Essonne is located a few kilometres to the south of Paris, in the heart of an outstanding area with myriad activities, sights and places of interest.

Walking
With more than 1,000 km of footpaths you will be spoilt for choice. Essonne is a département much in demand for its natural environment just a few minutes from Paris. The Bièvre, Juine, Essonne and Orge Valleys... are also ideal for walking.



Savouring local flavours :
The association "Produits & Terroir Essonne-Ile-de-France" brings together 42 producers, craftsmen, shopkeepers and restaurateurs who make up the richness of the Essonne region and who are committed to the quality and authenticity of its products, which include cress, fruit, vegetables, chocolate, honey, aromatic and medicinal plants. The choice is yours! 

Parks and gardens :
Numerous châteaux set in sumptuous parks and gardens adorn the Essonne département: the estates of Courson and Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard, famous for their spring and autumn plant festivals, the châteaux of Courances, Marais, Saussay, Farcheville, Villeconin; and the Chamarande national estate are just some of the many local places of interest




Golf :The choice is extensive: Essonne has 13 golf courses, the majority of which are open to the public.

The Gâtinais Français Regional Nature Park :
The 37th French Regional Nature Park was officially created on 4th May 1999. It extends over 63,700 hectares. A stay in a self-catering gîte is the ideal way to discover all the attractions of a park which has a great many surprises in store, such as Jean Tinguely's extraordinary "Cyclop" in Milly Forest.

Essonne towns :
The urban heritage also offers great diversity and countless places of interest, including a circular cathedral crowned with trees, designed by the architect Mario Botta at Evry; the Russian cemetery and orthodox church of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois; 15th- and 16th-century timber covered markets in Milly-la-Forêt, Arpajon and Méréville, Philippe auguste's château at Dourdan; and medieval churches in Etampes...