Île-de-France Things to Do

 
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Most Viewed Things to Do in Île-de-France

1.

Eiffel Tower   Paris

Eiffel Tower, Paris

 1076 Reviews  The Eiffel Tower (French: la Tour Eiffel) is a monument in Paris and one of the most visited attractions in France. He stands on the left bank of the Seine in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The... 

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2.

The Hall of Mirrors ( La Galerie des Glaces )   Versailles

The Hall of Mirrors ( La Galerie des Glaces ), Versailles

 49 Reviews  The Hall of Mirrors is by far the most impressive of the rooms in the Versailles Palace. The principal feature of this famous hall is the seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen... 

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3.

Montmartre - Sacré Coeur   Paris

Montmartre - Sacré Coeur, Paris

 717 Reviews   Basil Sacre Ceur is visible from any point of the city as it is placed at the top of the hill La Butt in area of Montmartre. It was erected in 1876 in the Romanian-Byzantian style. The ladder... 

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4.

Basins, fountains and statues   Versailles

Basins, fountains and statues, Versailles

 79 Reviews  Are you still thinking what I mentioned earlier? Yes, the Sun King was green with ENVY at one point in his life and it was one of those things that led to the creation of Versailles... The King had... 

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5.

Louvre   Paris

Louvre, Paris

 927 Reviews   It is not clearly why, but Frenchmen "guessed" to make an entrance to the museum of the glass pyramid which is situated in a court yard. Such "innovation" offered and won a competition an American... 

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6.

Gardens   Versailles

Gardens, Versailles

 74 Reviews   The park was stretched at 1700 hectares and amazes with its regularity and reasonableness. A geometrical lay-out of the area around the palace symbolized representation of the monarch about himself... 

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7.

Notre Dame de Paris   Paris

Notre Dame de Paris, Paris

 856 Reviews   The last architect of the Cathedral - Viollet-le-Duc gave vent to his imagination in the middle of the XIX-th century. He created the irreal world of chimeras - the demons looking ironically and... 

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8.

Grand Trianon castle   Versailles

Grand Trianon castle, Versailles

 26 Reviews  Louis XIV particularly liked the Trianon and would stay there in the summer for short “holidays” close to the castle of Versailles but away from the strict obligations of the royal court. He occupied... 

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9.

Arc de Triomphe   Paris

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

 592 Reviews  The Arc de Triomphe or the Triumphal Arch, a triumphal arch and one of the famous landmark of Paris, in the 8th arrondissement. The building stands on the Place Charles de Gaulle, one of the busiest... 

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10.

The Palace of Versailles   Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, Versailles

 48 Reviews   The palace has two floors. On the ground floor there are dophin apartments - royal children. On the second floor there are main apartments, and also apartments of the king and the queen. Besides in... 

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11.

Latin Quarter   Paris

Latin Quarter, Paris

 95 Reviews  "Rive gauche", the left bank, is slightly different from the other side, dominated by students and cultural activities. Of course, shopping is the "cultural activity" for many people (no, I'm not... 

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12.

Petit Trianon castle   Versailles

Petit Trianon castle, Versailles

 16 Reviews  It was not without emotion that I pushed my head in the entry (one does not go further) of the theatre of Marie-Antoinette. This simple building located at a hundred meters of the palace of the Petit... 

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13.

Versailles   Paris

Versailles, Paris

 266 Reviews  It's one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in that time period. The chateau is ornate and the designs and gardens exemplified symmetry and precision. The history of this edifice is... 

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14.

Hameau de la reine   Versailles

Hameau de la reine, Versailles

 16 Reviews  The Kingdom of Marie Antoinette occupies only a small part of the area covered by the gardens of Versailles , in the far right corner. open daily except on public holidays and days with official... 

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15.

Champs Elysées   Paris

Champs Elysées, Paris

 227 Reviews   Well-known av des Champs-Elysees begins to the east from place de la Concorde. Now it is the central highway of Paris. That means "paradise fields " as elisium means in Greek "paradise". The... 

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16.

