The region has eight departments, seven of which center around the country’s capital (the eighth department) in concentric circles. Geographically the region is prevailed by lowlands with the only highland area, the Massif Central, rising in the south. Though the Massif Central is considerably higher than the lowlands around it, don’t be fooled. It’s still quite tiny compared to the Alps.

Naturally, the region’s biggest asset and the number one tourist destination in the world, is France’s capital, Paris. The City of Lights boasts an eclectic ambiance where the past and present, history and progress, tradition and revolution coexist in dynamic equilibrium. Several centuries worth of incredible architecture as well as an abundance of cultural venues, museums, and events attract and entertain people from all around the world which only leads to more diversity and culture.

Paris is the Star

You can lose yourself in the history of art inside the Louvre and the Orsay Museum or head to Centre Pompidou for a taste on the contemporary and unusual. To explore the non-Western cultures and arts peek inside Quai Branly Museum located in an incredible architectural complex composed of vertical gardens. However, Parisian monuments and landmarks are not any fewer than the museums. The city is all about the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, and Champs-Élysées leading up to the iconic Arc de Triomphe.

The Region of Châteaux 

Though the many treasures of the Île-de-France are not exclusive to Paris. Exceptional castles, superb palaces, romantic parks and gardens, clandestine forests and lakes are sprinkled all over the region. The flagship destinations around France’s capital include, before all else, the palace of Versailles. The luxury and extravagance of this place was one of the drops that fueled the famous French Revolution. Other notable sights include the Saint-Denis Basilica, the resting place of the Kings of France; the opulent Vaux-le-Vicomte castle and its park; the medieval city of Provins with its imposing ramparts; the royal manor of Fontainebleau; the charming Royaumont Abbey; the lovely Impressionist village of Auvers-Sur-Oise and the list goes on and on.

Île-de-France with Kids

What about things to do in Île-de-France that are all about family fun? The region won’t disappoint on this front either! For instance, there’s France Miniature, a superb theme park in shape of a map of France. It’s full of incredible models representing famous buildings and sites around the country.

If miniatures are not the thing you are looking for, there is the Thoiry estate. It boasts a Renaissance château, immense park as well as a zoo and an African reserve with over 1000 animals living in semi-freedom in a vast unspoiled natural space.

Last but not least, the children (and grown-up) favorite, Île-de-France gives you the theme park Disneyland Paris! Here you can meet all the heroes and heroines of Disney movies in fairytale surroundings.