Idea for a trip in yvelines

Plant Festival at Château de Dampierre: the 78's new event is unveiled

In the Yvelines, the Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is launching its very first Plant Festival on May 9–10, 2026, featuring about forty exhibitors, hands-on workshops and talks in an exceptionally verdant setting. We went to discover this new green rendezvous, tucked into a jewel-box of nature and heritage.

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.

Nuits des Forêts 2026 in the Yvelines: the schedule of nature outings in the 78

Nights in the Forests return from June 5 to 21, 2026, in the heart of Yvelines! A rich and varied program takes shape across the department to help you reconnect with nature in an immersive and playful way.

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.

This flower-filled park in the Yvelines hides an arboretum, royal secrets, and has inspired Blake and Mortimer.

In Buc, in the Yvelines, the park of Haut-Buc Castle is freely accessible year-round. A pedagogical arboretum, Louis XIV’s secret child, an eccentric astronomer, and the backdrop for Blake and Mortimer: this estate has more than one story to tell. Here’s more about this superb place in full bloom, a must for tulip lovers.

Rambouillet Lily-of-the-Valley Festival 2026: games, parade and fireworks on the agenda

The Rambouillet Lily Festival will take place on May 9 and 10, 2026 in the Yvelines, centered around board games and video games: a floral procession, the crowning of the queen, a pyrosymphonic show, and a lineup of activities.

The only medieval keep with buttresses in Île-de-France is located in the Yvelines.

In Yvelines, at Maurepas, the remains of a 20-meter-high cylindrical keep stand as the sole remnant of a medieval fortress from the 12th century. Recognized as a historic monument since 1926, it still holds the secrets of a turbulent past. Here’s the story.

The Free Viroflay Plant Festival 2026 (78)

The Viroflay Plant Festival in the Yvelines is making a comeback on March 21 and 22, 2026, right outside the media library. Expect a vibrant display of colorful plants, shrubs, geraniums, palms, and local producers—all open to the public with free admission.

Esprit Jardin 2026 in Versailles: the Free Plant Festival — Here's the Program

Sprit Jardin is back on April 25 and 26, 2026, for its free plant festival in the Saint-Louis neighborhood and at the Potager du Roi in Versailles: 100 exhibitors, creative workshops, entertainment, and a special program to celebrate the 400th anniversary await visitors.

Chinese New Year in Maisons-Laffitte offers a wonderful lineup of free activities

Maisons-Laffitte rings in the Chinese New Year with a free afternoon of workshops and activities on February 15, 2026. The event features calligraphy, origami, Qi Gong, and tea-tasting sessions, offering a vibrant introduction to traditional Chinese culture.

The source of the Yvette: a mysterious statue in the Yvelines

Did you know? A mysterious statue represents the source of the Yvette. Nestled in the heart of the Yvelines, in Essarts-le-Roi, an intriguing sculpture marks the birth of this Île-de-France river. Open year-round, this hidden gem can be discovered during a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Chevreuse Valley.

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.

This Yvelines Christmas Market offers a pyrotechnic drone show, ice rink, and free rides.

The Élancourt Christmas Village returns from December 5 to 7, 2025, at the Guy Boniface sports park in the Yvelines. On the program: free drone and fireworks show, 200 m² ice rink, traditional chalets, and festive entertainment for the whole family. We'll tell you everything...

Paris-Versailles-Mantes walk 2026, registration now open for the night hike

Registration for the 89th edition of the Paris-Versailles-Mantes walk has been open since December 3, 2025, in the Yvelines. Join us on the night of January 24-25, 2026, for this legendary night hike between Versailles and Mantes-la-Jolie, with four routes ranging from 12 to 52 km.

This Yvelines Christmas Market offers a magical journey, a carousel, and free wine and hot chocolate.

The Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse Christmas market immerses us in the festive atmosphere of the Yvelines on November 29 and 30, 2025. On the program: local artisans, magical shows, free wine and hot chocolate, activities for children, and delicacies to enjoy on site.

Salon des Créateurs in L'Étang-la-Ville, the Yvelines Christmas market with free admission

Around twenty local exhibitors will be taking over the Espace Auberderie in L'Étang-la-Ville for the 14th edition of the Salon des Créateurs on November 15 and 16, 2025, the perfect craft fair for finding Christmas gifts.

Germinations, the new free arts festival that transforms a Yvelines village

GERMINATIONS is the name of the first ecological arts festival to transform Raizeux (Yvelines) into an open-air gallery. 24 French and international artists will take over 4 sites in the village from September 13 to 28, 2025, all with free access.