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.
Easter Egg Hunt 2025 at Thoiry ZooSafari (78)
The Thoiry Estate Easter Egg Hunt returns this year on Sunday April 20 and Monday April 21, 2025, to the delight of young and old alike. An original egg hunt combining chocolate and animal discovery! [Read more]
Heritage, cultural outings & walks
Ambiance Shopping: the huge 5,000 m2 decor, fashion, beauty and food market in the Yvelines department
Sponsored - The Ambiance Shopping market returns for its second edition on Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 11am to 9pm, with over 150 exhibitors in fashion, beauty, home decor, food and much more. Head for Port Marly in the Yvelines to stock up on bargains and have a great time at the same time. And the icing on the cake: vouchers await the first to arrive! [Read more]
The Paradis des Enfants rides reopen on the St Quentin en Yvelines leisure island!
Sponsored - To keep the kids entertained, head for Au Paradis des Enfants, on the leisure island of St Quentin en Yvelines. After its winter closure, the children's paradise is back with new rides: the games, rides, inflatables and Mario karting are reopening for the February vacations, for moments of relaxation from €1 a ride! [Read more]
Marianne(s), a free, committed exhibition in a historic townhouse in Versailles (78)
"Marianne(s)" is an exhibition with a strong message that has taken over a historic townhouse in Versailles. 92 women, including Claudia Tagbo, Caroline Vigneaux, Sylvie Tellier and Enora Malagré, take on the character of Marianne in a series of never-before-seen photographs by Sylvie Castioni. A free, touring exhibition to be previewed from April 17 to 27, 2025. [Read more]
The Viltain Farm, where you can discover the breeding of dairy cows with your family, in Jouy-en-Josas
The Viltain Farm, with its market of local products, its dairy cows and its fields where you can pick your own food, is the ideal place to spend a day in the fresh air and discover the breeding of cows or to make your market of dairy products from the farm. [Read more]
Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2025 at the Château de Rambouillet (78): the program
This year, the Château de Rambouillet is taking part in the latest edition of the Rendez-vous aux Jardins, which runs from June 6 to 8, 2025. An opportunity to discover its fabulous botanical heritage in the heart of the Yvelines. Here's the program! [Read more]
La Parenthèse Verte in Louveciennes: the bistronomic restaurant in the Yvelines with terrace
We're off to Louveciennes in the Yvelines to discover the Parenthèse Verte restaurant. Imagine a restaurant nestled in a verdant park, with a superb terrace offering a change of scenery for the 2025 summer season! With its bistronomic cuisine and friendly atmosphere, we'll take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2025: a free evening at the Petite écurie of the Château de Versailles (78)
The Petite écurie at the Château de Versailles, home to the sculpture and casting gallery, is opening its doors to us free of charge on Saturday, May 17, to mark Nuit des Musées 2025. [Read more]
Base de loisirs de Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, activities including water sports, games and barbecues
The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines leisure park in Trappes is a place of discovery and escape, offering a multitude of fun, sporting and educational activities. Water sports, accrobranche, water games and mini-golf await you. [Read more]
Cirque du Soleil: the impressive Alegría show to be reinvented in Paris in late 2025
Cirque du Soleil returns to Chatou in the Île-de-France region with Alegría, a reinvented show combining magic, acrobatics and strong emotions. From November 20 to December 19, 2025, plunge into a kingdom in decline, where revolution is in full swing. [Read more]
France Miniature: 2025 program, attractions and new features at the Yvelines family park
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, April 5, 2025. [Read more]
Easter 2025: egg hunt and game at Villa Savoye (78)
On Sunday, April 20, 2025, the Villa Savoye is organizing an Easter event, complete with egg hunt and game. [Read more]
Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande, the natural beach and bathing area in Yvelines is now open
Discover the wonders of the Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande in Les Bréviaires, in the heart of the Rambouillet forest. Fancy a beach and a swim in the green? Head for the Yvelines to sunbathe and relax in the heart of nature. [Read more]
Base de loisirs du Val de Seine, for swimming and fun at Verneuil-sur-Seine (78)
The Val de Seine leisure park in the Yvelines region offers a wide range of activities, including a beach and swimming area open from the start of the summer season. It's the perfect opportunity to get out and about with family and friends. [Read more]
Base et Île de loisirs des Boucles de Seine: beach, swimming and tree climbing in Yvelines (78)
Located in Moisson (78), the Boucles de Seine leisure park offers a myriad of summer activities from the beginning of April: beach, supervised swimming, accrobranche and much more. [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]
Nuit des Musées 2025: a fun family evening at the Musée du Jouet in Poissy (78)
