Essonne contains four natural areas: Hurepoix, the plains of Beauce, the plateau of Brie and the French Gâtinais. The latter is subject to special protection since it has been classified since 1999 as a 63,700 hectare regional natural park. It connects the Fontainebleau forest to the Rambouillet forest. The originality of this park is based on the diversity of its landscapes. The Essone is crossed by many rivers and magnified by many forests, including Fontainebleau. In all, 1 000 kilomètres of paths allow you to ride through this green department on horseback. There are six discovery tours reserved for riders in Essonne. You will enjoy its beautiful walks to contemplate the natural, historical and architectural heritage of the territory. The two medieval cities of Dourdan and Étampes offer fortifications and other remarkable vestiges of the Middle Ages. Also to be discovered in the must-see, the Courson estate, the Courances estate, the Chamarande estate, the château and gardens of Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard, famous for its plant festivals, the château de Villeconin or the tower of Montlhéry. Cycling tours are also a very popular activity in Essonne.
When to go to Essonne ? From April to September, the open-air pools at the Étampes and Port aux Cerises leisure centers are a delight for swimmers. Equipped with wave pools, slides, water games and paddling pools, these leisure centers are very popular swimming areas during the summer. During the fishing season, those who handle the rod and net will be able to catch gudgeon, roach, pike, trout, carp, perch and lamprey from the departmental waters. Walkers and cyclists will be able to walk or cycle along the miles of tracks and paths to discover the many horizons of the Essonne.
In Essonne, we will find an oceanic climate. It is characterized by cool, wet winters and mild summers with variable weather, knowing that the maximum rainfall occurs during the cold season.
