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Travel Guide France Île-de-France
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  • Photo: Thierry FRAISSE, Outdooractive Editors
  • The Seine in Paris
    The Seine in Paris Photo: barnyz, CC BY-ND, Flickr
  • Photo: Thierry FRAISSE, Outdooractive Editors

Île-de-France

Welcome to Île-de-France, a captivating region where nature, culture and outdoor activities come together in harmony. Nestled in the heart of France, Île-de-France offers much more than its famous urban attractions. Explore picturesque landscapes, majestic forests and winding rivers that invite adventure.

Discover the region's cultural wealth through its renowned museums, historic monuments and lively festivals. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover or a nature enthusiast, Île-de-France promises an unforgettable experience.

Hike through vast natural spaces, enjoy refreshing water sports or relax in lush green parks.

Recharge your senses and let yourself be enchanted by the diversity and beauty of Île-de-France, where every corner holds a new adventure to be experienced.

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Destinations in Île-de-France


Regions

Show Map
Essonne
Welcome to Essonne, an unspoilt treasure trove where nature and history blend harmoniously. Explore ...
Hauts-de-Seine
Welcome to Hauts-de-Seine, a multi-faceted département that promises a rich and varied experience. ...
Paris
Leave the well beaten paths and discover Paris on your own. Need some travel tips? This individual ...
Seine-et-Marne
Welcome to Seine-et-Marne, a destination rich in diversity where nature, history and outdoor ...
Seine-Saint-Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis is a renowned destination for outdoor fanatics. In search for some travel ...
Val d'Oise
Leave the well beaten paths and discover Val-d'Oise on your own. Are you looking for travel ...
Val-de-Marne
If you are planning an action packed holiday, you have to consider Val-de-Marne. Hungry for some ...
Yvelines
Yvelines offers great adventures for travelers. Hungry for travel recommendations? This individual ...

Activities in Île-de-France


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mountain biking trails
bike rides
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horse rides Crags bicycle tours city walks nature trails motor bike routes long-distance hikes scenic routes pilgrim walks gravel bike routes kayak trips

Attractions in Île-de-France


Natural wonder: the verdant secrets of the Île-de-France region

Despite its urban reputation, the Île-de-France region has unsuspected natural treasures. Dotted with parks, forests and valleys, the region offers green escapes where biodiversity flourishes. The vast forests of Fontainebleau and Rambouillet are green havens where majestic oaks, heather and steep rocky outcrops are ideal for hiking and climbing.

The valleys of the Seine and Marne offer bucolic landscapes, ideal for cycling or boating, while the Regional Nature Parks of the French Vexin and Haute Vallée de Chevreuse are home to a rich flora and fauna.

Iconic gardens such as Versailles and Giverny are landscaped gems to be explored. Nature reserves such as Réserve Naturelle Régionale de la Bassée and Réserve Naturelle Régionale des îles de la Marne preserve fragile ecosystems.

At the very heart of the metropolis, the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes offer breathing space, relaxation and outdoor activities. In short, Île-de-France reveals a diverse and unspoilt natural environment, offering a welcome escape for residents and visitors alike.

  • Park · Saint Germain Boucles de Seine
    The Coulée Verte
  • Forest · Yvelines
    Forêt de Rambouillet
  • Natural Monument · Yvelines
    Biotope du Bout du Monde

Natural exploration: enchanted hikes in the Paris region

Île-de-France offers a diversity of landscapes ideal for hiking, combining nature and historical heritage. From the forests of Fontainebleau and Rambouillet to the valleys of the Seine and Marne, the region abounds in picturesque trails. The French Vexin and Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Parks offer unspoilt panoramas and winding paths to explore.

Hikers can discover majestic châteaux, picturesque villages and monuments steeped in history along the way. The banks of the Seine also offer relaxing walks overlooking impressive landscapes, especially near the capital, Paris.

Hiking routes are accessible to all levels, from beginners to experienced hikers. They're a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge your batteries in the heart of nature, while discovering the cultural riches of the Ile-de-France region. In short, hiking in the Ile-de-France region means immersing yourself in an unspoilt natural setting, steeped in history and charm.

