Are you living in the Yvelines or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris without venturing too far? Our team has curated some great outing ideas that could brighten up your weekend in the 78, the most populous department in the greater Île-de-France area, by the way. So, it's time to warm up your Navigo pass or enjoy a relaxed outing nearby. This weekend, January 3 and 4, 2025, there are plenty of options to indulge yourself!
It has to be said that the Yvelines, with its 262 communes and some 2284 km², is one of the most impressive departments in the Île-de-France region. Whether you're looking for a new restaurant or a well-established one, or you'd like to take a stroll through the forests and footpaths, there are plenty of castles and events to choose from - there's never a dull moment. To help you make your way through this jungle of possibilities, we've selected 10 fun weekend outings.
Castles, museums, and historic landmarks in Yvelines offering free entry on Sunday, January 4, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of the month, many of the Yvelines' landmarks—historic castles, museums, and cultural sites—open their doors to visitors free of charge. However, this isn’t the case for all venues throughout the year. To help you plan your day, here’s a list of cultural sites in the 78 department to explore on Sunday, January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2025-2026, immerse yourself in the enchanted dance of spirits.
Looking for a magical winter outing? Head to Yvelines to discover the new edition of Thoiry Lumières Sauvages and its mysterious Bal des Esprits. From October 17, 2025, to March 8, 2026, this 8th edition takes us into the world of spirits and Dia de los Muertos celebrations. [Read more]
Dampierre Goes to the Movies: Christmas Film Screenings at the Château de Dampierre Estate (78)
When Paris and Île-de-France light up for the holidays, festive cinema also takes center stage on the big screen. During the Christmas break of 2025, the Château de Dampierre estate in the Yvelines (78) will host a series of special screenings as part of Dampierre fait son cinéma. Enjoy a curated lineup of beloved classics throughout the holiday afternoons. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in the Yvelines: the temporary ice rink in Sartrouville is back for the holidays.
The Sartrouville Christmas ice rink (78) is back at the station square from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026! The kickoff is on Saturday, December 20, with Santa Claus and a host of activities for the whole family! [Read more]
The 2025 Christmas Ice Rink in Mantes-la-Jolie (78): a free 300 m² ice rink
Mantes-la-Jolie is dressing up for Christmas with a temporary 300 m² ice rink on the Val Fourré slab, free and open to all. From December 20 to January 4, young and old alike can put on their skates, glide, laugh, and share frosty moments with their families. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 at Château de Breteuil: immersive storytelling, illuminations, and a gourmet tea room (78)
The Château de Breteuil, located in the Yvelines, lights up for Christmas with immersive storytelling, a beautiful Christmas tree, magical shows, and a new gourmet tea room, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the magic of the festive season in this historic setting. [Read more]
Les Peintres de la Marine: an exhibition dedicated to the maritime world at the Espace Richaud in Versailles
The Espace Richaud is celebrating 400 years of the French Navy with an exhibition dedicated to the works of the official painters of the Navy. Running from November 19, 2025, to May 3, 2026, the exhibition "Les Peintres de la Marine" invites the public to discover the maritime world from an artistic and historical perspective. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2025: a show based on famous tales at the Château de Rambouillet
The Château de Rambouillet is participating in the latest edition of the Contes et Histoires event. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the monument will offer a magical and entertaining program for families during the Christmas holidays. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2025: a fun investigation and storytelling tour at the Villa Savoye in Poissy (78)
For the 2025 edition of Tales and Stories in National Monuments, head to the Villa Savoye in Poissy: this cultural venue offers wonderful family activities during the Christmas holidays! Take part on December 20 and 21, 2025, and January 2 and 4, 2026. [Read more]
Le Grand Dauphin, fils de roi, père de roi et jamais roi: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Prince Louis de France, known as Monseigneur or the Grand Dauphin, was the eldest son of Louis XIV, yet he never acceded to the throne. The Château de Versailles revisits his shattered destiny in a grandiose exhibition opening on October 14, 2025. [Read more]
Where to stay in Yvelines? Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campsites in the 78 department.
The Yvelines, with its lush green landscapes and rich heritage, offers the ideal break just a few kilometers from Paris. Whether you're looking for a bucolic setting, a warm atmosphere or immersion in the heart of nature, there are several options available to visitors in search of escape. [Read more]
Where to have a good brunch in the Yvelines? Our top picks in the 78
Whether you live in the Yvelines or are just passing through, discover our top brunch spots in the 78. [Read more]
Where to have a good brunch in Versailles in the Yvelines? Our top picks in the 78
Looking for a good brunch in Versailles? Discover our top picks in the royal city of Yvelines, including artisan coffee shops, all-you-can-eat options, and family-friendly spots! [Read more]
Where to eat in Yvelines? Our best restaurant addresses in 78
There's no shortage of good places to eat in the Yvelines. If you'd like to discover the best restaurants in the 78 department, here we go! [Read more]
What to do in Yvelines (78)? Heritage, good addresses and activities, ideas for outings
Want to get to know Paris Region better? This time, we're taking you to the Yvelines to discover its heritage, places to visit, must-do activities and the best deals of the moment. From castles to walks and good addresses, here's what's in store for you in the 78 département. [Read more]
Glorious Escape Game in Vélizy: The Perfect Spot for Fun with Friends or Family in Yvelines
Located in Vélizy-Villacoublay (Yvelines), Glorious Escape Game offers nine immersive escape rooms: The Emperor's Legacy, Django, Asylum, Lost, Anubis's Stone, The Haunted House, Walking Dead, Relics of Death, and Pirate: The Eternal Life Medallion. [Read more]
The most beautiful villages in the Yvelines, 7 must-see nuggets
Looking for a change of scenery less than an hour from Paris? The Yvelines (78) region is brimming with charming villages full of character. From Rochefort-en-Yvelines to Montfort l'Amaury, discover 7 Yvelines nuggets combining historic heritage and bucolic surroundings, all year round. [Read more]
8 unusual parks and gardens in Yvelines, treasures to discover
Why not take a stroll and discover the most beautiful and original parks and gardens in Yvelines? From hidden gardens to unique, historic and even downright zany, the 78 region has no shortage of unusual treasures to discover for those wishing to get off the beaten track. [Read more]
Enjoy your weekend in the Yvelines!
Dates and Opening Time
From January 3, 2026 to January 4, 2026
Location
Yvelines
yvelines
Recommended age
For all
