May bridge

Polpo Plage 2026: a beachfront terrace and boats on the Seine in Levallois

Polpo Plage is coming to Levallois-Perret for summer 2026, inviting you to put your feet in the sand along the Seine, with a Fever-Tree–designed bar, bonfire nights, and rides on permit-free electric boats.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.