To the east of Paris, in the outer suburbs, lies the département of Yvelines : known for its world-famous monuments, such as the Château de Versailles, the area is rich in cultural, heritage and natural discoveries. Shall we take you with us?
From the majestic Château de Versailles, with its sumptuous formal gardens and lavish galleries, to the charming town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, birthplace of Louis XIV, via the Château de Rambouillet, former presidential residence, every corner of this département takes you on a journey through the centuries and the history of France. Don't miss the Villa Savoye, Le Corbusier's masterpiece and a symbol of modern architecture, or the unusual Château de Monte-Cristo, where Alexandre Dumas lived... Not to mention the medieval castles, historic abbeys and artists' houses that make up the region's cultural wealth.
Budding adventurers will love the Thoiry zoo-safari, where you can observe wild species evolving within their enclosures, or the Rambolitrain, the museum dedicated to the Rambouillet toy train. The Yvelines are full of surprises and pretty spots to explore. Hiking enthusiasts will also be well catered for: between the Chevreuse valley and the Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest, not to mention the region's remarkable parks and gardens, there's plenty of scope for beautiful walks, with a little bit of elevation gain.
Heritage, cultural outings & walks
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. [Read more]
La Nuit des Monuments : a candlelit stroll and a drone show at the Domaine de Dampierre (78)
The Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines invites you to its candlelit evening on April 17 and 18, 2026, to wander its park for a magical night as part of the Night of the Monuments. [Read more]
Dampierre Castle is hosting a classic car exhibition in April 2026.
The Ball of Car Bodies returns to the Château de Dampierre on Sunday, April 12, 2026, for another day dedicated to classic, sports, and prestige cars. Nearly 70 models will flood the estate’s courtyards for a rendezvous as chic as it is mechanical in the Yvelines. [Read more]
Maisons-Laffitte (78): an electro open-air festival is set to take over the Château Park this summer, 2026.
For the first time in Île-de-France, Hangar, the renowned Belgian electronic music collective, will take over the Château de Maisons on Saturday, July 4, 2026, headlined by Adriatique for an open-air party that could define the summer on the doorstep of Paris. [Read more]
Easter 2025: treasure hunt and free egg hunt at Château de Maisons-Laffitte (78)
In Maisons-Laffitte (78), Easter is celebrated outdoors with an egg hunt and a chocolate mission in the grounds of the Château de Maisons. A free, fun and tasty day to share with the family on April 6, 2026. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
In Yvelines, you can climb to the top of this tower for a sweeping view of the medieval town.
Rising 25 metres above the Yvelines, Houdan's keep hides a history as solid as it is unusual. A survivor from the 12th century, this stone colossus weathered demolition by being transformed into a functional water tower for nearly a century. An architectural curiosity that today offers an exceptional panorama of the medieval town. [Read more]
Upcoming Gardens Visit 2026 at Groussay Park in Rambouillet: The Program
This Sunday, June 7, 2026, the Groussay Park will open its gates for the Rendez-vous aux Jardins event. This year’s edition invites visitors to rediscover this lush green space, thoughtfully designed to showcase biodiversity and promote ecological education. [Read more]
Discover this classic French-style garden nestled within a Yvelines palace during the 2026 Garden Meetings.
