Heritage yvelines

Yvelines: have you heard of this temple of love, a romantic kiosk-bridge set in a lush green haven?

In the Yvelines, at the heart of the Bonnelles pond nature reserve, a charming bridge-kiosk nicknamed the “Temple of Love” still bears witness to an 18th-century parc à fabriques—an elaborate garden of follies. Open to the public for discovery in 2026.

Yvelines: discover the Bonnelles Ponds Nature Reserve and its beautiful treasures

In the Yvelines, the Bonnelles Ponds Regional Nature Reserve offers a free, year-round nature and heritage stroll around two ponds, featuring diverse wildlife and charming 18th-century factories.

Yvelines: a park designated as a natural site and its historic island cloaked in wisteria

In the Yvelines, just a short stroll from the RER A, the Parc des Ibis du Vésinet reveals, in late April to early May 2026, its Chinese wisterias in full bloom around a large lake designated a natural site since 1934. We went to explore it, and it’s a true feast for the eyes and a perfect place to recharge.

Ten offbeat parks and gardens in Yvelines, treasures to discover

What if we set off on a stroll to discover the loveliest original parks and gardens in Yvelines? From hidden, unique, historic spots to outright quirky or simply one-of-a-kind places, the 78 has no shortage of unusual gems for anyone looking to stray off the beaten path. We’re unveiling 10 parks, gardens, and green spaces to explore in the department.

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.

Yvelines: the little-known château that inspired Ronsard and Cézanne is open to visitors!

Nestled on the banks of the Seine in Médan, Yvelines, the Château de Médan is a former hunting lodge listed as a Historic Monument, a site whose history weaves together poetry, painting and royal intrigues. The château is open to visitors once a month, for group bookings, or on special occasions such as Open Gardens or Heritage Days—we’ve got the full details.

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.

Lueurs de Mantes: the free light walking trail in the heart of Yvelines 2026 is waiting for you

Lueurs de Mantes makes its grand return from January 15 to February 1, 2026, in Mantes-la-Jolie for a third edition that promises an even more immersive experience. This free light trail through Yvelines lights up the city center, turning it into an open-air museum with eight brand-new installations, a captivating drone show, and two intimate concerts.

Fête de la Saint-Gilles this weekend in Rochefort-en-Yvelines

The Fête de la Saint-Gilles 2025 awaits you in Rochefort-en-Yvelines this weekend of September 6 and 7, 2025. This village tradition takes place in the Yvelines region, with entertainment and a convivial meal on the Place des Halles this year.

La Nuit des Jardins at Château de Dampierre (78): three evenings of enchanting nocturnal events in the gardens

After more than two centuries, the formal gardens of Dampierre are reborn, revealing their splendor in a new light. The Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines opens its alleys for La Nuit des Jardins, a night of gourmet festivities and magical enchantment.

Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande, the beach and free swimming in Yvelines

Discover the wonders of the Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande in Les Bréviaires, in the heart of the Rambouillet forest. Fancy a beach and a swim in the green? Head for the Yvelines to sunbathe and relax in the heart of nature, in a completely renovated and redesigned base. Free swimming and an inflatable aquatic course now await you.

Les rendez-vous de la Madeleine 2025, free medieval events at Château de la Madeleine

Les rendez-vous de la Madeleine 2025 are coming to Chevreuse with free shows, historical re-enactments and medieval entertainment every weekend from May 18 to September 28, 2025 at the Château de la Madeleine. Discover the not-to-be-missed program.

Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department

Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history.

La Ferme de l'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay: a charming hotel in the heart of the Yvelines countryside

La Ferme de l'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, tucked away in the Vallée de Chevreuse, offers an enchanting interlude of country-style accommodation, Italian gastronomy and a connection to nature, to be discovered all year round in the Yvelines. Whether you're a Parisian looking for a weekend getaway or a tourist looking for a nature experience near Versailles or Dampierre, Ferme de l'Abbaye has a lot to offer. We've tested it and told you all about it...

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.

The largest dinosaur to be discovered at Château de Dampierre, back in the Jurassic period

For dinosaur fans and budding paleontologists, the Jurassic is coming to Château de Dampierre from July 13 to November 15, 2024. Vaucain, the largest dinosaur ever sold at auction in the world, will take up summer residence in the château's Orangerie.

A free medieval festival at Guernes in the Yvelines this weekend

A medieval festival and craft market with free admission awaits you this weekend of June 15 and 16, 2024 at Guernes in the Yvelines. Looking to step back in time? Equestrian shows and games, falconers and jugglers await you.

Did you know? This Belvédère kiosk in the Yvelines is a remnant of the Universal Exhibition.

How about discovering the Kiosque du Belvédère de Châtillon, nestling in the Rosny-sur-Seine forest in the Yvelines department? We tell you all about its history and how to find it.

Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2024 at Jardin de Yili, the superb Chinese garden in Yvelines (78)

From May 31 to June 2, 2024, Jardin Yili, an oasis of tranquility and Chinese culture, opens its doors to visitors as part of the Rendez-Vous aux Jardins event. Located in Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, just 33 km from Paris, this private garden is an invitation to travel to China without leaving the Ile-de-France region.

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.