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Élancourt

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City
—°2710
Élancourt (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Élancourt

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Book your tickets to France Miniature online in advance to skip the queue at the entrance.
  • Hike up the Colline d'Élancourt, the highest point in the Île-de-France region, for an amazing 360-degree panorama.
  • On clear days from the top of the hill, you can easily spot the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
  • Rent a bike to navigate the extensive network of cycling paths connecting the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines area.
  • Check local schedules for events at the Commanderie de la Villedieu, a historic Knights Templar site.

🍽 Food

🍽
Savory Crêpes

Enjoy a traditional Breton galette at one of the cozy creperies near the town center.

🍽
Paris-Brest

Treat yourself to this classic praline choux pastry at a local traditional bakery.

🍽
Local Craft Beer

Look for craft beers from nearby Yvelines microbreweries in local grocery stores.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Commanderie Artisan Shops

Occasionally, local artisans sell crafts and pottery near this historic site.

🛍
Weekend Market

Visit the local market squares for seasonal produce and regional French cheeses.

🧘
Colline d'Élancourt

While popular for views, the vast grassy slopes of this artificial hill offer plenty of quiet spots to relax.

🧘
Parc des Coudrays

A peaceful urban park with lovely wooded areas, well-suited for a calm afternoon stroll.

Highlights of 2026

2

Located approximately 30 kilometers west of Paris, Élancourt is a prime example of the French 'New Town' planning concept. The city is strategically divided into several districts, including the historic village center and modern residential and business areas like La Clef de Saint-Pierre. The local economy is robust, driven by the presence of major aerospace and defense corporations, making it a critical part of the Paris-Saclay innovation cluster. One of the city's most unique features is the Élancourt Hill, which has been transformed into an ecological park and a major venue for sports competitions, most notably hosting mountain biking events for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Culturally, the city is famous for France Miniature, a five-hectare outdoor park that features detailed models of major French landmarks and landscapes, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3471013171919151274
Rain mm565054416558555842616471

Geography

Population
30,831
Coordinates
48.76830, 1.94940

Facts

  • Highest elevation in Île-de-France at 231 meters.
  • Home to 117 miniature replicas of French monuments.
  • Strategic location within the Yvelines department (78).
  • Hosted the 2024 Olympic Mountain Bike competitions.
  • The city's urban area is part of the Paris metropolitan zone.
  • The Airbus site here specializes in secure communications.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Élancourt (7)

France Miniature🎡 recreation

A unique outdoor theme park featuring scale models (1:25) of France's most iconic landmarks and monuments.

Saint-Médard Church⛪ religious

The old village church of Élancourt, maintaining its historical heritage and quiet atmosphere amidst modern developments.

Parc des Coudrays🌿 nature

A large urban park with ponds and trails, well-suited for outdoor sports, nature walks, and family picnics at any time.

Bassin de la Courance🌿 nature

A peaceful man-made reservoir area designed for strolling and enjoying the landscaped green environment of the town.

Jeux pour Enfants👨‍👩‍👧 family

This playground in Elancourt has children various opportunities for fun and outdoor play.

Aire de Jeux Jacques Cartier👨‍👩‍👧 family

A pleasant playground in Elancourt that gives various activities for children.

Les Minis Z'aventuriers👨‍👩‍👧 family

This playground in Elancourt provides a fun and safe space for family outings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous tourist attraction in Élancourt?
France Miniature is a 5-hectare park featuring 1:30 scale models of France's most important landmarks.
What is special about the Colline d'Élancourt?
At 231 meters, it is the highest point in the Île-de-France region, offering vast views as far as Paris.
Are there good sports facilities?
The Colline d'Élancourt features renowned mountain biking tracks used for international competitions.
How do I reach Élancourt by public transport?
Take a train from Montparnasse or La Défense station to Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines or La Verrière, then take a bus.
Are there any parks for walking?
The Parc des Coudrays is a spacious green area, handy for walking, jogging, and family picnics.
Élancourt: where is it located?
Élancourt is located in Île-de-France, France.
Élancourt: what is there to see?
Highlights include France Miniature, Saint-Médard Church, Parc des Coudrays.
Élancourt: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Élancourt: why is it worth visiting?
Located approximately 30 kilometers west of Paris, Élancourt is a prime example of the French 'New Town' planning concept.
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