On the occasion of the 2026 Rendez-vous aux Jardins, the Palace of the King of Rome, located just outside Rambouillet, invites visitors to enjoy a special program this weekend, June 6 and 7, 2026, right in the heart of its stunning formal French garden. [Read more]
Easter 2026: Egg Hunt at the Educational Farm of La Bergerie Nationale in Rambouillet (78)
The Rambouillet National Sheepfold invites families to its annual Easter egg hunt from April 4 to 6, 2026. A perfect way to combine playful adventures, animal encounters, and a fun farm-themed treasure hunt! [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026 at the Lambinet Museum: an entertaining evening at the Versailles History Museum
For this year's Night of Museums, head over to the Lambinet Museum in Versailles for a nighttime visit! Join us on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for a free cultural evening full of excitement and discovery. [Read more]
Arts Fair 2026: Dates and Theme of this Cultural Event in Perray-en-Yvelines
The Arts Fair is the must-see cultural event in the town of Perray-en-Yvelines. From March 28 to April 5, 2026, hundreds of works by local artists will be on display. [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026 at the Palace of the King of Rome: Evening musical interludes in Rambouillet (78)
For its 22nd edition, the Night of Museums, the Palace of the King of Rome in Rambouillet is revealing its lineup. Join us this Saturday, May 23, 2026, to enjoy this evening-time cultural event. Check out the insider tips! [Read more]
Musical Night for the 2026 Night of Museums at La Maison de Fer in Poissy (78): the program
The Maison de Fer, this stunning iron-clad villa nestled within the Meissonier Park in Poissy, will be opening its doors in steel for the Night of Museums 2026! This is a perfect opportunity to explore an iconic piece of late 19th-century architecture, a true architectural gem, during a special evening opening. Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026. [Read more]
Easter 2026: A giant Easter egg hunt among the animals at Thoiry Safari Zoo (78)
The Easter Egg Hunt at Thoiry Safari Zoo is back on Sunday, April 5th, and Monday, April 6th, 2026, delighting both children and their parents. An egg hunt like no other — set amidst the zoo’s incredible animals! [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
L'Auberge Nouvelle: The Friendly Bistro and Cheese Bar Taking Over the Yvelines’ Starred Restaurant Spotlight
Head to Yvelines, in Tremblay-sur-Mauldre, to check out the Auberge Nouvelle, which has taken over the space previously occupied by the Michelin-starred restaurant Numéro 3. This welcoming bistro features a rolling cheese cart, classic regional dishes, and lively music nights — here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
A sublime all-you-can-eat brunch on the banks of the Seine in the Yvelines, La Casa takes us on a journey.
Looking for a superb all-you-can-eat brunch to brighten up your Sunday? Head to La Casa in Medan, a new boat-themed restaurant offering a delicious brunch in an exotic setting on the banks of the Seine. Homemade dishes, pastries, and grilled meats—it's all there. [Read more]
Brunch and tea room at La Table d'Alice in Versailles, homemade food just the way we like it
Looking for a good place to have brunch in Versailles? Head to the Montreuil neighborhood, on Place Saint-Symphorien, to discover La Table d'Alice, a friendly spot offering homemade brunch with its specialty soufflé pancakes every weekend and on public holidays. [Read more]
Maison Tonnerre, the coffee shop, bakery and brunch in Versailles where everything is homemade
Maison Tonnerre is a beautiful, discreet address hidden away on the rue des Deux Portes in Versailles. This gourmet coffee shop has been offering pastries, vintage cakes, Sunday brunch and homemade dishes for two years in the Yvelines region, with a healthy, authentic approach. [Read more]
Brunch at La Tribu de Bébé, the kid-friendly space
La Tribu de bébé welcomes families every Sunday for a kid-friendly brunch. [Read more]
La Casa: an idyllic, exotic terrace restaurant on the banks of the Seine in Yvelines (78)
Once a favorite haunt of Émile Zola and his contemporaries, this century-old building in Médan has come back to life with La Casa, a new gourmet address in Yvelines (78). With a bistronomic brasserie, cocktail bar and XXL terrace on the banks of the Seine, you can enjoy the sun, the view and your food as if you were on a cruise... without leaving the Paris region! [Read more]
La Trattoria di Bambini, the Italian restaurant at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay Farm
La Trattoria di Bambini is the name of the new Italian restaurant hidden away in the farmhouse of the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay in the Yvelines. Open to all, this gourmet spot is sure to delight fans of good pizzas and Italian dishes. We tell you all about it. [Read more]
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... [Read more]
La Parenthèse Verte in Louveciennes: the bistronomic restaurant in the Yvelines with terrace
We're off to Louveciennes in the Yvelines to discover the Parenthèse Verte restaurant. Imagine a restaurant nestled in a verdant park, with a superb terrace offering a change of scenery for the 2025 summer season! With its bistronomic cuisine and friendly atmosphere, we'll take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
L'Auberge des 3 hameaux, the friendly restaurant with leafy terrace in Choisel, Yvelines
The Auberge des 3 Hameaux is not just an inn, it's also an excellent bistronomic restaurant to discover. Nestled in the Vallée de Chevreuse, close to the Château de Breteuil, this Yvelines gourmet landmark has a lot going for it. Tested and approved, we warmly recommend it if you're in the mood for good food. [Read more]
La Maison Louveciennes, the festive restaurant with terrace and summer beach on the banks of the Seine - 78
Bistronomy, summer beaches and festive evenings just 20 minutes from Paris: La Maison Louveciennes, a landmark in the Yvelines region, welcomes you every day to its enchanting waterside setting. [Read more]
Le Coq de Bougival, the legendary Yvelines restaurant
Head for Le Coq de Bougival, 20 minutes from Paris, to discover a beautiful, warm building steeped in history, offering generous, authentic cuisine, just the way we like it. Discover its contemporary, cosy setting and its huge summer terrace. [Read more]
A superb all-you-can-eat brunch on a terrace with a breathtaking view in the Yvelines?
