Discover Paris Region
Far from being limited to Paris, Île-de-France is a vast 12,000 km² territory combining Europe's leading metropolis, preserved royal forests and exceptional heritage. Paris, a capital whose 1,100 years of history have left an unparalleled architectural palimpsest, is discovered through its 20 arrondissements, 130 museums (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, Quai Branly, Cluny, Carnavalet) and iconic gardens (Tuileries, Luxembourg, Buttes-Chaumont). But the region holds far more: the Château de Versailles and its formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre (UNESCO), royal residence from Louis XIV to Louis XVI; the Château de Fontainebleau and its François I gallery, the first manifestation of the French Renaissance (UNESCO); Chantilly and its Musée Condé; Vaux-le-Vicomte, which inspired Versailles. Provins, a great market town of medieval Champagne, keeps its fortified walls intact (UNESCO). The forests of Fontainebleau (legendary climbing rocks), Rambouillet (royal hunts), Saint-Germain and Marly offer natural breathing spaces 30-60 minutes from Paris. The Marais Poitevin and Bassée reveal remarkable wetlands. On the gastronomic side, AOP Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun, Coulommiers, Commercy madeleines historically served at court, pig's trotter and century-old Parisian bistros extend a thousand-year culinary tradition. Recommended season: spring and autumn for Paris; summer for Versailles and the forests.
