What's the best way to get out and about in the 91? Located south of Paris,Essonne is a department in the Île-de-France region that offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. Whether you're a sports fan, culture buff or looking for new experiences,Essonne has something to surprise you.
Imagine paddling peaceful rivers, strolling through lush forests or taking part in lively festivals. Essonne is full of hidden treasures and opportunities for unforgettable adventures. So why not set out to conquer some of the 91's most unusual spots?
Our regularly updated selection of activities is aimed at bothEssonne residents and visitors wishing to discover little-known facets of the Paris region. Whether you're with family, friends or on your own, get ready to exploreEssonne from a new angle and experience some unique moments. Don't forget to check this page regularly for other ideas for outings in the département. So, are you ready for adventure? Get your diaries ready - it's time to conquer the Essonne's hot activities.
Longjumeau’s Medieval Festival 2026: knightly battles and falconry displays in September
Knights, artisans, birds of prey and riders descend on the Bois des Templiers on September 13, 2026. The Longjumeau Medieval Fair returns to Essonne for its 17th edition, welcoming the whole family. [Read more]
A plunge into the 1950s in Maisse, with vintage cars and free entertainment.
From September 11 to 13, 2026, [Read more]
Saint-Fiacre Festival 2026: games, medieval dances and an immersive journey into the Middle Ages
The town of La Ville-du-Bois invites you to travel back in time for Saint Fiacre, a medieval-themed celebration scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026. [Read more]
Aventure Floreval: a treetop adventure park, climbing and a multi-activity park in Essonne, 30 minutes from Paris
Only 30 minutes south of Paris, in Essonne (91), Aventure Floreval welcomes children and adults to the heart of the Morionville forest for a full day of outdoor adventure. Tree-top adventures, outdoor climbing, Paintball, Jurassic Mini-Golf, Escape Games, Laser Game, Quiz Battle, or even a farm with animals: the park offers a wide range of activities for a family outing, with friends, or in a group.
And since the summer of 2026, a new activity has completed the park’s lineup: a bouldering area installed right in the forest. [Read more]
An XXL shopping-and-leisure complex has opened in Essonne, featuring an outlet and, soon, an 85-dinosaur park.
A fountain with shows, shops, restaurants and even dinosaurs: shopping gets a whole new dimension in Le Plessis-Pâté, Essonne (91). From May 21, 2026, Valvert Croix Blanche opens its doors with the aim of turning a shopping trip into a true outing to be savored. An XXL new spot where people come as much to browse as to fill their bags. [Read more]
This steel giant is one of the wildest curiosities in Île-de-France, and you can visit it — reviews & photos.
In the heart of the Milly-la-Forêt woods, a strange steel creature awaits walkers. Monumental, immersive, and framed by cultural events, this extraordinary work invites visitors to a surprising and transportive artistic pause in Essonne. It reopens for a new season on Sunday, April 4, 2026. [Read more]
Parc Boussard: we visited this Art Deco garden, a designated Jardin Remarquable and free to visit in Essonne.
The Boussard Park, in Lardy (Essonne), is one of the few Art Deco gardens in Île-de-France. Registered as a historic monument and named a Remarkable Garden, this free-entry municipal park is open year-round. Tucked away in a discreet, hidden corner, it’s a real gem we were pleased to discover and are thrilled to share with you. [Read more]
Science Festival 2026 at École Polytechnique: activities, tours and an escape room this Saturday
École Polytechnique opens its doors to the Science Festival on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with activities and workshops designed to let people of all ages discover science in a playful way. [Read more]
Italian Meeting 2026: a gathering of Italian cars at the Linas Autodrome (91)
Attention Italian car enthusiasts: the Linas-Montlhéry race track is bringing back its flagship September event, the Italian Meeting. See you on September 26, 2026, to take part in this gathering brimming with Italy’s colors. [Read more]
Gâtinais honey, one of the culinary treasures of Essonne and Seine-et-Marne
Gâtinais honey, produced in Essonne and Seine-et-Marne, fascinates with its sweetness, medieval history and authentic craftsmanship. Discover this liquid gold from the Paris region. [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]
The TFOU park, the covered play area at the Evry 2 shopping center
Right in the heart of the Evry 2 shopping center, a 2,600 m² TFOU Parc welcomes you and your family for an afternoon of fun on the inflatables, games and activities on offer! [Read more]
Montlhéry's free medieval festival 2026: the program in Essonne
The Montlhéry Medieval Festival is back for its 9th edition on September 19–20, 2026, under the theme “Around the World” to mark Heritage Days. Expect equestrian shows, a medieval market, and fire-breathers, all free to attend in Essonne, at the foot of the famous Tower. [Read more]
The Moulin de Dannemois, home of Claude François, can be visited in Essonne
Paris has no shortage of artists who have fled the capital for the countryside: painters, singers, actors and artists have found calm, serenity and fresh air in the Île-de-France region. Near Dannemois, you can discover the home of the singer Claude François. [Read more]
Janvry, a picturesque village with a free wildlife park and events in the Chevreuse Valley
Nestled in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse in the Regional Nature Park, Janvry in Essonne is an undiscovered nugget. With its farmland and heritage, including the Louis XIII-style château and the church of Notre Dame du Mont Carmel, this village of 600 inhabitants knows how to surprise its visitors. In fact, to everyone's surprise, it offers a free animal park and great events all year round. [Read more]
Dundee Parc, an indoor playground for young and old in Corbeil-Essonnes (91)
Welcome to the children's (and teenagers') paradise of Corbeil-Essonnes! Here, young and old alike can let off steam in Dundee Parc's 2,500 m² of covered play areas. A program as fun as it is playful, perfect for families. [Read more]
The Orsay swimming pool, the place to swim laps on the Saclay plateau
How about a splash around Orsay (91)? Then head for the town's large swimming pool and its many pools for swimming, fun and exercise. [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]
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]
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]
Khánh-Anh, the immense pagoda at Evry-Courcouronnes (91)
With its large, colorful walls, the Evry-Courcouronnes pagoda is the largest in Europe. Located at the gateway to Paris, it is open to the public on certain days of the week. [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]
Autumn Plant Festival 2026 at this château in the heart of Essonne
The grounds of the Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard, in Essonne, welcome visitors from September 25 to 27, 2026, for its traditional autumn plant fair, alongside 200 exhibitors and a wide slate of activities. [Read more]
The K-Pop Warriors: Demon Hunters — the must-attend concert at the Arenas of Grand Paris Sud
The Grand Paris Sud Arenas will host in October 2026 the K-Pop Warriors – Demon Hunters Tribute, a show inspired by the world of K-Pop Demon Hunters. Featuring music, dance, and staging, the event invites audiences to relive the atmosphere of this work, which fuses K-pop with fantastic adventure. [Read more]
The Beekeeping Farm of Gâtinais and its family tours to discover the secrets of Essonne honey.
