France - Ile de France

Paris , the city of romance and lovers needs little introduction, it is known the world over for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful boulevards and elegant buildings.

Take a trip down the Seine on the Bateaux Mouches and enjoy a scenic view of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

Visit many of the finest museums in the world: the Louvre, with its stunning glass pyramid, contains a huge collection of treasures including, the Mona Lisa.

Nearby, the Musée D' Orsay, a converted train station, is a fantastic setting for a superb display of impressionist paintings, with works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir, Monet and virtually every well known artist of that time.

The eye-catching Pompidou Centre houses modern art, whilst the Musée Picasso is a must for devotees of this Spanish artist.

For fashion conscious visitors and chic Parisians, the large department stores and hundreds of boutiques offer an endless choice of clothes and accessories.

In the evenings the cafés and restaurants cater for everyones tastes, whilst clubs and cabarets stay open until the early hours. Paris was going without sleep, long before New York was established as the town that never sleeps.

Just 25 minutes from Paris is Versailles. The stunning château, with its splendid gardens, fountains and the famous 'Hall of Mirrors' must not to be missed.

Fontainebleau , also just a short distance from Paris, dates back to the 12th century. It is famous for its Cours des Adieux where Napoleon bid farewell to his Imperial Guards. The forest of Fontainebleau spreads over 50 000 acres, attracting many climbers due to its huge rock formations.

For those who would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of this vibrant capital, the Ile de France region is ideal.

Offering history, art, culture and nature, all within easy reach of the bright lights of Paris. The region offers an ideal compliment, or alternative, to Paris for visitors of all ages.

The Ile de France region is rich in picturesque countryside and forests all within a short distance of the Peripherique.

It boasts 3 National Parks and 4 National Forests that allow you to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty of France and the pace of French country life.

Stunning scenery, idyllic towns, peace and tranquillity and abundant wildlife await visitors in the 270,000 hectares of forest that cover this region. The perfect settings for a drive in the country, an invigorating walk or lunch in the open air and offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

However, this isn’t the only place in Paris Ile de France where you will find inspiration on the riverbank. The region is criss-crossed by rivers (hence the word Island in its title) and offers 440 odd miles of navigable waterways as well as many more miles of footpaths and historic sites along its beautiful rivers and canals. Whether on foot or aboard a boat it is a fantastic way to experience the region.

Although Paris tends to be seen as a destination for lovers, there is an enormous amount to do in the Ile de France region for children of all ages.

From interesting towns that offer spectacles and shows, to modern interactive museums that make learning fun and a whole range of theme parks that are sure to be a big hit. On top of all this there is Disneyland Paris with all its magic. Paris Ile de France isn’t just for grown ups!