Elegant Paris city with the Eiffel Tower near Originals Hotels
Ile-de-France
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Your travel guide to Ile-de-France

With around 12 million inhabitants, Île-de-France is the most populous region of the country. Although many in the region head elsewhere for their own summer holidays, there is plenty of attractions, activities and things to do that it can offer visitors from outside, not least one of the most visited cities in the world, the French capital city of Paris. The Seine, The Oise and the Marne all pass through Île-de-France and the area has some outstanding woodland as well as its urban centres. Île-de-France has many places which are set up for tourists, such as the famous Disneyland Resort but our local hoteliers are the perfect guide for you to find unique attractions and things to do.

Diversity, Discoveries, Scenery

ILE-DE-FRANCE : THE HOTELS

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ILE-DE-FRANCE : THE BEST CITIES

Paris

The capital of France, Paris is synonymous with style, sophistication and – above all – romance. Whether strolling along the banks of the Seine River or exploring the café culture of Montmartre, the city has so much to offer. Paris is packed with glorious 19th-century architecture, modern art, must-see, do and visit attractions and much more besides.

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ILE-DE-FRANCE : BE INSPIRED

What to do, to see, to hear...

Visit

Visitors to Paris can find it an exciting and bustling city but staying in one of the suburbs and commuting into the city centre makes for a more relaxing sort of break. 
Climb

Rock climbers are often surprised that this region – which has no significant mountains – has some great climbing in the Fontainbleau area. 
Sports

The Stade de France is where France's national football and rugby teams play and is a place many visitors head to. Situated in Saint-Denis, in the north of Paris, it hosts many live music concerts, too. 
Medieval cities

Provins, to the east of Paris, is a typical French town which has much of its medieval architecture in place still, marking it out from many of the settlements in Île-de-France that is perfect from a day trip from the capital.
French castles

Visitors who'd like to visit a French castle should head to Rambouillet in the Yvelines department where the Château de Rambouillet, a former residence of Napoléon, is to be found. 
DO

A bike ride in the park of the Palace of Versailles.
Decrypt

The map of the metropolitan network (metro, RER, bus, tramway), essential to travel without a car.
Drink

The wine of one of the region's vineyards, rather rare.
 

Transports in Ile-de-France

Many of France's major express train (TGV) routes terminate in the city of Paris. The region is also served by Transilien train services. Paris has an underground rail network – much of which runs overground – and there is also a suburban network of trains called RER. 

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WHEN TO GO TO ILE-DE-FRANCE ?

Paris, with many famous sights, like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, is often said to be at its most attractive in the spring. It is quieter in the summer, however, when many city dwellers choose to head south. A theatrical festival takes place in the town of Étampes in June and a Baroque music festival is staged in September in the town of Pontoise, north-west of Paris. 

WHAT TO DO IN ILE-DE-FRANCE ?

Île-de-France has plenty to keep visitors occupied with some of France's major tourist attractions within its borders. 

THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES

 

One of Île-de-France's most-visited historic sites. Not only was it a Royal residence but its famous Hall of Mirrors is where the First World War Armistice was signed. 

THE CATACOMBS OF PARIS

 

Are not for the faint-hearted but these underground chambers are full of mystery and exploring them is like walking through a Victor Hugo novel. 

KARTING

 

Île-de-France has some superb karting facilities with a number of high-quality operators, such as RKC and Aerokart, located not far from the capital. 

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The best restaurants in Ile-de-France

Paris

Restaurant Lasserre

Restaurant Lasserre, in the heart of Paris on Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is one of the best fine dining establishments in the capital. 

Melun

La Bulle Gourmande

Close to the Seine River in Melun, diners can enjoy more relaxed dining at places like La Bulle Gourmande.