The Essonne campsites
Choose your holiday destination from among the twenty or so Essonne campsites. Two of them offer a particularly appealing setting, combining nature and proximity to Paris
Camping Le Parc des Roches*** in Saint-Chéron
Located in a green setting in the heart of the Orge Valley, Le Parc des Roches*** campsite is an ideal starting point for exploring the hiking trails and discovering the natural and cultural heritage of Essonne.
Camping Parc de la Fontaine*** in Saint-Maurice-Montcouronne
Nestled in a quiet, wooded setting, the Parc de la Fontaine*** campsite charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stay in the countryside, close to the capital and the department's wide open spaces.
Discover Essonne during your camping holiday in the Ile de France region
The Essonne department is made up of four geographical regions. To the north, the Hurepoix region encompasses Dourdan, Evry, Massy, Limours, Arpajon, Longjumeau and Montlhéry. It is a rural and market gardening area dotted with forests and the beautiful valleys of the Bièvre, Essonne, Yvette and Rémarde rivers.
On the other side of the Seine, you can also discover a small part of the Brie plateau.
To the south, around Étampes, lie the vast rural plains of Beauce, which stretch across five departments. The French Gâtinais occupies the eastern part around Milly-la-Forêt and La Ferté-Alais.
A very green destination on the outskirts of the capital
Essonne is one of the greenest departments in Île-de-France. State-owned forests, nature parks, valleys and rivers provide the perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor activities.
In Essonne, numerous wooded areas offer beautiful moments of calm, particularly part of the Fontainebleau forest, but also around Senart, Milly and Dourdan. These green lungs, which are very pleasant in Île-de-France, are complemented by large parks and the Chevreuse Valley.
Walking and hiking enthusiasts will find this an ideal playground, with numerous marked trails accessible to all levels: nearly 2,300 km of footpaths and around fifty cycle routes. On foot or by bike, you can explore the landscapes of the Juine Valley, the wooded paths of the French Gâtinais region and the outskirts of the Fontainebleau Forest, renowned for its rocks and views. It's the perfect destination to slow down and enjoy nature, whether for a weekend or a longer holiday.
Essonne, a rich and varied heritage to discover
In terms of heritage, Essonne stands out for its remarkable historical and architectural wealth. The department of Essonne is home to around fifty châteaux and a hundred listed religious monuments.
The fortresses of Dourdan, Etampes and Montlhery are complemented by the prestigious castels of Courson, Courances, Chamarande, Le Marais and Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard. As in Milly, Arpajon and Méréville, the gigantic wooden market halls dating from the 15th and 16th centuries hosted numerous trade fairs.
The sanctuaries are quite varied, with the basilica of Longpont-sur-Orge, the cathedrals of Évry and Corbeil-Essonnes, the Orthodox church of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, and the Gothic church of Dourdan.
The towns and villages of Essonne also hold some wonderful surprises: old market halls, churches, mills and historic centres bear witness to a rich past. Étampes, Arpajon and Milly-la-Forêt are lovely places to visit, combining history, leisurely strolls and local heritage.
Fresh and fragrant produce
The fertile lands of Essonne have long been the pantry of Parisians, with strawberries, lamb's lettuce, watercress, beans and red pumpkin. Milly-la-Forêt is renowned for the quality of its aromatic and medicinal herbs, which can be seen at the National Conservatory of Perfume Plants. This unspoilt environment has attracted many famous figures, such as Christian Dior and Jean Cocteau.
Farmers' markets, local farms and local produce shops offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, honey, cheese and other regional specialities. It's a great way to enhance your camping meals while supporting local producers.
A dynamic cultural life
Essonne offers a rich and varied cultural scene. Museums, unusual sites and events punctuate local life throughout the year. Claude François' mill in Dannemois, the Jean-Baptiste Salis aviation museum in Cerny and the many temporary exhibitions organised in estates and cultural venues are among the must-see attractions. It is also one of the birthplaces of photography in Bièvres and aviation in La Ferté-Alais.
Concerts, festivals, shows and summer events complete the programme, offering plenty of ideas for outings during a camping holiday, whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or with friends.
Essonne has also attracted many painters such as Foujita, Caillebotte and Dunoyer de Segonzac, who were seduced by the light and landscapes of the department.