Things to do in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

Designed to accommodate major cycling events, the National Velodrome hosted the French track cycling championships in 2014, the world championships in 2015, and the European championships in 2016. It is now preparing to become the focal point of the 2024 Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games, during the track cycling and track para-cycling competitions.

But that doesn’t mean the National Velodrome is reserved exclusively for top-level cyclists. Accommodating up to 5,000 spectators, it invites enthusiasts from the public at large to come along and watch. In addition to cycling, this lively site offers other activities as well. From bike polo and airbag freestyle to badminton and kettlebells, you can make all sorts of sporting discoveries here.

At Guyancourt National Golf Course, you’ll tread hot on the heels of golfing history as you play Paris Region’s most famous holes. This world-famous National Golf Club has built an unrivalled reputation with the help of its iconic Albatros course. The 139-hectare site features three courses of increasing level of difficulty, for a truly unique golfing experience. Pending the hosting of the individual golf tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics, from 26 July to 8 September, take this opportunity to play a round or two before the world’s top golfers arrive.

In the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, southwest of Paris, lies a whole open-air nature and heritage museum. Simply follow the trails to discover all sorts of magical places. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris, you’ll soon find yourself in a daydream. Following on from the 2024 Olympics, you can enjoy bike rides, mountain biking, horseriding, refreshing dips in the lake or even a treetop adventure in the forest of Rambouillet. Round off your day by taking the time to enjoy life’s little pleasures thanks to the local artisans.

After exploring the Regional Nature Park, stop in the hills to discover a chapter of French history. The Madeleine Castle’s fascinating architecture and fairytale gardens overlook the village of Chevreuse. This 12th-century medieval castle, a listed historical monument, invites you to explore this site with history oozing from every stone. The tour includes: the inner courtyard, the Guards’ Tower and the cellars.

Fancy visiting the most beautiful monuments of France in a single day? Head for France Miniature, Europe’s biggest miniature park, just west of Paris. This 5-hectare site features 2,000 models built to 1:30 scale, representing 117 monuments and key attractions of France. Explore the different regions of France on a miniature railway and discover the iconic sites of Paris Region, such as the Palace of Versailles, the Stade de France and a 10-metre-high Eiffel Tower. A unique opportunity to visit France in miniature, on an express tour of France.

In Magny-les-Hameaux, take a plunge into history at the Port-Royal des Champs National Museum, which occupies the “Petites Écoles” building. This museum devoted to Jansenism exhibits an outstanding collection of paintings, engravings and documents from the 17th and 18th centuries. Immerse yourself in the religious paintings of Philippe de Champaigne and explore the site’s history. Next, take a break at the lake or in the 18th-century orchard to enjoy the harmony of a walk between history and nature.