Top 10 activities in Essonne

Adventure parks, castles, fly-fishing, natural gardens... In Essonne, adventure awaits you around every corner! Whether for a long weekend, a holiday or a seminar, this region of the Paris region has something for everyone. Dive into our top 10 Essonne activities for an unforgettable time.

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1- Explore the Château de Chamarande and its remarkable garden

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Nestled in 98 hectares of superb parkland, the château de Chamarande will delight lovers of culture and art. Dating from the 17th century, it hosts numerous exhibitions and collections. For those who prefer to spend time in the fresh air rather than in front of works of art, its remarkable garden will have something to satisfy them. Meadows, riverbanks and botanical landscapes make for superb walks.

Between nature and culture, there's plenty to keep you busy!

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Practical info

35 km south of Paris

RER C station: Chamarande stop

Open every day except public holidays

Free admission

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2- Stimulate your artistic flame at the Maison Caillebotte

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Would you like to immerse yourself in the creative and mysterious atmosphere of a painter's house? Visit Caillebotte House was the family home of Gustave Caillebotte, the famous 19th-century Impressionist painter. Today transformed into a museum, this surprising dwelling still boasts an aviary, a vegetable garden and even a charming tearoom, ideal for a bite to eat.

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While many of Monsieur Caillebotte's works are on display in Paris museums (notably the Musée d'Orsay), many of his paintings have remained on his estate. This timeless place is ideal for a visit with family, friends or colleagues!

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Practical info

Open every afternoon except Monday.

Vegetable garden open from April to October.

35 min drive from Paris

Accessible by RER D: Yerres stop

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3- The Russian cemetery in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois

You probably didn't expect to find a Russian cemetery in the heart of Essonne. Yet here you'll find the largest Russian necropolis outside Russia. This unusual place is home to over 5,200 Orthodox tombs. Many of those buried here fled Russia following the establishment of Bolshevik rule in 1917.

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Steeped in mystery and history, the necropolis is open to visitors every day. Check the opening times on the official website !

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4- Château de Courances, a veritable paradise on the outskirts of Paris

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Another château, you ask? Yes, but not just any castle! Beauty, luxury and zenitude await you on the other side of the gates of the domaine de Courances. We go there for its majestic château, of course, but also for its surprising Japanese garden. Impeccably maintained, it imbues visitors with an incomparable sense of zen.

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Practical info

The château is closed in winter and summer. 

The park is open from April to November.

Prepare your visit here

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5- French Museum of Photography

Good news for photography fans: Essonne is home to the fascinating French Museum of Photography ! 25,000 objects, a million images, 50,000 documents and a library trace the entire history of photography. Have you ever wondered how photographs were taken in the XIXᵉ century? Come and find the answers to your wackiest questions about the art of photography.

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Practical info

The museum is currently closed for renovation, but will reopen soon. Visit official website for the latest news.

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6 - Enjoy the Floreval adventure park

Life is more fun from the treetops! Enjoy exploring the courses at Floreval Adventure Park. Accrobranche, minigolf, escape games, laser games and archery provide unforgettable moments. An ideal experience for team buildingor simply for family fun!

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Practical info

Open from late March to early November

Consult our prices here

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7 - Fly fishing

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Looking for a truly original activity? Look no further, we've got just the thing. Think of yourself as an adventurer for a day and discover fly fishing at Abbéville-la-Rivière. Accompanied by experienced anglers, you'll learn the secrets of this fascinating fishing technique. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to catch a trout of your own!

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Practical info

Courses available every day except Friday

Reservations required on the official website

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8 - Let yourself be seduced by nature at the Domaine de Méréville

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Nature lovers, you've found your paradise. The Domaine de Méréville, which is entirely free to visit, is a veritable jewel of greenery. This landscaped park is an Anglo-Chinese garden. Yes, you read that right - it's a funny combination! What on earth is an Anglo-Chinese garden? In short, it's a natural space that seeks to imitate the "wild" side of nature. This is in contrast to the "French garden", which is based on symmetry. And therefore imposes order on nature. 

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This picturesque, relaxing estate is perfect for clearing your head and enjoying the wild beauty of the garden.

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Practical info

Open from April to October on Wednesdays and weekends. Consult opening hours on the Essonne tourisme.

Free admission

Guided tours available for a fee

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9- Immerse yourself in the unique heritage of the Maison-Atelier Foujita

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Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Franco-Japanese painter Foujita by exploring his Maison-atelier in Villiers-le-Bâcle. Trained at the Paris School, this artist was one of the most prominent painters of the early XXᵉ century. Through his canvases, brushes and pigments, visitors enter the intimacy of this genius creator. An inspiring and stimulating visit.

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Practical info

Open all year except Mondays.

Opening hours available here

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10 - The Montauger estate, between biodiversity and sustainable development

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Who would have thought that Essonne was home to so many dream estates? Head for the Domaine de Montauger to discover an astonishing property. Amazing, because the estate includes the Maison Départementale de l'Environnement. Throughout the year, the Maison Départementale de l'Environnement organizes events on ecology, biodiversity and sustainable development. These outings and interactive exhibitions are particularly recommended for companies (especially for training seminars) or schools.

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The property also boasts a superb 15-hectare park. Meadows, orchards and marshes boast remarkable flora and fauna - and are particularly conducive to serenity...

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Practical info

Consult the program here

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Would you like to to organize a company seminar in a country house near Paris? The beautiful homes of TOH welcome all types of guests in a soothing, relaxing setting. Contact us now and we'll find the perfect place for you!