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Travel France-Ile de France

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Places to visit France-Ile de France+

  • France-Ile de France

  • Paris

    The Parisian Ministry of Tourism didn't get it wrong in their numerous campaigns to promote the city! Paris, officially the most visited city in the world, is undoubtedly, aside from being the Capital

    Explore Paris

In brief+

Weekly budget
£700
Flight budget
£150
Flight duration
1h 
Time difference
Summer/Winter
Visa
No
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Euro
Language(s)
French

Overview

France-Ile de France

As the third largest economic area in the world after New York and Tokyo, the Ile-de-France region is France's true melting pot of history and heritage. Made up of many departments, namely Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Essonne, Val d'Oise, Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines and Paris, the Ile-de-France region, which has been so called since 1976, lies at the confluence of the Seine and several other rivers (the Marne, the Oise, etc.). This smallest of the French regions is the most populated. Its history, strongly linked to the fact that it is home to the country's capital, Paris, and to the favourite haunts of the kings of France, means that art, culture and technology abound here.

Versailles and Fontainebleau, before becoming towns, were châteaux which symbolised royal power, luxury and the talent of the artists who worked on them.

In the collective imagination they occupy a place alongside the Château de Vaux le Vicomte or the Basilica of Saint Denis (the necropolis of the kings of France), both of which were privileged witnesses to a colourful royal history.

The past erects its monuments like chronological markers spread throughout the green landscapes of the region. The medieval city of Provins, the forest of Rambouillet and its Vaux de Cernay Abbey, Maubuisson Abbey and its 20 acre grounds?

Ile-de-France is a perfect mix of culture and greenery, as many great artists realised long ago. Behind the church at Auvers-sur-Oise you will observe the tormented figure of Van Gogh, and the Chevreuse Valley has certainly left its mark on the canvases of the Impressionists, who were shortly preceded by the artists of the Barbizon School.

The historic and artistic Ile-de-France region, the 'capital' region, is constantly evolving. A symbol of the future, the Grande Arche de la Défense looks like an archetypal modern anthill overlooking Paris, which also teeters between its old buildings and its perpetual secrets to eternal youth.

pros

cons

  •  The continental climate.

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Our Editorial team's advice

The city's picture-postcard monuments include the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré C?ur, which are top on the list of things to see here for tourists from all over the world. You would be right to suspect, though, that there is a lot more to this magnificent international capital than its famous monuments. Take a stroll around the city's twenty arrondissements (districts) and you'll come across a truly bustling local life not unlike that found in small villages, starting with the markets which are held several times a week and take over whole avenues and boulevards with an explosion of sounds and colours. You're sure to find some kind of traditional cheese to tempt you, or perhaps some delicious exotic spices from North Africa would be more up your street.

Between the Chinatown district in the city's 13th arrondissement, the Indian district behind the Gare de l'Est (around the Faubourg Saint-Denis area) and the African quarter surrounding the Goutte d'Or in the 18th arrondissement, it's clear that Paris is a truly multicultural city and it really would be a shame not to explore this aspect further.

Whatever you decide to do, the best way to see Paris is undoubtedly on foot, particularly if you're prepared to go off the beaten track a little. Why not, for example, plan a tour of the city's 'English-style' parks, from the Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement to Parc Montsouris in the 14th, not forgetting the Canal de l'Ourcq and its trendy little bars.

Reasons to go

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Places to visit

Hotels reviews by the Easyexperts

Valentine's Day Paris hotels

Valentine's Day Paris hotels

Paris is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its wondrous charms throw you into a rich cultural past of famous figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Ernest Hemingway who thrived in Paris. Traditionally known as the city of love, lights, fashion and gastronomy, the French capital ...

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Etap Hotel Paris Porte de Montmartre

Etap Hotel Paris Porte de Montmartre

 
Score 7/10
Photo of Marie Hillier

Marie Hillier 02/11/2011 : "A very stylish hotel with great value for money for Paris(£40/nite). Not much night life but great location close to Metro direct to Centre"

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Hôtel Formule 1

Hôtel Formule 1

 
Score 6/10
Photo of Marie Hillier

Marie Hillier 02/11/2011 : "We stayed at the Hotel Formule 1 in St Denis (Paris) and although it is a very basic hotel it was very clean and very good value at £20/nite"

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Raphael

Raphael

 
Score 9/10
Photo of Owen Bradshaw

Owen Bradshaw 12/10/2010 : "Another stunning hotel. Takes you right back to another era. Loved the typical French 'salons' and rooms...the roof terrace is jaw-dropping"

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