Dourdan and Etampes
tourists
touristic sites
hotel nights
Because of its privileged geographical situation which places it to the south of the capital, Essonne has inherited the abundant history of the Parisian basin.
From the Magdalenian world (archaeological site of Etiolles) to the coronation of Dagobert near Milly-la-Forêt, the great battles of the Middle Ages (Battle of Montlhéry, 1465 …), to the first steps of the railway and the aviation, the Essonne has always been in the heart of France.
The department still has this unique position thanks to its major axes of communication: 1 TGV station in Massy which allows to join the European rail network, 1 river port in Evry, the A6 (Paris-Marseille) and A10 (Paris-Bordeaux) motorways ), 4 national roads (N6, N7, N20, N104), then the airport of Orly located in the north which offers many connections to the regional capitals and European but also to the United States and Asia. And Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport accessible by motorway (A6 and A86) and RER B.
Also, Essonne has managed to preserve a remarkable living environment. With 49,000 hectares of natural habitats (including 42,000 hectares of forests), more than 400 kilometers of rivers and 2,500 kilometers of paths, the department offers varied and picturesque landscapes to discover at the gates of the capital.
Essonne therefore has tourist assets very often confidential. Is it not nicknamed “the secret garden of the Ile-de-France”?
The department takes its name from the Gallic goddess of the rivers, Exona.
The symbolic and founding element of the Essonne territory is water. The department is crossed by the Seine, the Bievre, the Chalouette, the Remarde, the Juine, the Barley, the Yvette, the Yerres, and … the Essonne! This is why many of our cities are named after a watercourse.
Do not hesitate, the Essonne, nicknamed “secret garden of the Île-de-France” awaits you to seduce you. A gateway desire? Want to discover beautiful gardens or illustrious residences? A desire for nature, sport or leisure?
Come discover, in Essonne, at a few kilometers south of Paris, a historical, cultural and natural heritage that hides beautiful surprises.
Essonne combines the charm of wilderness with the proximity of urban recreation. From castles to gardens, from cinemas to museums, or from festival shows, the Essonne invites to a thousand discoveries.
It also offers a life-size site for the practice of many sports and leisure activities.
The Essonne seduces visitors with the diversity of its natural and cultural heritage and its accommodation facilities (Gîtes de France, bed and breakfast, campsites …).
The Departmental Domain of Chamarande, a recognized, artistic and cultural center, offers many activities all year long. The French Museum of Photography in Bièvres has a unique collection of objects and photos. The Massy Opera, with its quality programming and world-renowned artists. The theater of Agora in Evry, national scene, offers shows of any style. Many music and film festivals are also organized for your enjoyment.
5 France museums – 30 cinemas, including 17 arthouse cinemas – 4 concert halls – 3 Houses of Illustrious
For lovers of water activities, the Draveil and Étampes regional recreation bases offer several dozens of hectares of nature and sports entertainment. The Essonne is the first department of the Ile-de-France in terms of sports equipment : whatever your desires – whether to walk or unwind – you will be filled in Essonne! Hiking or biking, tree climbing, indoor or outdoor climbing, rowing or boat crossings, karting, paintball or escape game, you will definitely find what you like!
125 Gîtes de France® – 92 hotels – 12 tourism residences – 15 campsites
Take a stroll around museums and castles, gardens and golf courses. Cottages, bed and breakfasts, charming and business hotels, campsites, caravans will encourage you to extend your stay!
Essonne offers a range of accommodation for your short or long stays, able to fill the most demanding. Hotels, lodges or rentals, bed and breakfast or unusual accommodations are offered without forgetting campsites for lovers of the outdoors.
With the connection of four remarkable natural micro-regions such as Brie, Gâtinais, Hurepoix and Beauce, the Essonne awaits you with its remarkable cultural and natural heritage!
Located a few kilometers south of Paris, in the heart of preserved natural areas, the Essonne offers a range of sites suitable for the organization of seminars, congresses or meetings with high quality rooms of all styles and for every taste !
The department proposes places of seminars with or without accommodation coupling in most cases with activities of leisures (golf, karting, accrobranche, riding …). In short, a destination close to major Parisian business centers offering preserved nature without forgetting that the Essonne is also a beautiful land of gastronomy.
In partnership with art and local producers, the Departemental Comittee of Tourism in Essonne organizes visits to discover Essonne’s know-how and proposes our “Made in Essonne” gourmet basket order.