Grands Appartements du Roi et de la Reine   Versailles

Grands Appartements du Roi et de la Reine, Versailles

 12 Reviews  When visiting the drawing-rooms of Venus, Abundance, Diane and Mars one can imagine going back a few centuries and attend one of the evening receptions which Louis XIV offered to the Court in his... 

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17.

Disneyland Paris   Paris

Disneyland Paris, Paris

 195 Reviews  We first thought we wouldn´t go to Disneyland, that we are too old for that. But then at the tourist info I started to read about it and noticed that there is that new thing, the Disneyland studios.... 

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18.

Saint-Louis cathedral   Versailles

Saint-Louis cathedral, Versailles

 6 Reviews  Interesting to see a burial Memorial and bust inside the church, of JULES HARDOUIN MANSART, b.1646 - 1708, a French architect whose work is generally considered to be the apex of French Baroque... 

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19.

Musée d'Orsay   Paris

Musée d'Orsay, Paris

 317 Reviews  Given my well documented love of railway stations and enjoyment of 'popular' (some would venture 'middlebrow') art, there was never really any doubt that I was going to enjoy the Musée d'Orsay. What I... 

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20.

Galeries de l'Histoire de France   Versailles

Galeries de l'Histoire de France, Versailles

 3 Reviews  The HALL of BATTLES is the largest room of the palace with 120 m of length and 13 m width. Under Louis XIV this South wing consisted of princely apartments on the first floor and apartments for... 

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21.

Dômes - Hôtel des Invalides   Paris

Dômes - Hôtel des Invalides, Paris

 270 Reviews   The Hotel of Invalides was constructed in classical style in 1679-1709. Its dome decorated by a gold ornament with a graceful small lamp at a spike in height of 107 m. The ashes of Napoleon... 

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22.

Galeries du XVIIe siècle   Versailles

Galeries du XVIIe siècle, Versailles

 3 Reviews  It is by the entrance of the "Cour Royale" to the northern wing that the traditional visit of the castle of Versailles begins. The 17th c. galleries are the part of the Palace circuit coloured in blue... 

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23.

Jardins du Luxembourg   Paris

Jardins du Luxembourg, Paris

 145 Reviews  in FRench but the dates and hours can be read i think, from the Senate site official jardin du luxembourg, as I worked off montparnasse go there everymonth now. You will be able to see the closing... 

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24.

Sainte-Chapelle   Paris

Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

 156 Reviews   One of the most beautiful impression in Paris is Sainte Chapelle! This chapel was constructed under the order of the Lui of the Ninth (Sacred) for storage of a relic of Passions Dominical - the Crown... 

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25.

La Défense   Paris

La Défense, Paris

 135 Reviews  magical area with a huge shopping center, lots of restos and bar ,a gorgeous modern arche, and great views over the other arc and the Champs-Elysées. line 1 metro takes you there and out, plus bus 73... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Vaux-le-Comte Is The Best Chateau to Visit First

by hquittner

There are things about Vaux that are unique (and beautiful). There are elements that are repeated and sometimes overdone at Versailles. The Louis XIV style started here. Some of the greatest men of the 17C participated in its creation and notoriety: Moliere, La Fontaine, Vatel, Le Vau, Le Brun, Le Notre, Girardon and its owner Fouquet. Read our pages under Melun which include how to complete a trip to the Chateau (it is actually nearer to Maincy by 2 km as the bird flies but without a good road between them, it is best to list it at Melun).

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At Bois de Vincennes: Plan to Spend a Day

by hquittner

Vincennes (pop.46+K) is a banlieu in the Val de Marne, 6 Km from the center of Paris to the Southeast, and on both the Metro and RER. It is at the edge of the Bois de Vincennes, a large park which the densely populated commune ceded to Paris in 1929. It is just outside the Peripherique. In the edge of the park is the famous castle which in addition to its ancient structure has a fine Gothic Chapel and later added 17C pavillons and porticos. Nearby in the park (Bois) are other activities for children and a Zoo. Cycling and horseback riding (rentals) are available. Parisians are also attracted here for the trotting races at a Hippodrome or other races at a Velodrome elsewhere in the park. The Parc Floral de Paris is also near the castle. Various music events also bring out the Parisians on weekends and evenings.

