Are you wondering what to do in the Yvelines for a memorable getaway, a family weekend, or just a change of scenery near Paris? This multifaceted department throws open its doors with an inspiring mix of grand castles, green landscapes, captivating museums and outdoor activities. Whether you love history, nature, or are looking for playful adventures for the kids, this guide will walk you through the best ways to (re)discover the Yvelines' treasures and make the most of everything the region offers, in any season and for every taste.

To start your exploration, head to the emblematic sites that tell the story of the area's history and culture.

What to do in the Yvelines: historical and cultural heritage

The Yvelines boast an exceptional heritage where French history comes to life, with many tourist attractions open all year round. The Palace of Versailles remains the must-see among the Yvelines' historic monuments. Its 700 rooms include the Hall of Mirrors, with its 357 mirrors, a witness to the 1919 treaty. André Le Nôtre’s gardens—remarkable parks and gardens of the Yvelines—stretch across 77 hectares and feature 55 fountains and pools. The Grand Canal is 1.5 kilometres long and is an ideal spot for what to do in the Yvelines this weekend. From April to October, the Musical Fountain Shows bring the fountains to life to baroque music.

The Trianon Estate reveals Marie-Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and her Hamlet, perfect for a family weekend outing in the Yvelines. Bike and boat rentals let you explore the park’s 800 hectares, a free option for things to do in the Yvelines outside the Musical Fountain Show periods.

Surrounding this masterpiece, other residences and fortresses dot the area, extending the discovery across many emblematic sites.

• Breteuil Castle displays 50 wax figures from the Grévin museum in a family home occupied since 1712—ideal for what to do in the Yvelines with children
  • Eight Perrault fairy tales staged in the outbuildings
  • Remarkable 75-hectare gardens with a maze and a medieval dovecote for nature walks in the Yvelines
• Saint-Germain-en-Laye Castle, a former royal residence, houses the National Archaeology Museum and hosts exhibitions in the Yvelines today
• Rambouillet Castle serves as a presidential residence with its forest domain, perfect for short escapes in the Yvelines
• Maisons-Laffitte Castle illustrates French classicism by François Mansart
• Monte-Cristo Castle reflects Alexandre Dumas' literary world in an English garden—one of the Yvelines' more original attractions
• The medieval fortress of La Madeleine in Chevreuse overlooks the valley with its 11th–14th century keep

To extend your castle visits, museums and writers’ homes round out a cultural itinerary perfectly. The Yvelines' museums enrich the cultural offering and propose many ideas for outings in the Yvelines. The National Archaeology Museum in Saint-Germain-en-Laye displays collections from prehistory to the Middle Ages, representing the region’s millennia-old heritage. The Toy Museum in Poissy preserves 14,000 items and is free on certain Sundays—perfect for family activities in the Yvelines. The Carriage Gallery in Versailles is open free on weekends, a budget-friendly option for what to do this weekend in Île-de-France. Writers’ houses like Émile Zola’s in Médan or Raymond Devos’ home keep their memory alive and offer cultural excursions in the Yvelines. France Miniature in Élancourt concentrates France’s monuments in scale models—ideal for things to do in the Yvelines this week with the whole family.

The Musical Fountain Shows and Heritage Days offer concerts and performances in these historic venues, enriching tourism in the Yvelines year-round.

Nature and the outdoors in the Yvelines

When the call of the outdoors comes, the department unfolds its horizons, between majestic forests, preserved valleys and peaceful bodies of water.

Parks, forests and nature walks

The Yvelines show their natural side with 70% of the territory covered in green spaces, offering many ideas for outdoor outings for nature lovers. Rambouillet Forest stands out as the second-largest forest in Île-de-France. Its 200 square kilometres are home to deer, wild boar and roe deer, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Yvelines. The Rambouillet Wildlife Area lets you observe semi-free wildlife—an ideal activity for what to do in the Yvelines with children. The Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park crosses the department. Its ponds and paths with little bridges offer a preserved setting for nature walks in the Yvelines. The GR1 trail winds through these heritage landscapes. More than 1,300 kilometres of waymarked routes crisscross the area—perfect for a hike in the Yvelines this weekend. Saint-Germain-en-Laye Forest reveals majestic avenues and viewpoints over the Seine, ranking among the Yvelines' unmissable attractions. The Parc du Peuple de l'Herbe, the largest park and garden in the Yvelines with 113 hectares, preserves insects in a unique ecosystem and offers free tourist activities year-round.

