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
Nuit des Châteaux 2024: a musical visit to the Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines
The Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is taking part in the 6th edition of Nuit des Châteaux, on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Discover the attractive family program! [Read more]
Christmas at the Musée du Jouet: exhibition, workshops and festive cheer in Poissy (78)
This year, the Musée du Jouet in Poissy is celebrating Christmas with an exciting program of workshops and special events for the whole family. [Read more]
The Musée du Jouet: an unusual dive into collections of old toys, in Poissy (78)
The Musée du Jouet, located near Poissy in the Yvelines department of France, invites you to step back in time as you explore its collections. [Read more]
A family weekend at the Château de Versailles with horse-related activities, in October
On Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20, 2024, the sumptuous Château de Versailles opens its doors to families with a program specially designed for young audiences. [Read more]
All Saints' Day vacations 2024: workshops and special events at the Château de Rambouillet (78)
For the All Saints' Day vacations 2024, the Château de Rambouillet is offering a great program for young audiences, with creative workshops, special events and tours of this exceptional historic monument. [Read more]
We tested the Best Pastry Shop in Yvelines 2024
The Yvelines 2024 Best Patisserie competition, organized by the Fédération de boulangerie-pâtisserie des Yvelines et de l'Essonne, took place in Sonchamp in September. Top of the list was Daniel Agil, a promising young chef from the Gare Ô Pains patisserie in Méré, who shone by winning gold in the "employee" category. The competition showcases local talent, who compete with daring and creativity to present the best paris-brest and apple tarts. [Read more]
Wine tourism Île-de-France: winegrower experience with tasting and lunch in Yvelines
Wine lovers in the Yvelines region of France are in for an oenological experience at Domaine de la Bouche du Roi. Step into the shoes of a winegrower for a pruning session and an introduction to viticulture, followed by a tasting and a "tailleur" lunch. A great idea for a getaway in the Paris region. [Read more]
Versailles des créateurs d'automne 2024, the free craft market in Versailles
This Saturday, October 12, 2024, the Place du Marché Notre-Dame in Versailles comes alive with the return of Versailles des Créateurs, a day-long gathering of local talent and artisanal and responsible brands selected for their know-how and Made in France quality. In collaboration with the City of Versailles, this event promises a day full of artistic and artisanal discoveries, open to all free of charge. [Read more]
Halloween and All Saints' Day vacations 2024 at the Bergerie Nationale de Rambouillet (78)
The Bergerie nationale is hosting a school of wizards October 19 to November 3, 2024: the opportunity for all little apprentice witches and wizards are invited to enjoy special animations and workshops for Halloween and the All Saints' vacation 2024! [Read more]
Halloween 2024: a giant werewolf at Château de Maisons, Maisons Laffitte (78)
This year, Halloween takes on a whole new dimension with a giant werewolf at the Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte! Head for the castle in the Yvelines region (78) for a nocturnal adventure full of mystery and thrills, in a setting as historic as it is intriguing. Will you dare to unmask the criminals lurking in the night? [Read more]
Halloween 2024: take part in the Pumpkin Festival at Gally Farms
From October 24 to October 31, Gally Farms celebrates autumn's best-known vegetable: the pumpkin. It's also a chance to turn on the Halloween mode at Gally farms in Saint-Denis (93), Sartrouville (78) and Saint-Cyr l'Ecole (78). [Read more]
Halloween and All Saints' Day vacation 2024: the Château de Dampierre dons its Halloween colors
This autumn, it's not just the leaves on the trees that are changing color: the Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is also getting its Halloween colors back, from October 19 to November 3, 2024. [Read more]
Halloween 2024: immersive game for children at Domaine de Madame Elisabeth (78)
Like every year, many places in Paris and the Ile-de-France region don't break the rule: at the end of October, every 31st, Halloween is celebrated in the proper way, notably at the Domaine de Madame Elisabeth, in the Yvelines département. [Read more]
Halloween 2024: learn to carve your own pumpkin during a workshop at Ferme du Viltain (78)
Halloween is just around the corner, but have you got your Jack o' Lantern ready yet? During the All Saints' vacation, Viltain Farm welcomes families from October 24 to 25 or October 28 to 31, 2024 for a pumpkin carving workshop. [Read more]
Journées de l'Architecture 2024: workshops at the Maison de Fer in Poissy (78)
Take advantage of the Journées nationales de l'Architecture to visit the Maison de Fer de Poissy, and discover this original cultural site in the Yvelines. To be experienced on October 18 and 19, 2024. [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
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 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! [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
Espace Rambouillet, hectares of forest to observe deer, fallow deer, wild boar and birds of prey
For a day in the forest with animals, head for Espace Rambouillet, in the Yvelines, where you can observe deer, fallow deer, wild boar and birds of prey in complete freedom. [Read more]
Falconer for a day: an unforgettable experience up close to the birds at Espace Rambouillet
If you're a bird lover, Espace Rambouillet offers you the chance to spend an exceptional morning in the shoes of a falconer, making friends with an owl or eagle in an unforgettable experience. [Read more]
ZooSafari de Thoiry: new features for 2024 to immerse you in the zoo's wildlife
Stroll among the zebras and elephants and enjoy an exceptional moment with your family or friends thanks to visits to ZooSafari de Thoiry. On the program for the 2024 season: new activities for young and old alike! [Read more]
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]
France Miniature: the 2024 program and family park attractions
If you're dreaming of travelling around France in a day, while entertaining your children with a variety of attractions, then France Miniature is the place for you. Come and take a children's tour of France, near Elancourt in the Yvelines. Scheduled to reopen on Saturday, March 30, 2024. [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
Branches et loisirs, accrobranche at the Saint-Quentin en Yvelines leisure park
Branches et Loisirs, the accrobranche course at Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, the largest leisure park in the Ile-de-France region, reopened its doors on March 25, 2023. You'll discover courses for all ages from 3 upwards, and new activities up to 15 meters above the ground. Reopening scheduled for March 30, 2024. [Read more]
AccroCamp Boucles de Seine, the accrobranche at Moisson Leisure Island (78)
AccroCamp has an accrobranche at the Boucles de Seine leisure park between Giverny and Mantes-la-Jolie. In the middle of the forest, come and climb and fly through the air in complete safety in a protected natural area with sublime views. Scheduled to reopen on Saturday, March 30, 2024! [Read more]
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]
Accrocamp Poissy, the tree-climbing course in Yvelines (78)
Located in the park of the Château de Villiers in Poissy, in the Yvelines department, Accrocamp is an adventure course on a human scale. With an annual reopening at the end of March (March 30 this year), this spot in the heart of nature is the ideal setting for an adventure among the trees. [Read more]
Parks and gardens
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
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]
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]
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]
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]
Dates and Opening Time
From July 15, 2024 to December 31, 2027
