Nestled in the heart of Île-de-France, Évry-Courcouronnes is emerging as a real playground for lovers of thrills and parkour. With its varied architecture and dynamic urban spaces, this unusual city offers the perfect setting for performing daring tricks, jumping from one wall to another and defying the laws of gravity. Whether you are an experienced tracer or a novice wanting to learn this art of travel, Évry-Courcouronnes promises an unforgettable experience. Prepare to explore its every nook and cranny and redefine your limits in this surprising urban setting!
Discovering Évry-Courcouronnes
When we think of theIle-de-France, Évry-Courcouronnes is perhaps not the first destination that comes to mind. However, this city located only 26 km southeast of Paris is a true hidden treasure for lovers of parkour and of urban sports. Accessible in less than an hour by the RER D, it offers a refreshing escape from the tumult of Paris, particularly during major events like the Olympics.
The Concrete Lady: An iconic symbol
Imagine an imposing reinforced concrete sculpture, 17 meters high and 27 meters wide, nestled on the edge of the Lake Park. This monumental work, known as “The Lady of the Lake”, was designed by the Hungarian sculptor Pierre Székely and inaugurated in 1975. With its ten ascent routes of varying difficulty and its 150 holds imagined by the mountaineer Guido Magnone, it is the birthplace of parkour.
In the 1980s, a group of teenagers, including David Belle, future founder of the term parkour, began training here. Transforming each ramp, bar, staircase and wall into a playground, they gave birth to a discipline that is now world-renowned. Even if climbing the Lady of the Lake is now prohibited, the park remains a pleasant place for walks where you can observe the greylag geese and take advantage of the educational panels around the body of water.
The Parks of Évry-Courcouronnes
Évry-Courcouronnes is not limited to its famous climbing wall. The city is dotted with green parks such as Parc Coquibus (20 hectares), Parc des Loges (15 hectares) and Parc des Tourelles (11 hectares). For hiking enthusiasts, the GR2 trail crosses the city, linking Dijon to Le Havre along the course of the Seine.
A rich cultural heritage
Although few ancient remains remain, you can still discover the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, dating from the 12th century.e century, with elements such as the ribbed vault from the 13the century and the baptismal font offered by the son of Madame de Montespan.
Remarkable contemporary architecture
The Cours Monseigneur Roméro, located opposite the RER station, is an impressive architectural ensemble which brings together the town hall, the cathedral and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all in red bricks. The Cathedral of the Resurrection Saint-Corbinien, the only cathedral built in the 20th centurye century, is a masterpiece of modern architecture with its unique cylinder, stained glass windows and crypt with conceptual art sculptures.
The Khahn-Anh Pagoda: A guaranteed change of scenery
Crossing Henri Fabre Park, you can discover the Khahn-Anh Pagoda, a place dedicated to Mahāyāna Buddhism. Inaugurated in 2008 by the Dalai Lama, this pagoda welcomes the faithful and the curious in a peaceful and spiritual setting. The main room houses an imposing statue of Buddha and a “memory wall” making this pagoda a place of meditation and cultural discovery.
A street art territory
Since 2015, Évry-Courcouronnes has launched a Street-art Festival, transforming the city into an open-air art gallery. Renowned artists and graffiti artists were invited to create around sixty works, thus beautifying the facades and public spaces. Guided tours, sometimes led by Franck Senaud, allow you to discover these works and appreciate their techniques and hidden stories.
Useful information
Getting There
From Gare de Lyon (or Châtelet-les-Halles), RER D, 45 min. Single IDF origin-destination rate, €5.
Essonne Tourism
19, rue des Mazières. Such. : 01 64 97 36 91
Prefigurations Association
Reservations for guided tours with Franck Senaud: street art, architecture (1 hour, €5), drawing tours (2 hours, €15). street.prefigurations@gmail.com
To download
The JeSuisMaVille application (available on Android and Apple).
