Discover La falaise, Yvelines: A Getaway in Ile de France

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is one of the most interesting historic towns of the Paris region. It has retained its urban fabric from the Middle Ages, as well as its pre-17th-century winding streets and cul-de-sacs. Starting point - Courtyard of the house where Claude Debussy was born No. 38 Rue au Pain In the courtyard, observe the beautiful stairway and wooden banisters, the only one remaining in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It dates from the late 17th century. Take the steps up to the first floor. This is the Claude Debussy museum. The composer was born here on 22 August 1862. His parents lived in a modest ground-floor flat and ran an earthenware and porcelain shop. The upper floors were occupied by other families. Stage 1 - Rue de la Salle Thus named since 1640 in honour of the captains who governed the town, but also because it housed a hall (“salle”) where the residents would meet. - at no. 16: This is the oldest house in the town. Half-timbered, it is typical of the late Middle Ages. The façade has been restored. - at no. 18: Hôtel des Maréchaux de Villeroy. Owned by Nicolas de Neuville, governor under Louis XIV, and later by his son François, who was also a governor but under Louis XV. Stage 2 - Rue du Vieil Abreuvoir At the street entrance there was a large watering pond but it was demolished in the 18th century to make way for the “coche”, the public vehicle that was the ancestor of the “diligence” stagecoach. - at no. 24: Hôtel “de la Feuillade”. This mansion belonged to the Duc de la Feuillade. He was a great admirer of King Louis XIV, and erected a statue in his honour at Place des Victoires in Paris. - at no. 23: Hôtel de la Marquise de Maintenon. Mistress and, later, the second wife of Louis XIV, she purchased this mansion in 1680. The impressive wrought iron balcony dates back to 1880. - at no. 22: Hôtel de Montausier. Mansion owned by the Duc de Montausier, governor to Louis XIV’s eldest son. The future Maréchal Lyautey also lived here, from 1887 to 1891. He was just a Captain at the time. Stage 3 - Rue des Coches So named since 1700 because it was the departure point of the public “coche” stagecoaches travelling to neighbouring towns, including Paris and Versailles. - at no. 17: Hôtel de Guise: this private mansion was owned by Henri II de Lorraine, Duc de Guise and grandson of the “Balafré” (“slashed face”). Albert Alain, the famous organist from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, was also born here. Stage 4 - Rue des Vieilles Boucheries The street was named after the meat market that was here in the Middle Ages. The street was closed by a gate at night to dissuade thieves. Stage 5 - Cour Larcher Access to the courtyard is from Rue de Paris between nos. 40 and 42. It is named after Regnault Larcher, who was an archer for King Philippe Auguste who founded a “Maison Dieu” here. This little hospital sheltered the poor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, as well as pilgrims and travellers. Stage 6 - Allée des Récollets A narrow passageway on the site of the ancient Recollects convent. The Recollects were part of the Franciscan order and were initially protected by Henri II and Catherine de Medicis Stage 7 - Rue Voltaire Named in honour of the philosopher of light who spent two months at Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1729. - at nos. 2 to 6: Hôtel de Fieubet. Gaspard de Fieubet, advisor to King Louis XIV, acquired and embellished this mansion. It was reworked in the 19th century, unlike the one next to it (at no. 8) which has remained in its 18th century state. Stage 8 - Rue / Place Saint-Pierre - at no. 19: Hôtel de Folard, an 18th-century knight, soldier and military strategist. To the right of the door, a height marker decorated with the crown and royal cradle, indicates our altitude: 65.838 metres above the River Seine. At Place Saint-Pierre, the Colbert fountain originally faced the Château. It was restored, moved here and inaugurated in 1989. Stage 9 - Rue du Gast It has borne this name since 1700 in reference to a family of public figures, one of whom was a notary under Henri IV, another was a “garde manteau”, or forestry officer, under Louis XIV. - at no. 6, the façade features a little niche which shelters a statue of Saint Christopher. Opposite, through the wrought iron railings you can see the gardens of the Hôtel de Créquy, to which the entrance is located on Rue de Paris between nos. 10 and 12. Stage 10 - Rue du Vieux Marché The markets took place in this street from the moment they were initiated by François Premier in 1526. At the end of the 18th century, it was decided to move them to what is now Place du Marché Neuf, between Rue de Pologne and Rue de Poissy. Stage 11 - Rue des Louviers There are several theories as to where the term “louviers” comes from. It may be a deformation of the word “louvetier” meaning the officer serving as the Royal Wolfcatcher. Or, it may be a reference to the sheet merchants who came from the town of Louviers in Normandy. - at no. 15: The Institut Saint-Thomas-de-Villeneuve, the town’s oldest school, is still in use. - In the recess at no. 34, a niche shelters a statue of Saint Peter. Stage 12 - Rue des Ecuyers So-named since 1618, probably in reference to the numerous knights who lived in Saint-Germain-en-Laye along with their horsemen (“écuyers”). Opposite the school, you can see the coat of arms of Saint-Germain-en-Laye: a crib on a blue and gold background, with a fleur-de-lys. The inscription “5 septembre 1638” recalls the birth date of Louis XIV, who was born in our town. Stage 13 - Rue de la République - at no. 11: The chapel of the Institut Saint-Thomas-de-Villeneuve mentioned above (cf. Stage 12) features a peristyle built in 1788, with 4 Ionic columns. - nos. 24 and 26: Hôtel particulier of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Longueville, whose second wife, Anne-Geneviève de Bourbon, sister of the Great Condé and the Prince of Conti, was renowned for her great beauty in the 17th century. The mansion was entirely reworked in the 19th century. - at no. 27: An 18th-century building that has remained intact since its construction. The small balconies are Louis XV. Stage 14 - Rue de Pontoise - at no. 16: Hôtel de Ville de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, established here in 1842 in the former Hôtel de la Rochefoucauld which dates from the 18th century. Stage 15 - Rue d’Alsace - at no. 11: Hôtel de Noailles. The sumptuous mansion of the three Dukes of Noailles, who were town governors until the French Revolution, was built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Mozart stayed here in 1778. Stage 16 - Rue Roger de Nézot Named after Roger de Nézot, who was a town councillor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the days of the Prussian occupation (1870-71). - at no. 9: Hôtel de Bontemps, who was Louis XIV’s first valet de chambre and confidant. Stage 17 - Place Charles de Gaulle You are standing opposite: • The Château-Vieux, which now houses the National Archaeology Museum. • The gardens of the National Domain. • Saint-Germain Church and its peristyle with 6 Ionic columns. Definitely worth a visit!

