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
Floreval Adventure: the family-friendly outdoor adventure park just outside Paris in Essonne
Aventure Floreval is the sprawling adventure park featuring treetop obstacle courses designed for both kids and grown-up thrill-seekers alike, nestled amid the trees with lots of fun activities! In addition to over 400 challenges spread across 22 zipline courses, accessible from the age of 3, visitors can enjoy an outdoor escape game, mini golf, a farm with animals, and a dedicated dining area. The park is set to reopen on March 28, 2026. [Read more]
These archaeological remains of a Gallo-Roman villa can be visited on a campus in Essonne.
[Read more]
Night of Museums 2026 at Dourdan Castle (91): An Evening Tour of the Fortress
The Dourdan Château-Museum takes part in the Night of Museums every year. A perfect opportunity to explore this historic site in the Île-de-France region for free! So mark your calendars for Saturday, May 23, 2026, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities at the castle. Check out the full program! [Read more]
This giant steel structure hidden deep in the forest ranks among Île-de-France’s most astonishing attractions… and it’s open to visitors.
Nestled in the heart of Milly-la-Forêt woods, a mysterious steel creature awaits curious visitors. Monumental, immersive, and surrounded by cultural activities, this extraordinary piece offers a surprising and enchanting artistic escape right in the Essonne countryside. [Read more]
In Essonne, this ecological garden unveils its plans for the 2026 Garden Meetings
In Étampes, the Bressault Gardens host the 'Rendez-vous aux jardins' event from June 5 to 7, 2026—a wonderful opportunity to explore a unique space dedicated to biodiversity and the plant world. [Read more]
LEC Roadtrip 2026: Karmine Corp makes a stop at the Évry-Courcouronnes Arenas
The Karmine Corp’s LEC Roadtrip takes over the Arenas of Grand Paris Sud in Évry-Courcouronnes for three days of live League of Legends matches from April 24 to 26, 2026. This French stop on the EMEA Championship circuit brings together KC, Fnatic, Shifters, and Natus Vincere in an arena-style setting, transforming the region into a major esports event just outside Paris. [Read more]
Festival of Gardens Past and Present: Plant Exchange and Market at Méréville Estate (91)
Explore a variety of fruits and vegetables from past and present in a historic vegetable garden located in the heart of the Méréville Estate in Essonne, on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Enjoy a range of engaging activities, making it a perfect day for nature lovers and families alike. [Read more]
Launay Botanical Garden and Paris-Saclay Arboretum: A Global Journey Through Plants in Essonne
We head to Essonne to explore the botanical garden of the University of Paris-Saclay, sprawling across 90 hectares of plant collections on the Orsay campus. Home to nearly 3,000 species from around the globe, it offers free guided tours and features a conservation arboretum, making for a perfect green getaway just a short train ride away from Orsay station. [Read more]
Meetings at the 2026 Gardens in Essonne (91): This Private Playful Garden Unveils Its Schedule
For this latest edition of the Rendez-Vous aux Jardins, taking place from June 5 to 7, 2026, the playful garden of Patrick and Rolan in Puiselet-le-Marais, Essonne, welcomes visitors with a specially curated program designed just for the event. [Read more]
This temple is one of the last remnants of a castle that no longer exists in the Île-de-France region, and it’s open for visits!
In Orsay, Essonne, there's a charming neoclassical temple tucked away in a quiet corner. One of the few remaining remnants of the once-imposing Orsay Castle, which no longer exists today, it is open to visitors on a seasonal basis. Here’s what you need to know about this little-known gem of the Île-de-France heritage. [Read more]
In Essonne, this crypt, now serving as a cultural center, stands as the last remaining remnant of a former monastery.
In the heart of Essonne, a modest exhibition space conceals a history far older than one might suspect. This crypt, now transformed into a cultural venue, stands as one of the few remaining traces of a vast medieval monastery that once covered a large part of the city. [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026: Free Evening Event at the Palaisien Museum of Hurepoix in Essonne (91)
The Night of Museums is making a return on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Île-de-France. Looking for a great idea to celebrate? Here's what awaits you for this cultural evening at the Palaisien Museum of Hurepoix in Essonne. [Read more]
Run For Planet 2026: An Eco-Friendly and Solidarity Run for the Environment in Essonne
What if we ran for the planet? The Run For Planet event is coming to Draveil in Essonne on Sunday, June 14, 2026. This race aims to raise public awareness about ecological issues by offering participants the chance to run either 5 or 10 kilometers, with all proceeds donated to environmental charities. [Read more]
Villiers en Jeux 2026: A Festival Celebrating Board Games in Villiers-sur-Orge (91)
Never enough board games cluttering your shelves? Discover your next favorite to enjoy with friends and family during the upcoming edition of Villiers en Jeux, a free festival in Essonne happening on April 11, 2026! [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026 in Essonne (91): Nighttime Artistic Performance at Jean Tinguely's Cyclop
The Night of Museums is making its way back into the cultural venues and museums of Paris and Île-de-France this Saturday, May 23, 2026. This special nocturnal event also unveils some surprising discoveries, including Le Cyclop—a monumental sculpture crafted by Jean Tinguely and Nikki de Saint Phalle—hidden away in the woods of Milly-la-Forêt. An unconventional evening awaits during this 22nd edition. [Read more]
Essonne: Go behind the scenes of Massy's Opera House during Puccini's La Bohème
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Massy's Opera House opens its doors for a rare behind-the-scenes tour. Join us to discover the hidden corners of this unique cultural venue in the suburbs, as it prepares for Puccini's La Bohème. [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
Atout Branches: the adventure park featuring treetop courses, climbing walls, laser tag, and escape rooms in Essonne (91)
In Milly-la-Forêt, Essonne, Atout Branches Park offers a variety of activities including tree climbing, rock climbing, escape rooms, laser tag, andUpcoming new additions in 2026 such as mini golf and forest treasure hunts. Opening on March 14, 2026, the park welcomes visitors from the age of 2 and up. [Read more]
Tree climbing enthusiast? Discover the adventure at the Port aux Cerises Leisure Base in Essonne (91)
Looking to climb trees in Essonne? L'Accro des Arbres® at the Port aux Cerises leisure island in Draveil offers 12 treetop courses suitable for all ages. A great way to get outdoors and stay active! [Read more]
The superb Japanese garden at Château de Courances: a bucolic and exotic stroll in the Paris region
The Japanese garden at Château de Courances is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens around Paris, and particularly so in France. Located on the fabulous Courances estate in Essonne, this Anglo-Japanese garden will delight you with its exotic landscapes. Come and discover it from April 5 to November 2, 2025. [Read more]
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
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]
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]
