Essonne Facts for Kids

Essonne is a special part of France, called a department. It's located just south of Paris in a larger area known as the Île-de-France region. Think of a department like a county or a state in some other countries. It helps organize the country.

The main city and administrative center of Essonne is Évry. This city is known as the department's prefecture, which means it's where the local government offices are. About 1.2 million people call Essonne their home.

Where Essonne is located in France

The flag of Essonne

The coat of arms of Essonne

About Essonne
Geography and Nature
Cities and Towns
Economy and Innovation
Culture and Heritage
Images for kids
See also

About Essonne

Essonne was created in 1968. Before that, it was part of a bigger department called Seine-et-Oise. The name "Essonne" comes from the Essonne River, which flows through the area. This river is important for the local environment and history.

Geography and Nature

Essonne has a mix of busy towns and peaceful countryside. You can find beautiful forests, like the famous Fontainebleau Forest, which stretches into Essonne. There are also many green spaces and parks, perfect for outdoor activities. The landscape includes flat plains and gentle hills.

Cities and Towns

Besides Évry, Essonne has several other interesting towns.

Évry: As the prefecture, Évry is a modern city with many businesses and a university. It's a hub for education and technology.
Corbeil-Essonnes: This town is known for its history and is located where the Essonne River meets the Seine River.
Palaiseau: Home to many research centers and schools, making it an important place for science and learning.
Étampes: A historic town with old buildings and a rich past, as seen in its town hall.

Economy and Innovation

Essonne is a place where many new ideas are born! It's known for its strong focus on science, research, and technology. Many companies and universities here work on advanced projects, especially in areas like space, aviation, and information technology. This makes Essonne an important center for innovation in France. Agriculture is also present, with farms growing crops in the more rural areas.

Culture and Heritage

Essonne has a rich history, and you can see it in its many castles and old buildings.

Château de Dourdan: This is a well-preserved medieval castle that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. It's a great example of old French architecture.
Château de Montlhéry: This castle has a tall tower that you can see from far away. It played a role in many historical events.
Longpont-sur-Orge: This town has a beautiful old castle called Lormoy Castle, which looks especially magical when it snows.

These historical sites help tell the story of Essonne and its past.