Hauts de Seine
Looking for ideas for things to do in Hauts de Seine ? This department, which is part of the Grand Parisin the region Ile de France, is a true treasure trove of culture, history, and nature.
Whether you’re passionate about art, history, sports, or simply looking to relax, the Hauts-de-Seine department has something to satisfy all your interests.
This guide offers a panorama of local activities and places to discover in the Hauts-de-Seine. You'll find heritage and cultural gems, suggestions for family outings, escapades in the heart of nature, as well as unique experiences and entertainment for all. This dynamic and varied département promises new discoveries on every visit.
So, are you ready to explore the Hauts-de-Seine? Let us guide you!
Heritage and cultural highlights in Hauts-de-Seine
The Hauts-de-Seine region shines not only for its economic dynamism, but also for its rich cultural heritage. Discover the emblematic sites not to be missed during your visit.
La Défense: between modern art and imposing architecture
La Défense, Europe’s largest business district, is located west of Paris, aligned along the historic axis connecting the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. This district combines glass-and-steel skyscrapers, contemporary artworks, and the Grande Arche, a symbol of modernity. La Défense also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and green spaces for a unique lifestyle experience.
Explore the area on foot, by bike, streetcar or metro.
The Domaine National de Saint-Cloud: a historic green setting
The Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, a 460-hectare park classified as an outstanding garden, offers an exceptional view of Paris and the Seine. It contains the remains of the Château de Saint-Cloud, a former royal and imperial residence destroyed in 1870, and the Pavillon de Breteuil, guardian of the 1889 metre-standard. The park is dotted with fountains, sculptures, ponds and a variety of gardens.
It also serves as a venue for major cultural events, such as the Rock en Seine festival and various temporary exhibitions.
The Albert-Kahn Museum: a journey around the world through the Archives of the Planet
The Albert Kahn Museum, dedicated to the visual arts, showcases the ambitious project of Albert Kahn, a banker and philanthropist, who sought to visually document the world in the early 20th century. His photographers captured the landscapes, cultures, traditions, and events of more than 50 countries in photographs and films, thereby creating the Archives of the Planet, a priceless collection of 72,000 autochromes (the first color photographs) and 100 hours of film.
Be sure to also visit the Albert Kahn Gardens, designed to take visitors on a scenic journey around the world.
Sèvres – City of Ceramics: The Quintessence of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Sèvres – Cité de la céramique, which includes the Sèvres National Porcelain Manufactory and the National Ceramics Museum, has been a center of excellence dedicated to Sèvres porcelain since 1740. It is a vibrant hub of production, creation, and research where artisans, artists, and designers cultivate and innovate in the art of ceramics.
The museum, for its part, showcases ceramics through international collections spanning various eras, from antiquity to the present day.
Family activities and nature breaks in Hauts-de-Seine
The Hauts-de-Seine, much more than just a region rich in culture and heritage, offers numerous opportunities for relaxation and recreation suitable for the whole family. Discover below a selection of family-friendly activities and nature getaways to explore in this department.
Vallée-aux-Loups Park: between literature and nature
The Parc de la Vallée-aux-Loups, covering an area of 56 hectares and located in Châtenay-Malabry, encompasses the Vallée-aux-Loups estate, Chateaubriand’s house, the Arboretum, and Île Verte. This historic and poetic site invites you to explore the residence of the famous Romantic writer, admire a remarkable collection of 500 species of trees and shrubs, stroll through gardens in the French, English, and Florentine styles, and relax on Île Verte, formerly owned by the artist Jean Fautrier.
Île de la Jatte in Neuilly-sur-Seine: inspiration for the Impressionists
Île de la Jatte, located on the Seine and shared between Neuilly-sur-Seine and Levallois-Perret, has inspired many Impressionist painters, such as Seurat, Monet, van Gogh, and Sisley. On the island, you can admire the Temple de l’Amour, built by the future King Louis-Philippe, cross the Levallois Bridge—the oldest metal bridge in the Paris region—and discover contemporary sculptures along your walk. You can also enjoy the green spaces, playgrounds, and the restaurants and cafés that bring the island to life.
