvelines
Chinese New Year 2025 is coming to Houilles for an afternoon of entertainment on Saturday February 8. Organized for the second year running by the association Culture Chine France, with the support of the City of Houilles, this day offers a genuine journey to the heart of Chinese traditions, accessible to all and free of charge. [Read more]
February-March vacations 2024: the family program at the Château de Rambouillet (78)
During the February 2023 vacation season, take a trip to the châteaux of the Île-de-France region, which are much less crowded than during the high season. For the occasion, the Château de Rambouillet welcomes you and your family with special events and tours accessible to children! [Read more]
Zola photographe: photo exhibition at Espace Richaud, Versailles
Emile Zola as you may never have seen him before... From February 19 to April 20, 2025, the Espace Richaud in Versailles offers an unprecedented plunge into the author's photographic universe, with the exhibition "Zola photographe". Through over a hundred photographs, original prints and personal objects, discover this little-known facet of the famous writer, between artistic passion and scientific rigor. [Read more]
The Château de Rambouillet and its Bergerie nationale, an exceptional estate in the Paris region (78)
A princely, royal, imperial and then presidential residence, the Château de Rambouillet and its grounds are steeped in history and boast some remarkable nooks and crannies, including the Queen's Dairy, the Chaumière aux coquillages and the Bergerie nationale, not to be missed. [Read more]
The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Mantes, nicknamed "the little sister of Notre-Dame de Paris".
In the Yvelines region, in the heart of the town of Mantes-La-Jolie, the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Mantes is one of the treasures of the Île-de-France region. This impressive church, listed as a Monument Historique, is also nicknamed "Notre-Dame de Paris's little sister". [Read more]
Masters of fire: the historical and educational exhibition at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale
The Musée d'Archéologie Nationale takes us back to the Bronze Age, to discover the "Masters of Fire", with an educational exhibition on view from June 13, 2025 to March 6, 2026. [Read more]
Fête des bergers, de la tonte et de la laine 2025, at the Bergerie nationale de Rambouillet (78)
On the weekend of March 22 and 23, 2025, the Bergerie Nationale invites you to its annual Shearing and Wool Festival, a must for its Merino sheep, so they can reveal their spring coat. [Read more]
Vélotour 2025: the unusual bicycle tour of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (78)
The Vélotour makes a stopover in Yvelines on May 18, 2025! A land of cycling, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines is once again hosting the famous bicycle tour. [Read more]
Murder party, treasure hunt and escape game: family fun at Château de Monte-Cristo
Monte Cristo Castle needs your investigative skills! A variety of investigative games are on offer in 2025, giving you the chance to discover this beautiful castle while having fun at the same time. [Read more]
Foire de Chatou 2025: the meeting place for antique dealers, second-hand dealers & vintage lovers
The Foire de Chatou returns to the Île des Impressionnistes (78) from March 7 to 16, 2025. A not-to-be-missed event for antique dealers and art galleries, the 300 exhibitors from all over France invite you to browse through a selection of antique furniture, haute couture fashion accessories, jewelry, vintage toys and other treasures of a bygone era. [Read more]
The Grand Bal Masqué at the Château de Versailles 2025 - Complete
The Grand Bal Masqué at the Château de Versailles is back to delight us this Saturday, June 21, 2025. [Read more]
La Voie de l'Écuyère: the historic equestrian show at the Grandes Écuries de Versailles
Discover the talent of Bartabas' Compagnie-école riders in a magical venue steeped in history, the Grandes Écuries du Château de Versailles, during an equestrian show, starting February 16, 2025. [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
L'Auberge des 3 hameaux, the friendly, authentic restaurant in Choisel, Yvelines
The Auberge des 3 Hameaux is not just an inn, it's also an excellent bistronomic restaurant to discover. Nestled in the Vallée de Chevreuse, close to the Château de Breteuil, this Yvelines gourmet landmark has a lot going for it. Tested and approved, we warmly recommend it if you're in the mood for good food. [Read more]
All-you-can-eat brunch at the Mélodi in Versailles
An all-you-can-eat brunch that's both gourmet and affordable, in a charming setting? Let's head for Mélodi Versailles in the Yvelines, the friendly restaurant in the Montreuil district. [Read more]
Le Barn Hôtel: a nature getaway from the hustle and bustle of Paris
Located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, the Barn Hôtel invites you to take a break from time and enjoy nature. On the program: bike rides, horseback riding, boating on the pond or simply relaxing in the sun! [Read more]
The Maison du Val's all-you-can-eat brunch in Saint-Germain, Yvelines
Looking for a divine, all-you-can-eat brunch on the terrace that lets you spend a whole day in the countryside, with plenty to do? We'll take you to the Maison du Val in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, a haven of peace that's full of treasures. [Read more]
All-you-can-eat brunch at Chez Molly in Versailles, Yvelines
Why not treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat brunch, even on the terrace, with homemade, local produce? Let's head for the Yvelines, to discover the Cour cachée des Senteurs, home to the Chez Molly tea room, where every weekend we can enjoy a gourmet brunch just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles. [Read more]
An all-you-can-eat brunch on a terrace with breathtaking views in the Yvelines?