Marly le Roi owes its notoriety to Louis XIV who had his country residence built here. In the 19th century, artists came in search of tranquillity and inspiration. Nowadays, the village's picturesque little streets continue to attract and charm visitors! Departure point: Marly-le-Roi Information Point On Grande Rue, at No. 41: Until the 1970s, this beautiful property housed a hotel and restaurant, "Au Roi Soleil". Pierre Bourdan, a former presenter of France Libre for London radio, used to stay here, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. At No. 46: Here once stood the Hôtel du Comte de Toulouse (named after the legitimate son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan). At No. 39: Refurbished shops from the 17th and 18th centuries. Shops and royal nurseries used to fill the area between Rue Madame and Avenue des Combattants. Rue de Madame recalls the memory of Princess Palatine, the second wife of Philippe d'Orléans, brother of Louis XIV. She enjoyed staying in Marly. At No. 6: This is the house where one of the greatest crooks of the 20th century, Alexandre Stavisky, was arrested in July 1926. Stage 1 - Place de la Vierge The square, once known as "carrefour d'en bas", was located in the heart of Marly village. The statue of the Virgin pays tribute to the village's Notre Dame church which was destroyed at the end of the 17th century. Opposite, stands the former dwelling of the Pourvoyeurs du Roy, which belongs to the royal palace. Nearby, at No. 5 Rue Pasteur: Maison de la Blanchisserie du Château, another royal outhouse. There is still a wash house here. Opening onto this square is the Lycée Louis de Broglie, built in 1990 on the site of a property where the great tragedian, Rachel,once lived. Stage 2 - Place du Chenil Part of this square was once occupied by the ancient cemetery of Marly le Bourg, previously surrounded by the Prieuré Saint Etienne, Notre Dame church and the Hôtel Dieu. It is lined with some old houses, one of which was a key establishment in French cuisine for many years: the Auberge du Vieux Marly, where owner André Guillot welcomed many famous people. Opposite the town hall, is an enamelled plate reproduction of a painting by Alfred Sisley, "Place du Chenil at Marley, snow effect". This reproduction is found on the "Chemin des Impressionnistes" which stretches across eight towns and villages in the Seine loop. Hôtel de Ville and Parc du Chenil. During his stays in Marly, Louis XIV spent a great deal of time hunting in the forest. After becoming Lord of Marly le Bourg in 1693, he established his kennels in the gardens of the former seigniorial dwelling, and the great hunter, Monsieur de la Rochefoucauld, stayed in the renovated dovecote. The current building has retained some of its 18th-century structure, including the overall framework and the mascarons of the façade. The municipality purchased the building in 1966 and it has housed the council offices since 1988. Stage 3 - Hôtel Couvé An 18th-century hôtel particulier with a wrought iron balcony supported by corbels, cartouches and mascarons. It was used as the town hall between 1846 and 1988. The lower building, with a pediment and clock, was built in 1894 to house the boys' school. Rue Champflour. In the Middle Ages, this street, then called Rue de l'Hôtel Dieu, connected Marly le Bourg to Marley le Chastel. At No. 1bis: Maison "Champflour", a vast property built in the 17th century for an old Marly family and of which only the communal areas remain. After renovation and conversion work, the house was occupied by Alexandre Dumas junior from 1884 until he died in 1895. Stage 4 - Eglise Saint-Vigor Adjoining the castrum, the original church dedicated to Saint-Vigor was built in the 11th century. By order of the king, it was replaced by the current church which was built by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and Robert de Cotte, and consecrated in 1689. This rural but royal church is dedicated to Saint-Vigor and Saint-Etienne. Its classical sobriety is remarkable. The entrance is on the left-hand side, opposite the presbytery. The church was lavishly endowed by Louis XIV who came several times to attend service or Te Deum mass. Some liturgical items and paintings have been deposited at the Musée-Promenade de Marly-le-Roi - Louveciennes. Place Victorien Sardou Domaine du Berduron. In the 17th century, the property belonged to Louis Blouin, the first valet de chambre of Louis XIV. Substantially transformed, it was acquired in 1863 by Victorien Sardou, who established an orange orchard there. Château des Délices. Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, behind the church. The estate was taken over in 1955 by the Drouot group and today houses the regional headquarters of Assurances Axa. A beautiful construction with glass features which fits perfectly with its surroundings. Stage 5 - La Grande Rue The backbone of the ancient village which leads to the park entrance. This fairly steep street (Louis XIV called it the "very steep mountain" and had it paved in 1690), is lined with typical houses that make up a beautiful uniformity. It was inhabited in the 17th and 18th centuries by the winegrowers, tradesmen and craftsmen who worked for the palace, as well as noblemen, bourgeois and "scoundrels" wanting to gamble at the palace "casino". Worth noting: the old tile roofs, the hipped dormer windows and the little niches in the façades, housing protective saints. Rue Coysevox, at No. 12: Pretty country house with a hipped dormer window via which grain was hoisted to the attic with the help of a pulley system fixed under the roof overhang. Grande Rue, at No. 18: an old canted house with wrought iron window supports and an interior staircase with railings. At No. 19/21: A classical 17th and 18th century mansion. At No. 23: Outhouses of the Hôtel du Duc de Gèsvres, who was a Paris governer, built of 18th-century ashlar. Vast carriage gate with mascaron and small timber balcony, 19th century. At No. 27: In the courtyard, a typical country house with a balcony and covered gallery, 16th and 17th centuries. At No. 52: House with 3 mascarons and 2 bull's eye windows (Hôtel de Toulouse outhouses). End point: Tourist Office

