Īle-de-France Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Īle-de-FranceÎle-de-France - offering diverse activities to suit all
The Île-de-France is the best known and most highly populated region of France. It is home to the capital city of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and to Euro Disney. It is a small region, yet densely packed with treasures to see for the holidaymaker, and offers a huge diversity of activities, days out and experiences to suit everyone from the family with young children to the most sophisticated sightseer.Top 5 things to do in Île-de-France
1. The Eiffel Tower
The iconic symbol of France's capital city, the Eiffel Tower has to be the first on the list for anyone holidaying in the Île-de-France. Whether you take the lifts to the top and gaze out over the incredible City of Light beneath you, or whether you prefer to view this amazing structure from ground level, the Eiffel Tower simply must be seen. You can eat in one of two restaurants in the Tower, or discover its interesting history written on boards periodically spaced on various levels as you ascend if you are brave enough to take the stairs!2. Visit the Louvre
It is possibly the most famous art gallery in the world and art lovers and the simply curious alike flock to the Louvre to see paintings such as the Mona Lisa. The Louvre is one of the oldest museums in Europe, and houses some of the most valuable works of art in the world.3. Shop on the Champs Elyssées
If you love shopping, the Champs Elyssées in Paris has to be the ultimate experience. Amid stunning monuments, some of the top designer shops can be found nestling alongside quirky boutiques (and, it must be said, slightly tacky tourist outlets too), making this every shopper's dream destination. It is particularly stunning at Christmas time, when the fairy lights make the Champs Elyssées quite magical.4. The Palace of Versailles
This stunningly opulent building and gardens is another of the region's most visited attractions. The palace was the seat of French royalty, the subject of great controversy during the years of the French revolution, and came to symbolize the "Ancien Regime". Wherever your sympathies lie, you won't regret taking the time to visit.5. Euro Disney
It may not have quite the same "snob value" as the Louvre or Versailles, but if you have young children on holiday with you then a day or more spent at the Disneyland Paris theme park will make you a very popular Mum or Dad!Top 5 towns and cities in Île-de-France
1. Paris
Paris. City of Light. City of the Eiffel Tower, of the Louvre, of Michelin-starred restaurants, the Champs Elyssées, of the River Seine. It's one of the fashion capitals of Europe, and probably the most romantic city in the world, at any time of year. Paris has an atmosphere that makes it truly unforgettable, whatever you choose to do in the city.2. La Roche Guyon
To find something totally different from the capital city, yet within easy reach of it, head for La Roche Guyon, one of France's listed "most beautiful villages". Set in a gorgeous national park, the village boasts an attractive historic centre, a superb castle, traditional French kitchen gardens and troglodyte dwellings in the cliffs.3. Fontainebleau
Providing another escape from the capital, the town of Fontainebleau is well worth a visit. It has a royal chateau and a famous forest, preserved as a national park and offering magnificent nature walks.4. Meaux
Meaux has a lovely cathedral, an interesting history and a rich cultural heritage. It is also the place to go if you are a lover of the Brie cheese variety of the same name, produced in this town.5. Pontoise
Pontoise is a mediaeval town which is located just 18.4 kilometres from Paris. Classified as a town of art and history, it offers plenty of interesting sights and activities. Pontoise has ancient ramparts, vaulted underground tunnels, a cathedral, and excellent museum and hosts numerous cultural events.Food and drink in Île-de-France
For dedicated foodies, there can be few better destinations than the Île-de-France region. Fine dining is always on offer in Paris, with three-starred Michelin establishments such as "Le Cinq" bringing you the best menus prepared by the best chefs and served by the most highly trained waiters, for a price, of course.If your pocket isn't quite up to it, though, the city is also renowned for its far more affordable bistros and brasseries, where you can eat like a true Parisian, or find almost any ethnic cuisine you happen to fancy. If you are putting together your own meal in Paris you can find wonderful patisseries, chocolateries, fromageries and charcuteries - and of course, daily markets in different corners of the city for the ultimate fresh fruits and vegetables.
Outside the capital, try Meaux Brie cheese and Meaux mustard from the town of the same name, the cherries of Montmorency, cheese from Coulommiers, Paris mushrooms or Grand Marnier from Neauphle le Castle. Famous snacks such as Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame also hail from this region.
How to get to Île-de-France
The Île-de-France, and particularly Paris, is one of the easiest regions in the country for access from the UK, and from many other places too! It is well served by rail routes, including the super efficient TGV services, by airports with flights from the UK with a variety of airlines and points of departure, and by auto routes which bring you to the region from anywhere in the country.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Īle-de-France
Paris Holiday Guide
The department of Paris, which includes the main areas of the city of Paris, is the most visited tourist destination in the world. With sights ranging from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Gallery, Paris is densely packed with treasures to see and also offers what is possibly the most romantic ambience to be found in any city.
Seine-et-Marne Holiday Guide
Seine-et-Marne is a department of the Île-de-France region. It has much to commend it to holidaymakers, being close to the capital city of Paris yet having beautiful natural surroundings in the shape of forests and rivers, and also for being the home of Disneyland Paris, that Mecca for children (and some "big" kids too!).
Yvelines Holiday Guide
The department of Yvelines lies close to France's capital city of Paris, and is home to the famous Palace of Versailles. In spite of its proximity to the capital, it is also a beautiful department with extensive forests covering much of its terrain.
Essonne Holiday Guide
The department of Essonne is one which lies to the south of Paris in the Île-de-France. It is a department that offers you the choice of spending time in its vibrant, heavily populated and industrialised north, close to the capital, or to relax among the more peaceful countryside of the south.
Hauts-de-Seine Holiday Guide
Hauts-de-Seine is a department of the Île-de-France region. The department is small, very heavily populated and urbanised, including much of Paris. It does have some green spaces too, though, with acclaimed parks and gardens. It is an ideal destination for a weekend break, allowing easy access to all the attractions of the capital as well as having many of its own.
Seine-Saint-Denis Holiday Guide
The department of Seine-Saint-Denis lies to the north and east of the city of Paris, making it a great location for a short break. It's a very small department, yet one which is rich in interest, having history, heritage and an unusual culture due to the diversity of ethnic nationalities living there.
Val-de-Marne Holiday Guide
The Val-de-Marne is a department of the Île-de-France region which lies to the south-east of Paris and forms a part of the inner ring of departments around the capital. It is set on the River Marne, and has a pretty countryside of plains and forests.
Val-d'Oise Holiday Guide
Val-d'Oise is a department of the Île-de-France region of France, near Paris. It is a great destination for holidays, easy to reach from the UK and near enough to the capital to make day trips to see the famous sights simplicity itself. It also offers a great diversity of lovely countryside, heritage and other attractions.
