Pont de mai - activities

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.

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.

7 unusual parks and gardens in Yvelines, treasures to discover

Why not take a stroll and discover the most beautiful and original parks and gardens in Yvelines? From hidden gardens to unique, historic and even downright zany, the 78 region has no shortage of unusual treasures to discover for those wishing to get off the beaten track.

Saint-Mammès, the charming waterside village in Seine-et-Marne (77)

Grab your Navigo pass and head off to Seine-et-Marne for a stroll along the quays at Saint-Mammès, a picturesque village in the 77.

Top 23 most beautiful villages and walks near Paris, our favorites

Escape around Paris with these 23 must-see getaways within 100 km of the capital.

Polpo Plage, return of the beach terrace on the Seine with Marina and electric boats

Polpo plage reopens its doors! Now you can enjoy a lovely summer beach terrace with your feet in the sand, plus a marina where you can take a boat trip on the Seine!

The free Arbor&Sens walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, the Franchard Arboretum

Arbor&Sens is the name of this free, easy-to-use walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, near the Château. Free, accessible to all and educational, this walk takes us on a discovery of tree species, their origins and their uses.

SNCF strike in May: threat to extended weekends

The month of May, traditionally punctuated by public holidays and long weekends, could this year be marked by significant disruptions on the French rail network. The Sud-Rail union has issued a strike notice for SNCF controllers, extending from April 30 to May 31, 2024. This strike could result in the cancellation of many trains during the May bank holiday period.

Château de Compiègne: a Royal and Imperial heritage within easy reach

The Château de Compiègne, built on the initiative of Louis XV and Louis XVI, then refurbished under Napoleon I and Napoleon III, is a living page in French history. Located in the town of Compiègne, 80 kilometers from Paris, this architectural gem is one of France's most important royal and imperial residences, alongside Versailles and Fontainebleau.

Château de Pierrefonds, the medieval castle reinvented under Napoleon III

In the heart of the Oise region, the Château de Pierrefonds, 80 km from Paris, stands like an open history book on the pages of the Middle Ages, rewritten by the imagination of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc under Napoleon III. This monument, a blend of medieval past and architectural fantasy, offers an immersive experience through its majestic halls, impressive towers and mysterious crypts. We take you on a journey of discovery...