Located to the west of Paris, Yvelines (78) is a multi-faceted département where nature, history and culture meet in harmony. From vast forests to winding rivers, dynamic towns and charming villages, this region is an invitation to escape and discover.
The emblematic towns of the Yvelines include Versailles, the department's prefecture and a mecca of French history, as well as Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Rambouillet, each with its own remarkable heritage. The department boasts an impressive architectural wealth, with historic residences, sumptuous gardens and unspoilt natural areas that are a delight to walkers.
History and art enthusiasts will find many exceptional sites, from museums with prestigious collections to monuments steeped in memory. Nature lovers can explore the forests and parks, perfect for an outdoor getaway. As for the curious in search of unusual places, they'll be surprised by the diversity of experiences to be had in the Yvelines.
Whether you're a local resident or just a visitor looking to get off the beaten track, this selection offers you a range of places to explore. From must-sees to hidden treasures, there's something for everyone. Regularly updated, it promises a wealth of surprises as the seasons go by. So, are you ready to conquer the Yvelines?
Exhibitions to see in Yvelines: the department's cultural outings programme
Residents of Yvelines don't have to travel far to find something to entertain them: a host of exhibitions and art venues await you in the Paris region. [Read more]
Montfort l'Amaury: discover the charming village, a medieval treasure of the Yvelines region
On the edge of the Rambouillet forest, Montfort l'Amaury reveals 1000 years of history. Discover this medieval village, its historic monuments and the charm of its cobbled streets. [Read more]
The charming village of Médan in the Yvelines, its castle and its treasures
Nestled in a loop of the Seine just 30 minutes from Paris, the village of Médan offers a wonderful escape into time and history. Once the property of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Middle Ages, it now boasts a number of cultural treasures, including its famous 16th-century château and the home of the illustrious Émile Zola. We take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home
Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side, you'll find an exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument. [Read more]
Discovery of Chevreuse: the Little Venice of the Yvelines and its Little Bridges Stroll
Chevreuse, known as the little Venice of the Yvelines, hides a sublime stroll of the small bridges, a real green setting at only 40 minutes from Paris and accessible by RER. We embark you for an adventure with unsuspected charm. [Read more]
Rochefort en Yvelines, the pretty medieval village and its treasures to discover in the Chevreuse Valley
Rochefort-en-Yvelines, a charming medieval village in the south of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, invites you to explore its rich history. If you're a lover of heritage and discovery walks, we invite you to join us in strolling the cobbled streets and discovering its feudal past. [Read more]
The charming Village of Dampierre en Yvelines and its treasures to discover
Dampierre en Yvelines, nestled in the heart of two valleys, reveals its charms with its majestic castle, picturesque hamlets and rich heritage. This village is a must-see for history and nature lovers. We reveal its treasures for you to discover. [Read more]
The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display! [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
Houdan, medieval town and historical walk in Yvelines
Just a Navigo ride away from Paris, in the Yvelines department, you'll discover the medieval town of Houdan, with its surprisingly well-preserved medieval remains, including a keep, ramparts and old inns. [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 Musée de la Toile de Jouy, a journey into the world of cotton printing
The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, dedicated to the emblematic fabric printed with floral motifs and characters, is nestled in the Château de l'Églantine in Jouy-en-Josas (78). In addition to its historic collection, the museum regularly exhibits contemporary artists and organizes creative workshops! [Read more]
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
The Galerie des Carrosses, nestled in the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles, opens its doors free of charge every weekend. When visiting Versailles, it's a discovery you'd be wrong not to make. We'll take you on a tour... [Read more]
The Elsa Triolet-Aragon House, museum and residence of the writer couple in the heart of the Yvelines
In the heart of the Yvelines, discover the green setting that hosted the love story of the two writers Louis Aragon and Elsa Triolet, in an old water mill. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour and the quietness of the six-hectare park, conducive to daydreaming and creation. [Read more]
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines
In the heart of the Yvelines region, the Musée Dreyfus, in the grounds of the Maison d'Émile Zola, stands as a place steeped in literary and judicial history. Located in Médan, just an hour's drive from Paris, this historic house and museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Émile Zola, as well as the Dreyfus Affair, two major elements of late 19th-century French culture. [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]
Photos of the Château de Breteuil, its sublime gardens, stories and events
Château de Breteuil, at Choisel in the Chevreuse valley, is a must-see castle in the Yvelines region. A jewel of the 18th century, the château boasts sublime gardens to discover: a remarkable garden, century-old trees and a labyrinth await you. It also offers young and old alike the chance to plunge into the heart of Perrault's fairy tales. [Read more]
Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department
Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history. [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]
Villa Savoye, a taste of modernism ahead of its time in Poissy
Want to discover the heritage of the Île-de-France region? Built between 1928 and 1931 by Le Corbusier, the Villa Savoye in Poissy offers a striking architectural immersion in the Modern Movement. Take a tour of this geometrically purist building. [Read more]
A guided tour of the Jeu de Paume room, a treasure trove of the French Revolution
The Salle du Jeu de Paume, famous since the French Revolution, can be visited at weekends near the Château de Versailles, to immerse yourself in history and discover a recently restored national treasure. [Read more]
Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines open and free to under-18s
Domaine du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is now open all year round. There will be no more winter closures. A host of new features await you, including some great events, the opening of guided tours of the château and free admission for under-18s. [Read more]
Le Rambolitrain, model train museum in Rambouillet (78)
In Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department, Rambolitrain boasts a unique collection of toy trains, whether miniature or life-size. History, scale models and guided tours: welcome to the temple of the toy train! [Read more]
The Château de Maisons-Laffitte, a pleasure home with a royal air, in the Yvelines department
In Maisons-Laffitte, in the Yvelines département, the town's château has all the hallmarks of a chateau, yet it was once a "simple" pleasure house! Less than an hour from Paris, it's a beautiful place to discover with family, friends or on your own. [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]
Château de Méridon in the Vallée de Chevreuse: a new showcase for gastronomic events
Château de Méridon, the jewel in the crown of the Vallée de Chevreuse in the Yvelines, is reinventing itself. After major renovation work, a new direction focused on experiences awaits us. So, in addition to weddings and other private events, the Château is launching star-studded dinners and brunches for you to discover. [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]
La Maison de Fer de Poissy, the unusual museum nestled in the Parc Meissonnier
La Maison de Fer à Poissy, a monument dating from 1896, is an atypical museum on the town of Poissy, to be discovered in the heart of the Parc Meissonnier. Discover its unique industrial architecture and history, and immerse yourself in the story of Poissy's development. [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]
In Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, a funny escape in the house-museum of Raymond Devos
Want to break the routine? Take a leap into the funny and poetic world of Raymond Devos, by visiting his house in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, near Paris. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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