Essonne

The Essonne department is located south of Paris, in the Île-de-France region, with its capital in Évry-Courcouronnes. The department combines residential Paris suburbs, major research and university centers (Paris-Saclay, one of Europe's leading scientific hubs) and agricultural-forested areas. Its economy relies heavily on research and development, technology and advanced industries (aerospace, aviation). The cost of living in the department varies but is generally lower than in central Paris, and RER trains provide good access to the capital.

Évry-Courcouronnes, Massy, Palaiseau

• Université Paris-Saclay - One of France's most important research universities.
• Télécom SudParis & Institut Mines-Télécom Business School - Engineering and business schools.

Some towns (such as Massy, Palaiseau and Orsay) are relatively quiet, student-friendly suburbs; other neighborhoods (especially in more densely populated towns) face more social challenges. Choosing the right neighborhood matters, but for students the areas around university campuses are generally suitable.

Essonne is connected to Paris and the rest of France by RER lines B, C and D, as well as Transilien and TGV trains (from Massy).