With the arrival of fine weather, the urge to get together in the great outdoors for a convivial picnic is growing. In the Yvelines, a department rich in diverse landscapes and historic sites, there are both well-known and little-known spots offering breathtaking views and magnificent settings. These places are veritable havens of peace, and ideal for lovers of green spaces. Discover our selection of the most beautiful places to picnic in the Yvelines, where nature and tranquility come together for a pleasant moment.
The cascade du Petit Moulin, located in Les Vaux de Cernay, is a true natural gem nestled in the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse in the Paris region. Surrounded by verdant forests and picturesque landscapes, this enchanting spot is perfect for a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Numerous picnic areas are available around the waterfall and along the trails, offering tables and benches for comfortable seating. Please respect nature by picking up your litter and staying on the marked paths. Note that the Petit Moulin is now home to a cultural terrace-restaurant.
The Bassin de la Courance, located in Maurepas in the Yvelines department, is an idyllic spot for a day of outdoor relaxation. The site offers an unspoilt natural setting, ideal for families, couples or groups of friends wishing to enjoy a picnic by the water. The pond is surrounded by lush vegetation, with extensive lawns, shady trees and well-kept paths. The setting offers a beautiful view of the calm, clear water of the basin. Several areas are set aside for picnics, with tables and benches. The large lawns also invite you to spread out a blanket for a more relaxed picnic. Easily accessible by car, the site has parking facilities nearby. The paths around the pond are suitable for baby carriages and wheelchairs.
The mound in front of Château de Dampierre, in the Chevreuse valley, is an ideal spot for a picnic with a breathtaking view. This picturesque site combines panoramic views of the magnificent château with the verdant landscapes of the surrounding valley. From the hilltop, you can admire Château de Dampierre in all its splendor. The elevated position offers a unique perspective on the castle's elegant architecture and the perfectly manicured gardens that surround it. Although the mound is not equipped with tables and benches, the vast grassy areas offer plenty of places to spread out a blanket and enjoy a comfortable picnic. You'll love the view of the surrounding countryside and the renovated château.
The Île de loisirs des Boucles de Seine, located in the Yvelines department, is the perfect place for a day out. Nestled between the meandering Seine, this island and the banks of the Seine at Lavacourt, offer a breathtaking view of the charming village of Vétheuil, which lies on the other side of the river. A free ferry service takes you across the Seine to Vétheuil, where a superb green picnic area also awaits you.
Andrésy's Île Nancy is an ideal destination for picnic enthusiasts looking for a charming setting in the heart of the Yvelines region. The island, accessible by river shuttle, offers a green setting for relaxation and conviviality. Accessible via a free river shuttle from downtown Andrésy, it adds a picturesque touch to the experience. The island is covered by vast meadows and woods, offering plenty of shady spots for picnicking. Picnic areas with tables and benches are available. Tip: the island regularly hosts outdoor art exhibitions, offering a unique cultural experience in the heart of nature.
Parc de Marly, formerly known as Domaine national de Marly-le-Roi, was a royal hunting estate under Louis XIV. Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, it served as a leisure residence for the king and his court. Today, it is a vast green space open to the public, offering an exceptional historical and natural setting, ideal for picnics. The park extends over some 200 hectares, offering wide meadows, shady woods and well-kept gardens. It's the perfect place to spread out a tablecloth and enjoy a picnic with family and friends. For families with children, the park has several secure play areas where younger children can have fun while parents relax nearby. The park is easily accessible by car, and has ample parking facilities. It is also served by public transport from Paris (RER A, then bus).
Parc de la Croix du Bois is a preserved green space offering a peaceful, natural atmosphere. Nestled between Voisins-le-Bretonneux and Magny-les-Hameaux, this park covers a vast area, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of landscapes, from lush green meadows to shady wooded areas. The park features numerous lawns where you can spread out your blankets for a relaxing picnic. Tables are also available, offering a more comfortable option for meals.
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 the ideal setting for nature lovers and families in search of discovery. We recommend settling down between the arm of the Seine and the Étang des Galiotte, where stretches of grass provide the ideal temperate spot for a relaxing day out with your partner, family or friends.
The Belvédère de Notre-Dame de la Mer is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature while admiring a breathtaking panorama. Located in the Yvelines département, this belvedere offers a breathtaking view of the Seine valley and surrounding area, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing day in the great outdoors. The spot is close to the village of Poissy, in the heart of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye state forest. Accessible via a variety of hiking trails, the belvedere is perched on a hill, offering an elevated, unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside.
Located in the heart of the Yvelines region, the park of Château de Plaisir is a veritable jewel of greenery, offering an enchanting setting for a picnic with family or friends. This historic site, nestled in the commune of Plaisir, boasts a peaceful atmosphere and picturesque landscapes, with a lake to boot. For picnic enthusiasts, the park offers plenty of shady, open spaces to set up your tablecloth. The vast lawns invite you to stretch out and soak up the sun, while the wooded areas provide welcome coolness in summer. Picnic tables are also available, allowing you to enjoy your meal in peace and quiet. A large free parking lot provides direct access to the site.
L'étang des Noës extends over several hectares, surrounded by meadows and forests, offering a varied and harmonious landscape. The banks of the pond, lined with tall trees, provide shady areas ideal for setting up a tablecloth and enjoying a meal al fresco. The tranquility of the area is disturbed only by birdsong and the gentle lapping of the water. For those wishing to picnic, the Noé pond has several landscaped areas. Picnic tables are available at various points, allowing you to enjoy your meal in comfortable surroundings. The extensive lawns also offer plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The étang des Noës is free and open all year round. Parking lots are available nearby, facilitating access to the site. Visitors are encouraged to respect the cleanliness of the site by taking their garbage with them, in order to preserve this exceptional natural setting.
In short, here's a great selection of places to relax, have fun with the family or simply enjoy the Yvelines' most beautiful scenery. Enjoy your picnic, and don't forget to take your garbage with you to keep the sites as beautiful and pleasant as ever.
Location
Petit Moulin des Vaux de Cernay
10 Route de l'Abbaye
78720 Cernay la Ville
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all