Far from being the best-known département in the Paris region,Essonne stands out for its wide open spaces, picturesque châteaux and immense gardens, some of which have been classified as " Jardins remarquables".
From the Chamarande estate to Milly-la-Forêt (home of Jean Cocteau), via Courances and its pretty Japanese gardens, or Winnoland, the family theme park... A land of history, sport and nature, Essonne is above all home to numerous hiking trails, to be discovered in the Gâtinais nature park and the Haute Vallée de la Chevreuse regional park, which also covers part of the Yvelines.
The Essonne department offers a wide range of family outings combining sport, culture and heritage to discover with the kids!
Heritage, cultural outings & walks
The Massy International Circus Festival is set to return in 2026: Dates announced for the 32nd edition
The Massy International Circus Festival is back from January 29 to February 1, 2026, for its spectacular 32nd edition. Under the grand tent at Georges-Brassens Park, acrobats, clowns, and jugglers from around the world will deliver four days of thrilling performances—perfect for a family outing just minutes from Paris. [Read more]
Courson Monteloup Medieval Festival 2026: Medieval Market, Knights, and Fireworks in Essonne
On March 28 and 29, 2026, Courson-Monteloup Castle Park will transport visitors back in time for a grand, free medieval festival. This family-friendly event promises knightly shows, a craft market, and live demonstrations of traditional trades! [Read more]
An unconventional wooden church straight from the Carpates hidden right here in the Paris region!
In Limours, Essonne, there's a hidden treasure of heritage: a wooden Romanian Orthodox church, the only one of its kind in France, seemingly transported across the Carpathians to find a quiet spot in Île-de-France. Discover its fascinating story! [Read more]
On this historic racetrack in the Île-de-France region, driving courses are offered for motorsport enthusiasts.
Looking for an adrenaline rush in the Paris region?
The legendary Linas-Montlhéry circuit is welcoming driving experiences on tracks featuring Ferrari, Alpine, or Formula Renault models. Explore this iconic location where speed, history, and motorsport passion come together for an unforgettable thrill. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Essonne: a 300 m² ice rink for the holiday season
Want to lace up your skates without leaving Essonne? The temporary ice rink in Étréchy is back from December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with its 300 m² of real ice, warm atmosphere, and winter treats. A family event not to be missed during the holiday season. [Read more]
Val Brunoy: ice rink, sledding, and carousel for fun during the Christmas holidays
The town of Brunoy, in Essonne, is transforming into a winter sports resort for the holiday season! Well, almost... Come and enjoy the ice rink, toboggan run, and carousel from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Good Deal: A free light trail awaits us this Christmas 2025 in Essonne (91)
For Christmas 2025, there's a great plan for families in Milly-la-Forêt in Essonne. As soon as night falls, you can explore a free illuminated trail from December 3, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
2025 Christmas Market in Soisy-sur-École (91): laser show, fireworks, and fairy tales
The Soisy-sur-École Christmas market returns on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with a magical tale featuring lights, lasers, and fireworks. Something to delight young and old alike! [Read more]
"Boréale, la naissance des aurores" (Boreal, the birth of the auroras), an immersive musical show, is coming to Essonne (91).
Immerse yourself in the magical world of "Boréale, la naissance des aurores" (Boréale, the birth of the auroras), an immersive show to be discovered in Gif-sur-Yvette in Essonne. Between visual storytelling, enchanting music, and light projections, enjoy an unforgettable family adventure. [Read more]
La Fabrique à Doudous: free stuffed animals for children at the Brétigny shopping center
From December 15 to 23, 2025, the Aushopping shopping center in Brétigny is offering children the chance to make their own stuffed animal for free before taking it home as an unforgettable souvenir! [Read more]
We Metal Fest 2026: Rise of the Northstar, Shaârghot, Ten56., Lofofora... the lineup
Metal returns to Le Plan in Ris-Orangis on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, 2026, for the third edition of the 'We Metal Fest'. What's on the program? Two days of concerts dedicated to extreme music, featuring Rise of the Northstar, Shaârghot, Ten56., Lofofora, Revnoir, LocoMuerte, and The Browning. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Palaiseau: miniature train, ice rink, and Christmas carols—discover the program
In Palaiseau, Christmas is celebrated with joy, thanks to the many events organized throughout the town in the 91 department. Discover the program of festivities for all ages. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: small market, Santa Claus, and puzzles to solve at Le Spot Evry shopping center
In Évry-Courcouronnes, Le Spot is unveiling a brightly lit shopping center in December, featuring entertainment and a Christmas market set up in its aisles. Between Santa Claus's daily appearances and a telephone booth full of surprises, there's something for the whole family to enjoy! [Read more]
The Château de Dourdan, an ancient fortified castle to discover in Essonne (91)
In the Essonne department, near Dourdan, you'll find a 13th-century fortified castle. Although you can't visit the interior, you can visit the ramparts on a walking tour! [Read more]
In Essonne, this unusual chapel was decorated by Jean Cocteau... before he was buried here.
In the heart of Essonne, in Milly-La-Forêt, a mysterious XIIᵉ century chapel becomes, thanks to Jean Cocteau, a showcase of simplicity and resurrection - a real heritage jewel to (re)discover. In fact, it was the famous French artist's last home. Here's the story of Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples. [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
Zoos and aquariums
The free animal park at Janvry in Essonne - Vallée de Chevreuse
Located in the heart of the picturesque village of Janvry, the Parc Animalier stretches over 6 hectares of lush greenery. Over time, it has become an oasis for a diverse range of wildlife and a place of escape for all its visitors. It's an invitation to reconnect with nature, where you can discover a multitude of animals in a peaceful setting. [Read more]
Amusement parks and fairgrounds
Sports outings, parks and gardens
Parc Caillebotte, the large free landscaped park that inspired Gustave Caillebotte in Yerres (91)
Just 30 minutes from the Gare de Lyon railway station, on the Yerres side of the Essonne département, Maison Caillebotte is home to one of the region's most beautiful green spaces: Parc Caillebotte, the garden that inspired the famous Impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte. [Read more]
The Domaine de Chamarande, Essonne's largest public garden, for a day in the fresh air
The Domaine de Chamarande is one of the most beautiful gardens in Essonne, and only an hour's ride by public transport, or just as much by car. Located in the town whose name it bears, we'll take you on a stroll to discover it. [Read more]
The Maison Jean Cocteau in Milly la Forêt, a bucolic interlude between art and history in Essonne
We're off to Essonne, and more precisely to Milly-la-Forêt, to discover the former Maison du Bailli, a place steeped in history that was once the home of Jean Cocteau. Now a museum, the Maison des Illustres is waiting to welcome you. [Read more]
Parc Lejars-Rouillon, for a bucolic stroll in Dourdan (91)
Just a few minutes' walk from Dourdan town center, nestles a pretty tree-lined square. With its tall trees, playground and pretty flowerbeds, discover the Parc Lejars-Rouillon! [Read more]
Current activities
The Grange aux Moines educational farm, for a rural outing in La Ferté-Alais (91)
Fancy a day out in the great outdoors? In La Ferté-Alais, the Grange aux Moines educational farm is the place to be for the whole family! [Read more]
La ferme du Bel Air, for a family outing in the countryside near Villiers-le-Bacle (91)
At Villiers-le-Bâcle, in the Essonne département, the Bel Air farm invites you to meet its furry and feathered residents for a family outing in the fresh air. [Read more]
