The Yvelines department, located to the west of Paris, is renowned for its lush greenery and rich heritage. With towns such as Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Rambouillet, this region offers a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can explore historic châteaux, lush forests and unique parks and gardens.
With its royal heritage and bucolic landscapes, it's home to parks and gardens as diverse as they are surprising. These green spaces, far from being mere stopping-off places, are true hidden treasures, offering unique and often unsuspected experiences. From artistically landscaped gardens to historic parks and intimate squares, Yvelines reveals little-known facets that delight nature and culture lovers alike. Each of these places has its own character and tells its own story, making each visit a wonderful discovery.
We're not talking about the best-known green spaces here, but rather atypical sites that are well worth a detour. Whether for a leisurely stroll, a historical exploration or a photographic escapade, these green spaces are an invitation to rediscover the beauty and diversity of Yvelines.
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]
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]
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]
Discovering Sonja's Gardens: A four-season Eden in Perray-en-Yvelines
Les Jardins de Sonja, a veritable botanical Eden in Le Perray-en-Yvelines, has been delighting garden lovers since 1980. Discover these sublime hidden gardens with their multiple settings, imagined by landscape designer Sonja Gauron. [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]
In short, if you'd like to go green and (re)discover the original treasures in store for us in the Yvelines, here's a small selection that promises some great walks. Please note that some of these gardens can be visited by reservation, or on special occasions such as the Rendez-vous aux Jardins.
Also worth discovering:
Walks and discoveries in the Vallée de Chevreuse, 17 must-see treasures
Located between Versailles and Rambouillet, the Vallée de Chevreuse has many natural and cultural treasures to discover. There's a remarkable heritage of beautiful monuments, wonders for strolling and going green, and even a rich culinary heritage. Discover 18 must-see nuggets. [Read more]
Looking for charming villages close to Paris? If so, the Yvelines is the place for you. Among the gems of Ile-de-France, we invite you to discover the picturesque places in Yvelines that we've enjoyed discovering and that we'd like to introduce to you. [Read more]
Want to get to know Paris Region better? This time, we're taking you on a trip to the Yvelines to discover its heritage, places to visit, must-do activities and the best deals of the moment. From castles to walks and good addresses, here's what's waiting for you in the 78. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From March 1, 2024 to October 31, 2027
Recommended age
For all
Walks and discoveries in the Vallée de Chevreuse, 17 must-see treasures
The most beautiful villages in the Yvelines, 6 must-see nuggets
What to do in Yvelines? Heritage, places and activities to discover