For Museums' Night 2025, we're heading for a beautiful, playful museum that will delight young and old alike. This Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Musée du Jouet opens its doors to us free of charge for this XXL nocturne. [Read more]
Ile-de-France celebrates theater 2025: free summer events at leisure centers
The Ile-de-France region is once again celebrating theater on its leisure islands from July 11 to August 6, 2025. This year, the leisure islands of Créteil, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Cergy-Pontoise and Port aux Cerises will be hosting free shows and workshops (booking required). [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
L'Auberge des 3 hameaux, the friendly restaurant with leafy terrace 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]
La Maison Louveciennes, the festive restaurant with terrace and summer beach on the banks of the Seine - 78
Bistronomy, summer beaches and festive evenings just 20 minutes from Paris: La Maison Louveciennes, a landmark in the Yvelines region, welcomes you every day to its enchanting waterside setting. [Read more]
Le Coq de Bougival, the legendary Yvelines restaurant
Head for Le Coq de Bougival, 20 minutes from Paris, to discover a beautiful, warm building steeped in history, offering generous, authentic cuisine, just the way we like it. Discover its contemporary, cosy setting and its huge summer terrace. [Read more]
A superb all-you-can-eat brunch on a terrace with a breathtaking view in the Yvelines?
Are you looking for an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch on a terrace to soak up the sun? Let's go to the Belvédère du Domaine de la Corniche, located in Rolleboise in the Yvelines region, which offers an all-you-can-eat brunch every Sunday lunchtime and evening in summer, with a breathtaking view over the valley and the Seine. [Read more]
The all-you-can-eat brunch at La Parenthèse Verte in the Yvelines and its green terrace
All-you-can-eat brunch in the Yvelines, and more specifically in Louveciennes? We decided to try La Parenthèse Verte, a restaurant bathed in light, ideally nestled in a verdant park and boasting a large terrace where you can soak up the sun when it peeks out. [Read more]
L'Auberge du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines: a charming hotel facing the castle
The Auberge du Château, a 17thᵉ century house transformed into a charming hotel, is located at the foot of the Château de Dampierre. In this authentic setting, fifteen renovated rooms offer a subtle blend of modern comfort and tradition, all just 35 minutes from Paris, in the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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
Thoiry ZooSafari: new features for 2025 to immerse you in the zoo's wildlife
Stroll among the zebras and elephants and enjoy an exceptional moment with family and friends thanks to the ZooSafari de Thoiry tours. On the program for the 2025 season: new activities for young and old alike! [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
The Quasimodo funfair returns to Rambouillet (78)
From April 26, the Quasimodo funfair in Rambouillet opens its doors to young and old alike. [Read more]
France Miniature: free admission for children at the 2025 reopening, take advantage of this special offer
France Miniature reopens its doors on April 5, 2025, with an unmissable offer: buy one adult ticket and get one child's ticket for free. This offer is valid from April 5 to May 4, 2025, provided you book online up to the day before your visit. [Read more]
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
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, reopens its doors on March 31, 2025. You'll discover courses for all ages from 3 upwards, and new activities up to 15 metres above the ground. [Read more]
AccroCamp Saint Germain-en-Laye, accrobranche in Yvelines
Sponsored - The Accrocamp in Saint Germain-en-Laye invites you to enjoy a day of accrobranche (tree climbing) for young and old alike, thanks to its various courses! Located near Paris, this site takes you from tree to tree on its zip line, platforms and monkey bridge. Reopening February 1, 2025 after a winter shutdown. [Read more]
AccroCamp Boucles de Seine: nature tree climbing on the Ile de Loisirs de Moisson (78)
AccroCamp has an accrobranche at the Boucles de Seine leisure park between Giverny and Mantes-la-Jolie. In the heart 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, April 2, 2025! [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]
Parks and gardens
Discover 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]
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]
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]
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]
Esprit Jardin, the free Fête des Plantes of Versailles 2025, the program
Esprit Jardin celebrates the Fête des Plantes in Versailles on April 26 and 27, 2025. On the program: plant and equipment sales, workshops, entertainment, shows and much more, with free admission. [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]
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]
Maisons-Laffitte (78): a free gathering of classic cars once a month
Did you know? In Maisons-Laffitte, a classic car rally is held every last Sunday of the month. We'll show you around. [Read more]
