Our guide to...

Ile de France

The region of Île-de-France is both rich and densely populated – the most popular place for tourists on gîte holidays and short breaks. From the River Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral to one of the most popular theme parks in the world, this is a region that has something for everyone.

The department of Essonne, home to the Forest of Sénart, is a great place for action, adventure and fitness-based holidays. There are outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, high rope courses and equestrian centres to keep every day exciting. One of this department’s most interesting landmarks is the rounded Cathédrale de la Résurrection in Évry – quickly identified by the bushes that border its roof. Families with children can visit Parc Babyland – a small theme park just for kids – or spend the day at Zoo Parc de Cheptainville, which is one of the best animal attractions in the Île-de-France region.

Hauts-de-Seine is one of the smallest departments in Île-de-France, best known for the landmark Château de Sceaux and for its business district, La Défense. Attractions include the Albert Kahn Museum and Gardens, celebrating the life of the banker and philanthropist, and the tranquil Arboretum de la Vallée-aux-Loups. Most of your time in Hauts-de-Seine can be spent enjoying the peace and quiet, with beautiful gardens and elaborate buildings away from the rush of the city.

Paris is the most widely-known department in France, popular with families and with couples looking for a romantic city break. The biggest attraction of all? Disneyland Paris. The city might be commercial, but you’ll still get a taste of French culture from the restaurants, monuments and markets. Take time to stop and watch the street artists, and don’t forget to visit the famous Eiffel Tower. You’d have to spend months in Paris to experience everything, though some of the attractions that you won’t want to miss include the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and the famous Moulin Rouge.

Seine-et-Marne is the largest of the departments in Île-de-France, with land mainly used for farming. Attractions in Seine-et-Marne include the famous Palace of Fontainebleau, and the surrounding Forest of Fontainebleau. The palace itself was constructed in the 16th century, and has been altered over time by various French monarchs and members of the elite. Napoleon Bonaparte had a big part to play in transforming the building into the grand and opulent palace that you’ll see on your visit. Take time to see the Musee de la Grande Guerre, an educational WW1 museum, and Le Parc des Félins – an animal park dedicated to big cats.

Seine-Saint-Denis is a department of mixed cultures, and is the home of famous attractions like the Stade de France and the lovely Canal de l’Ourcq. It’s also home to Le Bourget Airport, and the Air and Space Museum. The whole family will find fun things to do, whether they’re imagining themselves as astronauts or admiring the intricate architecture at the Basilica of St Denis. Take lots of cash, and make sure that you set aside some time to visit the shops and the busy street markets before you pack your suitcase and make your way home to share your holiday stories with friends.

Named after the Oise River, the Val-d’Oise department has something for all. It has elegant buildings, like the Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, and family favourites like Parc Adventureland where kids can enjoy playgrounds, an artificial beach, mazes, mini golf and giant inflatable structures amongst other pieces of play equipment. This department is where you’ll find the Auberge Ravoux – the House of Van Gogh – where the artist lived out his final days. Don’t miss your chance to dine there, if you like authentic French cuisine.

In the department of Val-de-Marne, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Val-de-Marne is one of the three small departments forming a circle around Paris. It’s easy to get in and out of the city, and to tour the region of Île-de-France with a calendar full of day trips. Amongst the strangest and most popular attractions in Val-de-Marne is the Musée Fragonard d’Alfort – an anatomy museum containing animal and human skeletons, foetuses, body parts and dissections including unusual figures like conjoined twin lambs, and cross-sections of perfectly preserved bodies. If that all sounds a little too morbid then you’ll be grateful to know that there are some much less unusual attractions that are also easy to reach. You won’t find many places more colourful than the PLAYMOBIL FunPark with its giant play sets, or more extravagant than the Château de Vincennes. If you’ve still got space on your itinerary, then why not plan a visit to Exploradome? It’s an interactive science museum with a fantastic range of exhibits.

The department of Yvelines includes the city of Versailles, known best for its chateau and gardens. Golfers will struggle to resist the temptation of one of the most famous French golf courses: La Tuilerie-Bignon. Yvelines visitor attractions include the Royal Opera, the Grand Canal in Versailles and a wide range of elaborate historic buildings. If proposing in Paris seems a little cliché, then why not declare your feelings at Temple of Love? Afterwards, you can enjoy a restaurant meal or set aside a day for a peaceful walk at La Serre aux Papillons. Don’t forget to visit the Zoo et Parc de Thoiry, which is a very popular zoo within the grounds and gardens of the equally popular Château de Thoiry. You’ll find plenty to do, whether you’re on your honeymoon or celebrating a golden wedding anniversary.

Areas of Ile de France

Essonne
The department of Essonne, home to the Forest of Sénart, is a great place for action, adventure and fitness-based holidays. There are outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, high rope courses and equestrian centres to keep every day exciting.

Hauts de Seine
Hauts-de-Seine is one of the smallest departments in Île-de-France, best known for the landmark Château de Sceaux and for its business district, La Défense. Most of your time in Hauts-de-Seine can be spent enjoying the peace and quiet, with beautiful gardens and elaborate buildings away from the rush of the city.

Paris
Paris is the most widely-known department in France, popular with families and with couples looking for a romantic city break. The biggest attraction of all? Disneyland Paris. The city might be commercial, but you'll still get a taste of French culture from the restaurants, monuments and markets. Take time to stop and watch the street artists, and don't forget to visit the famous Eiffel Tower

Val d’Oise
Named after the Oise River, the Val-d'Oise department has something for all. It has elegant buildings, like the Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, and family favourites like Parc Adventureland where kids can enjoy playgrounds, an artificial beach, mazes, mini golf and giant inflatable structures.

Val de Marne
In the department of Val-de-Marne, you'll find plenty to see and do. Val-de-Marne is one of the three small departments forming a circle around Paris. It's easy to get in and out of the city.

Yvelines
The department of Yvelines includes the city of Versailles, known best for its chateau and gardens. Golfers will struggle to resist the temptation of one of the most famous French golf courses: La Tuilerie-Bignon.

Seine et Marne
To the south-east of Paris, Seine-et-Marne is the largest of the departments in Île-de-France, with land mainly used for farming. Attractions in Seine-et-Marne include the famous Palace of Fontainebleau, and the surrounding Forest of Fontainebleau.

Seine Saint Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis is a department of mixed cultures, and is the home of famous attractions like the Stade de France and the lovely Canal de l'Ourcq.