  • Hiking route · Barbizon
    Apremont Gorge and Caverne des Brigands from Barbizon
  • Hiking route · Seine-et-Marne
    Walking from station to station between Bois-le-Roi and Fontainebleau-Avon
  • Hiking route · Seine-et-Marne
    Loop to the Denecourt Tower from Fontainebleau-Avon station
  • Hiking route · Val d'Oise
    Walking tour: from hamlets to washhouses

Mountain biking in Île-de-France: between nature and urban landscapes

Île-de-France offers mountain bikers a wide variety of landscapes to explore. Despite its urban character, the region abounds in trails suitable for mountain biking. The forests of Fontainebleau, Rambouillet and Saint-Germain-en-Laye offer a variety of routes, with winding paths, undergrowth and moderate gradients to enjoy. These unspoilt woodlands offer an invigorating, natural escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The banks of the Seine and Marne rivers also offer well-maintained cycle paths, perfect for mountain biking along the waterways, discovering bucolic landscapes and picturesque villages.

For thrill-seekers, downhill courses are also available in some dedicated locations.

However, mountain biking in the Paris region requires compliance with safety and environmental regulations. We recommend that you find out about authorized routes, respect nature and share trails with other users, whether cyclists, hikers or horse riders.

  • Mountain Biking · Parc naturel régional du Gâtinais Français
    Mountain bike circuit - Les Trois Pignons
  • Mountain Biking · Seine-et-Marne
    Mountain bike circuit - Loop in the Fontainebleau Forest
  • Mountain Biking · Fontainebleau
    Circuit n°4 - Sentier MBF-ONF en forêt de Fontainebleau
  • Mountain Biking · Fontainebleau
    Mountain bike circuit - Le Tour de Fontainebleau

Île-de-France by bike: why not?

Cycle touring in the Paris Region offers a rich and varied experience, suitable for all levels of ability. The region abounds in cycle paths, greenways and scenic routes, allowing cyclists to discover its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

The banks of the Seine and Marne rivers offer pleasant itineraries, perfect for leisurely strolls with family or friends. The many regional parks, such as the Parc de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse and the Parc naturel régional du Vexin français, also offer signposted paths and routes to explore by bike, amidst unspoilt nature.

For more experienced cyclists, country roads and circuits around picturesque villages offer stimulating challenges and spectacular panoramic views.

What's more, our proximity to Paris means that cyclists can combine exploring the city with cycling excursions in the surrounding area, exploring the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes or following the paths along the Canal de l'Ourcq.

In short, cycle tourism in the Paris Region offers a multitude of opportunities to discover the region from a different angle, savoring the beauty of its landscapes and the richness of its heritage, while enjoying the pleasures of cycling.

  • Bike Riding · Oise
    Greenway of the Epte valley
  • Bicycle Touring · France
    Veloscenic cycle route : from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel
  • Bike Riding · Yvelines
    Cycling itinerary in Saint-Germain forest
  • Bike Riding · Yvelines
    Cycling from Saint-Germain-en-Laye to Versailles

For joggers and runners

The vast forests and parks of the Paris region invite you to practice sports activities. The forest of Fontainebleau is considered the green lung of Paris. This protected green belt has a remarkable biodiversity. The network of 300 km of cycle tracks and footpaths allows hikers and cyclists to make long journeys.

The Luxembourg Garden offers a wide range of activities for all ages.

The Jardin du Luxembourg offers joggers and cyclists plenty of space and recreational opportunities. Located in the Latin Quarter, in the 6th arrondissement, it is one of the largest parks in Paris, with an area of approximately 26 hectares. The Jardin du Luxembourg also has tennis courts and basketball courts. Even without sportswear, this facility is worth a visit.

  • Park · Paris
    Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Forest · Yvelines
    Secrets of the prestigious forest of Marly
  • Forest · Saint Germain Boucles de Seine
    The superb national forest of Saint-Germain beckons you!

Discover the region

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