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

Come and spend a day among France's biggest monuments, all in one park! It's bound to appeal to both young and old! Prepare to explore France and its biggest landmarks in just a few hours by visiting the France Miniature park. Set off on a trip through France and discover 117 monuments reproduced at 1:30 scale and in the setting of a five-hectare park set out in the form of a map of France. Admire all of France's most beautiful sites, from Paris' most beautiful monuments in minature form, to Versailles, the Chateaux of the Loire region, the Auvergne Volcanoes, the Arles Amphitheatre, gothic and roman architecture, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and more... On this unconventional yet cultural tour you will find out the stories behind many French monuments. An attractions area, based upon the regions of France is also to be found in the park. Find inspiration for your future trips to France at France Miniature!

The Grand Trianon was designed in 1687 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart to allow King Louis XIV to escape the excessive luxury of the Court and to safeguard his love affairs there. The site indeed exudes a sense of intimacy and refinement. The palace is inspired by Italian architecture and invites you to poetry and leisurely strolls. It was built on the site of Louis XIV’s former Porcelain Trianon. A little fun fact: in the past, the Grand Trianon was surrounded by thousands of potted flowers, which were changed every day. Today, this tradition is still maintained with each season. The spectacle was truly unique: flowerbeds bursting with blooms of every color and a wide variety of fragrances filled the air. Later on, the Grand Trianon was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte and by Presidents of the Republic. From 1962 to 1966, General de Gaulle entrusted André Malraux, then Minister of Cultural Affairs, with the restoration of the Grand Trianon.

Located in the heart of Impressionist country, close to Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles, the serviced apartments of Residhome Carrières La Défense benefit from an outstanding location. The residential hotel is close to the picturesque town centre, restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of Paris and the business district of La Défense, with fast access to RER A and Transilien rail services. Carrières-sur-Seine is a town with a country feel. For nearly two centuries it has been the charming green backdrop to pleasant walks, with its Parc de la Mairie (a classified "monument historique" site), washhouse, tithe warehouse, troglodyte houses, windmill, etc. Other sites and features in the area include: the Château de Versailles, the Château de Monte Cristo, a ride aboard the Dénicheur, the Impressionist cruise, the Serre aux Papillons (butterfly farm), the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry, and the Club Hippique de la Jonction at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (riding stables - hacking in the national forest), the Golf de l'Ile Fleurie, etc.

The Petit Trianon was built between 1763 and 1768 by the architect Gabriel, requested by Madame de Pompadour, mistress then friend of king Louis XV. Madame de Pompadour, who wished to “relieve the king’s boredom” — though no longer his mistress, she remained his friend — was the instigator of this small château, built by architect Gabriel between 1763 and 1768. It was erected near the Botanical Garden and the new menagerie, as Louis XV had a keen interest in the sciences. To please the marquise, always at the forefront of fashion, the king’s architect broke away from the rococo aesthetic and adopted a cubic form with very pure lines, in keeping with the brand-new “Greek style” then in vogue. Its simplicity is only apparent, for each façade is different, designed in relation to the space it overlooks: the courtyard, the French Garden with its elegant pavilion, the Botanical Garden, and the Florist’s Garden. Inside, one finds the same modernity of style. Simpler than the rest of the estate, the decoration of the Petit Trianon lies not in lavish materials — gilding is almost absent — but in the refinement of its sculptures, in a château entirely dedicated to nature. Madame de Pompadour died in 1764 and never saw the château completed. Today, it is above all the memory of Marie-Antoinette that it evokes. In 1774, Louis XVI gave the Trianon estate to his wife, who was able to live here a life apart — too much so for some — from the Court.