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Jouarre: the hidden Merovingian crypts

by Elisabcn

Let’s go to Jouarre, a sleepy village situated in the Brie area, on a plateau dominating the Marne Valley. This nice village, where it seems that nothing happens, has on its short heritage list two of the most ancient crypts in Europe! Saint Paul’s crypt and Saint Ebrégésile’s crypt date from the VIIth century and they are a valuable witness of the Merovingian Art. They host the tombs of the saint founders of the monastery Notre Dame de Jouarre which nowadays is a construction without interest from 1863 (picture 1).We arrive to the crypts from Saint Paul square. It might be used as a cemetery for pilgrims in the past. They usually asked to be buried near the saints to reach Heaven quickly. Nowadays this square behind the current church is dominated by a beautiful sculpture of Virgin Mary and her son (picture 2). Once inside Saint Paul’s crypt it’s impossible not to be excited: this...

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Saint Denis: Royal Necropolis (part two)

by Elisabcn

Since the 13th century kings can have 3 tombs, usually in three different churches : body tomb, heart tomb and entrails tomb. Saint Denis was the necropolis for body tombs while entrails were put in Reims Cathedral and hearts in a church with sentimental links with the kings. Saint Denis became the preferred necropolis of the French monarchs and each new dynasty continued this tradition in order to support its legitimacy. Dagobert was the first king to be buried here in the 7th century and with only few exceptions all the monarchs were buried here. More than 70 original tombs give us a complete idea of the evolution of the funerary statuary since 12th century until 16th century. Louis XVIII will be the last king to be buried here, in 1824.Wandering around this necropolis we can see for example the 12th century tombs (picture 2) where kings are represented idealised, at an age of about 33...

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Saint Denis: Royal Necropolis

by Elisabcn

If you are visiting Paris, block half day on your busy agenda and visit Saint Denis Basilica Cathedral. It is a must for different reasons: historic, architectural, artistic, and religious. Saint Denis is very important in the History of France. It will be one of the three most important royal places together with Paris, the capital, and Reims, the sacred city. Saint Denis became the kings of France’s necropolis, like Westminster in England. The basilica stands on the site of a Gallo-Roman cemetery with the tomb of Saint Denis, thought to have been the first Bishop of Paris and who was martyred by 250AD. This place of pilgrimage was built in the 5th century and a monastic community will be established during the following centuries who feed the pilgrims fervour with several legends sometimes invented by the monks themselves. King Dagobert was a benefactor to Saint Denis in the 7th...

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Montfort: the old cemetery

by Elisabcn

The town’s cemetery worths a visit. It dates from the XVth century and in spite of its cloister look, it has always been a resting place. This is evident by the text carved on the right of the front door and other details (picture 2) "Vous qui ici passez,Priez Dieu pour les trépassés,Ce que vous êtes, ils ont été, Ce que sont, un jour serez." You who come here,Pray God for the dead peopleWhat you are, they wereWhat they are, you will beThis is because during the XVIth century Anne de Bretagne decided to enlarge Saint Pierre church and some bodies had to be moved. Under the gallery, beams were intended to support boards on which were piled up the bones of those dead people. Even if you find a Ravel’s bust in this cemetery he is not buried here. The tiny chapels (picture 4) are simple but beautiful and from the cemetery you have a nice perspective of the church. (picture 3)

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Montfort:the church & its stained-glass windows

by Elisabcn

The church of Montfort is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. From Medieval origins, it was reconstructed by Anne de Bretagne at the end of the XVth century. The plan is very simple: an only nave finished and an ambulatory without transept and side chapels. But maybe this simplicity of the architecture and decoration emphasizes the beauty of the old stained-glass windows, which are a wonder! The 37 stained-glass windows show the authors’ perfect knowledge of the techniques used during the XVI century and apart from the religious scenes they give great importance to architectures and landscapes. In two of them we can also see for the first time in France the use of blue and violet enamel. Thanks to this exceptional collection of “verrières” this modest church was classified historical monument in 1840. Before visiting this church I suggest you to take a look to this website to know more...