Are you looking for an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch on a sunny terrace? Let's go to the Belvédère du Domaine de la Corniche, located in Rolleboise in the Yvelines region, where every Sunday we enjoy a brunch with a breathtaking view over the Seine valley. [Read more]
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? [Read more]
Boulevard Beirut, the right Lebanese restaurant in Poissy, Yvelines (78)
Looking for sunshine on the plate and in the service? Then head for Boulevard Beirut, a lovely surprise nestled between the Collégiale Notre Dame and the old bridge that used to be a landmark of the town of Poissy in the Yvelines department. [Read more]
An exceptional brunch at Château de Villiers-Le-Mahieu in the Yvelines, with all kinds of entertainment
If you'd like to go green and enjoy an exceptional all-you-can-eat brunch without having to go to the ends of the earth, then we invite you to discover Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu in the Yvelines. Part of the Les Maison de Campagne group, this site also offers a whole range of activities included in the package, for a fantastic day out. Golf, boating, cycling, games, cinema and even snacks await you... [Read more]
Cavrosa, Chevreuse's crêperie for local Yvelines products
We'd like to take you on a tour of Crêperie Cavrosa, a lovely place nestled in a natural setting, offering delicious Breton crepes made with local Yvelines produce. [Read more]
La crêperie de Gally, the new gourmet and local address on the Saint-Cyr l'Ecole Farm (78)
Food lovers take note: a few months ago, the Ferme de Gally in Saint-Cyr l'Ecole opened its long-awaited crêperie, with a seasonal menu featuring fresh produce. For lunch or a snack, come and treat yourself at the farm! [Read more]
Discover the Royal Sunday Brunch at Château de Méridon in the Chevreuse Valley
How about a royal brunch at Château de Méridon? Between Cernay la Ville and the Château de Breteuil, you can enjoy a dominival brunch in an exceptional green setting. [Read more]
Exceptional brunch in the Réfectoire des Moines at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay by Paris Society
The Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay has reopened, and with it no fewer than 3 restaurants (soon to be 4). One of these is the Hogwarts-style Réfectoire des Moines, offering a brunch that's as gourmet as it is delicious. We take you on a tour of this historic venue with its exceptional offerings. [Read more]
Petit Bouillon Versailles, the affordable bouillon just 2 steps from the Château de Versailles, takes shape
A bouillon (the city's first!) awaits you a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles: Le Petit Bouillon Versailles! We're off to discover it, and reveal what's in store for you in terms of decor and menu. [Read more]
Zoos and aquariums
Zoo Safari de Thoiry: what's new?
The Thoiry ZooSafari continues to innovate, and it's not over yet, with major projects in the pipeline for the next few years. Between the new lodges, the light trail, the green vehicle safaris, the new arrivals and the births, the Thoiry Zoo has some great discoveries in store for us. [Read more]
A mini golf course amid the animals at Thoiry Zoo (78)
Fancy a game of mini-golf at the zoo? Then head to the Thoiry Zoo Safari, better known simply as the "Thoiry Zoo", in the Yvelines region of France, to discover this unique concept with the whole family, from July 8, 2023. [Read more]
Amusement parks and fairgrounds
Cap Pirate, the indoor playground for budding pirates in Aubergenville (78)
In the Family Village shopping center in Aubergenville, Yvelines, Cap Pirate welcomes families and children aged 0 to 12 to slip into the shoes of a sea bandit for a few hours. [Read more]
Ludimax, the indoor playground for children aged 0 to 12, in Villepreux (78)
Ludimax is an indoor adventure park for children aged 0 to 12, open all year round. Located in Villepreux in the Yvelines department, this fun adventure park features slides, mazes, ball pools... to the delight of young and old alike, who enter this children's playground free of charge! [Read more]
A new Gulli Parc indoor playground for children opens in Conflans (78)
Following on from Gulli Parc in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, Bry-sur-Marne and Thiais, a new indoor playground will open in mid-October 2023 near Conflans, in the Yvelines department. For young and old alike, it's the new family spot to spend hours! [Read more]
Royal Kids, the indoor playground in Elancourt
Royal Kids Elancourt, the new indoor playground has opened its doors. Rain, shine, snow or shine, come and discover this new playground that will delight your children. [Read more]
Sports outings
Blocbuster, the family friendly climbing gym for kids and adults, in Versailles
Blocbuster is a concept of climbing gyms that already has three in the Ile-de-France region: the first one in La Défense, the second one in Courbevoie and finally, the last one in Versailles, known for being particularly kid-friendly with its children's areas where you can spend the whole day, from 3 years old! [Read more]
