Did you know ? Very close to Paris, in Île-de-France, hide small villages with unsuspected charm! Old castle, bucolic canal, medieval heritage, landscaped park, international golf course… Each of these villages has the art and the way of seducing the visitors who come to meet them! As a family, as a couple or with friends, for a weekend or a day, discover the most beautiful villages in Île-de-France and the Greater Roissy

1- A walk in the village of Écouen

In the heart of the nature of the Val d'Oise, in Île-de-France, the village of Écouen welcomes you for a visit full of surprises near Paris! 

Crowning the town, the forest ofÉCOUEN proudly houses one of the most important buildings in the city: the Castle of Écouen. More than just a XNUMXth century castle, the fortress conceals the National Museum of the Renaissance, and with it a whole mosaic of ancient objects. Decorative arts, ceramics, sculptures, stained glass, tapestries, goldsmiths... A whole program during this day of royal visit! 

Very often, who says castle says… park! After filling up on historical anecdotes in the heart of the castle, let yourself be tempted by a more bucolic walk in its domain and its forest. This is an opportunity to enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the Plaine de France during your walk! 

Two minutes walk from the Château d'Écouen, Saint-Acceul church is one of the few in Val d'Oise to have had the chance to keep its original stained glass windows! Do not miss to admire them. 

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📍Accessibility : The village ofÉCOUEN is ideally located 19 kilometers from the city of Paris and 15 kilometers from Paris-Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport. By transport, it is accessible from Gare du Nord by taking line H. 

The to-do list of activities to do in the village of Écouen: 

  • Take beautiful walks in the woods, in the forest around the castle
  • Visit the National Museum of the Renaissance 
  • Go to the Saint-Acceul church for its famous stained glass windows
  • See an exhibition at the Manoir des Tourelles
  • Celebrate at the Connétable Festival
  • Follow the path of painters in the town 

2 – A day in the village of Gressy

A small natural setting, the village of Gressy is a real invitation to peace, well-being and strolling in Île-de-France! 

During a day in the heart of this charming village, take the time to indulge in a most bucolic walk along the various rivers that flow into this place. In Parc Macquer, the pond of Gressy is one of them. Fed by the Beuvronne, a tributary of the Marne, it is a peaceful place where fauna and flora live in harmony. Studs, swans, ducks... They will undoubtedly accompany your walk in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in Île-de-France! 

To the south of the village, the Canal de l'Ourcq follows its course. On its shores, the Scandibérique welcomes amateur or seasoned cyclists. Why not you ? 

📍Accessibility : The village of Gressy is located about ten kilometers from the city of Paris and the Paris – Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport. 

The to-do list of activities to do in the village of Gressy: 

  • Ricochets in the heart of Parc Macquer
  • Take a bike ride along the Canal de l'Ourcq
  • Spend a night at Manor of Gressy
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3 – Walks and hikes in the village of Luzarches

Sightseeing in the village of Luzarches, it's sport… literally! Between walks in the heart of nature and the discovery of a unique historical heritage, this town in Île-de-France will leave you breathless! 

On the promenade side, the Oise Pays de France Regional Nature Park offers a multitude of walks and hikes. Thanks to the GR® 1 and the GR® 655, go respectively around the Île-de-France and cross France from North to South. Two-wheeler lovers, meanwhile, set off on a rural loop in the Pays de France!

→ Find here all our hiking routes in Grand Roissy!

The village of Luzarches is also imbued with an important medieval history. During your visit to the town, the old buildings parade before your eyes for your greatest pleasure. In the Saint-Côme district, gate, alley and castle reveal their most beautiful medieval assets, while in the Saint-Damien district, a church and a feudal mound await you. Ready to go back in time ?

📍Accessibility : The village of Luzarches is located about forty kilometers from the capital Paris and about twenty kilometers from Paris-Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport

The to-do list of activities to do in the village of Luzarches: 

  • Take a walk on the GR® 1 or the GR® 655
  • Explore the medieval old town for a stroll
  • Admire the village church in the Saint-Damien district
  • Rest in the botanical garden of the village
  • Stroll along the waterways, drinking trough and old washhouses
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4 – A breath of fresh air in the village of Mesnil-Amelot

It is in a rural setting, to the north-west of the Seine et Marne in Île-de-France, that the peaceful village of Mesnil-Amelot flow happy days. From its cereal plain, the town offers a spectacular view of the Monts de la Goële. And it conceals many other treasures… The Saint-Martin church or the chapel of Guivry are notably part of the latter. 

As a family, go to Plain Oxygen ! This aquatic complex in Île-de-France will delight parents and children alike in each of its spaces. Aquatics, fitness, well-being... There's something for everyone! 

📍Accessibility : The village of Mesnil-Amelot is located 25 km from the capital Paris and less than 3 kilometers from Paris-Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport

The to-do list of activities to do in the village of Mesnil-Amelot: 

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5 – A walk in the park in the village of Roissy-en-France

If you have ever heard of the village of Roissy-en-France, it is certainly for its international airport, Paris – Roissy Charles de Gaulle… But know that the small town of Île-de-France deserves to be known beyond this tourist attraction! 

In Roissy-en-France, nature is queen: in the park of the town hall, let yourself be tempted by a walk between the flowery alleys and the wooded green spaces. In the middle stands the town hall, built with the stones of the old castle of Roissy-en-France. A little further, the Parc de l'Orangerie, also called “Parc des 5 continents” is a real invitation to a change of scenery. As its name suggests, the floral and plant species that inhabit it come from all over the world. Discover them for a family day! 

the Green Valley is another famous place of nature in Roissy-en-France, since it is here that settled Roissy International Golf Course. Getting there is both an opportunity to enjoy a short walk, or to try the 18-hole course... Everyone has their own visit to Roissy in Île-de-France! 

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📍Accessibility : The village of Roissy-en-France is located about thirty kilometers from the city of Paris. 

The to-do list of activities to do in the village of Roissy-en-France: 

  • Take a walk in the town hall park
  • Treat yourself to a shopping session at Aéroville shopping center
  • Feel the scent of many plant species in the Parc de l'Orangerie
  • try his best swing on Roissy International Golf Course
  • Admire the remains of the old castle