Ile de France and Paris holiday cottages
From romantic Paris to unique palaces and tranquil countryside
Unwind in a country cottage in and around the seductive French capital and you'll be swept away by a wealth of temptations.
Paris tops the bill for romance and excitement, iconic sights and countless highlights, but that's just the beginning of your French gite holiday. Half an hour from the centre you'll find yourself in tranquil countryside, where you can explore lavish royal palaces or enjoy Disney-style family fun, outside your luxury holiday gite.
Things to see and do in Ile de France and Paris
Step out of your French country cottage to explore this Parisian region of contrasts...
- Paris sightseeing: The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe barely scratch the surface.
- Palace of Versailles: The world's most extravagant and opulent Royal Palace, gardens and grounds is simply jaw-dropping in its audacious grandeur.
- Fontainebleau: Explore the magnificent château, gardens, and royal hunting grounds of the forest of Fontainebleau.
- Disneyland Paris: The rides, shows and character parades provide the ultimate family day out.
Tastes of the region
- Brie de Meaux: Unlike other French Bries, the Ile de France variety is distinguished by its 'Appellation d'origine contrôlée' status.
- Noyau de Poissy: Dating back to the 17th-century, this cognac liqueur made with apricots and herbs is drunk as an aperitif and often in cocktails.
- French Onion Soup: This simple Parisian speciality is said to have been invented by King Louis XV.
Don't miss...
- Time out: Fall for Paris by simply strolling the boulevards, walking through elegant and manicured 'jardins', watching passers-by from pavement cafés, or taking a 'bateau mouche' on the Seine.
- The colourful street markets are always a treat in contrast to the designer shops of Paris, selling bric-a-brac, books, paintings, flowers, fine French foods and more.
Our regional team recommends
- The Church at Auvers sur Oise was famously painted by Van Gogh and you'll find his small gravestone in the cemetery.
- Take the Metro to the space-age district of Paris, La Defense, and take the glass lift up La Grande Arche for views of the city.
- Enjoy a day at the famous Longchamp races, with the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe in October the most prestigious meeting in the calendar.
Did you know...?
The fashionable Parisian district of Saint Denis is renowned for its cool Banlieues Blues festival in March and classical music festival in June.
Cottages to rent in France
Nearest Airports
Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Travel Tip
The Paris Visite pass provides unlimited travel on Metro and SNCF trains plus discounts at many attractions.