Sports and outdoor activities

For thrills, the Yvelines playground suits every pace and preference.

• Cycling: 850 kilometres of bike paths run through the department, notably around Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines which offers 435 kilometres of routes with bike rental available—perfect for excursions in the Yvelines
• Water sports: The bases at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Val de Seine and Boucles de Seine host water-skiing, rowing, paddleboarding and sailing, offering varied family leisure activities in the Yvelines
  • The beach at Étangs de Hollande allows supervised swimming in summer, a popular free option for what to do in the Yvelines
• Golf: Nearly 30 courses make the territory a leading department for golf in Île-de-France, with varied courses through woods and hills for a nature weekend in the Yvelines
• Horse riding: The region, a European equestrian hub, has many riding centers and hosts international events around Versailles, enriching tourism in the Yvelines
• Beach sports: The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines leisure island offers beach volleyball, beach soccer and sandball on 700 m² of sand with equipment provided—ideal for what to do in the Yvelines today when the weather is nice
• Tree-top courses and trail running: Rope courses in the trees at Poissy and numerous trail-running events all year round in the state forests make for active weekend outings and dynamic escapes in the Yvelines

What activities can you do in the Yvelines with family?

Beyond historical treasures and natural spaces, the Yvelines are full of activities designed for families. The Palace of Versailles offers the treasure hunt "2 hours to save the King" for children aged 10 and up. The Queen’s Hamlet gardens enchant the little ones who are wondering what to do in the Yvelines with children. Thoiry ZooSafari turns each visit into an unforgettable adventure—families can observe lions and elephants from their car during this family weekend outing in the Yvelines. France Miniature amazes with its reproductions of historical monuments from the Yvelines and across France. The Ferme de Gally runs pastry workshops where children aged 5 to 12 prepare their creations. In summer, the Pop-Corn Maze in Jouars-Pontchartrain becomes a giant playground for anyone wondering what to do in the Yvelines today.

To vary the fun and adapt to ages and seasons, several types of experiences are on offer. The Yvelines present a wide palette of family activities suited to every age and desire:

• Theme parks and play areas: France Miniature in Élancourt features 117 miniature French monuments with 14 interactive experiences—perfect for visiting in the Yvelines
  • Au Paradis des Enfants welcomes 2–12 year-olds at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines leisure island
  • Gulli Parc in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine offers trampolines and indoor slides—ideal when looking for what to do in the Yvelines this weekend
• Animal encounters: Thoiry ZooSafari lets you see 750 animals roaming freely from your vehicle, one of the Yvelines' most popular attractions
  • The National Sheepfold in Rambouillet introduces visitors to farm animals
  • The Dampierre Estate combines a petting farm and wildlife observation
• Outdoor activities: Nature outings in the Yvelines by canoe on the Seine offer a unique perspective
  • The tree-top adventure park in Saint-Germain-en-Laye challenges adventurers seeking tourist activities in the Yvelines
  • The Poney Club at the leisure island introduces children to horse riding during a nature weekend in the Yvelines
• Creative experiences: Workshops at the Ferme de Gally mix creativity and agricultural discovery—perfect for a family weekend outing in the Yvelines
  • Escape games offer family challenges on rainy days, an original idea for outings in the Yvelines
  • The bowling alley in Orgeval guarantees a convivial outing for couples wondering what to do in the Yvelines

These playful activities naturally lead to more unusual discoveries among the places to visit in the Yvelines. The Désert de Retz in Chambourcy reveals an 18th-century Anglo-Chinese garden with whimsical constructions—a true Yvelines heritage site. Marie-Antoinette and Thomas Jefferson used to stroll in these parks and gardens of the Yvelines. The grotto-waterfall at Square du Dr Fauvel in Villennes-sur-Seine hides three artificial cascades accessible on excursions in the Yvelines. The floating cabins on the La Galiotte pond offer unusual getaways in the Yvelines near Poissy. The Ferme de Gally offers a “Two-Handed Bread Workshop,” a popular free activity in the Yvelines where families grind the wheat, knead their dough, then visit the animals. The game "Révolution Tour Versailles" turns history into an interactive adventure for children aged 10 and up, enriching tourism in the Yvelines.

