It's said that in the Middle Ages the area we now call the Paris region was known as the "Isle de France"—a label tied to the south of Picardy, according to France 3—thanks to the many rivers that wind through it. Officially christened the "région Île-de-France" in 1976, when the regional administrative entity was created, the Paris region is far from being an island or a coastal region!
Yet, along the Seine, one could almost believe the region’s name comes from the dozens of small, medium, and large islands that line the banks, each with its own distinctive identity. If you’ve already heard of the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis — the two most celebrated Parisian islands — you’ll know less about their suburban cousins: the bucolic Île Fanac in Joinville-le-Pont (94), Île Saint-Denis (93) with its much more urban landscapes, and the Île de la Jatte, which inspired some of the Belle Époque’s great artists... Green, picturesque, they’re a perfect setting for wonderful walks, cycles, and even kayaking from the islands—most of which are accessible with a Navigo pass. So, here is our pick of the loveliest, most original, or bucolic islands that dot the Seine’s course, in Paris and in Île-de-France!
Our picks of islands to discover in Paris and the Île-de-France region:
Ile de Puteaux and its verdant park
We're heading for Puteaux, located on the banks of the Seine at the gateway to Paris in the Hauts-de-Seine department, to visit Parc Lebaudy and its magnificent rose garden, freely accessible to all. It's a true marvel, bringing together almost 1,600 rose bushes and 200 types of rose in a French-style landscape garden. [Read more]
Ile Charentonneau, a natural area on the outskirts of Paris where you can feel alone in the world.
Along the Marne River in Maisons-Alfort (94), Ile Charentonneau is an island territory in the Val-de-Marne department where you can stroll at your leisure for a change of scenery at the gateway to Paris. [Read more]
A bucolic stroll in the Parc de l'Île Saint-Germain, the green lung of Issy-les-Moulineaux
Just one RER station from Paris, the Parc de l'Île Saint-Germain is one of those green spaces that make you feel like you've spent the day in the countryside. Discover this park on the water and its famous Tour aux figures! [Read more]
Explore Île aux Barbiers and Île aux Berceaux on a picturesque walk in Samois-sur-Seine
The small village of Samois-sur-Seine, in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, boasts two pretty islands: the perfect opportunity for a lovely stroll this weekend! [Read more]
Ile de la Jatte: a bucolic stroll along the water's edge in the Hauts-de-Seine department
Situated between Neuilly-sur-Seine and Levallois-Perret, the Ile de la Jatte is an ideal spot for bucolic strolls along the water's edge. Let's take a closer look at this Ile de la Jatte, nearly 2 km long and a source of inspiration for many Impressionist painters. [Read more]
Île Fanac in Joinville-le-Pont: green walks, canoeing, rowing and a gourmet barge
In Joinville-le-Pont, enjoy a quiet interlude on Île Fanac, discovering the elegant houses with pontoons. On the program: a stroll in a beautiful green setting, canoeing and rowing on the Marne and other nuggets to discover. [Read more]
A bucolic walk on the Impressionist Island in Chatou
A few stations away from Paris, by taking the RER A, make a stopover in the footsteps of the Impressionists in Chatou, for a pleasant stroll along the water. [Read more]