The Fournaise museum proposes a meeting with the artist during a show, punctuated by digital animations and videos, in the middle of the atmosphere recreated by the sets of theaters. of the museum. One hundred years after his death, Renoir is back in Chatou hologram! Familiarly, he tells us about his vision of painting, the harsh criticisms of his contemporaries, his workshop secrets, his loves, his relatives ... and the fertile inspiration drawn from the banks of the Seine. At the time of the first scandals, Durand-Ruel and some amateurs give him a decisive support by buying him paintings. Alphonse Fournaise is one of the first! He ordered his portrait and that of his daughter for 200 francs. For more than ten years, Renoir made frequent stays at home and around Chatou where he painted about thirty paintings. Aged nearly forty, he began the ambitious Breakfast of the Boaters. This painting, painted on the balcony of the Maison Fournaise, is the result of long research. The painter feels then that he has arrived "at the end of impressionism". This great admirer of the masters of the Italian Renaissance dreams of making this work a bridge between Veronese, Raphael and the modern life of his century. Retained at the Fournaise by his painting in 1880, he wrote to Monsieur de Bellio: "You will not regret your trip. It is the most beautiful place around Paris. " To complete your experience in the footsteps of Renoir, go back in time on the Fournaise hamlet thanks to the virtual reality helmets, wander among the characters of the Breakfast of the boaters with the tactile tablets or create your own work according to the master in painting Virtual. In this unprecedented show, technology offers an innovative, fun and surprising approach to an immersive journey in the heart of the painter's Impressionist years in Chatou. - Departures of visits every 30 minutes. Come 15 to 20 minutes in advance. - Duration of the show: about 60 minutes

This little gem awaits you on the Ile des Impressionnistes in Chatou : visit the workshops of the Sequana association ! In addition to the visit of the worshop, short cruises aboard the electric-powered boat "Chloé" are possible in spring and summer. Sequana restores and sometimes buids replicas of the boats used during the boating era: yoles, 'périssoires' (a type of dinghy), canoes and sailing boats. The association also does historical research and takes part in various nautical events and festivals. In Spring and Summer, Chloé, an electric boat, accepts 9 passengers in addition to the pilot and the sailor for a guided tour on the Seine. In times of Covid, cruises are limited to 6 people or 9 if they belong to the same family.

ArrayYour Experience Use Your Passport to Tour the Château de Versailles Your ticket gives you access to the most famous places within the royal estate including the Royal Palace, the Park, Gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and entry to any exhibitions on show at the time of your visit. If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it’s worth paying the extra €8 for an upgraded Passport ticket, which includes access to the Musical Fountain and Garden shows. Learn About the French Monarchy with the Help of a Multilingual Audio Guide Upon entering the Palace, collect your complimentary audio guide from one of the two pick-up counters located on the ground floor, one at the entrance to the Apartment Ladies and the other at the entrance to the Gallery of Castles. Audio guides are available in 11 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! Explore 250 Acres of Gorgeously Landscaped Lawns and Fountains After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Next, stop by the Estate of Marie Antoinette and discover the life and antics of the Queen at the Petit Trianon. Walk around the Village of the Queen and English gardens, then see where Marie Antoinette built her own house, a Mill, a Preparation Dairy, a Cave, a Belvedere and the magnificent Temple of Love where lovers get engage. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time and would prefer to skip the long lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save your time. If you’d like to maximize your time at the palace of Versailles and get a more in depth Castle experience, click here. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

Since 1979, the Palace of Versailles has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as one of the finest masterpieces of 17th-century French art. The Palace and the Trianon Estate are open every day, except Mondays. The Palace opens at 9 a.m., while the Trianon Estate opens only from 12 p.m. The Park and Gardens are open daily with free admission (access to the Gardens is ticketed on the days of the Musical Fountains Shows and Night Fountains Shows, as well as during the Musical Gardens). You can only access the Park via: the Queen’s Gate (Grille de la Reine, entrance for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles every day), the Saint-Antoine Gate (Porte Saint-Antoine, pedestrians and cyclists every day, vehicles only on weekends and public holidays), the Matelots Gate (Grille des Matelots, pedestrians and cyclists every day), from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with last entry at 6:15 p.m. in high season, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in low season. By exploring the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, and the Museum of the History of France, you step into a palace that, until 1789, was the heart of royal power and continued to evolve over the centuries. Originally, Versailles was nothing more than a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII. But it was here that Louis XIV chose to construct the majestic palace we know today, a symbol of absolute monarchy and French classical art. In the 1670s, Louis XIV commissioned the construction of the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments. The most emblematic creation of these ceremonial spaces is undoubtedly the Hall of Mirrors, designed by Mansart. During the following century, the palace kept expanding, with major works such as the Royal Chapel and the Opera. Today, the Palace covers 63,154 m², spread across 2,300 rooms. Although the Palace lost its role as the seat of power in 1789, in the 19th century it was given a new purpose: to become the Museum of the History of France, an idea launched by Louis-Philippe, who ascended the throne in 1830. Many rooms of the palace were then transformed to house collections recounting the great moments of French history, enriched until the early 20th century.

