Ile de France
Ile-de-France, the most densely populated region in France the richest of France, encompassing the capital, Paris, and a myriad of major historical and cultural sitesVersailles, Fontainebleau and Disneyland Paris. It also stands out for its dynamism and innovative character, with the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024.
This guide is designed to help you discover the must-sees of the Ile-de-France region, from historic monuments and museums to nature parks, gastronomic specialties and entertaining attractions. Whether you live in the region or are just passing through, this land of many faces is sure to fill you with wonder.
Join us for a memorable adventure in the heart of the Ile de France!
Paris must-sees
Parisa city of a thousand faces, offers an inexhaustible variety of remarkable sites. Whether you're passionate about art, history, culture or simply in search of natural beauty, the French capital is sure to seduce you.
Discover below some of the wonders of Paris that will make you fall under the spell of this exceptional city.
Visit the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées
The undisputed emblem of Paris, the Eiffel Towererected for the 1889 Universal Exhibition, sits majestically in the heart of the city. At 330 metres high, it offers a breathtaking view of Paris and the surrounding area, accessible on foot or by elevator.
The Champs-Élysées, the famous 2-kilometer avenue linking Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined with high-end boutiques, restaurants, cinemas and theaters, and hosts major events such as the July 14th parade and the arrival of the Tour de France.
Explore the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay
The Louvre, France's most prestigious museum, houses a collection of works of art spanning all civilizations, from antiquity to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with famous pieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Its emblematic glass pyramid marks the main entrance to this transformed royal palace.
The Musée d'Orsay, dedicated to 19th-century art, exhibits an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, providing a majestic, luminous setting in a former railway station for works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and many others.
Stroll along the banks of the Seine and visit Notre-Dame
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the quays of the Seine offer spectacular views of Paris's emblematic monuments. A walk, bike ride or bateau-mouche cruise will take you past the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Grand Palais.
Notre-Dame CathedralThe Church of St. James, a Gothic gem on the Ile de la Cité, is famous for its towers, rose window and gargoyles. Although it is currently being rebuilt following the fire of 2019, its majesty remains visible from the outside.
Discover Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur
MontmartreMontmartre, with its cobbled streets, staircases and squares, is the bohemian district par excellence, offering panoramic views over Paris. Visit emblematic sites such as the Musée de Montmartre and the Mur des je t'aime.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, perched atop the hill, stands out for its dazzling whiteness and symbolizes hope. Inside, admire the mosaics and stained glass windows, or climb to the dome for a breathtaking view of the capital.
Ile de France - Excursions outside Paris
Looking for an escape from Paris to discover the riches of the Île-de-France region? The region offers a multitude of fascinating destinations, inviting you to travel through time, nature and imagination. Here are a few suggestions for excursions accessible by public transport or car, perfect for a day out or a weekend of discovery.
Château de Versailles: immersion in France's royal history
The Château de Versailles, emblematic residence of the kings of France from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, is one of the country's most visited monuments. Discover its impressive architecture, French gardens, fountains and statues. Don't miss a visit to the royal apartments, the Galerie des Glaces, the Chapelle Royale and the Grand Trianon.
Fontainebleau forest and bouldering
With over 22,000 hectares, the Forêt de Fontainebleau is the largest state-owned forest in France. It offers a diverse landscape of rocky outcrops, ponds, moorland and ancient oaks, delighting hikers, cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers alike. It is also recognized as a major site for bouldering, with circuits for all levels.
Disneyland Paris: a magical day for all ages
Disneyland Paris, Europe's most visited theme park, welcomes you to its magical world of Disney characters, shows and parades. Explore the five themed worlds: Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney Village, Disneyland Golf Course and Disney Hotels. Enjoy the entertainment, stores and restaurants for a memorable experience.
The Chevreuse Valley: hiking and discovery
The Vallée de la Chevreuse, located south-west of Paris in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse regional nature park, is a haven of greenery offering an exceptional natural and cultural heritage. It's home to forests, meadows, rivers, charming villages and castles. Enjoy hiking, biking or horse-riding and discover remarkable sites such as Château de la Madeleine, Château de Breteuil, Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay and Domaine de Rambouillet.
Unique activities and experiences in Ile de France
Far from being limited to its historic monuments and famous museums, the Ile de France is packed with unique activities and experiences that invite you to explore the region in a whole new light. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, culture or culinary delights, a multitude of original ideas await you to satisfy all your desires.
Hot-air balloon flight over the region
Discover the Ile-de-France region from the air with a hot-air balloon flight. This magical experience will take you over iconic sites such as the Château de Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau, the Vexin regional nature park and the Vallée de Chevreuse. Prepare to be amazed by a breathtaking panorama and experience unforgettable sensations.
Traditional French cooking classes
France, with its renowned gastronomy, offers unique opportunities to learn or perfect the traditional French art of cooking. Take part in a cooking class led by a professional chef to discover local produce, master iconic recipes and acquire chef's tricks. The experience culminates in a tasting of your creations in a convivial, gourmet atmosphere.
Saint-Ouen flea market: a paradise for bargain hunters
The famous Saint-Ouen flea markets, the largest in Europe, are home to over 2,000 merchants offering an incredible variety of objects, from period furniture to vintage clothes, books, jewelry, records and posters. It's the ideal place to unearth treasures, stroll through a place full of history and charm, and enjoy the festive atmosphere punctuated by concerts, shows and restaurants.
Cruises on the Seine: a different perspective on Paris
The Seine, Paris's river artery, offers a unique view of the city. Come aboard a bateau-mouche, a bateau-croisière or a bateau-taxi for a peaceful cruise through the heart of the capital, admiring its emblematic monuments along the way. Depending on the option you choose, you can also enjoy a gourmet meal, take in a show or take part in an entertainment program. A cruise on the Seine is a romantic, cultural and entertaining experience.
Ile de France - Conclusion
Ile-de-France, with its rich heritagewith its rich culture, unspoilt natural areas and numerous leisure activities, offers a multitude of experiences. Whether you're in the capital or elsewhere in the region, you'll always find something to marvel at, amuse, relax or enjoy.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore or rediscover this fascinating region and experience some unique and memorable moments. So don't delay, plan your stay in the Paris region now and get ready for adventure!
Ile de France - FAQ
Which 8 departments make up Ile de France ?
The 8 departments making up Ile de France are Paris (75), Seine-et-Marne (77), Yvelines (78), Essonne (91), Hauts-de-Seine (92), Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Val-de-Marne (94), and Val-d'Oise (95). This data is corroborated by various online sources.
Why we call it Ile de France ?
Île-de-France takes its name from its geographical position surrounding Paris, once the territory of the Franks, the people who gave France its name. The name "island" comes from the many rivers that encircle the region, notably the Seine, Oise, Marne and Loing.
What's the difference between Paris and Ile de France ?
Paris is France's capital and largest city, with a surface area of 105 km2 and a population of almost 2.2 million. In contrast, Île-de-France is an administrative region encompassing Paris and its eight départements, covering 12,090 km2 and home to around 12 million inhabitants.
What's the other name for Île-de-France?
Prior to 1976, Île-de-France was known as the Paris region. The change of name underlines the region's Frankish heritage and rich hydrographic resources.