Throughout the calendar, inspiration is never in short supply for planning outings during holidays or weekends. Each season brings activities that let you enjoy the region all year and answer the question of what to do in the Yvelines this week. In winter, the Dampierre Estate Winter Station installs pony sleds and an ice rink in the château courtyard. The show "The Spirit of Winter" warms up the orangery. In autumn, Thoiry lights up with Les Lumières Sauvages and its giant sculptures inspired by Día de los Muertos—an increasingly popular exhibition in the Yvelines today. The Pumpkin Festival animates the Ferme de Gally with pumpkin carving and animal encounters. Summer favors tree-top adventures in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and hiking in the Yvelines. The gardens of Versailles become a family exploration ground under the sun, offering unforgettable weekend outings in the Yvelines. For what to do this weekend in Île-de-France, the villages to discover in the Yvelines and the many regional museums complete this exceptional tourist offer.

Events and gastronomy in the Yvelines

To punctuate a stay or a single day, the local calendar is full of convivial and festive appointments.

Upcoming events and festivals

The Yvelines offer a rich cultural program throughout the year to satisfy every taste, providing many tourist activities for all audiences.

• International Circus Festival of Les Mureaux: The 23rd edition will be held at Parc du Sautour from October 10 to 12, 2025. Contemporary circus arts, aerial hoops and family shows make this event a must for a family weekend outing in the Yvelines.
• Blues on the Seine: This touring festival visits more than 30 Yvelines municipalities in November. Blues and soul concerts create a warm atmosphere in intimate venues and local theaters—perfect for what to do in the Yvelines this weekend with friends.
• Parcours du Roi in Versailles: In December 2025, this visit-performance enlivens the Hall of Mirrors. Actors, dancers and baroque musicians revive the court’s splendor for the year-end celebrations—an event in the Yvelines quite unique in its kind.
• Thoiry Wild Lights: From October 17, 2025 to March 8, 2026, the park is transformed into one of the Yvelines' main attractions. The special Halloween and Día de los Muertos edition offers a magical night-time trail—ideal for what to do in the Yvelines with children during school holidays.
• Musical Fountain Shows: From April to October, the Palace of Versailles' gardens come alive. Dancing fountains and baroque music recreate the splendor of royal festivities every weekend, embodying the very essence of the Yvelines' heritage and a free activity in the gardens.

Markets and local gastronomy

On the flavor side, markets, local products and sweet-spicy specialties tell a distinct gourmet story. This eventful energy goes hand in hand with a gastronomic tradition rooted in local markets—the true places to visit in the Yvelines. The Notre-Dame market in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, elected the most beautiful market in Île-de-France in 2025, illustrates this culinary richness. Its 17th-century architecture houses more than 100 vendors and an organic area dedicated to local products—perfect for what to do this weekend in Île-de-France.

Houilles covered market impresses with its 5,000 m² and 160 exhibitors, offering authentic weekend outings in the Yvelines. Aged cheeses, fresh fish and international specialties sit alongside Yvelines producers in this historic Yvelines building that has been repurposed. The Yolin, a 2024 creation based on eggs and three local products, symbolizes the department’s culinary renewal and enriches Yvelines tourism. The Houdan chicken fills the famous local pâté, while the Paris-Brest, invented in Saint-Germain in 1910, continues the pastry tradition. Producers’ markets, organized from May to June, favor short supply chains and direct exchanges between farmers and consumers—original ideas for outings in the Yvelines, whether for a couple's activity or a gourmet escape.

Practical information for visiting the Yvelines

To better organize your discoveries, a few useful pieces of information simplify travel and help optimize your budget.

