Voted the most pleasant town in France in 2019, L'Isle-Adam is not an island, but it sure has the spirit of one! The water splashes gently against the barges, the bridges are adorned with flowers like vacation balconies, and the facades gaze into the Oise like a slightly blurry mirror. The town center has a nostalgic film vibe: an old-fashioned bakery, a café that hasn't changed hands in three generations, and cute little bookstores that smell of ink and the 80s.
Like a summer by the sea… without the sea
At the heart of it all, there's the beach. A real one! With its striped cabins, diving board, and scents of sunscreen and fries. You can lounge there like in a slightly vintage dream, drifting off to the sounds of children's laughter and swans gliding by with a gentle hiss. Pedalos, paddleboards, and mini-golf will open from Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 2 PM to 7 PM! Swimming will start from June 7.
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The Conti Castle Park
Right on the edge of the city center, a discreet gate opens up to one of the most peaceful spots in town: the Conti Castle Park. Once the residence of the princes of the same name, the castle, which is no longer open for visits, still watches over the Oise from its heights, surrounded by a lovely English-style garden where tranquility seems to have settled in for good. People come here to take a stroll, sit in the shade of an old plane tree, or simply enjoy the silence.
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A Detour to the Chinese Pavilion
If you wander a bit further along the path, you might just stumble upon the Chinese Pavilion, nestled by the water’s edge. A little gem of delightful exoticism, charmingly old-fashioned, it’s a remnant of a taste from afar brought in during the 18th century. Here too, everything invites you to pause and take in the beauty.
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A forest to stop thinking about anything
In the background, a vast, public forest filled with winding paths. You might come across dogs who've forgotten about Paris, old folks on bicycles, and lovers in sneakers. And sometimes, a deer or two, looking surprised to see you.
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Galleries and Used Bookstores
L’Isle-Adam is also a city that loves artists, objects with a history, and words that we read again and again. We open the door to the Kennedy Gallery, and we stumble upon an unexpected exhibition. We cross the street and voilà, we’re flipping through a forgotten book in a box at the entrance of the L’Élan bookstore. On Sundays, flea markets line the sidewalks with delightful and quirky treasures. The rest of the time, we simply enjoy walking around.
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Where are we eating ?
For a lunch in the sun
La Table de Cassan
Bistronomic cuisine, lively wines, an intimate atmosphere that’s never pretentious. Nestled on the edge of the L’Isle-Adam forest, this spot gives off the vibes of a long Sunday and tables full of laughter. Behind the scenes, Laurie and Mathieu run the show. Their motto? A cheeky cuisine that flirts with tradition without getting boxed in. Here, fresh, seasonal ingredients lead the way, and you can enjoy plates brimming with flair, served with a smile, in a space filled with the scent of warm bread and reunions. A hint of countryside and a generous helping of warmth.
Le Nid
A large terrace that basks in the sun like a lizard, a view straight onto the Oise river, and that little breeze that whispers vacation. The setting is just right,
You're at the Nest. Here, we nibble, share, and linger: small plates to pass around, large platters that please everyone—between tapas, whole fish, juicy meats, and veggie options, there's something for everyone. Special mention for the seafood platter, ultra-fresh and perfectly briny, where oysters, langoustines, and whelks compete for deliciousness. And on Sunday, we do it all again with a comfort food twist: a sweet and savory brunch for 29€, whenever you like, with friends or the whole family.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
For a sweet break
The Loft: crepes, house-made iced teas, daily cakes, and a soothing playlist. Nothing more, nothing less.
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Where do we sleep?
Sometimes, you just don’t want to leave. So, we allow ourselves a little detour into tranquility.
Amicitia
A recent spot that’s both cozy and modern, just a stone's throw from downtown. Large bay windows, light wood, clean lines… You feel right at home, but even better.
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On the Painters' Road
A sweet and bright guesthouse, nestled in a charming old home in L'Isle-Adam just steps away from the city center. You’ll sleep well, enjoy delicious meals, and the hosts are more than happy to share their favorite addresses and trails.
Access
From Paris Gare du Nord, take the Transilien H toward Persan-Beaumont via Valmondois and get off at the L’Isle-Adam – Parmain station. It’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk to reach the city center, the beach, or the first forest trails.
By car, from Porte de la Chapelle, it takes about 40 to 50 minutes via the A15.
