The Summer Olympics are still ongoing, and countries have been showcasing the very best of their best athletes. As an American, I enjoyed watching Team USA Female Gynmnast amaze the world. Seeing Simon Biles, Jordan Childes, and Suni Lee during their competition amazed me and left me on the edge of my seat. Brazilian Gymnast Rebecca Andrade took my breath away, and I bowed to her through the TV like Simon Biles did. Another exciting moment for me was seeing Noah Lyles make history as he became the fastest man in the world. This time of year reminds us of how sport connects the world. Sports does not consider race, gender, or anything that divides us. We may not know about other countries or cultures, but we learn so much about the world’s people through sporting events like the World Cup and the Olympics.
Like sporting events, travel also has the same effect. Whereas sports allow us to spiritually travel to other cultures and be amazed by the uniqueness athletes of different countries bring, traveling helps us physically immerse in other cultures and traditions. Moreover, sporting events like the Olympics do not simply allow us to know about the different nations competing; they also teach us more about the host country, region, or cities where the games occur. This year is no exception, as Paris is hosting the Summer Olympics. Many people have already written about Paris, but many need to learn about the region where Paris sits, Ile de France. Travelers going to Paris need help separating between Paris and Ile de France. Some people mention attractions in Paris, like the Chateaux of Versailles, but the Chateaux is located in Versailles. Hence, this post wants to highlight 7 Ile de France destinations that travelers can enjoy away from the crowded city of Paris during their trip, especially during the Olympic season. Before we dive into these destinations, here is a brief history of Ile de France.
Ile de France History
The way France is constructed can be confusing. There are regions, communes, and arrondissements that make some rules confusing. When I went to Marseilles and became a victim of burglary, I called the police, and the dispatcher asked me, “What city are you in?” I answered Marseilles. “Which department and which arrondissement?” I did not know because I had just arrived in Marseilles, so getting help took much longer. I faced the same legal confusion when I was in Paris. Hence, I became interested in learning about regions, communes, and departments. Before traveling to France, family members will say they lived in Paris. When I visited Paris, I found out they did not live in Paris but in the Banlieues. Then, I wanted to know what banlieues are, why it seemed they carry degrading stereotypes and its connection to Ile de France.
Banlieues Parisienne
Anyone visiting Paris or speaking with a Parisian will hear the word “banlieues,” you will notice that people will call some parts “banlieues” and others must-visit destinations. As a traveler of color, I would be remiss if I did not mention the social construction and the racial divide that exists in Paris. Banlieues simply means suburbs. However, people characterize Banlieues by socioeconomic and etho-racial compositions. When you hear “Banlieues,” there is an assumption that you live in a poor commune or you live in a community with immigrants from Africa or Arab descent. These assumptions and stigmas were not the original intent when the French government created housing projects. We’ve previously discussed French history post WWII and the reconstruction of Paris. In that reconstruction, the government needed to develop housing units to meet the needs of the growing housing crisis, so it created Habitation à loyer modéré or HLM’s. As migrants from other parts of France and the French colonies moved to Paris, they started shaping the demography of the inhabitants of these low-income housing, building the narrative of struggling, poor, and low-income. People from certain nationalities were assigned to restricted areas, creating a great divide between Paris and the “Banlieues.”
Hence, immigrants or people of African & Arab descent will say they live in Paris. Sometimes, to be slick, they say they live in Ile de France because not every suburb in the region is a “Banlieues.” Some cities like Saint Denis house rich religious French history but because of neferious activities, visitors should be careful when enjoy this religious monument. However, ile de France is composed of all the surrounding area around Paris. Think of Ile de France as New York City and Paris as Manhattan and the surrounding areas as Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and others. Each of these town have places that attract more tourists then others and within these cities there are places to go and not go. Same with Ile de France and here are 7 less crowded getaway from Paris you can enjoy in Ile de France. Let’s discover Ile de France.
Discover Ile de France
Ile de France is the wealthiest and most populous region in France. As of 2019, there are 12.21 million inhabitants in the area. Its famous city, Paris, is the epicenter of the region. However, outside of Paris, there is so much to see and do that contributes to the region’s being the fourth-largest economy in the world and Europe’s most prominent and wealthiest region. La Region Parisienne, as it is often referred to, has been the center of power and French history. The area around Paris was the domain of the king of France. The region is divided into eight administrative departments. Although the region centers around Paris, surrounding departments/communes offer much to see and do. There are natural beauties, such as forests, farms, and many castles. Here are 7 cities in Ile de France that you can visit away from the crowded center of Paris.
