Yvelines Holiday Guide
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Yvelines Holiday Guide
Holidaying in Yvelines is ideal for those who want access to all the great sights of Paris but prefer to stay in a more tranquil, natural environment. The department is, of course, best known for Versailles, which is an absolute "must see", but is also popular with outdoor sports enthusiasts, yachtsmen and artists.
Top 5 things to see and do in Yvelines
1. Palace of Versailles
Versailles is legendary. You may think you know what to expect of it, but the first sight of the splendour and opulence will still take your breath away. Versailles, with its stunning gardens and Hall of Mirrors among many incredible sights, is an experience that will live with you forever.
2. Parc des Etoiles
For a refreshingly different holiday activity, try visiting the Parc des Etoiles at Triel sur Seine, where you can catch a fascinating glimpse of the night sky and a world - or worlds - outside our own.
3. Sail
As an inland department, you might not think that the Yvelines is a prime candidate for sailing clubs and important sailing competitions, but you would be wrong. Sailing is a very popular activity on the rivers and lakes of Yvelines, and there are many clubs dedicated to the sport.
4. Horse trotting
Perhaps that should be "watch trotting", as it is quite a specialised sport and not one where you can roll up and have a go in a race! There are equestrian centres where you can take lessons, but even if you don't want to have a go yourself you can enjoy the thrill of going to the races. There's more for horse lovers in the Museum of the Horse at Maisons Lafitte.
5. Visit the home of Alexandre Dumas
The writer Alexandre Dumas lived in the Château de Monte Cristo until 1848. The chateau has been preserved as a museum now, and gives a fascinating insight into the writer's world.
Top 5 towns and cities in Yvelines
1. Versailles
You can't mention Versailles without thinking of the Palace, and it's true that it is indeed the dominant feature of this town, the capital of the department of Yvelines. It's more than just a palace, though, and the city is a great place to take a short break or to visit as a day trip during a holiday in the region. In addition to sights and tourist attractions, Versailles offers great shopping (modern shops plus five street markets!) and dining.
2. Poissy
The Poissy, of the renowned and rather alcoholic drink, Noyeau de Poissy, is a lovely town rich in history, heritage and culture. It also glories in a beautiful natural setting. Among the attractions are the collegiate church, the abbey and a toy museum.
3. Rambouillet
Rambouillet is a lovely town with many links to the French royal family, offering a fascinating history to discover. It isn't as old as many towns in the department, dating back only around 200 years, but it doesn't lack heritage. It's also exquisitely beautiful, having 13,000 hectares of glorious forest, with fresh air activities such as walking, following nature trails and hunting on offer. Enjoy visiting museums, parks and forests, a royal palace and attendant gardens.
4. Mantes la Jolie
The name says it al, really, Mantes la Jolie really is a very pretty town. It's a classified "Ville Fleury", ie, a town of flowers and it is set against the Vexin Regional Park. Family walks to see the flora and fauna and to enjoy the picturesque views are one way of spending your time here, or you can visit the Gothic collegiate church and take a look around this sweet little town. If you are holidaying in the winter, don't miss the Christmas markets here.
5. Maisons Lafitte
Maisons Lafitte is the place to head for if you are a fan of all things equestrian, as there is a superb horse museum here. There's also a racetrack where the exciting sport of trotter racing takes place. The town itself is very attractive too, with an old covered market and a lively cultural programme of events taking place throughout the year.
Food and drink in Yvelines
Yvelines is home to the Houdan chicken, and hence the dish of roast chicken here is a real source of local pride. Poissy is responsible for the liqueur Noyeau de Poissy, while elsewhere in the department you can find specialities involving rabbit, lamb, goats' cheese and honey.
How to get to Yvelines
All the departments of the Ile de France are well served by transport links to Paris, making them very simple to access from the UK. Fly to Paris from many airports around Britain, or take the Eurostar train and catch a local train to link to your destination in Yvelines.
