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
Essonne: Free Vintage Vehicle Exhibit to Be Featured This Saturday—Come Discover It
The Place du Comte Haymon in Corbeil-Essonnes will host a vintage car exhibition on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The event offers a free morning dedicated to showcasing iconic classic vehicles, perfect for a family outing or a get-together with friends. [Read more]
Mennecy Metal Fest 2026: Alestorm, Oomph!, Ultra Vomit... first acts announced
Metal music makes a powerful comeback in Essonne with the 14th edition of Mennecy Metal Fest. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 4th, Saturday, September 5th, and Sunday, September 6th, 2026, at the Parc de Villeroy, where you'll be ringing out to the raw, explosive sounds of Alestorm, Ultra Vomit, Oomph!, Tagada Jones, and Houle. Stay tuned for the first lineup announcements for this upcoming edition. [Read more]
This medieval tower, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne, was once used to measure the speed of light.
Perched atop a 30-meter-high hill, the Montlhéry Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne and the Île-de-France region. This historic medieval relic, officially listed as a Monument Historique, once served as a laboratory for some of the greatest scientists of the 19th century. Whether you're interested in its history, planning a visit, or just taking a leisurely walk, here's everything you need to know. [Read more]
In the Paris region, this church stands out with its striking retro-futuristic architectural style.
In Massy (Essonne), a suburb of Paris, the Lutheran Saint-Marc Church catches the eye with its striking retro-futuristic design—an uncommon sight in Île-de-France. Built in the latter half of the 20th century, it stands out from traditional places of worship with its bold lines and modernist aesthetic. [Read more]
In Essonne, this cylindrical cathedral stands out as one of the most unusual churches in the region.
In Évry-Courcouronnes, in Essonne, a cathedral both confounds and captivates visitors. With its cylindrical shape, red bricks, and trees planted atop its roof, the Cathedral of the Resurrection Saint-Corbinian stands out as one of the most unusual churches in Île-de-France — a daring symbol of a religious heritage that is decidedly modern. [Read more]
LEC Roadtrip 2026 by Karmine Corp: The eSports event returns to the Evry Arenas
The Karmine Corp and Riot Games invite you to the Évry-Courcouronnes Arenas from April 24 to 26, 2026, for the LEC Roadtrip: three days of esports, League of Legends highlights, and live entertainment you won't want to miss. [Read more]
Lunar New Year: Celebrating Tet AGEVP 2026 in Essonne, the Vietnamese New Year
The AGEVP is organizing its Têt Festival at the Théâtre de Yerres in Essonne on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The celebration of the Vietnamese New Year will feature traditional performances starting at 11 a.m. and a grand show beginning at 2 p.m. [Read more]
Daily Letters: Malak and Mona Varichon’s Exhibition in Brétigny-sur-Orge (Essonne)
Sponsored - Discover the exhibition Lettres du quotidien – Extraits, débuts, jeux, traces in Brétigny-sur-Orge, which delves into the creative process inspired by the everyday life of Malak and Mona Varichon. Running from January 17 to March 14, 2026, at the Espace de la Croix-Louis, this show explores how personal experiences can fuel artistic expression. [Read more]
In the heart of Milly-La-Forêt, this dovecote stands as a remarkable remnant of the town’s medieval history.
In the tranquil village of Milly‑La‑Forêt, the Moustier dovecote stands as a remarkable surviving relic from the late Middle Ages, an uncommon sight in the region. Granted the “Regional Heritage” label in 2025, it highlights the historical significance of this type of structure in the medieval economy and landscape of Île-de-France. [Read more]
The Fabrique de l'Art: The Île-de-France space of the Centre Pompidou opens this fall in Massy
The Centre Pompidou in Paris has closed its doors for a major renovation, with work expected to last until 2030. During this time, its extensive collection will find a new home at the Centre Pompidou Francilien – Fabrique de l’Art, a new cultural hub in the Île-de-France region, located in Massy. [Read more]
Montgeron Ekiden 2026: a relay marathon and a 10K run for two in Essonne
Put on your sneakers and get ready to take on the Montgeron Ekiden with fellow sports enthusiasts: mark your calendar for Sunday, March 29, 2026, and join us at the starting line of this exciting relay marathon. [Read more]
This former hunting lodge in the Île-de-France region conceals a stunning garden of monumental sculptures.
In Essonne, south of Paris, tucked away in the woods of Sénart Forest, a former royal hunting lodge hides an unexpected garden of monumental sculptures. Welcome to the Sénart Partridge Farm, an extraordinary place where history and contemporary art intertwine along winding paths. [Read more]
An exotic escape into this Vietnamese temple during a lunch visit in Essonne
Embark on an offbeat morning adventure in Villebon-sur-Yvette by exploring the Trúc Lâm Vietnamese pagoda. Blending cultural discovery, tranquility, and a vegetarian lunch, this immersive experience promises a refreshing escape just outside Paris. Mark your calendar for March 12, 2026! [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]
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
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]