7 Ile de France Cities to Visit
- Versailles
One of the most famous Parisian getaways is to Versailles. This must-visit destination is only 30 minutes away from Paris by the RER train. One of its most attractive attractions is the Chateau de Versailles—Discover France’s history from this UNESCO world heritage alone. Boasted as France’s most outstanding achievement of 17th-century art, a day at the Chateau will keep you busy and amazed. As the centerpiece of the town Louis XIV wished to create, the Chateau will make your visit to Versailles worth it. Enter France’s royal history and marvel at the architecture of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Andre le Notre, Jean-Baptise Colbert, and Charle le Brun, who contributed to the overall success of this masterpiece. Enter the 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 m2 or 679,784 sqft. Enjoy the Hall of Mirrors, the most famous room at the Chateaux. Walk along the Grand Trianon and marvel at Jules Hardouin-Mansart’s architecture. The Chateaux offers many booking options to experience Versailles in various ways. Aside from its status and arts, my favorite part of the Chateaux was the gardens. The Chateau is not the only attraction in Versailles. You can visit the open-air market in Versailles to buy cheese and fresh fruits. You can also visit Cathedral Saint-Louis, a baroque-style church built by Louis XV. Although visiting the Chateaux can take up your entire day, you will not be bored. Young visitors and international students studying in any European country can see the palace free of charge.
- Vincennes
Similarly to Versailles, Vincennes is also famous for its Chateaux. This eastern suburb of Paris is less known to many tourists because most travelers go to the most well-known suburbs, such as Versailles and Fontainebleau. However, the 15-minute metro ride to Vincennes offers you an idyllic experience without worrying about big crowds. A trip to Vincennes opens the door to France’s medieval history. Vincennes gives you a day of relaxation where you will enjoy history, impressive architecture, and nature. The first notable destination in Vincennes is the Chateaux de Vincennes, where you will walk in the halls where French kings and royal families lived from the 12th to 18th century. You will see the royal fortress, built to prevent future loss against England, as King Edward III scored significant victories against France during the 100 Years Wars, destabilizing France’s political, military, and social standing. The Chateaux also has a dungeon built as a defense system to keep the King safe. It is the tallest keep in Europe at 50 meters high, and its walls are 3 meters thick. A day at the Chateaux will educate you on France’s medieval history, and you will learn of France’s royal power during the 12th through the 18th century.
However, the castle is not the only impressive thing to see while in Vincennes. Like in Versailles, you should visit Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes, where royalty used to worship. As the last contruction project of Charles V, the Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes affirmed the divine dimension of the French monarchy. The Palais de la Cite inspired this chapel; however, the Sainte-Chapelle Vincennes was built on a single level. It boasts a baroque style with high stained glass windows. Prepare for your visit to Chateaux and Chapel by visiting the website. Aside from this must-visit architecture, you should enjoy Vincennes’ natural beauty. A visit to the Bois de Vincennes welcomes you to the park French royals used as a hunting ground. Enjoy activities such as boating on Lac Daumesnil and playing ping-pong or golf. The Parc Floral offers many free events: you can enjoy the woos for free, and the Ferme de Paris, a small organic farm, is also free. The farm is a great place to visit with kids and interact with farm animals. In the summer, the park hosts musical festivals like Jazz festivals. Vincennes is the perfect place to enjoy Parisian life away from Paris.
- Fontainebleau
More popular than a visit to Versailles, Fontainebleau boasts a royal heritage from the 12th to 19th centuries. All French monarchs from this period lived in Fontainebleau, making it the only palace where all French monarchs lived from the 12th to 19th centuries. With eight centuries of royal presence, it housed 34 kings and two emperors, which Neopolean, the restorer of the Chateaux after the French Revolution, called “the true home of Kings.” The Chateaux de Fontainebleau is the most richly furnished palace in France. A visit to the castle introduces you to Renaissance masterpieces. You can admire the interior design taste of Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon I, Napoleon III, and Empress Eugenie. You can access a hundred rooms at the Chateaux–from The Grand Sovereign Apartments to the Renaissance Rooms. Like many Chateaux, visiting the castles is not worth it without admiring the gardens that add to its splendor. The Fontainebleau Chateau’s Garden invites you to discover various gardens that French royalty enjoyed. There are five types of gardens: the Grand Parterre, the most extensive European garden, covering 11 hectares. This garden is Louis XIV’s main contribution to the Fontainebleau. You will also have access to the English Garden, the Garden of Diana, the Carp Lake, and the Park, which all offer unique aesthetics. The tourist office provides different ways to tour Chateaux and its gardens. You can take small boats around the Carps Pond and visit the garden with the tourist train.