ArrayWhat to Expect Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time or would prefer to skip the long entry lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save anywhere from 1-3 hours of waiting. If you happen to visit the Palace on a Tuesday, Saturday or Sunday, consider opting for a Versailles Passport ticket and catch one of the famous water fountain and musical shows. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

Malowe Nature is an educational farm producing permaculture vegetables and fruit, with 3 fishing ponds for all ages ! In a shaded natural area, come and discover the many farm animals in semi-freedom at the foot of the Vaucouleurs: ponies, goats, alpacas, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, etc. You can get close to them, observe and feed them. All the farm's feathered, furry and woollen animals are waiting to be petted and cuddled. Between fishing in the ponds, pony rides and outdoor games, your little ones will be able to have fun in an exceptional environment: the wooded countryside of the Vaucouleurs Valley. The farm's permaculture vegetable garden is located in a pastoral setting. Let the smells and tastes enchant you. Discover the original plants with the help of the explanatory panels that punctuate the visit to the educational vegetable garden to familiarise yourself with the plant world. The organic vegetable garden hosts permaculture workshops and training courses throughout the year.

The prestigious national forest of Marly, former hunting ground of the kings of France, once stretched across the entire Versailles plain. It still hides many secrets. You'll have to venture into the forest to learn about its mysterious treasures! There are 1.7 hectares waiting to be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. Go in search of the Domaine du Trou d'Enfer, the Désert de Retz or the Vallon de Chevaudeau, observing on your way the rich wildlife of this green haven just west of paris. The incredible viewpoints, bucolic scenes, historic sites, rolling landscapes and apiaries provide a unique chance to enjoy a breath of fresh air and a real change of scenery just outside Paris.

Saint-Germain-en-Laye has many private mansions; relive the times of Louis XIV by visiting the one that belonged to the Duchess of Noailles. Built between 1678 and 1682 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV's chief architect, at the request of the Duke of Noailles, this house was split into two in 1832 when the rue d'Alsace was created. Today, the property's owner opens his marvellous house to visitors during the summer. You will see salons decorated with 18th-century panelling and gardens adorned with sculptures, which are listed in the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques, as are the roofs and façades. You can book your visit with the tourist office and pay at the house on the day.

The Maurice Denis departmental museum conceals a dense history in the maze of its vaulted corridors and gives pride of place to symbolist and Nabis painters whose works are revealed during your journey. Discover a garden dotted with sculptures and planted with tall trees, below a terrace and a former 17th century hospital. Now listed as a historic monument, this imposing building built at the end of the 17th century at the request of Madame de Montespan was then a royal general hospital which welcomed the needy. In 1914 Maurice Denis acquired this building in the garden of which he already had a workshop. He restored it, named it "The Priory" and lived there with his family until the end of his life. The initial fund of the museum was constituted by an exceptional donation made in 1976 by the family of Maurice Denis. Since then, numerous donations and acquisitions of works by Symbolist and Nabis artists, this innovative artistic movement at the crossroads of the 19th and 20th centuries, have enriched it. Thus, alongside the works of Maurice Denis illustrating religious and family themes, intimate scenes, or landscapes of Italy and Brittany, are exhibited paintings by Sérusier, Bonnard, Ranson, Vuilliard,... among the friends of the artist. . Do not miss to enter the chapel of the old hospital, one of the treasures of the place. The unique decor is the most complete and characteristic religious pictorial ensemble of the artist. Tiered on the hillside, the garden in which the museum is nestled invites you to stroll by offering varied landscapes and a rich botanical trail. Around the museum, a first level decorated with sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle, a close friend of the owner of the premises, is made up of a shaded courtyard and a long terrace lined with lime trees and hundred-year-old yews. From there, you reach the alley of the rose garden and a vast green theater lined with tall trees. Below stretch the old orchard and the vegetable garden, embellished with a fountain and a pond. Strolling through this harmonious garden provides a better understanding of the importance of nature in the painter's work and life. The garden space is now the privileged setting for plastic arts workshops and open-air concerts... A museum and a collection to discover without delay in the heart of Saint-Germain-en-Laye! Attention people with reduced mobility will not be able to access the floors, the elevator was out of order for an indefinite period.

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

The Château Vieux de Saint-Germain-en-Laye holds historical secrets within its walls. Uncover mysteries from the Paleolithic Era to the Early Middle Ages at the Musée d'Archéologie nationale de Saint-Germain. The museum offers guided tours and activities for children that will help you understand, learn about and be amazed by its archaeological finds. It also offers a free mobile app to assist you during your visit that will enable you to discover the wealth and variety of the collections. 'Décourvrir les collections' is the first tour offered by the 'ArcheoMAN' app. A real journey through time, the tour begins with the Megaloceros skull in the Paleolithic gallery and ends with Viking armoury of the Early Middle Ages. The 70 objects presented on the app will lead you through the ages and give you a guided tour of the museum's galleries. After you've visited the château and its collections, head for the roof gardens for – weather permitting – an exceptional view of the whole of the estate and the Seine Valley, which stetches out at your feet!

