Just a few dozen minutes from the capital by car or train, the Val-d'Oise département is far from being the most popular in the Île-de-France region: and yet the area is rich in cultural and sporting outings and beautiful natural areas for family outings.
From the Château de la Roche-Guyon to the forest of Montmorency, via theAbbey of Royaumont, the 12 stations of the Axe majeur de Cergy and the picturesque villages that inspired the Impressionist painters of the 19th century, the département boasts many nuggets, ideal for a day or weekend getaway less than an hour's drive from Paris.
Discover the chalk cliffs of the Vexin, hike through the ghost village of Goussainville, hire a donkey for an unusual walk, take a dip and enjoy the waterfalls at the Ile de loisirs de Cergy... In short, are you planning to discover Val-d'Oise with your family and children soon?
Heritage, cultural outings & walks
Smile World: The Indoor Family Recreation Center in Paris and Greater Île-de-France
Smile World is a sprawling indoor entertainment complex located at Bercy 2, in the 3 Fontaines area of Cergy, and in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. Visitors of all ages can enjoy electric go-karting, a trampoline park, and laser tag, making it the perfect spot for family outings or fun with friends. [Read more]
Red: An archaeological journey through a color — from prehistory to today at the ARCHEA Museum (95)
From March 14 to November 15, 2026, the ARCHEA Museum will delve into the mysteries of the color red with a groundbreaking archaeological exhibition. Spanning prehistoric pigments to medieval adornments, this exhibit showcases the significance and influence of this symbolic hue throughout thousands of years. [Read more]
A sensory garden perched on the heights of an ancient medieval city in the Île-de-France region
Perché on the heights of Pontoise, the Five Senses Garden offers a unique sensory experience amidst the historic ruins of an ancient medieval town in Val-d’Oise. This idyllic spot, with its breathtaking panoramic views along the ramparts, provides visitors with a peaceful retreat immersed in nature and history. [Read more]
Mardi Gras 2026 in Osny: An Evening of Music at the Forum of Arts
In Osny, the Municipal School of Music is hosting a lively Mardi Gras celebration at the Forum des Arts et des Loisirs, featuring an open-to-all acoustic concert on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 8:30 PM. Students will take the audience on a journey through global musical sounds, creating an inclusive atmosphere — costumes are encouraged if you feel like dressing up. [Read more]
Carnaval of L’Isle-Adam 2026: parade, entertainment, and the fiery celebration of Monsieur Carnaval in the 95
The town of L’Isle-Adam, in Val-d’Oise, is gearing up for its annual carnival with a grand costume parade open to everyone, set to bring the town center streets to life on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event will feature a lively procession in costume, free activities for all ages, community stalls, and the traditional lighting of Monsieur Carnaval, all set in a festive atmosphere. [Read more]
Carnival 2026 in Roissy-en-France (95): Parade and Activities for All Ages
On the arrival of the sunny days (fingers crossed!), the town of Roissy-en-France invites you to celebrate its carnival on March 29, 2026. The festivities will include a lively parade, creative workshops, and a tasty snack! [Read more]
Parmain Carnival 2026: A Costumed Parade for Families in Île-de-France (95)
In March, Carnival makes its way to Paris and the Île-de-France region. On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the town of Parmain (Val-d’Oise) will host its festive, family-friendly carnival, open to everyone, featuring lively entertainment and a colorful parade through the heart of the town. Ready to join the celebration? [Read more]
The 2026 Loop: Pick your distance from 5 to 60 km and take part in a race at the Enghien Racecourse
Looking for a race without pressure or timers? On May 30, 2026, the Enghien-Soisy Racecourse will host a lively and festive event where everyone runs at their own pace, whether it's 5 or 60 kilometers! [Read more]
Van Gogh as Influencer: An Exhibition Celebrating the Artist’s Legacy at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise
From April 18, 2026, to January 3, 2027, the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise will host an exhibition dedicated to delving into the sources of inspiration and the lasting legacy of Vincent van Gogh's work, highlighting his enduring influence. [Read more]
Viking Festival and Medieval Market await you in Val d'Oise
The Val-d'Oise region will host a Viking festival on March 7 and 8, 2026, in Fosses. The event features a medieval market, a Viking combat tournament, and historic crafts at the Cathy Fleury gymnasium. Admission is free, inviting visitors to step back in time for a weekend of history and festivities. [Read more]
Clovis’s World: The Interactive Exhibition Where You’re the Hero at the Val d’Oise Archaeological Museum
The Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum invites you to step into a historic journey — an interactive adventure where you become the hero, tracing the footsteps of King Clovis. Running from February 14 to November 1, 2026, this immersive and highly engaging exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. [Read more]
Do You Remember Festival 2026 in Mériel: Nivea, Truth Hurts... What's next in the lineup?