However, Fontainebleau is famous for more than just the Chateaux. The Pays de Fontainebleau offers a relaxing small French town life away from the bustling City of Lights. You can enjoy the picturesque village life in Barbizon, famous for its artistic influence in France. Enjoy the village where Theodore Rousseau and Jean-Francois Millet called home. Visit the museums to witness their beautiful paintings. In the Bourron-Marlotte, you will enjoy landscape paintings. In Samois-sur-Seine, you will enjoy the historical dwellings of 19th-century Russian Tsar Prince Troubestzkoï and see where Victor Hugo once stayed. Aside from the idyllic villages, Fontainebleau is also a place to discover your inner love for nature. Enjoy the 22,000 hectares of softwood trees. Whereas French kings enjoyed the forest for their deer and bird hunting games, today, visitors enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and cycling around the forest. You can also discover the forest with donkeys and see wildlife animals, making a visit to Fontainebleau worthwhile.
- Rueil-Malmaison
Another excellent Paris getaway in Ile de France is a trip to Rueil-Malmaison. Rueil-Malmaison is unique from the other Parisian suburbs because this is the only suburb dedicated to France’s imperial history under its first emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. This suburb allows you to relive France’s first empire. The town is infused with Napoleon and his wife Josephine’s footprints everywhere you walk. Twenty minutes from Paris on the RER A train line, you will enter the private life of France’s first imperial couple. The first stop is their residence, the Chateaux de Malmaison. It is famous for its gardens and hundreds of rare plant species. Josephine was the one to buy the chateaux in 1779, which Napoleon approved after returning from Egypt. Percier and Fontaine transformed the old house into the magnificent castle you will discover. Inside the chateaux, you will walk into the daily lives of Napoleon and Josephine. You will see the Empress’s harp in the music room, and in the Marengo Room, you will see Napoleon’s weapons.
Then, you should visit the Church of Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul, where Josephine is buried. Every September, the town hosts the Imperial Jubilee, allowing history lovers to enjoy France’s First Empire with possession of musicians and soldiers from the Emperor’s Great Army. You can enjoy a traditional French gourmet lunch at the Brasserie du Chateau. Enjoy some of the best chocolate at Gilles Cresno’s boutique. Additionally, enjoy the nature that Impressionist artists like Monet, Renoir, and Sisley once enjoyed. Take a stroll at the Parc des Impressionnistes. Enjoy a meal solo or with friends and relax while admiring the greenery. Parc de Bois-Preau is another open space where you can enjoy outdoor activities. At the Musee d’Histoire locale de Reuil-Malmaison, you will find an ancient Egyptian mummy.
- Boulogne-Billancourt
Another prestigious Ile de France suburb to visit is Boulogne-Billancourt. Although it is an urban city, it has maintained its natural beauty. As Paris’s closest suburb, you will enjoy lakes and parkland. You can enjoy a stroll or picnic at the Bois the Boulogne. Bois de Boulogne has maintained a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy detente like French kings did when they would come to the park to haunt and relax. The 850 hectares include the Parc de Bagatelle, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, the Pre-Catelan and the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Tourists can enjoy cycling around the park. There is everything for everyone. Tourists with kids can enjoy the playgrounds. There are picnic areas where you can enjoy a solo picnic or a picnic with friends or lovers. You can rent a boat to cruise around Lac Inferieur. You can enjoy food at the many restaurants around the park.
A visit to Boulogne is complete with visiting one or all three museums. Musee Belmondo is especially recommended for sculpture lovers as it houses sculptures, medals, and drawings by the “last of the great classical French sculptors. At Musee des Annees 30, you will enjoy 800 sculptors, 2,000 paintings, furniture, ceramics, and models of old townhouses and buildings of the 1930s. You will witness the return to realism and classicism. The last museum to visit is the famous Musee Albert Khan, where you will enjoy a blend of French, English, and Japanese gardens, beautiful flowers, and fruit trees. You will enjoy Khan’s exhibitions of his work from around the world. From Boulogne, you will enjoy Paris without really being in Paris.
