Visit Île-de-France

Before getting lost in the region's surprising villages, don't forget - of course - to visit Paris, the country's capital. The City of Light is packed with must-see sights: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Tuileries Gardens, the Pantheon and many more.

Don't miss a walk through the sublime Vallée de Chevreuse, a veritable jewel of greenery nestled in the heart of Île-de-France's first regional nature park. Embark on an adventure of unsuspected charm: the promenade des petits ponts along the banks of the Yvette. Your path will take you to the Ferme de Coubertin, as well as old washhouses and hide drying sheds. As you stroll along, keep an eye out for the 22 charming little bridges along the way. Stone, metal, ancient, modern or decorated with flowers, they're all sure to delight. If you're feeling sporty, climb up to the majestic Château de la Madeleine, with its breathtaking panoramic views over the valley.

This medieval jewel in the Seine-et-Marne region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is brimming with the riches of the past, including exceptional medieval monuments, restored ramparts, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. After a visit to the symbolic Tour César and the historic monuments in the Châtel district, explore the lower town between old houses and waterways. If you're a fan of cool adventures, you can plunge into the labyrinth of chalk-filled underground passages. Don't forget to enter the sublime vaulted rooms of the Grange aux dîmes. Another must-see is the Roseraie, a haven of peace amidst small bridges and wooded areas.

A source of inspiration for many famous painters such as Théodore Rousseau, Jean-François Millet and Diaz de la Pena, Barbizon boasts the Auberge Ganne, where these artists stayed, and the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon. Here, you'll discover their works, bathed in the atmosphere of the place at the time. Feeling thirsty? Take the time to sip a cold drink at L'Esquisse, a café, hotel and, above all, free museum. After a visit to the Jean-François Millet museum, take a tour of the Barbizon painters in the heart of nature. A chance to contemplate the landscapes that inspired ^19th-century landscape painters. At the end of the village's main street, direct access leads to the forest, which offers a number of walks and hikes.

Milly-la-Forêt owes its historic renown to herbal medicine and the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. The National Conservatory is a nursery, botanical garden and agronomy center, offering a sensory tour of over 1,500 plant species. A visit that retraces ancestral know-how. An opportunity to fill up on peppermint of exceptional quality. Over the centuries, painters, writers and sculptors such as Niki de Saint-Phalle, Jean Tinguely and Jean Cocteau have come to soak up the town's picturesque setting, making it their favorite vacation spot.

Another asset? Its proximity to the Fontainebleau forest and its membership of the Gâtinais National Park. If you're a fan of adventure, there's a tree-climbing course that takes you over the forest.

A royal town nestled in 17,000 hectares of forest, Fontainebleau is home to the majestic château of the same name, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The "true home of kings, the house of centuries" - according to Napoleon - has seen the greatest dukes and sovereigns from the ^12th to the ^19th century pass through its corridors and 1500 rooms. Near this imperial residence, take the time to stroll through the narrow streets of Fontainebleau, where you'll find over 400 artisanal traders. Its lively market, superb ^17th-century church, sumptuous theater and numerous café terraces make it one of the region's most charming towns. Fontainebleau, the capital of the horse, is also a dream destination for equestrian enthusiasts.

Let yourself be charmed by one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of the ^17th century: the majestic Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, nestled in the Seine-et-Marne region. Spread over a 4 km estate, this French heritage treasure even inspired the Château de Versailles. From the first steps up the staircase, you'll marvel at the delicacy of its facade, carved with squirrels, Fouquet's emblem, and its view across the gardens.

The 33-hectare French garden is a masterpiece in its own right: strolling paths, statues including the gilded Hercules, fountains and basins, majestic trees and flowering groves provide an idyllic setting for endless strolls.