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10 beautiful places to see once in a lifetime in Île-de-France

undefined undefined 23 février 2024 undefined 15h50

undefined undefined 23 février 2024 undefined 16h20

The Editor

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte © Dan Breckwoldt / Shutterstock

Why go all the way to the ends of the earth when you live in the most beautiful region of France? The Île-de-France region brings together some of the most stunning places in our country. Here is a selection of iconic and must-see places to explore just a stone's throw away from Paris.


1. The Palace of Versailles (Yvelines)

It was very difficult to start this list without mentioning the Palace of Versailles, an essential cultural site and exceptional architectural achievement. A building that embodies all the glory of the Sun King, and rightfully so! From the impressive Hall of Mirrors, to the sumptuous royal apartments, and the vast French gardens designed by Le Nôtre, it is a concentration of beauty and splendor. And the city itself is also worth a visit, with the royal stables and the Jeu de Paume room, among others.

Château de Versailles
Place d'Armes – Versailles (78000)
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2. The village of Auvers-sur-Oise (Val-d'Oise)

Want to take a walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh? Then head to Auvers-sur-Oise. This is where the painter spent the last months of his life, paying tribute to the region with an impressive production of paintings. It's easy to see why he was inspired by the stunning landscapes of the area. We recommend following the painters' trail, which takes you on a journey to discover the Dutch painter, as well as Pissaro or Daubigny. And don't forget to make a little detour to the castle, which Van Gogh enthusiasts will surely recognize, as it's definitely worth a visit.

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Auvers-sur-Oise (95430)
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3. The Arboretum de la Vallée aux Loups, Châtenay-Malabry (Hauts-de-Seine)

With no less than 13 hectares of English gardens, the Arboretum de la Vallée aux Loups is a unique collection of plants and vegetation. Including a weeping blue cedar, literally unique in the world (and therefore a bit magical, still looking for grandmother foliage there). An unusual place, where one enjoys walking for hours amidst all this greenery. And our little tip? Don't hesitate to get lost, to discover the twists and turns of this almost magical place that instantly gives the impression of being in a fairy tale.

Valley of the Wolves Arboretum
47, rue de Chateaubriand - Châtenay-Malabry (92290)
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4. The medieval city of Provins (Seine-et-Marne)

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, Provins is a must-visit in the region. Between the ramparts, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses, it's a real journey back in time that awaits you. And the advantage is that to get there, you don't need to break the sound barrier in a DeLorean, just take the train from Gare de l'Est. A little extra tip: don't hesitate to go during one of the events organized by the town, for a total immersion experience with troubadours and knights in the streets.

Provins (77160)
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5. The Château de Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne)

A place steeped in history, also classified by UNESCO, which has seen all the sovereigns of France, from François 1ᵉʳ to Napoleon Bonaparte. The Château de Fontainebleau is a huge place containing no less than 1500 rooms, unfortunately not all accessible to the public, but still! Special mentions to its gigantic staircase shaped like a horseshoe, the sublime pavilion of the carp pond, and the gigantic Forest of Fontainebleau located right next to it. A true breath of fresh air and greenery after the grayness and pollution of Paris.

Fontainebleau Castle
Fontainebleau (77300)
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6. The town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines)

On one side, the Renaissance castle, one of the oldest buildings in France, with a huge terrace overlooking the Seine. On the other, impressive buildings and mansions dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a concentration of architectural treasures, giving the place an undeniable charm that is definitely worth a visit. And to top it all off, the town is only 15 minutes from Paris (the same time it takes to change from the RER B to line 11 at Châtelet), so you absolutely have no excuse.

Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78100)
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7. The Royaumont Abbey, Asnières-sur-Oise (Val-d'Oise)

This unique place, founded in 1228 by Saint-Louis, was successively a Cistercian monastery, abbey, a royal residence, an industrial site, a novitiate, a war hospital, and even a country estate, before finally becoming the institution it is today. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in France, and the ideal place for those seeking a little peace and serenity. Why not treat yourself to a little silent wellness break in the magnificent cloister before returning to the hustle and bustle of Paris?

Abbey of Royaumont
5, route de Chantilly - Asnières-sur-Oise (95270)
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8. The cliffs of La Roche-Guyon (Val-d'Oise)

The town of La Roche-Guyon is like a little piece of Normandy tucked away in the Île-de-France region. It's surrounded by the stunning loops of the Seine River and impressive cliffs. Up on these cliffs, you can find the charming local castle, perched high above. There are even several troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock. And if that's not enough to excite you, La Roche-Guyon is the only village in Île-de-France to be recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. If that doesn't sway you, then we're not sure what will...

La Roche-Guyon (95780)
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9. The National Domain of Marly-le-Roi (Yvelines)

After Versailles, here is the second creation of the Sun King, also known as Louis XVI or Dieudonné (yes, that was one of his official nicknames). And he definitely had talent - or at least surrounded himself with people who did. The Domain of Marly-le-Roi offers over 50 hectares of walks and plants to discover. And especially for those who are true Monicas, meaning neat freaks who love order and tidiness, know that this place could be your idea of paradise. Everything is neat, aligned, and maintained to perfection, one of the most satisfying things we've ever seen.

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National Domain of Marly-le-Roi
Marly-le-Roi (78160)
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10. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Maincy (Seine-et-Marne)

Never two without three, we had to add one last castle to complete this small top. And so we chose one of the best: Vaux-le-Vicomte. So why "best" you may ask? Well, firstly, because it is very impressive, whether by its architecture or its gardens. So beautiful that Louis XVI built Versailles only to rival it. And also because its first owner, Nicolas Fouquet (who was imprisoned because of the king's jealousy), is one of the men who could be behind the famous legend of the man in the iron mask. And we still think it's quite special. Wow, what a stylish post! Check out this Instagram media: [Click here for the Instagram post!](https://www.instagram.com/p/C2PLyjpMnmi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) Enjoy the beautiful design and creativity in this content. It's simply stunning! 💕🌟📸.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Maincy (77950)
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