Many 16th-century kings and their landscape architects strove to make the Domaine National a rare gem featuring some of the most beautiful gardens of Ile-de-France. One of the main features of the Domaine de Saint-Germain is its famous Terrasse, which was designed by Louis XIV's head gardener, André Le Nôtre, and offers a superb view across western Paris. But the Domaine National also incorporates 70 hectares of protected spaces designed during the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries. Henri IV was the main person responsible for enhancing this park by building here, in the 16th century, a succession of six terraces leading down to the Seine, as well as arched galleries and some sumptuous grottoes. Later, during the reign of Louis XIII, the gardens lost their splendour, and it was Louis XIV who commissioned Le Nôtre to create new ones, from 1662 to 1674, giving rise to the famous "parterre de broderie" gardens. As a result, walkers and joggers benefit from the French gardens with suggestive names, such as the Boulingrin, the Grand Parterre and the Jardin de la Dauphine. As for the English garden, this was created in 1845 by the Crown Estate engineer, Loaisel de Tréogate. It was built on a parcel of forestland and features some remarkable trees. Nowadays, the Domaine attracts families, having adapted to become a recreational space with play areas and restaurants which open in the summer season for lunches and snacks.

The Château-Vieux de Saint-Germain has welcomed many kings over the centuries, up to the time of Napoleon III, who turned it into the Musée d'Archéologie nationale that we know today. Come and learn about its history. / A ROYAL RESIDENCE / The imposing Château de Saint-Germain with its elegant Renaissance-style profile is in fact the third of a series that was begun by Louis VI in the 12th century. The first fortress, which became a ruin after the Hundred Years' War, gave way to a second building with a pentagonal shape commissioned by Charles V. It was François I who finally instigated the building of the Renaissance château, which was designed by Pierre Chambiges. François I and the kings that succeeded him stayed here often. Henri II continued the work initiated by his father and began construction of the Château-Neuf, where Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638. It was Henri IV who finished this building. Overlooking the Seine, it was a real pleasure palace for the king and the court. The king added terraced gardens, which stretched down to the river. The Château-Neuf de Saint-Germain was at that time one of the finest in Europe. Under the reign of Louis XIV, Saint-Germain became the seat of the kingdom's government and the Château-Vieux was the king's main residence from 1666 to 1682, when the court left for Versailles; the layout of the city centre dates from this time. Some important events took place in the château, including the christening of Louis, Grand Dauphin, and the marriage of Mlle de Lois and the Prince de Conti; it was the scene of grand festivities, too: concerts, balls and theatrical performances. The King particularly favoured the worked of Molière and Lully. Towards the end of the 18th century, the Château-Neuf, which was already in a state of disrepair due to a lack of maintenance, was abandoned. Today, only a few remains, including the Rampe des Grottes and the Mur des Lions, recall its former existence. / TODAY'S MUSÉE D'ARCHÉOLOGIE NATIONALE / Napoleon III had the Château-Vieux restored by Eugène Millet, who notably destroyed the corner pavilions that Louis XIV had added. In 1867, the Emperor set up the 'Musée d’antiquités celtiques et gallo-romaines' here. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie nationale. The old rooms of this Renaissance building display some of the finest archeological collections in the world. / THE CHÂTEAU'S COURTYARD AND CHAPEL / It was Louis IX, known as Saint Louis, who, in 1230–38, added a chapel whose style prefigured that of the Sainte-Chapelle de Paris. Many royal christenings and marriages took place here. Later, François I, adding bricks to stone, built the Renaissance château that you can discover today. And it was in the palace chapel that he married Claude of France on 18 May 1514. In the courtyard, a hidden trompe-l'œil presents itself to keen-eyed visitors. See if you can find it! As you enter the Rayonnant Gothic-style chapel, the oldest of the preserved buildings, look up and admire the corners of the rib vaults and their seven ronde-bosse heads, and have some fun seeing if you can spot that of Saint Louis! Free admission except during certain temporary exhibitions.

A testimony of the heavy German presence at Saint-Germain during the Occupation, more than a dozen bunkers still exist here, hidden around the town. They are an integral part of the urban landscape even though few of them are visible. Between 1940 and 1944, nearly 20,000 Germain soldiers and officers occupied the town, which was the general staff headquarters of German forces in the occupied zone. Built in large numbers, these bunkers were mainly civil defence structures. The best known is undoubtedly the one on Rue Félicien David. Partially buried underground, it could house several hundred soldiers and provide them with safe shelter in case of bombings. One of its rooms received all telephone lines from the Atlantic front for the Commander in Chief, Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt. The Saint-Germain-en-Laye bunkers are located at: - Parc du Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye - Cité Médicis, rue Thiers - Pavillon Henri IV, below the Hôtel - Quartier Gramont, rue Saint-Louis - 25 bis rue Alexandre Dumas - Villa David, rue Alexandre Dumas - Collège Marcel-Roby, two structures hidden in the park - Rue Félicien-David, the shelter for von Rundstedt's command centre - 4 rue Félicien-David, shooting post extending onto the street - 13 rue des Monts-Grevets, gun-turret placed in a garden - 6 bis boulevard Victor-Hugo, now a garage - 10 ter boulevard Victor-Hugo, shelter covered with vegetation For safety reasons, access to the bunkers is now prohibited.

