📍 France

ESSONNE: CASTLES, VALLEYS AND FRENCH RURAL ESCAPES

Castle turrets pierce the treetops. Garden fountains reflect the light. Medieval moats ring the walls. Essonne whispers its aristocratic past, fully customizable.

≈ 11
Days
215
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Étampes preserves its medieval towers and historic center. Dourdan protects one of Île-de-France's finest fortified castles. Courances stands out with its Renaissance gardens and fountains. Milly-la-Forêt recalls Jean Cocteau's artistic legacy. Castles and estates structure a landscape of peaceful meadows and valleys.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Evry Courcouronnes

cathedral modern architecture town

Evry Courcouronnes - Photo 1Evry Courcouronnes - Photo 2Evry Courcouronnes - Photo 3Evry Courcouronnes - Photo 4Evry Courcouronnes - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Cathedral of the Resurrection (contemporary architecture).
2
Agora.
🎯

Activities

→
Urban parks.
→
Shopping center.
→
Seine and Essonne (confluence).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5.6 km
Travel time: 11min
2
Day

Corbeil Essonnes

river confluence industrial heritage

Corbeil Essonnes - Photo 1Corbeil Essonnes - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Corbeil Mills.
2
Saint-Spire Cathedral.
3
Guinette Tower.
🎯

Activities

→
Juine.
→
Louette.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 39.5 km
Travel time: 1h19
3
Day

Etampes

medieval tower fortress stone

Etampes - Photo 1Etampes - Photo 2Etampes - Photo 3Etampes - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Basile Church.
2
Fortified castle (13th century).
3
Saint-Blaise Chapel (Cocteau).
🎯

Activities

→
Dourdan Forest.
→
Orge.
→
Jean Tinguely's Cyclops.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20.1 km
Travel time: 40min
4
Day

Dourdan

castle moat fortress rampart

Dourdan - Photo 1Dourdan - Photo 2Dourdan - Photo 3Dourdan - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Plant conservatory.
2
Château de Courances.
3
Remarkable hydraulic gardens.
🎯

Activities

→
Landscape heritage.
→
Market gardening heritage.
→
Vintage car races.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47.4 km
Travel time: 1h35
5
Day

Milly La Foret

artist village forest charm

Milly La Foret - Photo 1Milly La Foret - Photo 2Milly La Foret - Photo 3Milly La Foret - Photo 4Milly La Foret - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Park of Méréville (romantic garden).
2
Picturesque ruins.
3
Saint-Clément Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Russian emigration heritage.
→
Forest of Fontainebleau.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5.5 km
Travel time: 11min
6
Day

Courances

garden renaissance chateau estate

Courances - Photo 1Courances - Photo 2Courances - Photo 3Courances - Photo 4Courances - Photo 5Courances - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Market halls (bean market).
2
Tower of Montlhéry.
🎯

Activities

→
Le Nôtre Park.
→
Springs.
→
Waterfalls.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 41.1 km
Travel time: 1h22
7
Day

Mereville

chateau neoclassical estate gardens

Mereville - Photo 1Mereville - Photo 2Mereville - Photo 3Mereville - Photo 4Mereville - Photo 5Mereville - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Historic autodrome.
2
Russian cemetery.
🎯

Activities

→
Juine.
→
Windmills.
→
Landscape heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42 km
Travel time: 1h24
8
Day

Arpajon

village market suburban gateway

Arpajon - Photo 1Arpajon - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Orthodox church.
2
Market halls (bean market).
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Orge.
→
Market gardening heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7.3 km
Travel time: 15min
9
Day

Montlhery

fortress tower medieval rampart

Montlhery - Photo 1Montlhery - Photo 2Montlhery - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Tower of Montlhéry.
2
Historic autodrome.
🎯

Activities

→
Medieval heritage.
→
Vintage car races.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6.1 km
Travel time: 12min
10
Day

Sainte Genevieve Des Bois

forest village woodland sanctuary

Sainte Genevieve Des Bois - Photo 1Sainte Genevieve Des Bois - Photo 2Sainte Genevieve Des Bois - Photo 3Sainte Genevieve Des Bois - Photo 4Sainte Genevieve Des Bois - Photo 5Sainte Genevieve Des Bois - Photo 6Sainte Genevieve Des Bois - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Russian cemetery.
2
Orthodox church.
3
Park.
🎯

Activities

→
Russian emigration heritage.
→
Orge.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.