Free ride

Deuil-la-Barre's Greenway: a verdant stroll in the heart of Val-d'Oise

Nature comes to Deuil-la-Barre! This spring, the Île-de-France town unveils the third stretch of the “Coulée Verte,” its flagship project to forge a green corridor that runs through the town from north to south. A chance to enjoy a lush, leafy stroll right in the heart of Val-d’Oise.

The Villarceaux Castle Histories 2026: a free medieval and costume festival

The Château de Villarceaux, in the Val-d'Oise department, invites you to step back into the Middle Ages and the Second Empire for the weekend of Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 7, 2026. Ready to travel through time? A parade, a picnic, reenactments, performances and an artisan market await you.

Monuments in great shape: VR canoe-kayak and a sophrology walk in this nature area of Seine-et-Marne

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Domaine de Champs-sur-Marne invites you to a sensory experience as part of the event “Monuments en pleine forme.” From virtual-reality canoe-kayak demonstrations, a soothing sophro-walk, a concert and a playful hike, the estate becomes a true ground for exploration!

May 1st: how to sell lilies of the valley and where to source them around Paris in Île-de-France?

May 1, 2026, Labour Day and a public holiday, also brings the tradition of lily of the valley. Selling or picking these tiny lucky bells in the forests of Île-de-France is a long-standing custom, but it comes with a few rules to know.

In May, get outside and breathe easy in the departmental parks of Seine-Saint-Denis!

Looking for a scenic outdoor stroll near Paris, a free outdoor activity, or a peaceful spot to exercise away from the city's hustle and bustle... There's definitely a park in Seine-Saint-Denis that's perfect for you!

Festive Flea Market: bargains and street art for a free day in Chatou (78)

On Monday, May 25, 2026, the City of Chatou is reinventing its classics with the inaugural edition of “Brocante en Fête.” Blending a quirky objects fair with Europe Day, the Yvelines town invites visitors to let themselves be surprised by brass bands and performances set among stalls where you can hunt for bargains!

Free entry to castles and museums in Seine-et-Marne this Sunday, May 3, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month.

On the first Sunday of each month, many castles, museums, and monuments in Île-de-France open their doors for free. How does that look in Seine-et-Marne? Some sites are free every first Sunday of the month year-round, while others, on specific dates, we break down what's happening this Sunday, May 3, 2026.

This medieval town, designated a Village of Character in Île-de-France, hides a wealth of treasures.

We head to Seine-et-Marne (77), less than an hour from Paris, to discover Nemours, a medieval town awarded the Village of Character label, tucked into the meanders of the Loing and rich with a heritage to explore year-round. The castle, museums and a sublime church make up a remarkable ensemble to discover.

26 charming villages and strolls to discover near Paris, the treasures of Île-de-France

Get away from Paris with these 26 must-see getaways within 100 km of the capital.

Seine-et-Marne: this Royal Garden, listed as a Remarkable Garden, unfolds its sublime rhododendrons with free admission

In Seine-et-Marne, the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau are in full bloom this spring 2026, showcasing their rhododendron beds. A 130-hectare royal park, listed as a Remarkable Garden, free to enter—you can run, you can dash around (and you can picnic).

Sant Jordi: a book-and-rose market with free activities, Catalonia’s festival.

On April 25, 2026, the spirit of Catalonia takes over the 14th arrondissement for a celebration centered on literature and roses to mark Sant Jordi. A wide range of free activities, from human-tower displays to Catalan language workshops, awaits at Place de Catalogne.

A Taste of America in Paris: Doane University Concert Band in concert at the American Church

The Doane University Concert Band will perform at the American Church in Paris—the famed American Church on the Quai d'Orsay—on May 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. for an exceptional concert. Directed by Andrew Feyes, the ensemble will present a varied program blending American works, grand operatic selections, and contemporary creations, in a unique setting in the heart of Paris. Admission is free and open to everyone.

A free cultural walk exploring the heritage of the Olympic Games as part of Canal Summer

The Canal Summer Festival is back, along with the Grand Olympic Heritage Walk, on August 1, 2026, inviting you to relive the Paris 2024 Olympic vibe through a free 14-kilometer cultural hike.

Barbizon's Parks and Gardens Festival 2026: free activities in Seine-et-Marne

Barbizon’s Festival of Parks and Gardens returns for its 5th edition on April 18–19, 2026 in Seine-et-Marne, centered on the theme Gardens of the World, with a lineup of free activities for the whole family.

10 free outings to enjoy the Easter weekend in Paris and Île-de-France

Chasses aux œufs, musées gratuits, Hanami à Sceaux... The Easter weekend from April 4 to 6, 2026 is packed with free options in Paris and Île-de-France. We round up the possibilities to enjoy a long weekend without blowing the budget.

Yvelines: 50 free nature walks to discover the Sensitive Natural Areas in 2026

In the Yvelines department (78), the local authority is offering 50 free nature outings in its Espaces Naturels Sensibles from 4 April to 29 November 2026. Guided walks, family workshops, wildlife and flora discoveries... registration is mandatory, so keep that in mind!

Domaine National de Port-Royal des Champs: A Historical and Cultural Journey in Yvelines

We're off to discover the Domaine National de Port-Royal des Champs in Magny-les-Hameaux, Yvelines, open all year round. This historic and cultural site, which bears witness to the history of Jansenism, offers a unique visiting experience and a wonderful discovery walk.

Montfermeil Arboretum: An Unconventional Natural Retreat in Seine-Saint-Denis

In Seine-Saint-Denis, the Montfermeil municipal arboretum stretches over 11 hectares of greenery, featuring a unique botanical trail, open to visitors free of charge year-round. It's a perfect nature getaway to the east of Paris, especially during this sunny season.

Launay Botanical Garden and Paris-Saclay Arboretum: A Global Journey Through Plants in Essonne

We head to Essonne to explore the botanical garden of the University of Paris-Saclay, sprawling across 90 hectares of plant collections on the Orsay campus. Home to nearly 3,000 species from around the globe, it offers free guided tours and features a conservation arboretum, making for a perfect green getaway just a short train ride away from Orsay station.

Meetings at the Gardens 2026: Discover Juliette's Stunning Gardens in Elancourt with Free Admission - 78

The Gardens Meetings are also taking place in Élancourt in the Yvelines this weekend, June 6 and 7, 2026. Over two days, explore a variety of beautifully landscaped areas—from the English garden to the Japanese garden, including the French style.