Évry

Day Trips

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.

Drop by the Le Cube Center for Digital Arts, where interactive installations and digital performances await. Engage with hands-on exhibits that blur the line between art and technology. Grab a coffee in the center’s café while watching local artists at work.

Visit the local art gallery in the city center to see rotating exhibitions of contemporary painters and sculptors. Chat with gallery staff to learn about upcoming workshops and cultural events. Enjoy a light lunch in a nearby bistro, sampling cheese platters and crusty bread.

Attend a live performance at Théâtre de l’Agora, whether it’s a play, concert or dance show. Savor an aperitif in the theater lobby, mingling with fellow art enthusiasts. After the show, dine at a trendy restaurant offering creative fusion cuisine.

Venture to the Parc des Coquibus for a morning run or leisurely stroll among oak trees and open lawns. Spot local wildlife such as ducks by the pond and songbirds in the hedgerows. Enjoy a picnic breakfast with pastries purchased from a nearby bakery.

Cycle along the Seine’s banks using rental bikes, passing under leafy bridges and peaceful groves. Stop for lunch at a riverside café where you can taste freshly caught fish dishes. Continue pedaling until you reach a secluded meadow perfect for reading or sketching.

Return the bikes and catch the golden hour light over the water. Dine at a gourmet restaurant overlooking the park, trying dishes with seasonal produce. End your day with a nightcap on the terrace, listening to crickets in the grass.

Kick off with a visit to the municipal market, browsing stalls selling cheese, charcuterie, pastries and fresh produce. Chat with vendors to learn about regional specialties like Brie de Meaux. Grab some warm baguettes and head to a quiet corner for an impromptu breakfast.

Enroll in a cooking class at a nearby culinary school, mastering French classics such as coq au vin or tarte tatin. Taste each course you’ve prepared alongside a carefully selected wine pairing. Exchange recipes with fellow food enthusiasts over dessert.

Book a table at a Michelin-recommended restaurant in the center, where the chef specializes in modern takes on French cuisine. Choose a tasting menu that showcases local ingredients and inventive techniques. Pair your meal with a fine French wine and end the evening with a decadent chocolate soufflé.

Tour the University of Évry’s modern campus, exploring its sleek lecture halls and green courtyards. Visit the Innovation and Entrepreneurship center to learn about start-ups incubated here. Chat with students and professors about cutting-edge research projects.

Grab lunch at the campus’s food court, sampling international dishes from various student-run stalls. Attend a public lecture or workshop on topics ranging from AI to sustainable urbanism. Browse the university bookshop for niche publications on technology and design.

Return to the city center for dinner at a casual restaurant popular with academics, enjoying inventive salads or gourmet burgers. Head to a local bar that features tech-themed décor and friendly conversations. Sip on a craft beer or artisanal cocktail while reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Explore the Rue des Moulins district, dotted with boutique shops offering fashion, home décor and artisanal crafts. Stop in a patisserie for a flaky pain au chocolat and an espresso. Browse independent bookstores showcasing French literature and local history.

Visit the Centre Commercial Evry 2, one of France’s largest shopping malls, for a mix of high-street and designer stores. Enjoy lunch at the food court with international cuisine options. Treat yourself to a spa session or beauty treatment in the mall’s wellness center.

Head back to the pedestrian streets for dinner at a cozy café, tasting wood-fired pizzas or light Mediterranean dishes. Browse late-night pop-up stalls for handmade jewelry or gourmet chocolates. Finish the evening with a gelato as you wander the softly lit streets.

Begin at dawn with a gentle kayak session on the Seine, guided by a local outdoor company. Glide past lush riverbanks and historic bridges, absorbing the tranquility of the water. Occasionally spot herons or kingfishers along the shore.

Dock at a floating café for a light lunch of fresh salads, sandwiches and iced tea. Rent a stand-up paddleboard for a short session, balancing amid gentle currents. Swim at a supervised river beach area when the weather is warm.

Return your equipment and stroll back to the city center as the sun sets. Reserve a table at a riverfront restaurant, feasting on grilled fish and seasonal vegetables. Toast your day on the patio with a crisp rosé as the lights shimmer on the river.

Visit the Évry Music Conservatory to admire historic instruments and meet young musicians during a backstage tour. Listen to a rehearsal of classical or jazz ensembles in intimate studios. Grab a fresh pastry at the conservatory café before departing.

Attend a workshop at the Centre Chorégraphique National d’Évry, learning basic contemporary dance moves from professional dancers. Enjoy a casual lunch with the troupe, sampling homemade quiches and fruit tarts. Observe an afternoon rehearsal in the studio.

Watch a full-scale ballet or modern dance performance in the elegant Théâtre de l’Agora. Arrive early to select the best seats and soak up the pre-show ambiance. After the curtain call, discuss the choreography over dinner at a nearby fondue restaurant.

Sip a leisurely coffee on a terrace overlooking Parc du Coudray, reflecting on the highlights of your trip. Take a final stroll among the park’s blooming gardens and serene pathways. Visit a local art installation near the park’s entrance for one last glimpse of Évry’s creativity.

Enjoy a farewell lunch at a charming bistro, ordering traditional French onion soup followed by crème brûlée. Pick up souvenirs like artisanal jams or locally crafted soaps from a specialized boutique. Pack your bags at the hotel, making sure to leave time for a final city walk.

Head to the train station with plenty of time before departure, grabbing a last macaron from the station patisserie. Reflect on your immersive journey as you board the train, appreciating the blend of architecture, culture, and nature you experienced. Bid a fond adieu to Évry, knowing you’ll carry its memories home.