Things To Do
in Évry
Évry (now Évry-Courcouronnes) is a planned suburban city in the Essonne department, roughly 30 km south of central Paris, known for its modernist architecture and the striking concrete and brick Évry Cathedral. It hosts a major university campus and the Genopole biotech cluster, giving the town a youthful and research-oriented vibe. The town center is characterized by 1960s–70s urban planning: pedestrian malls, civic buildings, and public parks clustered around a central lake.
While not a traditional tourist hub, Évry offers multicultural food scenes, accessible green spaces, and easy RER access into Paris, making it a practical base for exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Gare d’Évry–Courcouronnes station, where the modernist architecture sets the tone for your stay. Stroll through the nearby pedestrian streets lined with shops and cafés, savoring a fresh croissant and café au lait. Let the vibrant outdoor murals introduce you to Évry's dynamic urban art scene.
Check into your boutique hotel near the Parc du Coudray, dropping your bags before heading out to discover the surrounding district. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a cozy bistro, sampling regional specialties like chicken with morels. Afterwards, wander through the promenade and admire the blend of greenery and concrete structures.
As twilight falls, make your way to the banks of the Seine for a peaceful riverfront walk, watching the city lights reflect on the water. Dine at a local brasserie offering fresh, seasonal dishes paired with a glass of Burgundy. Conclude your first night with a relaxing drink on a terrace, soaking in the welcoming atmosphere.
Start at the Évry Cathedral for a guided tour of its striking futuristic design by Mario Botta. Notice the red brick walls and geometric shapes that dwarf typical cathedral architecture. Pause to admire the stained glass windows flooding the interior with vibrant colors.
Head over to the University of Évry’s Cyber Tower to explore exhibitions on digital art and cutting-edge technology. Stop for lunch in the campus café, mingling with students over hearty quiches and salads. Continue your architectural journey, observing the modern campus buildings designed by renowned architects.
Return to the cathedral plaza to watch the evening light transform its façade. Enjoy dinner at a nearby pizzeria popular with locals, indulging in a wood-fired Margherita pizza. End the night with a stroll along the cathedral’s illuminated plaza before heading back to your hotel.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (within town) | $5-10 |
| 🚌Single public transport ticket (local) | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close and quick RER access to Paris while being more affordable than central Paris
- Distinct modern architecture and a youthful university/research atmosphere (Genopole)
- Parks, lake, and nearby forests for outdoor activities
- Multicultural food scene with affordable restaurants and markets
- Fewer classic tourist attractions compared with central Paris
- Some neighborhoods have perceptions of higher crime; exercise normal caution
- Nightlife and high-end dining options are limited locally—many options require travel into Paris
- Urban planning from the 1960s–70s may feel impersonal to those seeking historic charm
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare RER ?" - Where is the RER station?
Places to Visit in Évry
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking example of late-20th-century ecclesiastical architecture with dramatic light and geometric forms—ideal for architectural and interior photography.
A scenic park surrounding a central lake with walking paths, water reflections, and seasonal plantings—great for landscape and golden-hour shots.
Modern research buildings and landscaped campus areas offer contemporary architectural lines and a sense of academic life.
Riverside walks and bridges provide opportunities for pastoral and urban-contrast images, especially at sunrise or sunset.
1970s urban planning elements, public art, and everyday street scenes showcasing suburban French life and multicultural markets.
Food in Évry
Évry Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic French bistro dishes—simple, satisfying, and available at many local brasseries near the town center.
Must-Try!
Reflecting the area's North African communities, hearty couscous and slow-cooked tajines are popular and easy to find in family-run restaurants.
Quality croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes from local boulangeries—perfect for breakfast or a picnic.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A typical regional market (usually held on specific weekdays) selling fresh produce, cheese, bread, olives, and ready-to-eat specialties—great for picnic supplies and local specialties.
Small street-food vendors and kebab/grill shops near transport hubs serving quick, affordable North African and Middle Eastern-style sandwiches and platters.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers and service staff with 'Bonjour' on arrival; a polite 'Bonsoir' is used in the evening. Use 'Madame' or 'Monsieur' in formal interactions.
French social interactions value politeness and a degree of formality—avoid being overly familiar until invited to do so.
Respect personal space and moderate volume in public; casual cheek kisses (la bise) are common among friends but not appropriate for first meetings.
Smart-casual dress is typical in restaurants and cultural venues; avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Évry
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is generally included in restaurant bills (service compris), but leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up or adding 5–10% is common; leave small tips for hotel porters and delivery drivers.
Credit and debit cards (Chip-and-PIN) are widely accepted; contactless payment and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash for small market stalls or very small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring a pleasant time to visit—expect occasional rain and rising crowds on weekends at parks and markets.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours—parks and lakes are popular, but urban areas can feel warm; bring sunscreen and expect more events and outdoor dining.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage in local woods and parks; a good season for hiking and quieter cultural calendars after summer.
Chilly, damp winters with occasional frost; fewer outdoor activities but lower tourist traffic—dress warmly and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Évry at Night
Hiking in Évry
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large, accessible forest with well-marked trails, varied terrain, and wildlife—ideal for day hikes, running, and nature walks (15–30 minutes by car or local transit).
A regional natural park offering chalky plateaus, bocage landscapes, and scenic hikes—better for a full-day trip to experience more rural Île-de-France scenery.
Linear trails and paths along the rivers provide easy, scenic walks that can be combined with picnics and birdwatching; sections vary in length and difficulty.
Airports
How to reach Évry by plane.
About 15–25 km north of Évry and the closest major airport; accessible by taxi or a combination of local buses and RER/Orlyval connections—approx. 20–40 minutes depending on route and traffic.
France's largest international airport, roughly 50–60 km away; reachable by RER and regional trains or by car; allow 60–90 minutes travel time depending on connections and traffic.
A budget-airline airport north of Paris used by some low-cost carriers; farther from Évry (over an hour by car) and typically requires shuttle or longer transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant student and research community associated with the University of Évry and Genopole biotech cluster, contributing to a youthful demographic and international presence.
Many residents are families and professionals who commute to Paris or nearby employment centers for work.
Diverse populations including people with origins in North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and other parts of Europe—reflected in local shops, restaurants, and cultural life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally with community clubs and youth teams; local pitches and clubs are active and a common social activity.
Basketball has solid local participation, with indoor courts and youth leagues around town and at community centers.
Cycling and running are popular for fitness and leisure in parks, along riverbanks, and on forest trails nearby.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Évry.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common (cheese plates, salads, vegetable tagines), but menus may be meat-focused—ask staff for meat-free options and look for vegetarian-friendly cafés and the market for fresh produce.
Vegan choices can be limited in traditional bistros; rely on markets, some international restaurants, and cafés that offer salads, grilled vegetables, and legume-based dishes. Communicate restrictions in French where possible.
Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing; bakeries may not have many GF baked goods, so look for naturally gluten-free options like salads, grilled meats, and some market stalls—always confirm cross-contamination with staff.