In the heart of Essonne (91), the Miellerie du Gâtinais delights honey lovers with free visits—whether self-guided or guided—into the fascinating world of bees. [Read more]
La Tête dans les Nuages: a new arcade games area at Evry 2 shopping center (94)
Attention arcade fans: a new address has just opened in the Le Spot shopping center in Evry. Whether with family or friends, the games area is accessible to young and old alike, with adrenaline-pumping fun on the agenda. [Read more]
The FISE makes its way to Essonne: a major festival featuring three days of BMX, rollerblading, and skateboarding
From September 18 to 20, 2026, Essonne Stadium will transform into the ultimate freestyle arena as it hosts the final of the FISE World Series. For the first time ever in Île-de-France, over 250 top athletes from around the world will compete in BMX, roller, skateboard, and scooter competitions on colossal structures. The event promises a spectacular festival that combines high-level contests with beginner-friendly activities for all ages. [Read more]
Etampes (91): the leisure island with a pool, a toboggan run and a treetop adventure park.
Want a day out in the great outdoors? Head to the Île de Loisirs d'Étampes to enjoy mini-golf, the pony club, the treetop adventure course, and the big zip lines... In short, for a sporty yet playful outing, it's a family trip! [Read more]
KoJump, the indoor trampoline park in Brétigny (91)
At the Promenades shopping center in Brétigny-sur-Orge, KoJump now offers hours of jumping on its trampoline park. [Read more]
This historic château in Essonne, now the town hall, hides a remarkable botanical park that’s free to visit.
In Lardy, the castle park—now the town hall—runs along the Juine for six hectares and features remarkable century-old trees in Essonne, freely accessible year-round. We treated ourselves to a quick outing to reveal this surprising green space and its castle. [Read more]
The Verrerie d'art de Soisy-sur-École (91), where you can admire glassblowers at work
In Essonne (91), in the midst of a verdant setting, the Verrerie d'art de Soisy-sur-École reveals the magic of glass being shaped before your very eyes. Free tours from Wednesday to Sunday allow you to watch the glassblowers at work and follow every bubble, every gesture. A unique, lively experience at the heart of an age-old know-how. [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]
Palaiseau (91): what to do for the 2026 Science Festival?
What events are planned in Palaiseau for the 2026 Science Festival? From October 2 to 12, the town will host free activities for all ages, including workshops, talks, exhibitions and scientific explorations. [Read more]
Mysterland, the indoor adventure playground in Montlhery (91)
In Montlhery, in the Essonne department, Mysterland is the indoor playground that welcomes you and your children all year round, for hours of family fun! [Read more]
Trúc Lâm Thiền Viện: discover the traditional Vietnamese pagoda in Villebon-sur-Yvette (91)
Take a one-way ticket to Hanoi - or rather, Villebon-sur-Yvette - and discover the Trúc Lâm Thiền Viện pagoda, a little-known nugget in the Essonne department. [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]
Kubli Confectionery in Morangis (91) — more than 125 years of crafting traditional candies.
Based in Morangis since the 1970s, the Kubli confectionery preserves a craft born in 1900, continuing to make candies today using traditional methods and regularly opening its workshops to the public. [Read more]
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]
Guided tours behind the scenes of rugby and the France XV at Marcoussis, in Essonne
From July 1, 2026, the iconic Marcoussis National Rugby Center will lift the curtain on its secrets with a set of unprecedented guided tours. From training pitches to tech-innovation hubs, discover this site in the heart of Essonne that invites fans to dive into the France XV’s preparations. [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]
Pony rides in the Vallée de Chevreuse, at Ecurie du Moulin Neuf (91)
In Villiers-le-Bâcle, the Ecurie du Moulin Neuf offers children the chance to ride a pony for an hour through the Vallée de Chevreuse. [Read more]
Port aux Cerises leisure island in Draveil (91): swimming, water sports and tree climbing
The Ile de loisirs du Port aux Cerises (Port aux Cerises Leisure Island) welcomes the people of Ile-de-France to a verdant setting on the banks of the Seine, on a 175-hectare site just 20 minutes from Paris. An opportunity to relax in the fresh air with the whole family, and enjoy new activities in spring and summer. [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]
Block'Out 3 Evry-Lisses
Notice to climbing enthusiasts, the bouldering gym Bloc'Out 3, on the side of Evry, opens its doors. From Wednesday, August 13, 2014, come and discover B'O3, the new bouldering gym that will seduce you with its innovative spaces, its design bar and its huge store with an exceptional choice. [Read more]
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