Essonne is a department in the
Île-de-France region, named after the Essonne River. It was established on January 1, 1968, when Seine-et-Oise was split into smaller departments. With the department number 91, Essonne borders 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. It is divided into two main regions: the northern and southern parts. The northern region is highly urbanised and part of the Paris metropolitan area, easily accessible by RER train or car via the A6 motorway or the well-known Route Nationale 7, which leads to Porte d'Orléans and the Paris ring road.
Discover Essonne - Houses & Lifestyle in Essonne
Essonne is a department in the
Île-de-France region, named after the Essonne River. It was established on January 1, 1968, when Seine-et-Oise was split into smaller departments. With the department number 91, Essonne borders 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. It is divided into two main regions: the northern and southern parts. The northern region is highly urbanised and part of the Paris metropolitan area, easily accessible by RER train or car via the A6 motorway or the well-known Route Nationale 7, which leads to Porte d'Orléans and the Paris ring road.
Notable Educational Institutions
Some of the most notable attractions in Essonne include
L'École Polytechnique, founded in 1794 and considered one of France's most prestigious engineering schools. The Arianespace Company's (CNES) headquarters is also located in Evry, the
préfecture city, now called Evry-Courcouronnes. This city is home to the only 20th-century cathedral in the entire country.
Architectural Wonders
In addition to Evry's recent cathedral, 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 Forêt de Sénart, covering 3,500 hectares, is a natural gem essential to local families and residents. It is located in the southern region of Essonne, which remains rural and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby busy cities.
Key Information about the Essonne (91)
- Main City/Prefecture: Évry-Courcouronnes
- Nearest Airport: Paris-Orly Airport
- Population: Around 1.3 million (as of the latest census)
- Area: 1,804 sq. kilometres and 696 sq. miles
- Landmark: Château de Courances, a stunning Renaissance castle with beautiful gardens.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.5 million, drawn by its historical estates, green spaces and proximity to Paris.
Property Prices in Essonne in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,914 (April 2026)
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,922 (April 2026)
- Price trends: -5% over the last 12 months, +11% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Essonne in 2026
- Average House Price in Évry‑Courcouronnes: €2,830 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Massy: €3,622 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Savigny‑sur‑Orge: €3,019 per sq. metre (April 2026)
(source:
Le Figaro)
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