The Banks of the Seine: From Urban Vibrancy to Idyllic Trails
The banks of the Seine—a 2.3-kilometer pedestrian area stretching along the left bank of the Seine, between the Pont de l’Alma and the Pont Royal—are a prime spot for socializing, sports, and culture. You’ll find a variety of activities there, such as rock climbing, fitness, pétanque, yoga, and tai chi. Admire the floating gardens, fountains, sculptures, and bridges that grace the riverbanks, and savor local and seasonal products at the food stands, cafés, or riverboats available on site.
Unique experiences and fun activities
Discover the Hauts-de-Seine, a department that offers much more than relaxation and leisure. Immerse yourself in unique experiences and fun activities to explore this territory in an original and enriching way.
Unusual guided tours: discover Hauts-de-Seine in a different way
Looking for an extraordinary adventure? Choose a unique guided tour of the Hauts-de-Seine. Whether on foot, by bike, by boat, or by bus, let passionate guides lead you through the department’s heritage, culture, history, and economy. Discover exceptional sites such as the Pavillon des Indes in Courbevoie, a remnant of the 1878 World’s Fair, or Hangar Y in Meudon, the birthplace of France’s earliest aviation experiments. You can also go behind the scenes of the media world by visiting the TF1 sets, the Radio France studios, or the Canal+ production facilities. For more information and to book, visit the Visites 92 website.
Creative Workshops and Classes: Art for Everyone
Unleash your creativity by participating in art workshops and classes in the Hauts-de-Seine department. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s a wide range of disciplines to choose from: painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, crochet, cooking… Express your talent, have fun, and take your creations home with you. For example, take a cooking class at Atelier Auraé in Neuilly-sur-Seine, led by Johanna Le Pape, world champion in the art of sweets, or join a crochet workshop at DOE Crochet in Sceaux. For more information and to make a reservation, visit the La Fabrique, by Didoux website.
The Grande Arche rooftop: an exceptional panorama of Paris
Head up to the rooftop of the Grande Arche de la Défense and enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris from 110 meters above. This rooftop terrace offers a 360° panoramic view of the capital and its iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and many other landmarks while exploring the architectural heritage of La Défense. The rooftop also features a cultural space dedicated to photojournalism and art, as well as a bistronomic restaurant, La City, serving seasonal cuisine.
Local markets: a tasty journey to the heart of the region
Discover the flavors of the region by visiting local markets in Hauts-de-Seine. Treat yourself to a wide selection of fresh produce: fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, charcuterie and regional specialties. Markets such as La Fourche in Clamart, Vallée-aux-Loups in Châtenay-Malabry and Neuilly-sur-Seine invite you to shop, taste, exchange and share with producers and retailers.
Conclusion
It's clear that the Hauts-de-Seine department is teeming with’opportunities for varied outings and enriching discoveries. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or art, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your curiosity in this department.
Explore original guided tours, take part in creative workshops and classes, admire breathtaking views of Paris, and savor the produce of local markets. Don't delay, plan your stay in Hauts-de-Seine for a memorable and entertaining experience!
FAQ
What are the communes in Hauts-de-Seine?
The Hauts-de-Seine département, with its 36 communes, is distinguished by the diversity of its population and surface area. Notable communes include Boulogne-Billancourt, Nanterre, Asnières-sur-Seine, Colombes, Courbevoie, Rueil-Malmaison, Issy-les-Moulineaux and Levallois-Perret.
What is the largest city in Hauts-de-Seine?
The largest city in Hauts-de-Seine varies according to the criteria considered. In terms of surface area, Rueil-Malmaison dominates with its 15 km². Boulogne-Billancourt stands out for its population, with 119,808 residents.
Is Paris part of Hauts-de-Seine?
Paris is not part of the Hauts-de-Seine department. Although it is a neighbor, the capital is both a city and an independent department, located east of the Hauts-de-Seine. The Hauts-de-Seine is a separate department within the Île-de-France region, encompassing several municipalities on the western outskirts of Paris.
What is the name of the 92 department?
The department of 92 is known as Hauts-de-Seine. Located in the Île-de-France region, its capital is Nanterre, with Antony and Boulogne-Billancourt as sub-prefectures.
