City-breaks in the Yvelines…by train!

The Yvelines by train

Today, we’d like to introduce you to some ideas for outings and weekends in the Yvelines region, easily accessible by train! And yes, we’re thinking of the planet, we’re travelling by public transport and at a lower cost because if you have a Navigo pass, you should know that the passes are now “All zones”! This applies to the Paris Region network: SNCF and RATP (trains, metros, RER, trams and buses), so no more excuses, pack your bag, hop on the train and head for the Yvelines!

A stopover in Versailles

First stop: the royal city of Versailles.

As well as visiting the château and its gardens, you can easily explore the town and its emblematic districts, such as the Notre-Dame district, take a stroll in one of the nearby forests, such as the Fausses-Reposes national forest, or discover lesser-known places such as the Cour des Senteurs, the King’s Kitchen Garden or the Versailles Academy of Equestrian Arts in the Manège de la Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles.

There are several options for getting there:

• RER C: From Paris-Austerlitz – Get off at Versailles Château – Rive Gauche: 45 minutes.
• LINE N: From Paris-Montparnasse – Versailles-Chantiers stop: 25 minutes.

Finally, to make your weekend unforgettable, here’s a small selection of accommodation easily accessible during your stay:

• Located opposite the Château de Versailles and 500 metres from the Versailles Château – Rive Gauche RER station: Hotel d’Angleterre.
• The “Les Versaillaises” bed and breakfast welcomes you in the heart of the town, close to the Versailles Château and Versailles-Chantiers train stations (10-minute walk).

A visit to Marly

Perfect for a day trip, Marly-le-Roi is a charming royal town on the edge of the Marly forest. After strolling through its colourful streets, which give it the feel of a Provencal village, let yourself be seduced by the Estate of Marly. Formerly the residence for leisure of Louis XIV, the park and museum of the Estate of Marly will give you an insight into the art and way of life at Marly!

Visiting Marly is also an opportunity to visit Alexandre Dumas’ home, the Château de Monte-Cristo, and its park, to learn more about the author’s life and work!

• LINE L: From Gare Saint-Lazare – Gare de Louveciennes stop: 35 minutes.
• In Marly-le-Roi, the “Le parc de Marly” and “Les chevaux de Marly” hotels offer you a quiet, comfortable stay just a stone’s throw from the estate’s park!

A walk in Chatou: on the Isle of the Impressionists

Take advantage of the fine weather to stop off at the Isle of the Impressionists: the perfect place to relax and stroll. Sisley, Monet, Renoir, Degas and Manet all set up their easels here. These great Impressionist painters of the late 19th century all made the island of Chatou one of their favourite sources of inspiration. Follow in their footsteps on one of the many circuits along the banks of the Seine, such as the Renoir circuit or the Chatou Loop.

Finally, don’t forget to take a look at the Musée Fournaise, an immersive retrospective of the Impressionist years of painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

• RER A: From Gare de Lyon – Chatou/Croissy stop: 25 minutes.
• You’ll also find charming accommodation such as “La maison de Chatou“, a bourgeois residence 15 minutes from Chatou station, or the “Cerise” hotel residence, 20 minutes from the station, accessible by the Seine T bus (Maurice Hardouin stop).

Next stop: Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Another town within easy reach of Paris on the RER A: Saint-Germain-en-Laye. If you like to combine culture and nature, you’ve come to the right place. Overlooking the Seine valley, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye has weathered the centuries to the rhythm of history’s great events. Once the residence of the kings of France, the château is now home to the Musée d’Archéologie Nationale (National Archaeology Museum), promising exciting discoveries for young and old alike! Saint-Germain-en-Laye also boasts 3,500 hectares of forest, which seduced our kings and continues to charm walkers and sports enthusiasts alike, who walk or cycle through the Domaine’s gardens and terrace, which offer an exceptional panoramic view of the entire Seine valley.

• RER A: From Gare de Lyon – Saint-Germain-en-Laye stop: 35 minutes.

You can also spend the night in the pretty town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your stay!

• The Villa Castoria guest rooms are also 10 minutes from the train station.
• The Relais & Châteaux-Hôtel Cazaudehore – La Forestière, located on the edge of the Saint-Germain forest, 15 minutes from the station with the Transdev IDF – Conflans Expresse 27 bus (Kennedy stop).

A trip to Maisons-Laffitte

Wonderfully situated between the Seine and the forest, Maisons-Laffitte is a green oasis at the gateway to Paris. Relive history as you tour the Château de Maisons, considered one of the finest of its time. Take a stroll along its wooded avenues or discover the town’s equestrian life, which became its trademark!

• RER A: From Gare de Lyon – Maisons-Laffitte stop: 25 minutes.

There are several accommodation possibilities here:

• “Les petites écuries” gîtes, 10 minutes from the station, with the “Les Angelots” apartment, the “L’Atelier” studio and the “Doisneau” studio.

• The Quality Suites Maisons-Laffitte Paris Ouest apartment hotel offers modern, comfortable accommodation less than 10 minutes from the train station.

A getaway in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

Conflans-Saint-Honorine is the place to be if you’re looking for peace and quiet just a stone’s throw from Paris! At the confluence of the Oise and Seine rivers, you can take a stroll along the quays of the Seine, where you’ll find pleasure boats, commercial vessels and cruise liners. And to round off your stay on a river theme, visit the museum of inland navigation and waterways, a one-of-a-kind museum!

• LINE J: From Gare Saint-Lazare – Gare Conflans-Sainte-Honorine stop: 30 minutes.

• RER A: Conflans fin d’Oise stop.

You’ll also find charming local accommodation such as the “Le Clémenceau” hotel opposite the Conflans fin d’Oise stop, or the “L’Isle de France” bed and breakfast, accessible from the station via the Transdev IDF Conflans 17A bus (Place Coutisson stop).

Do you enjoy weekends in the country? Check out our selection of country destinations that are also accessible by train!