Department Yvelines hotels - Book hotels in France at great rates

The Département Yvelines is within the conurbation of Paris with its main town of Versailles. This stately town was once the residence of the kings of France and the wonderful Palace of Versailles bears constant witness to this glorious past.

A tour of the interior of the Palace is an absolute must with glimpses being had of the Gallery of the Battles, the Coronation Hall or the world famous Hall of Mirrors. The extensive park of the Palace is amongst the largest in Europe and has many lakes, arbours and statues. One of the most visited spots is the Petit Trianon where Marie Antoinette used to reenact peasant life with her ladies in waiting. It is possible to cycle round the park and to take a boat trip along the Grand Canal.

St-Germain-en-Laye is a pretty and exclusive Paris suburb with its 16th Century castle where it is possible to see one of the largest collections of prehistoric finds in France. Passing though the catle park you arrive at the terrace constructed in 1672 above the Seine for a distance of two kilometers and which offers excellent views over the area. In the Prieuré Museum you can gather much valuable information about the “Nabis Artists” around Paul Gauguin.

Marly-le-Roi has the remians of the favourite castle of Louis XIV and in the Château de Monte-Cristo there is a small exhibition about the author Alexandre Dumas. The castle of Rambouillet is a popular destination with its english style parks and gardens.

Population: 1 398 500 (2006)

Main towns: Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy