Arpajon: Orge, Parks and Historic Buildings

Arpajon combines paths along the Orge with historic buildings, gardens and a variety of green spaces. When planning your visit, you can choose what to focus on: exploring the riverside on foot or by bike, discovering the town’s architectural history, or centering your visit on parks and gardens.

Along the Orge and in the parks

The Promenade de l’Orge offers a 50-kilometre cycling route between Arpajon and Athis-Mons, maintained by the Syndicat de l’Orge. Route conditions and maintenance may change; check locally before setting out. In Arpajon, the promenade also extends the riverside green space as a walking path. From there, you can enjoy views of the river; the planting supports the biodiversity of aquatic habitats. The “À la découverte d’Arpajon” walking trail, created by the town, offers another way to explore Arpajon on foot.

The green spaces differ in location and facilities. The 3,800-square-metre public Parc de Freising reconnects the canalised Orge with the natural Orge. Its features include a rocky landscape crossed by a small artificial stream, as well as an aviary with chickens that roam freely there all year round. The 7,300-square-metre Parc de la Prairie lies at the confluence of the Orge, Rémarde and Boëlle de Beaumirault. Its facilities include a fitness trail, a playground and an educational orchard. Anglers can use an accessible pontoon for recreational fishing.

Parc de la Folatière has a different character: this historic garden dates from the 19th century, covers 6,000 square metres and is defined by its century-old trees. Its features include a reflecting pool and an open-air theatre with tiered seating made of Corten steel. There is also a children’s playground and accessible walking paths.

Market hall, gates and church architecture

Arpajon’s market hall was built in 1470. At 35 metres long, 18 metres wide and 15 metres high at the ridge, it is a striking landmark in the town; it has been listed as a historic monument since 3 February 1921. The Porte de Paris is also a reminder of earlier transport conditions. It consists of two square pillars made of dressed natural stone, each about ten metres high. The Marquis of Arpajon had the medieval gate replaced by these pillars after the growth in horse-drawn postal services and road traffic made the old gate too narrow.

The Church of Saint-Clément has been listed as a historic monument since 6 March 1926. Romanesque round pillars and sculpted capitals have been preserved in the choir. The bells that have been passed down through the years include Antoinette, dating from 1643, and Clotilde, dating from 1870; both were restored in 2003. The former Hôtel-Dieu also reveals the town’s architectural history: it originally housed pilgrims travelling the route to Santiago de Compostela. Its octagonal bell tower probably dates from the early 16th century. Scallop shells set into the streets recall that Arpajon lay on this route and is still an important stop along the way.

Jardin du 100 was redesigned in 2012 in a style inspired by the Middle Ages. It features medicinal plants and perennials typical of traditional parish gardens. From 2010, several sculptures made by children from primary and secondary schools were also installed in the garden. Villa La Source offers another glimpse into the town’s history: it was built in the late 19th century for Jules Désiré Trochu, an ironmonger from Arpajon. Two private washhouses belonging to the villa are still visible on the banks of the Orge.

Foire aux Haricots and getting there

The Foire aux Haricots takes place every year in the centre of Arpajon on the third weekend of September. Local producers sell Chevrier beans in the regional products area. If you are planning your trip around the event, check the dates, programme and participating producers in advance.

Arpajon is served by RER line C. According to the town’s transport information, trains run approximately every 30 minutes. As service frequency and journey times may change, it is advisable to check the latest timetable before departing.

Discover more destinations: Montgeron, Saint-Germain-Lès-Corbeil, Fontenay-lès-Briis, Moigny-Sur-École, Bures-Sur-Yvette, Étiolles, Maisse, Montlhéry

For the main travel overview: Essonne.