Heritage ile de france

This Pompadour-era château in the Yvelines hides a superb estate and a Japanese garden.

Few people know the Château de La Celle-Saint-Cloud, in Yvelines, which hosts a 23-hectare estate featuring a Japanese garden, contemporary sculptures, and a classified park. For Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2026, we headed out to discover this hidden historical treasure that’s well worth a stroll.

Essonne: a château with remarkable gardens you absolutely must discover to go green

The Domaine de Courson, a château classified as a Historic Monument and a park labelled Jardin Remarquable in Courson-Monteloup, Essonne, opens its doors to visitors until November 1. Now is the time to discover its sublime green spaces and, perhaps, delve into the castle’s history through a guided tour.

Seine-et-Marne: this medieval keep that visitors can tour was once a prison.

Across Seine-et-Marne, the César Tower has dominated Provins’ medieval citadel since the 12th century. This listed keep, once used as a prison, is open to visitors year-round and offers a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

This steel giant is one of the wildest curiosities in Île-de-France, and you can visit it — reviews & photos.

In the heart of the Milly-la-Forêt woods, a strange steel creature awaits walkers. Monumental, immersive, and framed by cultural events, this extraordinary work invites visitors to a surprising and transportive artistic pause in Essonne. It reopens for a new season on Sunday, April 4, 2026.

Arboretum of Vallée-aux-Loups, the stunning free park in Hauts-de-Seine renowned for its remarkable trees

In Châtenay-Malabry, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the Vallée-aux-Loups Arboretum offers 12.5 hectares of picturesque natural scenery just a short 15-kilometer drive from Paris. Best of all, entry is completely free, making it a perfect year-round escape into nature.

Yvelines: 13th-century Gothic chapel, now restored, saved by a painter

In Croissy-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines, a 13th-century Gothic chapel nearly vanished from view. The Saint-Léonard-and-Saint-Martin Chapel guards nearly a thousand years of history—marked by royal pilgrimages, mysterious relics, and an unexpected artistic rebirth.

This medieval tower, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne, was once used to measure the speed of light.

Perched atop a 30-meter-high hill, the Montlhéry Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne and the Île-de-France region. This historic medieval relic, officially listed as a Monument Historique, once served as a laboratory for some of the greatest scientists of the 19th century. Whether you're interested in its history, planning a visit, or just taking a leisurely walk, here's everything you need to know.

Maisons des Illustres in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: where to find them, what they represent...

There are 37 Maisons des Illustres in Paris and the Île-de-France region, celebrating personalities who have left a lasting mark on the world of culture or science. Discover their history, and where to find them in the Paris region.

In Chessy, a surprising walk in the Dhuys sculpture garden

Looking for nature and art? Head off to an undiscovered spot some forty kilometers from Paris, to discover original sculptures scattered across the landscape.

30 unusual or little-known places to discover in Paris and the Île-de-France region this summer 2025

Why not take the opportunity this summer to discover the treasures of the Île-de-France region? Paris may be one of the world's most beautiful cities, but the surrounding region also boasts a rich heritage and a host of unusual nuggets! Here's a roundup of original spots in the Paris region!

The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, a journey into the world of cotton printing

The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, dedicated to the emblematic fabric printed with floral motifs and characters, is nestled in the Château de l'Églantine in Jouy-en-Josas (78). In addition to its historic collection, the museum regularly exhibits contemporary artists and organizes creative workshops!

Île Fanac in Joinville-le-Pont: green walks, canoeing, rowing and a gourmet barge

In Joinville-le-Pont, enjoy a quiet interlude on Île Fanac, discovering the elegant houses with pontoons. On the program: a stroll in a beautiful green setting, canoeing and rowing on the Marne and other nuggets to discover.

A bucolic walk on the Impressionist Island in Chatou

A few stations away from Paris, by taking the RER A, make a stopover in the footsteps of the Impressionists in Chatou, for a pleasant stroll along the water.

In Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, a funny escape in the house-museum of Raymond Devos

Looking for a break from routine? Take a leap into the funny, poetic world of Raymond Devos, by visiting his house in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, near Paris.

Maison de Chateaubriand: a journey to the heart of literary and architectural Romanticism

At the end of the RER B in the direction of Robinson, you'll find the Maison de Chateaubriand, in the Domaine de la Vallée-aux-Loups. Discover this elegant residence, which was home to the writer and his wife for many years.

Royaumont Abbey, an Île-de-France heritage treasure

If you're a wanderer in search of beautiful historic sites, we'd like to take you on a tour of the Abbaye de Royaumont, a veritable jewel of Île-de-France heritage.