Essonne is a department located in the
Île-de-France region of France, 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) borders 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 and the southern. The northern area is highly urbanised 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 and the
Périphérique ring road in Paris.
Discover Essonne - Houses & Lifestyle in Essonne
Essonne is a department located in the
Île-de-France region of France, 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) borders 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 and the southern. The northern area is highly urbanised 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 and the
Périphérique ring road in Paris.
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 2025
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €3,054
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €4,083
- Price trends: +3% over the last 12 months, +21% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Essonne in 2025
- Average House Price in Évry‑Courcouronnes: €3,000 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Massy: €4,804 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Savigny‑sur‑Orge: €4,036 per sq. metre
(source:
Le Figaro – October 2025)
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