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Montfort: following Victor Hugo's steps

by Elisabcn

I went to Montfort de l'Amaury following Victor Hugo’s steps. He discovered this little town at the age of 23. He met a guy from Montfort, M. Descieux and they became friends. Victor stayed at his friend’s house several times, at 9th Treille Street. The remains of Montfort, which he visited quite often, inspired one of his poems “Aux ruines de Montfort l’Amaury”Je vous aime, ô débris! Et surtout quand l’Automne.Prolonge en vos échos sa plainte monotone.Sous vos abris croulants je voudrais habiter,Vieilles tours, que les temps l’une vers l’autre incline ;Et qui semblez de loin, sur la haute colline,Deu noirs géants prêts à lutter.Nowadays Montfort l’Amaury is a quiet and beautiful town with a rich past. Founded in the XIth century with the Capetians (descendants of Huges Capet), the city was deeply involved with French History. It owes its fame to the Valois, Henry IV but especially to...

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La Défense: open air museum

by Elisabcn

La Défense is a modern business district situated in Hauts-de-Seine Department. It is the end of the historical axis Louvre-Champs Elysées- Arche de Triomphe –Grande Arche and together with the London “City” is one of the most important business centre in Europe. La Défense is made up basically of skyscrapers and the rhythm is always very frenetic with people that come and go and have no time to loose. But it has another layout, maybe more visible out of the business hours and during weekend: an artistic layout made up with 60 contemporary sculptures which converts La Défense into an open air museum where artists like Miró, Calder or César have also something to say. I have heard that there are also little concerts and performances at the main square from time to time. You can find more information about la Défense...

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Auvers sur Oise: the Impressionists' village

by Elisabcn

Auvers is a nice village 40 km North of Paris. The natural beauty and charm of this peaceful village attired by the end of the XIX th century many artists, especially the Impressionists. People like Cézanne, Pissarro, Sisley, Monet or Van Gogh lived or frequented Auvers and painted it on some of their masterworks. This is why Auvers is called “the Impressionist’s village” and you will arrive there by the train of Impressionists (how disappointing: I thought that it would be a colourful train full of Impressionists’ paintings but it was a normal train!) and once there you will find of course places like rue Daubigny, Park Van Gogh or Pâtisserie Monet . . . Although that Auvers is not very touristy (it could be worse!) and has kept its natural charm. Auver’s main character is without any doubt Van Gogh. He discovered it by the end of his life and although his stay was less than two months...

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Fun things to do in Île-de-France

Top 3 Hotels in Île-de-France

Four Seasons George V Paris  Paris

 5 Reviews and 551 Opinions  The Four Seasons George V is truly one of the world's great hotels. I really, really love to stay... 

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Trianon Palace Hotel  Versailles

 5 Reviews and 497 Opinions  Now part of Hilton's Waldorf-Astoria Collection of hotels, this is a small but very refined hotel.... 

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Novotel Marne La Vallee Collegien  Marne-la-Vallée

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Things to Do: Cities in Île-de-France
  1. Paris Things to Do
  2. Versailles Things to Do
  3. Marne-la-Vallée Things to Do
  4. Saint-Denis Things to Do
  5. Fontainebleau Things to Do
  6. Provins Things to Do
  7. Neuilly-sur-Seine Things to Do
  8. Meaux Things to Do
  9. Puteaux Things to Do
  10. Melun Things to Do
  11. Issy-les-Moulineaux Things to Do
  12. Île de la Cité Things to Do
  13. Vincennes Things to Do
  14. Nanterre Things to Do
  15. Rambouillet Things to Do
  16. Moret-sur-Loing Things to Do

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Questions and Answers

HenriettaStackpole profile photo

Q:  My husband and I will be visiting South West France in late November to see art and architecture. We are flying in and out of... 

Beausoleil profile photo

A: We love Carcassonne, the restored castle. Just south of it is an abbey at St. Hilaire that is also nice. Carcassonne has a train station but I think you'd need to take a... 

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