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IN BRIEF
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What if the suburbs hid treasures? Essonne astonishes with Château de Chamarande and its artsy vibe, and the green getaways of the Regional Natural Park of Gâtinais français, all just a stone’s throw from Paris. A bonus to shine in the evening: its famous 91 comes from the former number of the department of Alger!
Looking for an escape that breaks the clichés about the Paris suburbs? Head to Essonne, where you alternate between vast spaces, royal heritage, and small historical curiosities. On the agenda: the elegant visit of Château de Chamarande and a breath of fresh air in the Regional Natural Park of Gâtinais français, before revealing a little-known (and tasty) fact about department numbers. Just a stone’s throw from Paris, Essonne surprises, captivates, and leaves you craving to return.
Long perceived as a simple extension of the capital, Essonne reveals a character all its own: castles straight out of a historical novel, forests and valleys perfect for escaping, and a living heritage that pulses with the rhythm of its inhabitants. Here are two must-see stops and an administrative anecdote that has its own bite.
Château de Chamarande: 17th-Century Elegance and Contemporary Art in Majesty
About forty kilometers southwest of Paris, in the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse, Château de Chamarande unfolds its brick and stone facades, its symmetrical lines, and its moats that give it the air of a mini-fortress. Born in the 17th century, this estate is now the setting for a recognized contemporary art center and a park of nearly 100 hectares where visitors happily stroll between meadows, groves, and ponds.
The site has retained the refined sobriety of its original architecture, enhanced, two centuries later, by the development of gardens that invite to wander. Here, one experiences the spirit of grand historical estates, with the gentle freedom of a revisited English garden: nature serves as a backdrop without ever suffocating it. As a result, nearly 200,000 visitors gather here every year, whether for an exhibition, a chic picnic, or a contemplative stroll.
To prepare for your visit, also explore the resources offered by the Essonne Tourist Office and check practical information at www.essonnetourisme.com.
Regional Natural Park of Gâtinais français: Nature by Bike, on Foot… or on Horseback
Spanning nearly 800 km² between Essonne and Seine-et-Marne, the Regional Natural Park of Gâtinais français assembles a patchwork of forests (including a neighboring strip of Fontainebleau), watercourses, farmlands, valleys, and plateaus. Here, one can traverse the trails on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, punctuating the route with unexpected cultural stops: castles with remarkable gardens, medieval churches, and villages that await a sunny terrace to keep you there.
The Gâtinais is the dual promise of a nature leisure experience at the gates of the capital and a protected territory that values its landscapes as much as its traditions. And if the urge for an urban twist strikes you, head to Évry-Courcouronnes, a parkour destination in Île-de-France: a sporty and playful experience, perfectly aligning with the exploratory spirit that is fitting for a trip to Essonne.
Proximity tourism has gained momentum in recent years. Like territories experiencing a true tourist ascent, Essonne is being rediscovered through gentle itineraries and outdoor activities that invite you to extend your getaway.
A Fascinating Fact to Know: 91, an Inheritance from a Much Larger History
Until the 1960s, the Paris region was structured around Paris and a vast department, Seine-et-Oise. In 1964, a major reform split this administrative giant into several entities that now form Île-de-France: Seine-et-Marne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Val-d’Oise… and Essonne. Yvelines keeps the number 78, but, surprise, others inherit numbers from elsewhere.
Why does Essonne carry the number 91? Because this number was once that of the department of Alger, in Algeria, whose grid disappears after independence. The same logic applies to 92 (formerly Oran) and 93 (ex-Constantine), which became Hauts-de-Seine and Seine-Saint-Denis. A small historical bridge between the banks of the Seine and the shores of the Mediterranean, which well illustrates the complexity of our administrative map. For the curious, this anecdote is even better enjoyed by diving back into the mysteries of the name Île-de-France.
Prepare Your Getaway to Essonne
Map out your visits, schedules, exhibits, and events via the Essonne Tourist Office and keep handy the wealth of practical information at www.essonnetourisme.com. Between castles, nature, and local gems, Essonne awaits you with open arms.