Passi, Sinik, Worlds Apart, Stomy Bugsy, Medhy Custos, Nivea, Truth Hurts, Busta Flex… all these iconic artists from the '90s and early 2000s are heading to Val-d’Oise in the summer of 2026 for the third edition of the Do You Remember Festival. For this special edition, the Parisian music event is moving to a new venue and will be held at the Abbey of Notre-Dame du Val in Mériel, on Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th, 2026! [Read more]
La Caverne aux Livres: an unusual bookstore nestled inside a vintage 1930s train carriage in Auvers-sur-Oise (95)
In Auvers-sur-Oise, SNCF train cars aren’t just for travel… they house La Caverne aux Livres. This quirky bookstore offers a truly unique journey through shelves overflowing with stories. Just a short walk from the station, every page turn feels like a surprising stop along the way, right in the heart of Val-d'Oise (95). [Read more]
The Colorful Run 2026: A Festive Race with Color Throws and No Timing in Val-d'Oise
Join the Colorful Strides 2026 in Mériel, Val-d’Oise: a fun, inclusive race for all ages, with no timers and a 2 to 3 km course. Expect bursts of color, lively entertainment at the finish, and participation just €10 for an evening of sport and good vibes. [Read more]
This remarkable Dolmen in Île-de-France hides a funerary chamber, a remnant of the megalithic era.
Eager to explore a true prehistoric monument without leaving Île-de-France? Look no further than La Pierre-Plate in Presles, Val-d'Oise. This ancient dolmen, approximately 4,000 years old, invites you to unravel the mysteries of the Neolithic era—hidden deep within the forest’s embrace. [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
The superb all-you-can-eat brunch at the Abbaye de Royaumont in Val-d'Oise, France
The Abbaye de Royaumont in Val-d'Oise offers an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch every last Sunday of the month. This package includes access to the historic monument and a guided tour, for a cultural and gourmet getaway 30 kilometers from Paris. [Read more]
All-you-can-eat barbecue brunch at Le Piaf restaurant in l'Isle Adam, Val d'Oise, France
An all-you-can-eat brunch in a green setting? That's what the Domaine des Vanneaux MGallery offers at its Le Piaf restaurant every Sunday. Located in Presles, opposite the Isle Adam golf course, this kid-friendly gourmet spot goes into barbecue mode all summer long, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal with your partner, family or friends, and why not try your hand at golf afterwards? [Read more]
Zoos and aquariums
Amusement parks and fairgrounds
Sports outings
Parks and gardens
(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]
Parc Olympe de Gouges, a garden dedicated to relaxation and sports activities in Goussainville (95)
With over 15,000 m² of greenery, Parc Olympe de Gouges is the new green lung of Goussainville (95). Shall we take you for a walk? [Read more]
The arboretum at La Roche-Guyon (95), an open garden featuring plant species from the Ile-de-France region.
In the heart of the Roche-Guyon forest, the arboretum is a little-known 13-hectare green space hidden away in the heart of the French Vexin. We'll take you on a tour to discover it. Are you coming? [Read more]
Le Jardin du Yoga, secret playground at La Roche-Guyon (95)
Hidden away in a little street, indicated by a single small sign, the Jardin du Yoga is one of the least-known parks in La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département. So, we're taking you there to discover it with us! [Read more]
The fruit garden at Château de la Roche-Guyon (95), a remarkable garden for a country stroll
At the foot of the troglodyte château of La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département, nestles a large vegetable and fruit garden, designated a Remarkable Garden. [Read more]
The secret Japanese garden at Aincourt in the Val d'Oise
Located in the Val d'Oise, the town of Aincourt hides a superb Japanese garden in the Parc de la Bucaille, close to the medical center. Take a closer look at this exotic, well-kept park, where tranquillity and zenitude reign supreme. [Read more]
Current activities
A free treasure hunt for children in the Montmorency forest (95)
In the Val-d'Oise department, the Montmorency forest is particularly well known for its beautiful walks, hikes and lush vegetation. Now you and your family can discover this beautiful forest on an original treasure hunt, accessible from the age of 6! [Read more]
The Vexin Express: the great touring trek in the French Vexin Regional Park (95)
The Val-d'Oise département is home to the Parc Naturel du Vexin, a protected green space and a gem of a hiking area. We invite you to cross it on the Vexin Express. [Read more]
Cocorico, the free educational farm in Herblay-sur-Seine (95)
In Herblay-sur-Seine, don't miss Cocorico, the town's educational farm: free and open to all, it's a great opportunity for a family outing to the farm. [Read more]
The Ecancourt educational farm in Jouy-le-Moutier, for a walk to discover the animals.
Near Jouy-le-Moutier, the Ecancourt farm welcomes families all week long to discover its residents and the world of farming at the same time. [Read more]
Aérokid's Club, the childcare service at Aéroville shopping center
At the Aéroville shopping center in Roissy-en-France (95), a new service offers young and old alike the chance to enjoy a family shopping session, with a nursery specially designed for the youngest shoppers. [Read more]
