Who said heritage is limited to old stones and Renaissance castles ? On the occasion of the Heritage Days 2026, celebrated onSeptember 19 and 20, 2026, the Île-de-France invites you to view everyday places with a fresh perspective, rich in history. In Essonne, an unusual stop awaits at Évry-Courcouronnes: the François Le Comte ice rink. More than just a playground for Sunday skaters, this sporting site, opened in 1975, is now a core part of the Francilienne urban story and officially carries the label of Remarkable Contemporary Architecture.
To understand the building’s silhouette, you have to go back to the 1970s, when the state envisioned “New Towns” to ease the capital. Designed by architects Jean Le Couteur and Gérard Khalifa, the ice rink is integrated into the expansive Agora complex, conceived as an innovative city-centre hub blending retail, culture and leisure on a raised platform. According to local accounts, the layout was even drafted so that the ice would be visible from the pedestrian walkways, encouraging passersby to lace up their skates right away.
What sets this spot apart from the vast majority of enclosed rinks of its era is its constant dialogue with the outside world. The building rests on: A three-dimensional metal framework, characteristic of the technical experiments of the Trente Glorieuses, une immense verrière latérale that floods the ice surface with natural light, delivering a rare visual spectacle, un bar panoramique suspendu, conceived to watch the skaters’ arabesques while staying warm.
This bold conceptual approach earned her a distinction from the Ministry of Culture in 2020, underscoring the importance of Île-de-France’s 20th-century sports heritage. To explore the technical backstage, admire its geometric lines, and enjoy the animations planned for this September weekend, discover the full program below.
Fifty years of skating at the François-Le Comte ice rink: explore the rink through interpretive panels
On the occasion of the François-Le Comte ice rink's 50th anniversary, learn more about the rink's history. Labeled Contemporary Remarkable Architecture (ACR) in 2020, it stands as an unmissable landmark in the city of Evry-Cerrcouronnes.
As you take a few spins around the ice, explore the interpretive panels that reveal the rink's story.
Participation requirements: Access with a paid ice rink admission: General entry 5.30€ / reduced 4.10€. Free for under 4 years. - No reservations required | Special rate
Hours: Friday, September 18, 2026 — 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM | Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
François Le Comte Ice Rink
Allée de l'Agora
91000 Evry
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