- Provins
Another notable Ile de France city to discover away from Paris is Provins. An hour and a half away from the City of Love, Provins welcomes you to Medieval French life. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage as it is the only surviving merchant city from the Champagne Fair of 12-13 centuries. As it holds many historical significance, you will experience many historical monuments. One of the famous sights to see is the Ceasar Tower, Provins’ symbol of power. It served as a watchtower, a prison, and a refuge. Climb up the 100+ spiral staircase to enjoy a beautiful panoramic city view. The second monument to visit is the Tithe Barn, where you will see different scenes and characters from merchant life in the Middle Ages. In the Underground Galleries, you will see where merchants used to hide their artifacts and use them as shelters. You should also visit the Saint-Ayoul, a pilgrimage sight dating back to 996. Then, head to the
A trip to Provins takes you to medieval life. No streets exist, so wear comfortable shoes to climb staircases and hiking paths. The city is divided between high and low towns, so you will get a workout going from the train station to the monuments and other attractions. Another thing to consider in a city like Provins is not relying on Google Maps because the 2-minute walk distance on the map maybe 20 minutes. Take a city map from the town tourist office or interact with the locals and ask them for directions. Upon your walk, visit the famous Rose Garden of Provins. Indulge in the fragrance of this beautiful haven, where you will learn about the 300 varieties of roses in the 3.5-hectare garden. Enjoy the charming tearoom, where you can relax on the sunny terrace. Another spot to enjoy and have a wonderful stroll is the Ramparts of Provins, where you will walk amid fortified walls protecting you the way they protected the town of Provins. For more things to do in Provins, visit the tourist guide website to plan your medieval rendez-vous.
- Saint-Germain-en-Laye
For lovers of relaxation, art, and history, you shall enjoy a wonderful day in the Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The first not-miss attraction to visit is the castle. The castle of Saint-German-en-Laye holds many histories. As the residence of French royalty from Louix VI to Louis XIV, this castle represents the power of French monarchs. French royals signed many royal treaties in this castle until the 1919 treaty ended the war with Austria. Various royal architectural tastes have influenced the castle’s construction. In this chateaux, you will see Saint Louis’ love of Gothic architecture with the chapel in the estate, Francois I’s Renaissance remodeling of the castle Charles V left, and Henri II & Henri IV’s construction of the Chateau-Neuf. Louis XIV was born in this castle and spent the first years of his reign in Saint-Germain-en-Laye before moving to Versailles. After it had been abandoned and parts of it had been demolished, Napoleon III resurrected it and made it the Museum of Archeology. Your day at this impressive museum will welcome you through an archeological journey from the Paleolithic Period to the Early Middle Ages, containing 29,000 tools and artwork.
Like many other Parisian suburbs listed, Saint-Germain-en-Laye boasts a surreal natural beauty. The national garden and park around the Chateau call you to admire the greenery and oversee La Defence and the Seine River. Visitors can access the 3,500 hectares of forest for a stroll or hike. At Cyclou 78, you can rent a bike suitable for mountain biking and enjoy the day discovering the forest with friends and family. Art lovers will enjoy Saint-German-en-Laye as it is home to the pioneers of the Art Deco movement, Paul and Andre Vera. At the Espace Paul & Andre Vera, you can enjoy tapestries, drawings, and paintings by Paul Vera. Then head to the Claude Debussy Museum, where you will learn about this French composer. Another museum you can visit is the Maurice Denis Museum, where you will enjoy the garden, open-air theater, a rose garden, and an orchard. At Place du Marche, you can shop at chic boutiques and buy artwork. A visit to Saint-Germain-en-Laye is complete with giving your tastebuds a treat from Patisserie Grandin.
In conclusion, although Paris is the epicenter of Ile de France, you will need more than staying in Paris alone to give you the complete history of this remarkable region. The suburbs surrounding the city of lights contribute to the history of Ile de France and French history. They provide an escape to city life and give you a more mundane vacation where you learn to appreciate the simple village life, admire human creations at impressive castles, and get in tune with nature. The surrounding cities of Ile de France allow you to get to know the regions in a more intimate setting, away from the big crowds and pollution. You become acquainted with the locals who still carry the traditions and life of those who came before them, and you learn about France from a more personable environment. Next time you visit Ile de France, consider these seven less crowded cities for your detente!
Until next time, von voyage!
Xoxo,
Cy
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