Located at the heart of France, the Ile-de-France stretches beyond its central hub of Paris to the nearby countryside, home to a trio of France's best-known sights -- the palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau plus Chartres' cathedral. Also of interest is Vaux-le-Vicomte, situated 6 miles from Fontainebleau, an art-filled chateau with a magnificient formal garden. The area south of Paris is great for mountain climbing, picnicking and hiking and has served as inspiration for painters such as Corot, Pissarro and Cezanne.

French Government Tourist Office 127, avenue des Champs-Elysees75008 ParisPhone: 33 8 92 68 31 12Fax: 33 1 49 52 53 00