The Essonne flows through Gironville-Sur-Essonne, where it divides into several branches. The town lies in the Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais Français; historic buildings and routes along the river offer different focuses for planning your trip. You can explore the history of its buildings or make a cycling or walking route the focus of your visit.
The history of the church and farm
Église Saint-Pierre is listed as a Monument historique. Its porch features a crow-stepped gable, cited as the only example of its kind in Essonne and very rare in the Île-de-France. The church also has two bell towers; the older one dates from the late 11th century. The building thus draws attention both for an unusual feature of its porch and for the specific date of its older tower.
Ferme du Vignay is also partially listed as a Monument historique. The protected part is the sheepfold; it was listed by decree on 23 February 1981. The main construction phase of the farm dates to the first half of the 16th century. The scope of the protection and the construction date should be distinguished: the listing applies to the sheepfold, while the date refers to the farm’s main construction phase.
The town’s history reaches back to the 9th century, when Gironville-Sur-Essonne was known as Gisoni Villa. Moulin de Vicq belongs to a later historical period: in 1900, it was one of four mills recorded for Gironville-Sur-Essonne. Together, these details provide different points of reference for the town’s history without assigning the individual buildings to the same period.
Cycling and walking routes along the Essonne
The “Au coeur du Gâtinais français” cycling circuit passes through Gironville-Sur-Essonne and then follows the Essonne to a mill. The route thus connects the town with a stretch along the river. Check the route and conditions before setting off.
Another option is the walking route from Maisse to Malesherbes. It leads to the former Moulin de Vicq, follows the Essonne and then leaves Gironville-Sur-Essonne in the direction of Buno-Bonnevaux. Check the trail conditions locally. When choosing, you can distinguish the routes by mode of travel and course: the cycling route is a circuit, while the walking route is described as running between Maisse and Malesherbes and leaving Gironville in the direction of Buno-Bonnevaux.
Choose Gironville-Sur-Essonne as a destination
If you are considering Gironville-Sur-Essonne as an overnight destination, tailor your plans to the focus of your trip: would you like to explore the history of its buildings or take one of the routes? This way, you can use the heritage and activities along the river as separate, specific points of reference when deciding on your trip.
Discover more destinations: Vayres-sur-Essonne, Moigny-Sur-École, Saint-Pierre-Du-Perray, Breuillet, Vigneux-Sur-Seine, Boutigny-Sur-Essonne, Méréville, La Ville-Du-Bois.
For an overview of the wider area: Essonne.
