What to do in yvelines

L'Auberge du Vieux Marly, a terrace-friendly restaurant in the Yvelines, is making a comeback (78)

L'Auberge du Vieux Marly, an institution in the old village of Marly-le-Roi in the Yvelines (78), is coming back to life in 2026 under the leadership of Myriam Guenfoud. A chalkboard menu, a shaded terrace, and homemade cooking await you at this charming village-style restaurant.

La Table d'Alice, a convivial restaurant with a summer terrace in Versailles, Yvelines

La Table d'Alice, the welcoming bistro imagined by chef Cyril Fabien, opens its terrace for the sunny days on the pretty square opposite Saint-Symphorien Church in Versailles (78). We headed there to test it, and here’s what we found.

Free castles, museums and monuments in Yvelines, Sunday, May 3, 2026, the first Sunday of the month - 78

On the first Sunday of every month, many monuments, castles, museums, and historic sites in Yvelines open their doors for free. But that isn’t the case for everyone, all year round. To help you navigate, here’s the list of cultural sites in the 78 to visit this Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Yvelines flea markets and garage sales this weekend, May 1–3, 2026, in the 78.

Discover the flea markets and garage sale circuit in the Yvelines from May 1 to 3, 2026. From Flexanville to Vaux-sur-Seine, through Houdan and Montesson, we’re heading out to explore the happenings in the 78.

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 (78) : after six years of closure, this legendary racecourse reopens with a spectacular concert

Long dormant for a long time, locked behind its gates as if frozen in time, the Maisons-Laffitte Racecourse is finally gearing up to restart racing. On Friday, May 15, 2026, this iconic Seine-side venue makes a highly anticipated comeback, with a public horse sale and, in the evening, a private Bob Sinclar concert.

Yvelines: do you know this temple of love, the romantic kiosque bridge tucked away in a verdant setting?

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.

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.

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: The Templar Commandery and its historic chapel reinvented as the Digital City

In Élancourt, in the Yvelines, the Commandery of the Templars of La Villedieu has weathered the centuries, reinventing itself as a true digital hub, set between a listed medieval chapel, free exhibitions, and innovative tools for everyone.

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.

Cinderella, the new immersive show at the Château de Maisons, in Maisons-Laffitte (78)

What if Cinderella left the pages behind to step into real life? From November 6 to December 13, 2026, discover the Château de Maisons’ new immersive show in Maisons-Laffitte (78), where the tale is lived from the inside, blending historic splendor and magic up to the stroke of midnight.

The delicious Easter chocolates for 2026 from Jardin Sucré, the chocolate shop and bakery

Between Paris (17th) and the Yvelines, the pastry-chocolate shop Jardin Sucré unveils its Easter 2026 collection: Bruno Écureuil, Polly Bunny, Martin Lapin, and many more edible creations on offer until the end of April 2026.

Thousands of tulips at the Château de Dampierre in Yvelines, captured in photos and video! Events planned.

In the Yvelines, the Domaine de Dampierre opens its Printanières from late March to early May 2026. Thousands of tulips, a Tulip Day, and a Plant Festival are on the agenda for spring 2026—the full story, plus the photos and video from our on-site visit, are revealed to you.

Easter 2026: egg hunt and treasure hunt at the Raymond Devos House-Museum (78)

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Raymond Devos House-Museum in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse invites you to an Easter-themed afternoon of egg hunts and a scavenger hunt, exploring Easter and the whimsical world of the celebrated humorist.

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.

This iconic stadium of French football conceals the ruins of a 12th-century church in the Yvelines

Behind the iconic gates of the National Football Center lies a surprising history that extends far beyond the sport. Long before it became the training ground for France’s national team, the Clairefontaine estate has endured centuries of change—from an English hunt pavilion to a war wounded refuge—while still preserving remnants of a 12th-century church.

The Camélia: a charming restaurant in the Yvelines, blending local flavors with culinary innovation

In the Yvelines town of Bougival, the restaurant Le Camélia is experiencing a fresh new chapter under the guidance of chef Adrien Bernard-Brunet. Focused on seasonal ingredients, local sourcing, and a meaningful tradition of mentorship, we set out to explore this charming bistronomic spot that boasts plenty of qualities.