Île de France

A land of kings, Ile-de-France has a rich heritage steeped in history, from its architecture and villages to its natural diversity. In addition to royal châteaux, which are examples of great French architecture, there are natural havens such as Barbizon, which have attracted artists for centuries, just a few kilometers from Paris. There's also the Château d'Ecouen, the Abbaye de Royaumont and Auvers Sur Oise with its Van Gogh House. The region's rich diversity makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as rock climbing in the Forest de Fontainebleau or long bike rides along the Oise or Seine rivers.

But it's in Paris, too, that walkers will have the time of their lives, as the City is a vast open-air museum, offering walks where the kilometers covered are as many centuries crossed, from the Gallo-Roman arenas of Lutetia to the Palais du Louvre, from the Haussmann façades to the Eiffel Tower, from the heights of Montmartre to the towers of La Défense.

What's more, there's no shortage of places to take a break along the way, as you can count on the thousands of Parisian cafés to introduce you to the local hustle and bustle. Over the years, some of these cafés have become legendary, such as Café de Flore, La Closerie des Lilas and La Rotonde, but don't hesitate to use your initiative to unearth the rare gem, because cafés are like Parisians: all different, all welcoming.
And don't forget to take advantage of Hiking and walking tours in Paris or the Hauts de Seine.