L'Isle-Adam: the green nugget in Ile-de-France, 25 km from Paris

We'll take you on a stroll just 25 kilometers from Paris, to discover one of the most beautiful villages in the Ile-de-France region. Why not immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of L'Isle-Adam for a day ?

Historically favored by the nobility and artists, this village offers a peaceful, verdant atmosphere. Cradled by the waters of the Oise, it's a haven for those looking to recharge their batteries. L'Isle-Adam is famous for having been the resort of noble families and artists such as Fragonard, Dupré and Balzac. Its cultural richness and picturesque landscapes make it one of France's most pleasant destinations.

It's easy to immerse yourself in the history and charm of L'Isle-Adam. Once dubbed the"Little Versailles", the town is home to the Parc de Cassan, featuring a sumptuous Chinese pavilion from the Age of Enlightenment. On sunny days, the Isle-Adam beach, with its 19th-century cabins, invites you to go for a swim. You can also take advantage of pedal boats, rowboats and even river cruises to discover the village from a different angle.

On the program for your visit to L'Isle-Adam :

• The Beach: France's largest river beach is open during the summer months, offering vintage bathing cabins and filtered freshwater basins. A true seaside resort, it offers a wide range of open-air activities. Playgrounds, ping pong, water games and mini-golf are all on the program.

• The Market : The L'Isle-Adam market, crowned the most beautiful market in the Île-de-France region in 2021, is a dynamic place that offers an escape from everyday urban stress thanks to its tempting fragrances and tasty produce. Historically, the market changed location several times before settling into a hall designed by renowned architects and inaugurated in 1982. With over 130 traders, it offers a wide range of high-quality products, including some 50 food shops. Commercial animations and events are regularly organized, contributing to the convivial atmosphere of the market, which is also complemented by free parking spaces nearby.

• Église Saint-Martin : L'Église Saint-Martin in L'Isle-Adam is a remarkable Catholic Renaissance building, built between 1487 and 1567. Despite its dominant style, traces of Gothic influence are visible in its floor plan, western portal and vault ribs. The church has suffered many setbacks, including a fire in 1661 and the ravages of the French Revolution, which resulted in the loss of stained glass windows and mutilated statues. Restoration work in the 19th century saw the reconstitution of numerous sculpted elements, as well as extensions, notably on the two upper floors of the bell tower and a new chapel of the Virgin. These extensions were built in the early Renaissance style. Église Saint-Martin is also home to a wealth of furnishings, assembled by Abbé Grimot in the 19th century, reflecting a variety of origins.

• The Forêt Domaniale: With 1,600 hectares of unspoilt nature, it's ideal for walking, cycling or horse-riding.

• Château de Conti : The "Château Conti" in L'Isle-Adam is in fact a bourgeois house built by Alfred Ducamp, on a historic site that has been home to the châteaux of several noble families since the year 1000. After years of neglect, it was acquired by the municipality in 2005, which undertook extensive renovation work. Today, the château houses various municipal departments, including Human Resources and Accounting, as well as Museum services and a local association on the first and second floors. In addition, the first floor rooms are dedicated to art and regularly host exhibitions. Take a stroll in the beautiful wooded park.

• Le Pavillon Chinois : The Pavillon Chinois, which is open to the public free of charge, is an octagonal structure built between 1781 and 1785 by Pierre-Jacques Bergeret de Grandcourt, inspired by the fashion for Chinese factories after a trip to Italy. The pavilion rests on a stone base and is built of wood with a copper roof; the interior of the base contains a room with Doric columns and a circular pool. After years of neglect, the pavilion was handed over to the municipality in 1972 and has undergone extensive restoration, with a major renovation completed in 2008. A sumptuous gate was also added to the pavilion during its restoration in 1975, enhancing the garden entrance and underlining the architectural beauty of the building.

• La Roseraie Jules Dupré: La roseraie Jules Dupré, created in 2009 in L'Isle-Adam, is named in honor of the landscape painter Jules Dupré, who had a studio in the town. The garden, located on the site of Dupré's former home, which was demolished in 1900, is a haven of serenity, with a wide variety of rose bushes and a fountain. Next to the rose garden is an Italian Renaissance-style memorial erected by Dupré's son-in-law, architect Scellier de Gisors, and inaugurated in 1994. In addition to its natural appeal, the rose garden regularly hosts exhibitions that decorate its gates.

• Castelrose: This charming bourgeois residence in the heart of the town serves as an annex to the main town hall. It houses the registry office, children's services, town planning and public markets. Its lush, tastefully landscaped gardens are the setting for a variety of events throughout the year, including the Marché de l'Art, horticultural fairs and Sunday morning shows.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of December 2 to 8, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris in December 2024? Discover this month's events in the Paris Region
• Free Museums and Monuments to visit in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, good ideas for outings

For younger visitors, theTourist Office offers fun activities such as photo rallies and treasure hunts to discover the town's heritage. Discover the charming riverside restaurants and enjoy a cup of tea or a meal in a poetic setting.

Note that l'Isle-Adam is easily accessible by public transport with the Gare de l'Isle-Adam / Parmain from the Gare du Nord.

Three centuries at Isle Adam: the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Louis Senlecq's bucolic exhibition
The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Louis-Senlecq invites you to discover the history of L'Isle-Adam, in the Val-d'Oise, through an exhibition that takes you on a journey through time and the region's natural landscapes, from October 20, 2024 to September 21, 2025. [Read more]

Le Nid, a restaurant and terrace on the banks of the Oise at l'Isle-Adam
How about a change of scenery? Head for Isle-Adam and the banks of the river Oise to discover Le Nid, a restaurant and terrace ideally situated on the water's edge for a moment of relaxation. New decor and seaside cuisine await you. [Read more]