Essonne is a department located in the
Île-de-France region of France and is named after the Essonne River. It was created on January 1, 1968, when Seine-et-Oise was divided into smaller departments. Essonne (department number 91) shares its borders with several other departments including Hauts-de-Seine and Val-de-Marne to the north, Seine-et-Marne to the east, Loiret to the south, and Eure-et-Loir and Yvelines to the west. The department is divided into two distinct regions, the northern region and the southern region. The northern region is highly urbanized and is part of the Parisian agglomeration. It is easily accessible by RER train or car, using the A6 motorway or the famous Route Nationale 7, which leads to
Porte d'Orléans. Some of the most notable attractions in Essonne include L'École Polytechnique, which was founded in 1794 and is considered one of the most prestigious engineering schools in France. The headquarters of the Arianespace Company (CNES) is also located in Evry, the prefecture city, which is now called Evry-Courcouronnes. This city has the only cathedral built in the 20th century in the entire country of France.
The Château de Montlhéry is another popular attraction in Essonne. It is a medieval castle situated on a hilltop overlooking the town of Montlhéry. Additionally, the Foret of Sénart, a forest covering an area of 3,500 hectares, is a natural gem that is essential to the local population. It is located in the southern region of Essonne, which remains rural and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Overall, Essonne is a beautiful department that boasts a rich history, diverse landscapes, and numerous attractions. It is definitely worth considering for those planning a visit to the Île-de-France region of France.
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