The 8 most beautiful villages in Île-de-France

Ile-de-France is a wonderful region of its kind. Come and explore the 8 beautiful villages of Île-de-France.

Ile-de-France is one of the main cultural cradles of the hexagon. With its location, it is one of the most visited territories in France. In addition to Paris, the region is full of communes to the rich cultural and historical heritage. It is the cradle of Gothic architecture, and many forms of art. In the past, it has also been the scene of multiple religious and territorial conflicts. Moreover, visitors who explore his campaign are often surprised by his extraordinary wealth. Want to know more? Let’s go to discover the most beautiful villages in Île-de-France!

1. Hair

In the heart of the eponymous valley, Chevreuse is a superb village of Île-de-France. It is located in the Yvelines . With its historic city, the town is a must-see stop for culture lovers. However, it is not only its cultural heritage that makes the charm of this village. It stands in the middle of a veritable green setting, between flowering meadows and wild forests. It is a peaceful haven for travellers, and naturally invites to the walk.

For literary lovers, this village of Île-de-France is probably not an anodin name. He was, in fact, one of the favourites of the poet Jean Racine. In particular, the artist visited the famous Maison des Bannières and the cabaret du Lys. Following its steps, you will discover the fabulous streets of the commune. You can stroll around these emblematic places, and can be inspired by their atmosphere.

2. Moret-sur-Loing

In Seine-et-Marne, this village of Île-de-France is one of the most beautiful in the hexagon. In particular, it owes this title to its exceptional charm and its surrounding nature. It stands on the banks of the Loing, a few kilometers from the capital. In the Middle Ages, his fortifications were designed to stop the Burgundian attacks. Nowadays, there are only a few vestiges of this emblematic era. Nevertheless, visitors can still admire the medieval dungeon, some ramparts, and the fabulous Notre-Dame church.

But this village of Île-de-France is not only strong in its rich historical heritage. Its paved alleys, and its old houses actually give it an undeniable seal. Walking through its flowery and atypical streets, you will be intoxicated by the beauty of the places. Also, you will not be the only ones to be seduced by its enchanting frame. Since the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley discovered this amazing city, she seems to be the favorite of multiple artists.

3. Provins

For history lovers, this village of Île-de-France is a must-see stop. Its medieval city is also classified as a UNESCO world heritage. Visitors can admire its splendid walls of the 11th century, before entering its imposing medieval citadel. They can then continue their walk by the famous Barn in the Dîmes, or the underground of the commune.

But the most emblematic monument of this village of Île-de-France is the Tour César. If you make a stop at Provins, you can't miss its superb architecture. A former dungeon of the 12th century, its magnificent cart was rebuilt during the Renaissance. Nevertheless, its structure retains all the charm of medieval times. Also, before you reach the top of the tower, you can discover the Guards Hall and the Governor's Chamber. Through your steps, you can trace the history of this surprising commune!

4. Barbizon

Since the City of Light has long been the refuge of artists, the Paris basin has obviously inspired most of them. Also, this small village of Île-de-France is a mandatory step for painters. A few steps from the famous Fontainebleau forest, the town is nestled in the hollow of its western edge. At the beginning of the 19th century, its magnificent houses and untouched nature paved the way for many works. It is said that this is where pre-impressionism was born.

As you explore the beautiful paved streets of this village of Île-de-France, you will be happily touched by its unique atmosphere. And by admiring its old buildings, you can only better understand why artists love this town. In a real natural and floral setting, you can stroll to the famous Ganne hostel. Today, this building presents the main canvases that the painters created as they discovered Barbizon.

5. La Roche-Guyon

In Val-d’Oise, La Roche-Guyon invites you to cross the centuries. Indeed, this fabulous village of Île-de-France is characterized by its rich historical heritage. The Castle mythical of the commune is adorned to an imposing chalk cliff. As its name suggests, the commune is as frozen in the rock. Nowadays, the fortress retains only its medieval dungeon, and the building that was restored in the Renaissance.

Nevertheless, visitors to this village of Île-de-France are not at the end of their surprises. Indeed, the former Middle Age dungeon houses a secret passage that leads to the newer building. Over nearly a cent-meter of an atypical tunnel, you’ll feel like you’re going through the ages. When you get out, you can admire the remains of the next period. Reception room, luxurious rooms and French gardens. This Renaissance style castle will let you discover its thousand and a secrets!

6. L’Isle-Adam

On the left bank of the Oise, this village of Île-de-France promises you a moment of relaxation. Due to its undeniable charm, it has long been the resort of many families of the French nobility. Today, it is the refuge of many inhabitants of the capital, and many artists. Indeed, it is a true setting of greenery and relaxation for its visitors.

In addition to the old houses of this village of Île-de-France, it is rather its enchanting natural setting that makes it so exceptional. It runs along the banks of the river and has three charming small islands in the heart of its bed. Through the water, its green flora invites you to walk and relax. And by swiping on its docks, you can even reach the famous Three Sources pond for a little swim. In a decor worthy of a canvas, you can fully enjoy its surrounding nature.

7. Milly-la-Forêt

Like the surrounding communes, this village of Île-de-France is nestled in the heart of green valleys. In the department of Essonne, Milly-la-Forêt is a must-see for travellers. In the 19th century, it was known for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Today, the National Conservatory of Plants of the city preserves traditions. The herbalistry and discovery ferus will therefore be charmed by this amazing town.

But this village of Île-de-France is best known for hosting famous artists. At the turn of its alleys, you can visit Claude François's mill for example. Built in the 17th century, the building was the rest house of the singer. But if you prefer literature, the commune reserves other surprises. In the center of the village, you can visit the house of the poet Jean-Cocteau. You can then dive into the heart of its surprising baroque and mythological universe...

8. Saint-Loup-de-Naud

In Seine-et-Marne, this village of Île-de-France is an indispensable stop for book lovers. Indeed, it houses the Renaissance castle in which writer Violet Trefusis wrote most of his works. He would have been given to him as a gift of rupture by Comtesse Polignac, a musical patron of the twentieth century. Today, it has obviously been restored, but its atypical architecture remains fascinating.

Nevertheless, visitors to this village of Île-de-France will not only be seduced by its exceptional houses. During their walk, they will be able to discover the impressive church of the city. From now on, it overlooks Saint-Loup-de-Naud of its Romanesque structure. As frozen in time, it invites you to retrace the history of the city and the region.

Among the villages of Île-de-France, which do you prefer?