Stroll in ile de france

This historic château in Essonne, now the town hall, hides a remarkable botanical park that’s free to visit.

In Lardy, the castle park—now the town hall—runs along the Juine for six hectares and features remarkable century-old trees in Essonne, freely accessible year-round. We treated ourselves to a quick outing to reveal this surprising green space and its castle.

Parc Boussard: we visited this Art Deco garden, a designated Jardin Remarquable and free to visit in Essonne.

The Boussard Park, in Lardy (Essonne), is one of the few Art Deco gardens in Île-de-France. Registered as a historic monument and named a Remarkable Garden, this free-entry municipal park is open year-round. Tucked away in a discreet, hidden corner, it’s a real gem we were pleased to discover and are thrilled to share with you.

In June, a full lineup of activities in Seine-Saint-Denis’ departmental parks

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!

Artists' May 2026: a free urban art trail in Argenteuil.

Take advantage of May’s sun to soak up art in Argenteuil: the city is staging another edition of the Mai des Artistes on May 30–31, 2026. A truly free, must-see art stroll!

Art Deco Spring 2026: An Architectural Immersion in Hauts-de-France

The Art Deco Spring returns to Hauts-de-France through May 31, 2026, with guided tours, exhibitions, workshops and festive events celebrating heritage.

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.

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.

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.

Flower weekend at Moulin Jaune: do as you please in this extraordinary and remarkable garden.

Slava Polunin’s renowned garden reopens its doors on May 16 and 17, 2026 in Crécy-la-Chapelle, Seine-et-Marne, for a flower-filled weekend of costumes and picnics along the Grand Morin.

Hauts-de-Seine: the keep that dominates Île-de-France was meant to be the Sacré-Cœur’s little sister

High above Suresnes in the Hauts-de-Seine, a strange 25-meter neo-medieval fortress has watched over Paris since the early 20th century. Behind its machicolations and murder holes lies a delicious tale of unapologetic anticlericalism.

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.

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.

Where to pick tulips in Île-de-France? Open fields and pick-your-own spots this spring

Spring is arriving, and with it the season of flowers. While cherry trees and magnolias are in bloom, tulips are also coloring Île-de-France’s landscapes with their bright hues. You can go pick them yourself in Île-de-France, at the region’s pick-your-own farms.

February 2026 Holidays at Château de Breteuil: Immerse Yourself in the World of Fairy Tales

The Château de Breteuil opens its doors to families during the winter holidays, from February 21 to March 8, 2026: a variety of activities await both children and adults, centered around the fairy tales of our childhood.

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.

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.

La Médiévale de Brie Comte Robert 2025 in Seine-et-Marne, free shows and festivities

The 26th edition of La Médiévale de Brie-Comte-Robert awaits us on October 4 and 5, 2025 in the town center of this charming commune in Seine-et-Marne (77), offering a completely free cultural journey with over 140 artisans.

What religious treasures can you discover in the Pays de Fontainebleau?

Looking for a cultural and spiritual getaway near Paris? The Pays de Fontainebleau (77) reveals its little-known religious treasures through 3 original discovery trails. From the hermitage of Franchard to the churches along the Seine, explore chapels and steeples all year round.