An Ile de France villa holiday is not only a chance to see the bright lights of Paris but provides a feast of cathedrals (Notre Dame de Paris, Chartres), maisons, museums and amazing châteaux ( Fontainebleau, La Roche Guyon, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Malmaison and Versailles). Immerse yourself in the world of famous French artists by visiting Auvers, Giverny or the Barbizon.

A vacation in Ile de France holds many attractions for nature lovers. View the picturesque countryside at Vallée de Chevreuse and Les Vaux de Cernay.
Bikes can be rented at most of the train stations throughout the region or from bike tour operators in the main centres. Ile de France is relatively flat and perfect for getting around on two wheels. The rivers provide many opportunities for fishing, canoeing or boat tours. There are National forests and nature parks, such as the forests of Fontainebleau, Rambouillet and Le Gatinais, to cater for those interested in hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, scenic drives and mountain biking. Golf courses are easy to find and enjoy.

A villa in Ile de France is great place to take a vacation with children. Not only is there Disneyland Paris to visit but there are many fantastic interactive museums to see, such as the Cité des Sciences and the Cité de la Musique in the Parc de la Villette in Paris. This amazing park also contains a cinema, concert stage and play equipment. Don't forget to visit France Miniature near Versailles and take a walk on the enormous map of France, or try the safari park at Thoiry Castle, in Thoiry-en-Yvelines.

If you want to try some of the traditional flavours of this region, you cannot go past the cheeses. This region is famous for its Brie and Brie de Meux, known as the king of cheeses. Enjoy with a glass of Ile de France Chardonnay.

Paris

The city of Paris and its surrounds are not to be missed. A villa or an apartment in Paris will allow you to explore this wonderful city, day and night. It is easy to get around on foot or with a bike and the public transport system, both around the city and heading out of the city to local and international destinations, is excellent.

Climb to the top of the amazing Eiffel Tower. Join the queues at the Lourve Museum to see the painting of the Mona Lisa (La Joconde) and the statue of the Venus de Milo. Attend services at or tours of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacré-Coeur basilica. View the work of famous artists, Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin, at their own dedicated museums. Marvel at the unusual exterior of the Georges Pompidou Centre, also known as Beaubourg, and its impressive collection of modern art. For the art of the Impressionists, you cannot go past the beautifully designed Musée d'Orsay. Enjoy dinner and a show at Le Lido or The Moulin Rouge. Admire the shop windows along the Champs-Élysées, as you stroll from the Arc de Triomphe to the Concorde or along the Avenue Montaigne. See the oldest monument in Paris, the Egyptian Obelisk at the Place de la Concorde. Shop for jewels in the Place Vendôme or a Hermès scarf in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district. Have your portrait painted by one of the many artists in Montmartre or listen to the musicians who play along the banks of the Seine as the sun is setting.

It is not hard to find almost any kind of cuisine in a cosmopolitan city such as Paris. In fact the city is known for its range of international cuisines. Paris also prides itself on providing some of the finest dinning in Europe and reflects a culture in which the preparation and consumption of food is treated with respect. The best value can be found by avoiding the tourist traps and finding a bistro or restaurant with a fixed price menu. Sit in one of the famous cafés, such as Le Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and watch the world go by.

Festivals and Events in Ile de France
This list is only a small sample of the festivals and events taking place each year in this region.

Paris - La Grande Parade (January 1)
Paris - Salon de l'Agriculture (late February - early March)
Paris - International Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show and Défilés (January to February)
Paris - Shopping Sales (January to February)
Paris - Chinese New Year (February)
Paris - Festival du Film de Paris (late March - early April)
Paris - Marathon International de Paris (April)
Paris - Foire de Paris, celebrating wine food and homewares (Late April - early May)
Paris - May Day (May 1)
Paris - Paris Opera Ballet (Student recitals) May
Paris - Montmartre Vintage Car Rally (May)
Paris - Paris Air Show (June)
Paris - French Tennis Open at the Roland Garros stadium (May - June)
Paris - Jazz in the Parc Floral (May to July)
Paris - Journées de la maison Contemporaine - architecturally designed house open to the public (June)
Paris - Festival de St-Denis (last two weeks in June)
Paris - St - Jeans's Day Fireworks (around June 21
Paris - Gay and Lesbian Pride March (Marche des Fiertés LGBT) (June)
Paris - Festival de Chopin (mid-June - July
Paris - Bastille Day (July 14 and evening before)
Paris - Haute Couture Fashion shows (July)
Paris - Arrivée du Tour de France Cycliste (third or fourth Sunday in July)
Paris - Open Air Film Festival (mid-July - late Aug)
Paris - Villette Jazz Festival (mid-Sept)
Paris - International Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show (September)
Paris - Grape Harvest Festival in the Montmartre vineyard, (first or second Saturday in October)
Paris - Festival FNAC-Inrockuptibles rock music festival (November)
Paris - New Years Eve fireworks display (December 31)