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
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]
Are you familiar with this tiny, tucked-away cemetery nestled deep within the Montmorency Forest?
Hidden beneath the centuries-old trees of Montmorency Forest, Bosc Cemetery is one of those little-known corners of Île-de-France where time seems to stand still. An unassuming site, rich in history, that reveals itself almost by chance during a stroll through the woods. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Sannois: ice rink, festive market, and spectacular sound and light show
Christmas celebrations are still going strong in Val-d'Oise! The town of Sannois invites everyone to gather from December 19 to 21, 2025, at the Jean Mermoz square for three festive days that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. What’s planned? A stunning sound and light show, a charming Christmas market, a lively ice skating rink, and the chance to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in person! [Read more]
Mass Hysteria: An intimate evening with an innovative twist at Forum Vauréal in 2026
For their 30th anniversary, Mass Hysteria is celebrating with "Sans Détour." The lineup includes eight special nights featuring a museum-style exhibition, meet & greet sessions, Q&A moments, and a retrospective concert. In the Île-de-France region, fans can catch the French metal band live at the Forum Vauréal on Thursday, November 12, 2026! [Read more]
Christmas 2025: disco dance floor, blind test, and creative workshops at Les 3 Fontaines - Cergy (95)
Throughout December, the 3 Fontaines shopping center in Cergy is offering a wonderful disco-themed Christmas program with lots of free activities for the whole family. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: ice rink, immersive Santa's sleigh, and ski simulator in Aéroville (95)
Throughout December, the Aéroville shopping center in Roissy-en-France invites you to enjoy a host of free, magical activities for the whole family, including ice skating, a visit from Santa Claus, and other surprises! [Read more]
Val-d'Oise: sound and light show in Enghien-les-Bains for a magical Christmas 2025
Once again this year, the town of Enghien-les-Bains, in the Val-d'Oise, invites you to experience a magical Christmas and announces the return of its free sound and light show! Come along from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026, to admire monumental projections on the facades of the Town Hall and Saint-Joseph Church. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: in Montmorency (95), a free ice rink will be set up in the heart of a Christmas village.
Looking for a great plan for Christmas 2025 in Île-de-France? In Val d'Oise, the town of Montmorency is unveiling its free ice rink (including skate hire) in the heart of a Christmas village with extra entertainment. See you there from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: illuminations, Christmas market, and entertainment in Montmorency (95): date and program
In the Val d'Oise, the charming town of Montmorency awaits you for a wonderful holiday season, with a Christmas market where you can enjoy a host of fun activities and a Christmas market. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Argenteuil: ice rink, zip line, curling, and family rides during the holidays.
The holiday season atmosphere transforms the Berges d'Argenteuil park: from December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026, enjoy an ice rink, a sledding and curling track, and many other activities for the whole family! [Read more]
Mandorla, the contemporary exhibition to discover at the Abbaye de Maubuisson
The Abbaye de Maubuisson presents Mandorla, a collective exhibition of contemporary art that dialogues with the site's medieval sculptures. An artistic and spiritual immersion into the metamorphoses of the sacred, to be discovered until March 8, 2026. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: ice rink, illuminations, and Christmas village in L'Isle-Adam (95)
Starting November 28, 2025, the town of L'Isle-Adam will kick off its "Christmas month": 30 days of festive events to get ready for and make the most of Christmas and the New Year celebrations! [Read more]
The cellars of Pontoise (95): plunge into the city's mysterious underground world
Beneath the medieval streets of Pontoise, in the Val d'Oise, lies an astonishing treasure: medieval cellars that bear witness to the town's past. An unusual, original and little-known tour of the Île-de-France region awaits you, upon reservation. Find out more about Les caves de Pontoise, an astonishing place within easy reach of the Navigo transport network! [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Enghien-les-Bains: monumental projections and solidarity market on the program
Christmas is back in Enghien-les-Bains, in the Val-d'Oise region, with a host of events to discover from December 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Animated Christmas bubbles, monumental projections, solidarity Christmas market, themed village or ice rink... here's the program imagined by the town for these end-of-year festivities! [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
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]
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]
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]