The museum was created in 1872 from the very rich collection of works of art bequeathed to the City by Louis-Alexandre Ducastel. It has since continued to grow rich thanks to donations from art lovers and Saint-German artists, including the sculptor Honoré Icard, the painters François Bonvin, Édouard Detaille, Maurice Denis, and especially Paul Vera and his brother. André, urban planner and garden theoretician who, in 1968, donated numerous works and the entire collection of their studio to the City. Since 2002, the museum has benefited from the “Musée de France” label. The Municipal Collections service ensures the preservation, restoration, study and presentation to the public of nearly 9,000 works ranging from Egyptian antiquity to the 20th century – including a vast graphic set (drawings and prints) – and the one of the best preserved apothecaries in France. Since 2021, the museum bears the name of Ducastel-Vera.

The restaurant "Le Clos du Pétillon" welcomes you to Théméricourt in the department of Val-d'Oise. We suggest you tasting fresh products of season through our traditional and local French food. And also traditional Corsican food. In a friendly atmosphere, taste our specialities house as the terrine of kako in the foie gras cloth. To the restaurant, you will find a beautiful wine list of Grand Crus which will accompany your entrances, dishes or desserts. Ask advice for the perfect agreement between dish and wine.

It is in a restaurant in the at the same time sober contemporary frame and colored in the red notes on bottom cremate, adorned with the paintings of the Danish artist Inger Birn and with Jean Campaque's sculptures the chef Pierre Négrevergne you made share a cooking to the crossing of the luxury gastronomy

The restaurant La Plage: exceptional Frame, unique terrace, a perspective in 180 °, Paris and the Seine in your feet

Find the cafe bistrot Hotel de Paris in Bièvres for a friendly moment. Looking for a counter to drink a "short black", wooden tables weathered by the time where enthroned crockery dish and large balloon glass, a good smell of cooking in the air? Welcome to our bistro! Here, the TRADI cuisine is queen and we share beautiful values. A table for 4?

A few steps away from the Eiffel Tower, Jérôme GANGNEUX and his wife Cathy proposes you a greedy cooking inspired by the traditional directory, in a smart contemporary frame. Conceivedin the bright tones, playing on the materials natural as the wood and the leather, this sophisticated space offers a warm atmosphere. 

At the heart of the luxuriant garden of the Quai Branly Museum, perched on the roof-terrace, the restaurant LES OMBRES offers a unique panoramic view on Paris, in the shade of her neighbor, the Eiffel Tower, which throws in the daytime its metallic laces on tablecloths and in the evening, fires the room.

Situated right in the heart of the "golden triangle", the luxury brasserie at Francis offers conditions favored to take advantage of the show of the most luxurious Parisian places. It is comfortably settled in this smart brasserie or in the terrace that you can admire the Eiffel Tower, in front of you.

OPEN EVERY DAY OF 10 hours(am) TO 2 hours OF THE MORNINGIt is with happiness and enthuses that Éric Frechon, Chef triply studed, took up the challenge. He imagined a cooking which looks like him

Rosa Bonheur joins in the tradition of the establishments of the beginning of the last century and is in Paris of today. " En attendant Rosa " is the terrace which precedes the opening of the barge Rosa Bonheur. Find on the terrace a selection of the products of the guingnette, the preparations are in free service at the counter, establish your tray and take advantage of the atmosphere.

Situated near Concorde and near the Musée du Louvre, at the foot of the Musée d'Orsay Its exceptional frame, with its window of 260 m ² and its floating terrace of 200 m ² on the water, offers a panoramic view on the Seine and Paris Historique.

For a stay in the Parc du Marais and near the D-Day beaches. Located 10 minutes from Isigny sur mer, you can discover the landscapes of the Bessin and Cotentin marshes. We welcome you to our guest rooms in a peaceful natural setting. In the owners' home, a family suite upstairs with two bedrooms (1 bedroom with 1 x 160 cm bed and TV, and 1 bedroom with 2 x 90 cm beds). Possibility of gourmet evening meals with advance reservation The owners will be delighted to show you their animals (donkeys, goats, llamas).

An entirely renovated Campanile hotel which invites you to enjoy the calm of this residential district of Montesson Located 15 km from Porte Maillot, our establishment offers a strategic position for business travellers in north-western Paris. Close to Saint-Germain en Laye, Le Vésinet, Port-Marly and Le Pecq, the hotel is easily accessible from the A86, A13 and A14 motorways. Le Vésinet-Le Pecq RER train station (line A serving La Défense and the centre of Paris) is a 15-minute walk away, Use your leisure time here to visit the Palace of Versailles or the Château de Maisons-Laffitte, both within easy reach of our hotel which proposes bright, modern 3-star rooms in Montesson. Our rooms are air-conditioned and sound-proofed and boast a contemporary style. Recently renovated in line with New Generation standards, they feature all the modern comforts needed for a restful stay. The hotel has 3 specially-adapted rooms to accommodate people with disabilities. To make your stay even more pleasant, you can also enjoy the television channels Canal + and Bein Sport, free of charge. We have a restaurant and terrace, as well as a secured indoor car park. In its lush green setting, our restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a modern, convivial venue that opens onto a shady terrace accommodating up to 35 people. Our chefs propose traditional French cuisine and seasonal dishes concocted from fresh ingredients. Our all-you-can-eat buffet menus for adults and children will satisfy every appetite,

Located in the heart of Impressionist country, close to Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles, the serviced apartments of Residhome Carrières La Défense benefit from an outstanding location. The residential hotel is close to the picturesque town centre, restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of Paris and the business district of La Défense, with fast access to RER A and Transilien rail services. Carrières-sur-Seine is a town with a country feel. For nearly two centuries it has been the charming green backdrop to pleasant walks, with its Parc de la Mairie (a classified "monument historique" site), washhouse, tithe warehouse, troglodyte houses, windmill, etc. Other sites and features in the area include: the Château de Versailles, the Château de Monte Cristo, a ride aboard the Dénicheur, the Impressionist cruise, the Serre aux Papillons (butterfly farm), the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry, and the Club Hippique de la Jonction at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (riding stables - hacking in the national forest), the Golf de l'Ile Fleurie, etc.

