South of Paris, Essonne is a department of science parks, royal estates, and rolling Gâtinais countryside. Évry-Courcouronnes, the capital, is youthful and diverse, while towns like Étampes, Dourdan, and Millet’s Barbizonoffer history and forest walks. The Plateau de Saclay drives tech innovation, yet rivers and regional parks keep it green. Housing ranges from suburban family homes to village stone houses—popular with commuters wanting space.