Évry: Cathedral, Pagoda and Parc du Lac

Évry offers a variety of attractions for a trip, from striking religious architecture to a diverse performing arts program and Parc du Lac. If you’re looking for a hotel in Évry, these highlights can help you choose a destination that suits your interests. The places and activities below represent different aspects of the area’s cultural and natural character.

Religious architecture and cultural highlights

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Évry is the only cathedral built in France in the 20th century. This gives it a distinctive place in the timeline of French cathedrals. Together with Khánh-Anh Pagoda, it shows that Évry-Courcouronnes is home to a range of religious and architectural landmarks.

Khánh-Anh Pagoda stands in the heart of Évry-Courcouronnes and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Europe. Its prayer hall is designed in traditional Vietnamese architecture and can accommodate 1,500 people. Organized cultural activities at Khánh-Anh Pagoda also include Vietnamese food tastings. As offerings may vary, check the current program in advance.

Another cultural landmark is the Déambulatoire by Gérard Singer in Évry-Courcouronnes, which bears the “Patrimoine d’intérêt régional” label. The Dame du Lac sculpture has also received this distinction: in September 2019, it was awarded the “Patrimoine d’intérêt régional” label by the Île-de-France region. When comparing these sites, it is worth distinguishing the awards from the different types of architecture and art they represent.

Dame du Lac: Form and Access

Dame du Lac is an approximately 18-meter-high concrete structure, integrated into a walking area as a gently curved climbing wall. Its form therefore combines sculpture with the function of a climbing wall. However, access restrictions are crucial when planning: Dame du Lac is currently permanently closed to the public. Do not plan to use it as a publicly accessible climbing facility, and check access before planning an on-site visit.

Parc du Lac and the Lake

Parc du Lac covers 22 hectares and contains a seven-hectare lake. The lake therefore accounts for just under a third of the stated park area. This gives you a clear sense of scale if you would like to include the natural surroundings in your travel plans: the lake is a defining part of the park, but it is not the same as the park’s entire area.

Leisure, sports and cultural activities may take place at the lake in Parc du Lac. Unlike the religious buildings and the Déambulatoire, the focus here is less on a particular form of architecture or art and more on the combination of parkland, lake and possible activities. This makes Parc du Lac a distinct highlight alongside the cultural sites.

Performing Arts and Travel Planning

The Théâtre de l’Agora in Évry-Courcouronnes is a key venue for the Scène nationale. It presents theater, dance, music and circus performances. These four types of programming make the theater a distinct destination for travelers who want to experience culture through more than just buildings and public art. As the program changes seasonally, it is advisable to check the dates for your travel period.

The sites appeal to different interests and can also each be a reason to travel in their own right.

Discover more destinations: Crosne, Courances, Savigny-Sur-Orge, Montlhéry, Athis-Mons, Lisses, Breuillet, Saint-Aubin.

For the regional travel overview: Essonne.