Souvenirs d'Antan has a new skin but found the family home spirit that it has always been. Thérèse, Aline or Létycia will welcome you with pleasure and make you visit : enter and discover the smart, spacious and bright, really warm living room. The atmosphere : a trendy spirit, both industrial with a workshop glass, a beautiful iron staircase or the dining room table, home made, mixed with the wood and the cocoon side of the living room, in warm hues. The bedrooms are also pretty and comfortable (note : large bedding) and beautiful sanitary. A very nice team work ! The outdoor areas are fully enclosed and just for you ; the small garden opens onto an orchard where sheep sometimes graze. You are here in a quiet hamlet, 2 km from Gasny which offers all the shops : why not go down by bike ? Also nearby, the beautiful landscapes of the Seine Valley, Giverny and Roche Guyon. Entrance partially separated by a glass roof way workshop that opens onto the beautiful and spacious living room : large very well equipped kitchen which overlooking the terrace, beautiful bathroom with large walk-in shower, separate toilet with washbasin, storage. You reach the 1st floor by a staircase with an industrial spirit on a clearing, then 3 pretty bedrooms, garden and countryside side : two with double (160x200), each in a different decor, the third is family, small spirit dormitory with 4 single beds (90x200). Second spacious bathroom with a large shower ; independent toilets. Large courtyard on one side with a first terrace, a small covered shelter and a garage for bicycles and motorcycles, and a small garden (500 m²) on the other with the second terrace. Rich tourist environment of the Seine and the Epte valleys, or just above the Vexin Normand. Bakery on the farm and local products at 200m.

Stay with your family or friends in this big charming country house ! Detached cottage with a large enclosed garden, it has character with authentic floor-tiles, stones, visible beams, parquet and modern furniture and also a sobre and chic decoration. Well-equiped for a group stay, you'll appreciate the big cosy room of 45m² with sound system, wide screen TV and video projector. Cooking courses (starting from 10 participants, 150€/pers half-a-day), canoeing on the Epte river with a guide (from 14 people : 32€/pers), quad with a guide (starting from 150€/pers half a day), ballooning (275€/pers). Climbing, speleology, hiking orienteering (prices to define on demand). GROUND FLOOR : hall, living room, lounge with fireplace, dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms (accessible to disabled people), shower room with toilet, laundry room. 1st floor : 6 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms - 1 with a toilet, 2 bathrooms - 1 with a toilet, toilet. Fuel central heating (included in the rental price).

Gisèle's house welcomes you for a relaxing stay in a really privileged setting. Beautifully restored, highlighting beams, floor-tiles and old tiles, it offers the cosy country house's charming atmosphere for the sake of your comfort. Bosc Roger is a hamlet which overlooks the picturesque valley of the Epte (Green Lane), two steps from Les Boucles de la Seine Normande and Giverny. Enjoy the walled garden with covered shelter for your meals or to play table tennis. ON ONE LEVEL: living room with fireplace, kitchen, 3 bedrooms (2 double beds and 3 single beds), 2 bathrooms, 2 toilets including 1 independent. Nearby activities: quad with guide (from 150€/person the half day), ballooning (275€/pers). Climbing, caving and orienteering (price to define on request).

In the Eure valley, picturesque and full of charm, this small nice village with some trade and this all beautiful all new lodging ! Laetitia and Emile have revived this house by creating a really nice holiday home : spacious and bright, it is very well thought out and equipped. It is located in the village, very convenient for bread and small croissants in the morning, but borders the fields and offers a superb view of the wooded hills, just above. Indoor games for children, and outdoor for all : ping-pong, badminton, petanque, frisbee, bowling, etc. The region promises you very pleasant walks, starting with the greenway at 200m, but also beautiful discoveries including between Pacy-sur-Eure and Anet and its exceptional castle close. Access to the ground floor through the covered outdoor entrance to the living room : bathed in light and opening onto the garden and fields, it offers a dining room and a comfortable lounge facing the bay window ; the modern and very complete kitchen, is opened, connected by a nice bar. Always on the ground floor, the large double bedroom (bed 160x200), the spacious bathroom with its very large walk-in shower, 2 sinks and a baby area ; the toilets are separated, with washbasin. The set is adapted for disabled people. Small laundry. Upstairs, 2 large bedrooms with views of fields and woods in the distance : one double (bed 160x200) with balcony and the other for 3 people with 3 single beds. Beautiful bathroom with toilet. The garden, under development, is fully enclosed : approximately 300m².

Opening 02/04/2020 > 01/11/2020 Have a desire to visit Paris and the Palace of Versailles? Choose the Huttopia Versailles campsite! This 3-star campsite with a heated swimming pool is the ideal departure point for some wonderful family excursions!