Yvelines, the department
Looking for the perfect vacation or weekend destination? If you're passionate about history, culture, nature and leisure, Yvelines are your next stop. Just a stone's throw from Paristhis department, named after the Yveline forest, and located in the region Ile de Franceis a veritable treasure trove of discoveries, with a myriad of activities and tourist sites.
This guide to the Yvelines will provide you with everything you need to organize your visit: practical information, tips, ideas for routes and our favorite recommendations. Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, with friends or family, the Yvelines promises unforgettable moments.
Embark with us to explore the Yvelines and be charmed by its architectural gems, verdant parks, cultural and leisure offerings and rich heritage.
Discover the architectural wonders of Yvelines
Yvelines, a department rich in historic monuments and architectural masterpieces, reflects the grandeur and diversity of France's heritage. Here's a selection of must-see sites to discover during your stay.
The Château de Versailles: at the heart of French history
The Palace of VersaillesVersailles, the residence of kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, is France's most famous chateau. It symbolizes the power of absolute monarchy, and was the scene of major historic events, including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the château houses a museum of French history, sumptuous royal apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Opera. The vast park, with its formal gardens, fountains, statues and groves, as well as the Trianon estate, are also well worth a visit.
Villa Savoye in Poissy: a masterpiece by Le Corbusier
The Villa Savoye, designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret between 1928 and 1931, is an icon of the modern movement in architecture. Illustrating the five points of Le Corbusier's new architecture, this avant-garde villa in Poissy is distinguished by its structure on stilts, roof terrace, free plan, free facade and long windows. Its clean, functional design, with a bright, colorful interior, earned it historic monument status in 1965 and UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016.
The Domaine de Marly: the Sun King's best-kept secret
The Domaine de Marly, located halfway between Versailles and Saint-Germain-en-Laye, was the pleasure residence of Louis XIV. Comprising a château, twelve guest pavilions and a vast park adorned with ponds, fountains and sculptures, the estate has preserved its park and some of its structures despite the destruction of the château in the 19th century. The Domaine Royal de Marly museum and the "Remarkable Garden" label, awarded in 2022, showcase this historic site.
La Chapelle Royale de Dreux: the last home of the Orléans family
The Chapelle Royale de Dreux, necropolis of the Orléans family, is located within the ancient medieval fortress of the Counts of Dreux. Initiated by the Duchesse d'Orléans in 1816, it was enlarged by her son, King Louis-Philippe. In neo-Gothic style, the chapel houses over 70 tombs of members of the royal family, including Louis-Philippe and the Empress of Austria. Listed as a historic monument since 1862, it is a precious witness to French history.
Nature and relaxation in Yvelines' green spaces
Discover the Yvelines department, a haven of peace offering a multitude of opportunities to reconnect with nature. Whether you're exploring its forests, strolling through its gardens, strolling along the water's edge or wandering through its valleys, you'll find serenity, greenery and a rich biodiversity.
The Forêt de Rambouillet: hike and discover the local wildlife
Spanning 200 km² and 29 communes, the Rambouillet forest, part of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse regional nature park, is an immense green space ideal for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. With its 600 km of signposted trails, it offers a wide variety of landscapes, from ponds and waterfalls to rock formations and stretches of sand.
The fauna is just as varied, home to deer, wild boar, roe deer, foxes and squirrels, not to mention herons and woodpeckers. A local curiosity, wallabies have lived here in the wild since their escape from a zoo in the 1970s.
The gardens of Versailles and Marly: between art and nature
World-renowned and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the gardens of Versailles and Marly are the epitome of French garden art, designed by André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV. Covering 800 hectares, the gardens of Versailles are distinguished by their flowerbeds, statues, fountains and bosquets, as well as by the Trianon estate, which includes the Grand and Petit Trianon and the Queen's hamlet. The gardens of Marly, meanwhile, offer a more intimate and secret setting, once a place of pleasure for the Sun King.
The banks of the Seine in Chatou: inspiration for the Impressionists
The banks of the Seine in Chatou played a major role in the history of art, attracting the Impressionist painters of the 19th century. Renoir, Monet, Degas and others found inspiration here, seduced by the ambiance and picturesque landscape of the banks. The site, immortalized by Renoir in "Le Déjeuner des canotiers", remains today a popular place for strolling, accessible on foot, by bike or by boat. The Musée Fournaise offers a window on this artistically fertile period.
Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park
Covering 815 km² and encompassing 51 communes, the Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse is an area for the preservation and discovery of natural, historical and cultural heritage. Between forests, meadows, ponds, rivers and hillsides, the park offers a panorama of varied landscapes. It is also home to sites of interest such as Château de la Madeleine, Château de Breteuil, Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, Château de Dampierre and Domaine de Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard, enriching the visitor experience.
Cultural and leisure activities in Yvelines
The Yvelines, a department rich in culture and entertainment, invites you to discover its museums, theaters, theaters and various leisure sites. Discover below a selection of cultural and leisure activities not to be missed.
Musée Maurice Denis: a journey through Symbolist and Nabi art
Located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Maurice Denis museum occupies the painter's former home and is dedicated to the Symbolist and Nabis artists who marked the late 19th and early 20th centuries with their quest for an art that was both spiritual and decorative.
This unique collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and furniture, reflecting the work of Maurice Denis and his contemporaries such as Paul Sérusier, Paul Gauguin, Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard, Félix Vallotton and Georges Lacombe. The museum also enriches its offer with temporary exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and lectures.
The Bergerie Nationale de Rambouillet: discovering sustainable agriculture
Founded by Louis XVI in 1784, the Bergerie Nationale de Rambouillet, a public agricultural teaching establishment, provides an introduction to sustainable agriculture. It features an educational farm, an equestrian center, a Montorgueil garden and a sheep museum.
Meet over 600 animals, including Merino sheep, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens and donkeys. Take part in animations, workshops, guided tours and various events, such as the sheep shearing or the farmer's market.
Theater and entertainment: a dynamic cultural scene
Yvelines boasts a lively cultural scene, with theaters, concert halls and festivals offering a diverse, high-quality program. Enjoy plays, concerts, comedy, dance, circus or magic shows.
Discover, among others, the Théâtre de Sartrouville et des Yvelines, the Théâtre Alexandre Dumas in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Sax in Achères, dedicated to contemporary music, the Espace Coluche in Plaisir, with shows for all ages, and the Théâtre de Châtillon, a place for creation and distribution.
Sport and adventure: from golf to water sports on the Seine
The Yvelines offers a wide range of sporting and adventure activities, in the forest, in the gardens, by the water or in the valleys. Golf, cycling, paintball, soccer, sailing, canoeing, accrobranche, karting, water skiing, helicopter flights and bowling are all on the program.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the Yvelines will win you over! Also take advantage of the Olympic venues that will host golf, track cycling, BMX, pentathlon and equestrian events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Département des Yvelines - Conclusion
It goes without saying that the Yvelines represent a destination of choice for everyone, whether you're passionate about history, culture, outdoor adventure or entertainment. This département is rich in exceptional sites such as the majestic Château de Versailles, the modern Villa Savoye, the peaceful Domaine de Marly and the sumptuous Chapelle Royale de Dreux. These sites invite you on a fascinating journey through time and art.
There's no shortage of green spaces either, with the Rambouillet forest, the magnificent gardens of Versailles and Marly, the peaceful banks of the Seine at Chatou, or the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, offering countless opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature.
Cultural and leisure activities also abound, from the Maurice Denis museum to the Bergerie Nationale de Rambouillet, as well as theaters, concert halls and future Olympic venues, guaranteeing fun and enrichment.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience memorable moments. Plan your stay in the Yvelines today and get ready for exceptional experiences!
Yvelines - FAQ
Why is Yvelines numbered 78?
Yvelines was assigned the number 78 following the dismemberment of the department of Seine-et-Oise, which bore this number before being dissolved in 1968. The name "Yvelines" was inspired by the Yveline forest, located in the former province of Île-de-France.
What is the largest town in Yvelines?
Versailles is the most populous city in the Yvelines region, with 86,700 residents. It is also the department's prefecture and home to the departmental council.
Which is the most beautiful town in Yvelines?
Determining the most beautiful town in the Yvelines is subjective and varies according to preference. However, according to the 2022 ranking by the association "Villes et Villages où il fait bon vivre", Versailles is in first place, closely followed by Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Sartrouville in third. These towns stand out for their rich historical, cultural and natural heritage, as well as their quality of life.
What is the name of department 78?
The department 78 is named Yvelines, after the ancient forest of Yveline. The name was suggested by local poet Jehan Despert.
