Welcome to Île de France
Welcome to the heart of France. One of the most emblematic and visited regions of the whole country awaits you with open doors and a whole host of activities for you to discover this territory in depth.
Its capital is Paris, right in its centre, and that is why it is also known as the Parisian Region. It is also the most populated region in France and the third most populated in Europe, although it is the second smallest one in the country.
This region forms the metropolitan area of Paris, being the most populated place in the country as we said before. Also, looking at the map of France, it is located in the northeast, with a huge concentration of heritage.
Ile-de-France is one of the regions that has the most to offer tourists, and in addition to its many activities and cultural attractions, it has a high density of holiday rental accommodation.
Book your ideal rural house
What to see
There are plenty of things to do in this region. Ile-de-France is the busiest destination in Europe, so there are plenty of things to do that will give you an insight into the history and culture of the area.
If you want to start a day of sightseeing around the must-see places in the region of Paris, the starting point is clear: start with the Eiffel Tower, in front of which you can stroll through its gardens and, if you're not too dizzy, climb to the top.
The Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, which commemorates Napoleon's army, the Cathedral and the Montmartre district are some of the places not to be missed.
What to eat
If you've already made it to the tourist heart of France, you have to complete your visit by sampling the local gastronomy. There are plenty of regional flavours in the area worth trying.
Among the savoury dishes we highlight the most famous sandwich in Paris: the ham and butter sandwich, perfect to eat while enjoying a stroll, as well as the croque monsieur, which we are sure you will love.
The D.O Brie cheese, is another of the characteristic flavours, although if you prefer sweets, try the Saint-Honoré cake, the Paris-Brest, or the traditional croissants.
Nature
The region of Ile-de-France, although mostly urban, has some natural gems that are worth visiting and that will undoubtedly surprise you, making you enjoy its vegetation.
One of the most striking spots is the Forest of Fotainebleau, which is also known among the locals as the Forest of Beer. Here you will find 280 square kilometres of trees and plants among which there are paths that are perfect for a day out.
For a much more complete sample of the vegetation of the Ile-de-France, nothing like visiting the Botanical Gardens in the area, or to places such as the arboretums of Chèvreloup and Grignon.
Our festivities
In Ile-de-France there are a lot of events marked in the calendar that you must write down, as these will be moments when the region dresses up in light and colour and offers both locals and tourists a unique experience.
One of the most important ones is the 14th of July, which takes place on the Champs Elysées, to commemorate the French Revolution. Fireworks, music and gastronomy take over the stage in the streets of Paris.
Another of the festivals is the Harvest Festival in October in one of the most emblematic neighbourhoods, Montmartre, where this activity is given visibility, recalling its most traditional activity.