Are you looking for an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch on a terrace to soak up the sun? Let's go to the Belvédère du Domaine de la Corniche, located in Rolleboise in the Yvelines region, which offers an all-you-can-eat brunch every Sunday lunchtime and evening in summer, with a breathtaking view over the valley and the Seine. [Read more]
The all-you-can-eat brunch at La Parenthèse Verte in the Yvelines and its green terrace
All-you-can-eat brunch in the Yvelines, and more specifically in Louveciennes? We decided to try La Parenthèse Verte, a restaurant bathed in light, ideally nestled in a verdant park and boasting a large terrace where you can soak up the sun when it peeks out. [Read more]
L'Auberge du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines: a charming hotel facing the castle
The Auberge du Château, a 17thᵉ century house transformed into a charming hotel, is located at the foot of the Château de Dampierre. In this authentic setting, fifteen renovated rooms offer a subtle blend of modern comfort and tradition, all just 35 minutes from Paris, in the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse. [Read more]
Le Barn Hôtel: a nature getaway from the hustle and bustle of Paris
Located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, the Barn Hôtel invites you to take a break from time and enjoy nature. On the program: bike rides, horseback riding, boating on the pond or simply relaxing in the sun! [Read more]
Discover the Royal Sunday Brunch at Château de Méridon in the Chevreuse Valley
How about a royal brunch at Château de Méridon? Between Cernay la Ville and the Château de Breteuil, you can enjoy a dominival brunch in an exceptional green setting. [Read more]
The Maison du Val's all-you-can-eat brunch in Saint-Germain, Yvelines
Looking for a divine, all-you-can-eat brunch on the terrace that lets you spend a whole day in the countryside, with plenty to do? We'll take you to the Maison du Val in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, a haven of peace that's full of treasures. [Read more]
All-you-can-eat brunch at Chez Molly in Versailles, Yvelines
Why not treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat brunch, even on the terrace, with homemade, local produce? Let's head for the Yvelines, to discover the Cour cachée des Senteurs, home to the Chez Molly tea room, where every weekend we can enjoy a gourmet brunch just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles. [Read more]
Royal all-you-can-eat lobster brunch at Château d'Hardricourt in Yvelines, France
The Château d'Hardricourt, in the Yvelines department, unveils its lobster brunch every Sunday. How about an all-you-can-eat brunch with lobster and champagne, all in the château's magnificent garden? [Read more]
Boulevard Beirut, the right Lebanese restaurant in Poissy, Yvelines (78)
Looking for sunshine on the plate and in the service? Then head for Boulevard Beirut, a lovely surprise nestled between the Collégiale Notre Dame and the old bridge that used to be a landmark of the town of Poissy in the Yvelines department. [Read more]
An exceptional brunch at Château de Villiers-Le-Mahieu in the Yvelines, with all kinds of entertainment
If you'd like to go green and enjoy an exceptional all-you-can-eat brunch without having to go to the ends of the earth, then we invite you to discover Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu in the Yvelines. Part of the Les Maison de Campagne group, this site also offers a whole range of activities included in the package, for a fantastic day out. Golf, boating, cycling, games, cinema and even snacks await you... [Read more]
Cavrosa, Chevreuse's crêperie for local Yvelines products
We'd like to take you on a tour of Crêperie Cavrosa, a lovely place nestled in a natural setting, offering delicious Breton crepes made with local Yvelines produce. [Read more]
La crêperie de Gally, the new gourmet and local address on the Saint-Cyr l'Ecole Farm (78)
Food lovers take note: a few months ago, the Ferme de Gally in Saint-Cyr l'Ecole opened its long-awaited crêperie, with a seasonal menu featuring fresh produce. For lunch or a snack, come and treat yourself at the farm! [Read more]
