5 ideas of escapades and original visits to be made in Île-de-France

Between friends, family or colleagues, take advantage of Paris and its surroundings during a visit to Île-de-France, a thousand leagues from the circuits.

Located north of the Hexagon, the Paris region consists of eight departments of character. Each of them takes advantage of its way of the international radiation of the City of Light. Yes, Paris makes the world dream and attracts millions of foreign but also French tourists every year.

They often confine themselves to classical tours and typical circuits: what a mistake! The capital and its surrounding territory are full of unrecognized treasures and unusual activities to be discovered during a getaway to the friendly, playful and disposable Île-de-France. Extended holidays, romantic weekends or even business seminar in Île-de-France : Here are five ideas to get out of the beaten paths while surveying Parisian pavers.

Walking in the heart of the Green Cushion by bike

Browse through Green Coulée René-Dumont is the opportunity to offer a nice walk, bucolic and green. This freshness bubble takes place in the heart of the 12th arrondissement of Paris, sharp with the concrete environment of the French metropolis. Founded in 1988, it occupies a section of an old railway track that initially linked the Place de la Bastille to the Marles-en-Brie, in Seine-et-Marne.

This "planned walk" is named after the French agronomist René Dumont. Doesn't that tell you? Know for the anecdote that he was... the first environmental candidate in a French presidential election!

This linear green space now connects the Bastille Opera and the Montempoivre Gate. For nearly 5 kilometers, it extends over 3.7 hectares maintained to perfection. You can admire the amazing viaduct of the Arts overlooking Daumesnil Avenue and cross picturesque old railway bridges. La Coulée verte gives access to the garden of Reuilly or Charles-Péguy square, skillfully mixing lush vegetation (fleurs, noisetiers, lime trees...) and modern urban furniture up to the famous Vivaldi alley.

It is the shopping area of the route with its trendy shops and dining areas. La Coulée verte is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in summer or 5 p.m. in winter. To access it, look for the entrances that are located near the metro stations Bastille, Gare de Lyon, Daumesnil, Montgallet or Bel-Air.

Play chestnuts in the most beautiful French homes

Taking a getaway to Île-de-France gives the opportunity to discover sumptuous castles and residences. Versailles, Fontainebleau, Malmaison, Saint-Germain-en-Laye... These prestigious monuments of the French historical heritage still make today the beautiful hours of the tourist guides. Did you know that it was possible to put into the skin of the members of the nobility the time of a visit to Île-de-France taking possession of one of them?

Take a look at the offers Kactus , whose selection of castles is particularly suitable for short tourist stays. Weddings, baptisms, festive events but also professional seminars take a whole different dimension. Royal, right?

Some examples among others: let’s start with the Domaine de Maffliers , a 4-star charm north of Paris. It welcomes visitors to a green setting with modern infrastructures: tennis, multi-sport courts, equestrian center... The hotel has 99 cosssue rooms available for booking.

In the Yvelines, the Domaine de la Corniche or Waldorf Astoria Versailles and its five stars are among the reference locations. They attract a clientele looking for luxury and historical authenticity. More original yet: opt for the Castle of... , integrating the Résidence de l’Equipe de France at the Centre National du Football de Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines.

(re)Discover the delights of the capital at the turn of a gourmet stroll

Did you know? The famous « Vienneseerie » owes their name only to the Austrian origin of the two creators of these delicious beurred pastries. They were invented in the heart of the French capital, rue de Richelieu, in the 19th century. Paris has since become a high place of sweet gastronomy, attracting entrepreneurs of taste to search for fame and foodistas from all over the world.

Gourmets enjoy the envi amandines, caquettes, macarons, operas, paris-brest, savarins or multicolored tarts during their visit to Île-de-France. If you want to join them, we recommend some nice addresses to treat you with these little wonders to share... or not, by the way.

In the heart of the Latin Quarter, rue Mouffetard, it’s at Carl Marletti will be delighted with pastry flans and gourmet chocolate creations. For macarons, go to the shops Ladurée : rue Royale, rue Bonaparte or 75 avenue des Champs-Élysées. Pierre Hermé has also made it the leading specialist on Cambon Street in the 1st arrondissement.

Finally, rue Rambuteau, pastry shop Sugar bread treats lovers of sweet and savoury creations. This institution in the heart of the Marais district stands out by the quality of its famous marshmallows worldwide. We admit that we had a small weakness for his chestnut honey buns and chocolate rocks.

Visit the houses of famous writers

Paris, a bustling metropolis, has been at the centre of an intense literary activity for centuries now. The City of Light welcomed some of the greatest writers of their time: Balzac, Hugo, Chateaubriand, Mallarmé, Dumas... The book lovers will be pleased to take back their works by visiting the writers’ houses and museums scattered in the capital.

These tourist sites allow you to immerse yourself in the life of the authors and know the sometimes original methods of work of the authors. Ideal, therefore, to bring a touch of culture to your next escapade in Île-de-France. Let's take it house of Emile Zola , for example: it is in Médan, in the Yvelines. He lived there from 1878 to 1902 and received numerous texts. He was able to offer this luxury home thanks to the benefits generated by the sale of his novel “L’Assommoir”.

In the same department, in the Port-Marly, Monte Cristo Castle was the property of the fantasy Alexander Dumas... who lived only a short time. He had to sell him three years later. In the Hauts-de-Seine, Chateaubriand's house is located on the eponymous street in Châtenay-Malabry. His “outre-tombe memoirs” were written there. Balzac chose the prestige of the 16th arrondissement, rue Raynouard. Boris Vian?

More original, he preferred the picturesque charm of the 18th arrondissement, near Place Clichy, in the Cité Véron. The house that can still be visited has been shaped by his hands. Finally, the great Victor Hugo occupied a place of the Vosges from 1832 to 1848. Today transformed into a museum, it includes three distinct parts that trace its life before, during and after the exile.

Explore Parisian underwear

Paris, City of Light? No doubt. But we offer you to discover it in an unusual way by exploring... its underground. The basement of Paris is a real labyrinth, entangled with metro corridors, sewers, galleries dug over the centuries and famous catacombs.

To find out, go to the Cochin hospital to explore the career of the Capuchins . Used for 600 years until the 18th century, it allowed the capital to be fed into limestone blocks. Located 18 metres underground, the Capuchins quarry is perfectly preserved. There is a fountain where baptisms were celebrated: a small niche houses a statue of the Virgin Mary.

♪ catacombes , open to the public since the 19th century, are the largest bone in the world. Nearly two kilometers from this tunnel network, located 20 meters below the surface. They welcome the remains of millions of Parisians... Morbide? A little. How surprising! Half a million visitors are there each year. To stay in the underground register, let's go to the discovery of the... sewers.

The Musée des Egouts Paris is accessible at the level of the Alma Bridge, facing the 93 quai d’Orsay. This 7th arrondissement cultural site offers a fascinating scenic journey and modern animations. Numerous interesting information and anecdotes are the journey of the curious. And don't worry: there's fresh air and no bad smell will disturb this incredible visit to Île-de-France!