What to do in Île-de-France in summer: 10 ideas accessible by public transport (Re)discover Île-de-France

The sunny days are here, but the holidays haven't started yet: plenty of reasons to enjoy Île-de-France in the meantime. To escape the heat in the city, nothing beats a shady forest, cool riverbanks or a lush green park. Alone, with friends or with family, here is our selection of outings accessible without a car, by metro, RER and Transilien.

Fontainebleau Forest

Located just 1 hour south of Paris, Fontainebleau Forest lives up to its title of "Forêt d'Exception®". 22,000 hectares of preserved nature await you, with all the diversity of its landscapes, fauna, and flora, for a day trip or a short stay.

Access : from Paris Gare de Lyon (direct)
Fare : €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket
Travel time : around 45 minutes from Gare de Lyon
Tip : leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds (and to have time to make the most of it!)

The banks of the Marne

The banks of the Marne offer a multitude of places ideal for a getaway near Paris. Depending on your preferences, you will find relaxing riversides, characterful villages, castles... Here are our favorites.

• The islands of Créteil : the Bras du Chapitre surrounds the islands of Brise-Pain and Saint-Catherine. During your gentle walk along the gardens, you will observe rich wildlife including, among others, mallards, swans, and moorhens.

• The Marne loop in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés : this outing suggests a hike on foot or by bike, or why not a cruise on a catalante? Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy with water activities.

• The banks of Nogent-sur-Marne : from Nogent-sur-Marne to Neuilly-Plaisance stretches a peaceful 4.3 km walk, rich in historical heritage, lined with former dance halls, bourgeois houses, former boating clubs...

Access : destination Saint-Maur - Créteil or Nogent-sur-Marne
Fare : €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket
Travel time : 20 to 25 minutes from central Paris (Auber station)
Tip : remember to bring a picnic, as many tables line these walks

Disneyland Paris

A safe bet for both young and old, with its attractions and numerous shows throughout the day.

Access : destination Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy
Fare : €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket
Travel time : 50 minutes from central Paris (Auber station)

Parc Astérix

Perfect for a day out with family or friends, with thrills guaranteed!

Access : towards Charles De Gaulle Airport 1, then go to the "Parc Astérix" ticket counter
Fare : €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket, and €8 one way for the shuttle (or €14 round trip)

The Palace of Versailles

A classic to (re)visit, especially at the beginning of summer with the gardens. We recommend the following itinerary if the weather is suitable: gardens and fountains in the morning to enjoy the calm, a lunch break at the guinguette or at La Flotille restaurant before heading to the Trianon estate, then to the palace around 3:30 p.m.

Access: for Versailles Château - Rive Gauche or for Versailles Chantier station
Fare: €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket
Tip: wear comfortable shoes!

Paris museums

An ideal activity in case of unsettled weather. Among the must-sees: the Louvre's collections, the impressionist masterpieces of the Musée d'Orsay, and the contemporary exhibitions at the Centre Pompidou.

Access: metro and RER depending on the site, in particular
Tip: some major institutions offer free or discounted time slots depending on the day (example: the first Sunday of the month for some museums)

Montmartre

Perched on the heights of the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is one of Paris's most iconic neighborhoods. Between cobbled streets, stairways, street art, and panoramic views, it's an ideal outing for sunny days.

You can start your walk at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, then head down to Place du Tertre where many artists will draw your caricature. Moving away from the busiest streets, you'll find quieter roads where you can discover the Dalida statue, the Moulin de la Galette, the Montmartre vineyards...

Access: Anvers station, or Abbesses and Lamarck-Caulaincourt stations
Fare: €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket, €2.05 for a Bus-Tram ticket
Travel time: 15 minutes from Saint-Lazare
Tip: explore the side streets (rue de l'Abreuvoir, Montmartre vineyards) for a quieter experience

Canal Saint-Martin

One of the most pleasant places in Paris when the warmer days return. With its footbridges, locks, and lively quays, it's an ideal walk to do on foot. The canal connects the Seine to the Bassin de la Villette (where you can rent a small boat!). Along the way, you'll pass through lively neighborhoods filled with cafés, bookstores, and small independent shops.

Access: République, Goncourt, or Jaurès stations
Fare: €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket, €2.05 for a Bus-Tram ticket
Tip: consider combining it with an outing to the Bassin de la Villette or Parc de la Villette

Buttes-Chaumont Park

Nicknamed the green lung of northeastern Paris, it is one of the capital's most spectacular parks! Hills, cliffs, a lake, and its suspension bridge... For a few hours, you'll forget you're in Paris. Ideal for a picnic, a walk, or a jog (with elevation gain!). Several remarkable viewpoints over Paris, especially from the belvedere at the Temple de la Sibylle.

Access: Buttes-Chaumont or Laumière / Jaurès stations
Fare: €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket, €2.05 for a Bus-Tram ticket
Tip: choose a morning visit to enjoy the peace and quiet

Parc de Sceaux

Located south of Paris, Parc de Sceaux is one of the most beautiful landscaped estates in the Île-de-France region. Designed by Le Nôtre, it is especially appreciated in summer for its grand perspectives, its French formal gardens, and its vast lawns ideal for a walk or a picnic.

Access: Parc de Sceaux or Bourg-la-Reine stations
Fare: €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket
Tip: can be combined with a walk in the surrounding towns (Sceaux, Bourg-la-Reine)

Cergy-Pontoise leisure island

Calling all sports enthusiasts! Head to the Cergy-Pontoise leisure island for your outdoor sports, with its body of water, landscaped beaches, water activities, and green spaces.

Access: Cergy-Préfecture or Cergy-Saint-Christophe stations
Fare: €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket
Tip: remember to check which activities are open depending on the season