Hotels in Ile-de-France

Île-de-France is the region at the heart of France and right at its center sits the famed City of Lights, Paris. Being the region that has the capital, it is expected that this place is a lot busier than other parts of the country. However, there is more to this region than Paris like the cities of Versailles, Saint-Denis, and Nanterre. Each one has many sights and activities for every kind of traveller and every part of the cities holds its own secret gem.

How to Get There

Getting to the region is not complicated at all because the main thoroughfare is the Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, so it goes without saying that it services many airlines whether local or international. The Orly Airport is also available as an alternative to CDG. Arriving by high-speed train is another option to get to the capital especially if you are coming from nearby countries or its surrounding regions.

Getting Around

When it comes to getting around Île-de-France the best option would be through its detailed public transportation system that connects serves the entire city and its suburbs. The Métro in Paris is the cheapest and easiest way to navigate way around Paris. With over 16 metro lines, this can take you from one end to another and it operates daily.

The tramway is available with four lines covering the parameters of the city. The tickets are similar to the ones used in the metro. There are also numerous bus lines located throughout the city and the operations start as early as 7 in the morning. If you want to get to the other cities in the region, the best way would be the RER. It consists of five lines with distinct colors to make it easier to navigate.

Top Things to Do

In Paris, the towering Eiffel Tower will mark the Parisian skyline. Whenever people think of France, they almost always associate the country with it. However, there is more to Île-de-France than the Eiffel. An example of this would be the grand Château de Versailles. Built during the reign of King Louis XIV, this opulent palace has a sprawling, intricately designed garden that took over 40 years to complete. The Hall of Mirrors inside is also a must for every visitor because of all the historical events that have occurred there.

Château de Fontainebleau is also a must-see. This palace boasts 1,900 rooms that are adorned with wood panelling, gilded carvings, and frescoes. It served as the home of French royalty over the years.

Parks and gardens are also found all over the region. The Parc de la Vallée-aux-Loups in Châtenay-Malabry is one of the best locations to see greenery. It spans 60 hectares with lush plants everywhere. The most famous sites would be the blue atlas cedar and the myrsine-leaved oak in the area. You can relax and spend time with friends and family here by having a picnic or dining in the cafe. The house of famous romantic writer Chateaubriand is also found here.

If you are up for an adventure, the Forest of Fontainebleau is a great spot. Drop by the travel office to get a map of the trails because this spans 280 square kilometres. You can hike and go mountain biking because of all the trails. Caves and big boulders decorate the forest too. For a glimpse of 19th century life, the town of Auvers-sur-Oise would be the perfect spot because it is now a conservation zone. The artist Vincent Van Gogh also stayed here for the last 70 days of his life. In the summer, the town offers a Steps of Van Gogh tour.

Of course, the region is not complete without a visit to the capital. Paris is well-known for a reason because it is a melting pot of culture and history. Different communities gather around its most famous landmarks like The Louvre. Known to be the biggest and most visited art museum, Musée du Louvre is home to the biggest collection of art. If it is your first time, a visit to the most popular sights like the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Liberty Leading the People should be at the top of your list.

Centre Georges Pompidou is a must-visit too. At first look, its facade will spark wonder for every visitor. It has a big library and an avant-garde music school. The main attraction in the area is the Musée National d’Art Moderne — the biggest modern art collection in the world. It hosts works by Calder, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Braque. A visit is incomplete without seeing the Eiffel Tower as well. Paris seen from the tower offers a remarkable and unforgettable view that enchants every visitor.

What to Eat

Dining goes hand-in-hand whenever people talk about Paris. The French has taken it to another level with a lot of Michelin star restaurants lining the streets. For a unique dining experience, Dragons Elysées is a widely sensorial experience. The floors are made entirely of glass and it is perched on top of an aquarium with fish and turtles. They offer Chinese and Thai dishes, with a focus on seafood and meat.

Guy Savoy is a foodie destination too because this superstar chef trained the famous Gordon Ramsey. The menu boasts foie gras, lobster, and oyster. La Nouvelle Seine Restaurant is a barge-restaurant that whips up incredible seafood. Eating here would be a unique and surely romantic experience.

Where to Stay

Surely Île-de-France has a place for everyone. If it is your first time in France, staying in Paris would be the best place to find accommodations. Not only does this bring you to the heart of the country, but it is also the central point for most transport. You can easily get to the suburbs of the region, but also other parts of France as quickly as possible.

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