Ile-de-France Holiday & Travel Guide: Ile de France is a small region in France, famous for containing the capital Paris. It consists of eight departments:  Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne and Val-d'Oise and is a largely suburban area with a population of approximately 11 million people, which makes it a rather populous area especially when compared to some larger regions.

Paris, of course, draws in the tourist crowds where people like to explore the city and take in the atmosphere, while visiting the famous attractions that Paris has to offer. Whatever time of the year, Paris is visited by a wealth and variety of people who are all charmed by France’s capital city.

Away from the bustling city of Paris, Ile de France has areas with a strong natural environment that includes pretty countryside, valleys and forests. The following areas are also worth exploring: Orly, Versailles, Champs-sur-Marne, Toussus-le-Noble and Versailles.

The architecture here is a real highlight with well preserved and magnificent cathedrals, medieval abbeys and beautiful chateaux dotted all over the region, the Chateau of Versailles a famous example.

Ill de France is a famous cheese and wine producing region. Brie and Brie de Meax are popular varieties available here, while the wines to come from the hectares of vineyards here include Chardonnay, Sauvignon & Pinot Noir.

Weather: Located in centre north France, you can expect mild continental weather here, with a balance of sunshine and rainfall that allows the greenery to flourish. France’s location by the Atlantic Ocean also affects the climate.

Transport:The Eurostar is fast way to get from London to Paris while Eurolines provides buses in several destinations in Europe. The RATP travel network provides most of the travel in Paris. The RATP site is an excellent website to find your way around simply type in your destination and it will conveniently find the best route for you. Car hire is recommended only if you wish to explore parts of Ill de France outside Paris, otherwise you are well served.

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