HAPIK, the climbing and adventure gym in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
Opened in December 2022, HAPIK is the new super fun climbing gym, where you can come and let off steam with your family, your friends for your birthday or your colleagues during a team building session. [Read more]
Parks and gardens
The Museum of Sufi Art and Culture: a spiritual journey in Chatou (78) - our photos
In Chatou, in the Yvelines department, the first museum dedicated to the art and culture of Sufism opens its doors to you to discover this spiritual current of Islam, through a collection of ancient objects and works of art. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
The Parc du peuple de l'herbe, the largest nature park in the Yvelines, with its flora and fauna
The Parc du Peuple de l'herbe at Carrières-sous-Poissy in the Yvelines region, open all year round, offers a fascinating immersion in nature. This 113-hectare park, the largest in the Yvelines region, is home to an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, providing an ideal setting for nature lovers and families in search of discovery. Insects and flowers abound. [Read more]
The Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum and its Remarkable Garden
The Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup awaits you all year round in its remarkable 200-hectare park! Come and stroll, picnic or play sport in complete freedom amidst 10,000 trees of over 2,500 different varieties. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
The Bassin de la Boissière, a bucolic promenade open 24 hours a day in Elancourt (78)
In Elancourt, in the Yvelines department, you'll find a lovely pond: the Etang de la Boissière, where it's great to take a stroll in any season, and even more so in autumn! [Read more]
Parc Corbière, a green paradise for young and old in Le Pecq (78)
In Le Pecq, in the Yvelines département, Parc Corbière is particularly popular with families and children, but also with joggers, walkers and other curious visitors who come to enjoy a trip to the park to get some fresh air. [Read more]
Walk: Parc de la Croix du Bois in Voisins-le-Bretonneux, a hidden gem between nature and history
We're off to Voisins-le-Bretonneux in the Yvelines to discover the astonishing Parc de la Croix du Bois. A park hidden away at the edge of the forest, it conceals Italian-inspired treasures. It's a little-known haven of peace that invites you to stroll and discover. [Read more]
Le Potager du Roi, a historic fruit and vegetable garden near the Château de Versailles
Head to Versailles to discover the Potager du Roi, a production and experimentation site open to the public, which once supplied the King's table at the Château! Here you can find local, natural fruit and vegetables in the open air. [Read more]
The Perfumer's Garden, the garden of the Château de Versailles and the House of Francis Kurkdjian
The park at Versailles is home to a little-known garden: "Le Jardin du Parfumeur". Under the patronage of Francis Kurkdjian, the plot envelops the Trianon estate in an elegant floral fragrance. [Read more]
The Trianon Estate and the Queen's hamlet
The Domaine de Trianon can be visited separately from the Château. Located two kilometers away, it was once a place of refuge for kings, who found rest and relaxation away from the Court. Created by Louis XV, the estate became the fiefdom of Marie-Antoinette, who modified the grounds and created an entire hamlet, like a small village. [Read more]
Current activities
The educational farm at Mantes-la-Jolie (78), a free, rural outing in the Yvelines region
In Mantes-la-Jolie, in the Yvelines département, there's an educational farm hidden away on Ile l'Aumône. Free and open to all, it's a great opportunity to take a stroll and discover the animals! [Read more]
From Paris to Versailles by bike: itinerary for an easy ride on the Véloscénie
Did you know? La Véloscénie, the long-distance cycle path linking Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, provides a link between Paris and Versailles. Let us take you on a 30-kilometre bike ride! [Read more]
Braderie solidaire ADM in Guyancourt, selling new at knock-down prices as well as second-hand goods (78)
In Guyancourt in the Yvelines, near the Place du Marché, you'll find a solidarity store offering new goods for three times less, as well as second-hand goods for even less. From clothes to crockery, household linen and even cellophane, you'll find it all. For 3 months, until June, a second adjacent store is also offering furniture and other large-volume items. Chairs for €5, shelves and other beds still wrapped at bargain prices, how about that? [Read more]
Hiking: from l'île des Impressionnistes to Sartrouville, along the long-distance footpath
Follow in the footsteps of the famous Impressionist painters on a stroll along the Seine, from Chatou to Sartrouville, discovering pretty riverbanks and bucolic greenery. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From July 15, 2024 to December 31, 2027
