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Île de France refers to a region located immediately outside of the main city area of France’s capital Paris. Created in 1961, this administrative region is still referred to by many as District of the Paris Region, its original title. While Île de France suffers from being mostly comprised of urban sprawl, it is home to some significant area of natural beauty such as forests, park and river lands.
The attractions of Paris are well within easy travelling distance of Île de France. A lengthy list of attractions in the city include the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs-Élysées. A thriving nightlife and cultural scene add to the list of good reasons to visit central Paris.
Versailles, a city with great historical value, lies to the west of central Paris in the Île de France region and is home to the impressive Palace of Versailles. After viewing its magnificent exterior and extensive gardens, visitors are permitted to enter the palace and explore its many rooms and lavish furnishings.
South of central Paris is the historic town of Fontainebleau, famous among other things for the Château de Fontainebleau. As the largest of France’s royal chateaux, the castle was the official residence of many generations of French aristocracy before being hailed a national treasure and becoming a popular visitor attraction. Aside from the castle, the city is well known for the scenic Forest of Fontainebleau.
Marne-la-Vallée is east of the city and is best known today as the home of Disneyland Paris, a major theme park that attracts thousands of visitors annually. The city can be reached easily from central Paris by train, bus or private/rental car.
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