Exceptional brunch in the Réfectoire des Moines at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay by Paris Society
The Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay has reopened, and with it no fewer than 3 restaurants (soon to be 4). One of these is the Hogwarts-style Réfectoire des Moines, offering a brunch that's as gourmet as it is delicious. We take you on a tour of this historic venue with its exceptional offerings. [Read more]
Zoos and aquariums
A mini golf course amid the animals at Thoiry Zoo (78)
Fancy a game of mini-golf at the zoo? Then head to the Thoiry Zoo Safari, better known simply as the "Thoiry Zoo", in the Yvelines region of France, to discover this unique concept with the whole family, from July 8, 2023. [Read more]
La Serre aux Papillons in La Queue-lez-Yvelines, a tropical jungle near Paris
Forty kilometers from Paris, in the Yvelines, nestles an atypical and exciting place for the whole family, a butterfly greenhouse! Located in La Queue-lez-Yvelines, it was the very first tropical greenhouse in France to welcome these colorful and exotic insects, particularly graceful. [Read more]
Zoo Safari de Thoiry: what's new?
The Thoiry ZooSafari continues to innovate, and it's not over yet, with major projects in the pipeline for the next few years. Between the new lodges, the light trail, the green vehicle safaris, the new arrivals and the births, the Thoiry Zoo has some great discoveries in store for us. [Read more]
Amusement parks and fairgrounds
France Miniature: Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Miniature Models of the Park Featuring Small-Scale Monuments in the 78th Department
What if you went behind the scenes? To mark its 35th anniversary, France Miniature Park in Élancourt (78) invites you to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour from April 11 to May 3, 2026. This rare opportunity offers a glimpse into the making and daily life of its miniature monuments, painstakingly crafted millimeter by millimeter. [Read more]
Sports outings
Blocbuster, the family-friendly climbing gym for young and old, in Versailles
Blocbuster is a concept of climbing gyms that already has three in the Ile-de-France region: the first one in La Défense, the second one in Courbevoie and finally, the last one in Versailles, known for being particularly kid-friendly with its children's areas where you can spend the whole day, from 3 years old! [Read more]
HAPIK, the climbing and adventure gym in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
Opened in December 2022, HAPIK is the new super fun climbing gym, where you can come and let off steam with your family, your friends for your birthday or your colleagues during a team building session. [Read more]
Parks and gardens
The Aleu park: fishing ponds and country walks in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines (78)
For a quiet, green, open-air stroll, head for the Parc de l'Aleu in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines! [Read more]
Discover the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum and its Remarkable Garden
The Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup awaits you all year round in its remarkable 200-hectare park! Come and stroll, picnic or play sport in complete freedom amidst 10,000 trees of over 2,500 different varieties. [Read more]
Château de Buc and its park: a cultural getaway in Yvelines
Built on the remains of an ancient royal castle, the Château de Buc is a treasure to be discovered in the Yvelines, whether to enjoy its park and playground or to discover the cultural program on offer. [Read more]
The Museum of Sufi Art and Culture: a spiritual journey in Chatou (78) - our photos
In Chatou, in the Yvelines department, the first museum dedicated to the art and culture of Sufism opens its doors to you to discover this spiritual current of Islam, through a collection of ancient objects and works of art. [Read more]
The Parc du peuple de l'herbe, the largest nature park in the Yvelines, with its flora and fauna
The Parc du Peuple de l'herbe at Carrières-sous-Poissy in the Yvelines region, open all year round, offers a fascinating immersion in nature. This 113-hectare park, the largest in the Yvelines region, is home to an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, providing an ideal setting for nature lovers and families in search of discovery. Insects and flowers abound. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Parc du Château de Plaisir, a green bubble in the heart of Yvelines
On the outskirts of old Plaisir, nestles the Parc du Château de Plaisir and its verdant setting, a veritable corner of nature for strolling, picnicking or playing sport. Classified as a historic monument in 1961, this site has many assets. [Read more]
The Bassin de la Boissière, a bucolic promenade open 24 hours a day in Elancourt (78)
In Elancourt, in the Yvelines department, you'll find a lovely pond: the Etang de la Boissière, where it's great to take a stroll in any season, and even more so in autumn! [Read more]
Parc Corbière, a green paradise for young and old in Le Pecq (78)
In Le Pecq, in the Yvelines département, Parc Corbière is particularly popular with families and children, but also with joggers, walkers and other curious visitors who come to enjoy a trip to the park to get some fresh air. [Read more]
Walk: Parc de la Croix du Bois in Voisins-le-Bretonneux, a hidden gem between nature and history
We're off to Voisins-le-Bretonneux in the Yvelines to discover the astonishing Parc de la Croix du Bois. A park hidden away at the edge of the forest, it conceals Italian-inspired treasures. It's a little-known haven of peace that invites you to stroll and discover. [Read more]
The Perfumer's Garden, the garden of the Château de Versailles and the House of Francis Kurkdjian
The park at Versailles is home to a little-known garden: "Le Jardin du Parfumeur". Under the patronage of Francis Kurkdjian, the plot envelops the Trianon estate in an elegant floral fragrance. [Read more]
The Trianon Estate and the Queen's hamlet
The Domaine de Trianon can be visited separately from the Château. Located two kilometers away, it was once a place of refuge for kings, who found rest and relaxation away from the Court. Created by Louis XV, the estate became the fiefdom of Marie-Antoinette, who modified the grounds and created an entire hamlet, like a small village. [Read more]
Current activities
From Paris to Versailles by bike: itinerary for an easy ride on the Véloscénie
Did you know? La Véloscénie, the long-distance cycle path linking Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, provides a link between Paris and Versailles. Let us take you on a 30-kilometre bike ride! [Read more]
Hiking: from l'île des Impressionnistes to Sartrouville, along the long-distance footpath
Follow in the footsteps of the famous Impressionist painters on a stroll along the Seine, from Chatou to Sartrouville, discovering pretty riverbanks and bucolic greenery. [Read more]
The educational farm at Mantes-la-Jolie (78), a free, rural outing in the Yvelines region
In Mantes-la-Jolie, in the Yvelines département, there's an educational farm hidden away on Ile l'Aumône. Free and open to all, it's a great opportunity to take a stroll and discover the animals! [Read more]
Montfort l'Amaury’s Plant and Garden Festival 2026 (78)
Montfort l'Amaury, a charming town in the Yvelines département, hosts the 14th edition of the Plant and Garden Festival. This event is a must-visit for gardening enthusiasts, taking place over the weekend of April 11 and 12, 2026, amid the historic setting of this medieval town. [Read more]
Braderie solidaire ADM in Guyancourt, selling new at knock-down prices as well as second-hand goods (78)
In Guyancourt in the Yvelines, near the Place du Marché, you'll find a solidarity store offering new goods for three times less, as well as second-hand goods for even less. From clothes to crockery, household linen and even cellophane, you'll find it all. For 3 months, until June, a second adjacent store is also offering furniture and other large-volume items. Chairs for €5, shelves and other beds still wrapped at bargain prices, how about that? [Read more]
