Where to Stay and Eat in Île-de-France

The best restaurants and hotels in the region, plus some places off the beaten track only the locals know about

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12 Most Iconic Châteaux of Île-de-France

TOP HOTEL SELECTION

Hôtellerie Du Bas-Bréau, Barbizon

Set on the edge of the forest of Fontainebleau, the former hunting lodge boasts a celebrity guest list: Grace of Monaco, Françoise Sagan and Jean-Louis Trintignant, to name a few. Robert Louis Stevenson even wrote Treasure Island at the hotel. Website: www.bas-breau.com

Hôtel Restaurant Le Richelieu, Fontainebleau

Located within spitting distance of the palace of Fontainebleau, it is ideal for weary tourists. Why not indulge in a Kir au Coquelicot de Nemours (poppy liquour) after a tour of the château? Website: www.richelieu-fontainebleau.com

Trianon Palace, Versailles

Nestled within the grounds of the Château de Versailles and opulently furnished, this luxurious hotel enjoys unparalleled views of the palace. The petit déjeuner is tip-top. Website: www.trianonpalace.fr

B&B

Le Boudoir de Serendipity, Asnières-sur-Seine

Fed up with stuffy hotels? Why not set sail for the night on this barge-cum-B&B? Book one of its three stylish rooms – or the entire boat if the fancy takes you. Website: www.leboudoirdeserendipity.com

Demeure des Vieux Bains, Provins

In the medieval village of Provins, this charming chambre d’hôte has character in spades and is mighty comfortable too. Website: www.demeure-des-vieux-bains.com

Château des Moyeux, La Chapelle-Rablais

A château-gîte within an easy drive of Fontainebleau, Provins and Vaux-le-Vicomte, this stunning manor house is set in 30 hectares of luscious parkland. Website: www.chateau-des-moyeux.com

Villa Carioca, Maisons-Laffitte

Plush Empire-style furnishings and exotic South American knick-knacks live in harmony in this quirky 19th-century pile. A sight for sore eyes! Website: www.villacarioca.fr

RESTAURANTS

Auberge Ravoux, Auvers-sur-Oise

After a visit to the chambre de Van Gogh, visitors can sit down to a yummy meal at the Auberge Ravoux’s late 19th-century bistro-style eatery. Website: www.maisondevangogh.fr

La Petite Venise, Versailles

Perhaps Versailles’ best-kept secret, the fine-dining restaurant is snug on the edge of the château’s flamboyant gardens. Best of all, it has its own separate entrance to the estate, so you won’t have to spend hours queueing at the main gate. Website: www.lapetitevenise.com

Le Bel Ami, Le Vésinet

An institution in Le Vésinet, this popular eatery was given a new lease of life by plucky entrepreneurs in 2014. The no-fuss ambiance and locally-sourced fare have earned the joint a devoted clientele. Website: www.facebook.com/belamilevesinet

Guinguette de l’Île du Martin Pêcheur, Champigny-sur-Marne

Simple, down-to-earth pub grub, gallons of wine and dancing till the small hours – that’s the guinguette’s winning formula. Brace yourself! Website: www.guinguette.fr

Ma Cocotte, Saint-Ouen

A stone’s throw from Saint-Ouen’s puces (flea market), Ma Cocotte is a blissful mish-mash of retro curios and cool antiques. The rustic fare is just the thing to warm those cockles in the winter. Website: www.macocotte-lespuces.com

La Saperlipopette, Puteaux

Helmed by former Top Chef (the French version of MasterChef) contestant Norbert Tarayre, it is the swanky bistro du jour. We recommend the gargantuan Sunday brunch – if you can handle it! Website: www.saperlipopette1.fr

From France Today magazine