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
Christmas at the Chapelle Royale 2024: concerts at the Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles
The Château de Versailles celebrates Christmas 2024 with five original concerts, from December 7 to 23, 2024, in its magnificent Chapelle Royale, which also doubles as an opera house, making for an exceptional musical celebration. [Read more]
Maison de Claude Debussy: discover the composer's world at Saint-Germain-en-Laye
From November 23, 2024, the Maison de Claude Debussy, the famous French composer, will once again open its doors in the heart of Saint-Germain-en-Laye! An opportunity to enter his world, in the house where he was born, a listed historic monument. [Read more]
16th Salon des Arts de Maisons-Laffitte: a poetic immersion with Monika Cicolella
Discover the 16th Salon des Arts de Maisons-Laffitte, from November 17 to December 7, 2024, with Monika Cicolella, guest of honor, at the Centre Montesquieu. [Read more]
La Grande Fabrique, the Christmas village at the Palais du Roi de Rome, Rambouilet (78)
From December 13 to 15, 2024, the Grande Fabrique returns to the Palais du Roi de Rome in Rambouillet, with the Christmas village once again taking up residence in this pretty Rambolitan garden. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Les Cimes de l'Asphalte exhibition by Duy Anh Nhan Duc at Espace Richaud - our photos
An exhibition focused on nature and trees... Espace Richaud, Versailles, invites you to discover "Les Cimes de l'Asphalte" by artist Duy Anh Nhan Duc from October 25, 2024 to January 26, 2025. Through poetic and immersive installations, the artist explores the deep relationship we have with trees, from wood to gasoline, symbols of memory and resilience in an urban environment. [Read more]
Modeling: a giant casting session in the Yvelines (78), to flush out tomorrow's top models
The Claw Models is launching a giant casting of top models in the Ateliers du Moulin (78), on Saturday November 16, 2024. Come to Les Mureaux and try your luck at becoming the new face of a major fashion house or the cover model of a famous fashion magazine! [Read more]
Aux Quais, the organic and local tearoom at l'Étang-la-Ville station in the Yvelines department
The "Aux Quais" tearoom, freshly opened in October in the heart of the former train station at l'Étang-la-Ville in the Yvelines, awaits all visiting gourmets and Sunday strollers to treat you to organic and local products, all homemade. [Read more]
Lueurs de Mantes 2024-2025: the free artistic light trail returns to Yvelines
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. [Read more]
The kids' club at Les Vaux-de-Cernay abbey, for a family outing in the fresh air
Less than an hour's drive from Paris, the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is a wonderful destination for an overnight or weekend getaway. Perfect for a romantic weekend away, it's also an idyllic spot for families, with nature all around. [Read more]
Camping Paris Maisons Laffite (78): bungalows and tree houses in the heart of nature
Camping Paris Maisons-Laffitte is your ticket to a nature getaway just a stone's throw from Paris! Set on the banks of the Seine, this 4-star campsite welcomes holidaymakers every year from April to November, in a haven of peace combining comfort and greenery. On the program? Swimming pool, Aqua Jump, tree houses and activities for all ages. [Read more]
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2024-2025: immerse yourself in the Extraordinary Voyages of Jules Verne!
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages returns from October 27, 2024 to March 2025 with a new, ever more enchanting route. This year, the largest lantern trail in the Ile-de-France region takes us on "Voyages Extraordinaires", inspired by the works of Jules Verne, to make us dream. [Read more]
La Corrida de Rambouillet (78) the festive night race in the Château park
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, we're off to Rambouillet (78) for the start of the Corrida, a night-time race through the town center and the park of the town's Château. [Read more]
Norwegian Christmas Market 2024 in Le Vésinet, Yvelines (78)
The charming Norwegian Church Christmas Market in Le Vésinet returns on Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17, 2024. An opportunity to discover Norwegian culinary specialties, as well as to shop for your Christmas Eve table. [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
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
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]
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]
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