Transport and access

To explore the many tourist activities in the Yvelines and discover what to do there today, mastering transport options is essential. Here’s how to easily reach the department’s treasures:

1. Favor the train from Paris: Lines N, U and RER C serve the main towns. Versailles-Chantiers connects you to the palace in 40 minutes from Montparnasse. Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines is reachable in 20 minutes from La Défense on line U.
2. Use a car for more flexibility: Six motorways (A10, A11, A12, A13, A14, A86) crisscross the territory. The A13 leads directly to Versailles, while the A10 serves Rambouillet and eases access to the places to visit in the Yvelines.
3. Make use of local bus networks: More than 90 lines cover Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines with 800 stops. Demand-responsive transport complements the offer in rural communes—ideal for what to do in the Yvelines this weekend without a car.
4. Adopt the bike for short distances: Bike-sharing services operate in Versailles and Saint-Quentin. The Chevreuse valley offers dedicated cycle paths for nature rides in the Yvelines.
5. Combine several modes: Park at multimodal stations and continue by bus. Carpooling works well between major hubs like the Saclay plateau—perfect for organizing your weekend outings in the Yvelines.

Free activities and low budgets

Budget constraints don’t limit discoveries in this department full of surprises. Finding free things to do in the Yvelines becomes easy with these suggestions that will delight young and old.

• Forest clue trails: Parc du Peuple de l'Herbe and Méridon offer free treasure hunts—perfect for a family weekend outing in the Yvelines while exploring the local nature. These family activities combine adventure and discovery.
• Family creative workshops: Le Petit Moulin des Vaux de Cernay runs free drawing sessions every Sunday morning, mixing art and local heritage discovery. An excellent idea for what to do in the Yvelines with children without spending money.
• Hikes in state forests: Rambouillet Forest offers waymarked trails and free access to Étang du Coupe-Gorge—ideal for picnicking. Hiking in the Yvelines lets you enjoy natural parks and gardens.
• Monthly free entry to monuments: Rambouillet Castle, its Dairy and its Thatched Cottage open free on the first Sunday of each month. The Yvelines' historic monuments become accessible to all, and many exhibitions in the Yvelines regularly offer free admission.
• Picturesque villages to explore: Chevreuse, Montfort-l'Amaury and Médan invite fee-free architectural strolls that reveal medieval history. These villages are great for authentic escapes in the Yvelines.
• Open educational farms: The farm in Mantes-la-Jolie welcomes visitors free on Wednesdays and weekends to meet animals and discover rural life. These family attractions enrich the list of outing ideas in the Yvelines.

Deals and discounts

Maximize your excursions in the Yvelines with the Pass Destination Yvelines-Hauts-de-Seine, a real key to saving on visits. This free app, available on iOS and Android, replaces the former Pass Malin card and offers expanded benefits for tourism in the Yvelines. It guarantees at least a 15% discount at 100 partner sites: Yvelines castles, museums, zoos, educational farms and performance venues. The discount applies to the holder and up to four accompanying minors, with no eligibility conditions—perfect for what to do in the Yvelines this week with family. Monthly flash offers sometimes grant 30% off selected events, including ideas for what to do this weekend in Île-de-France. The integrated geolocated map instantly spots what to visit in the Yvelines around you. Under-26s enjoy free access to national museums. On the first Sunday of each month, several Yvelines museums open free, multiplying options for nature weekends in the Yvelines. Heritage Days and the Night of Museums also offer exceptional free access—ideal for couple outings in the Yvelines without breaking the bank.

What to do in the Yvelines becomes a question full of promise: the department overflows with outing ideas, each one more varied and accessible than the last. Between majestic castles, fascinating museums, nature escapes and family adventures, everyone can find something to satisfy their urge to get away just a stone’s throw from Paris. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast or a curious seeker of the unusual, the possibilities are endless. Take the time to stroll, savor a local market, admire a royal fountain or try a tree-top course in the forest. The Yvelines offer a restorative, affordable and refreshing break at any time of year. All that remains is to let your curiosity lead the way.