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Épernon

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City
—°155
Épernon (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Épernon

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking; the medieval center features steep and sometimes uneven cobblestone streets.
  • Take the direct train from Paris (Gare Montparnasse) for a quick and easy day trip.
  • Explore the historical 'Pressoirs' (ancient wine presses) area to see the legacy of the town's ancient vineyards.
  • Be aware that many smaller shops and boutiques close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00.

🍽 Food

🍽
Traditional French baked goods

Grab a fresh baguette or croissant from an artisanal boulangerie near the main square.

🍽
Beauce region specialties

Look for hearty dishes made with local grains and poultry in traditional brasseries.

🍽
Local cheeses

Visit the weekly market to sample artisanal cheeses from the surrounding Eure-et-Loir department.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Épernon Tuesday Market

Buy fresh agricultural products from the fertile Beauce area directly from the farmers.

🛍
Local craftsmanship

Small boutiques in the historic center occasionally sell regional art and handmade souvenirs.

🧘
Paths of the ancient stone quarries

Walk the old trails where the famous Épernon sandstone was once extracted.

🧘
Banks of the Drouette river

Enjoy a peaceful and cooling stroll right along the water that winds its way through the town.

Highlights of 2026

1

Épernon is a historic town in the Eure-et-Loir department, strategically located at the confluence of several small rivers on the edge of the Beauce plain. The town is most famous for its 'meulière' stone quarries, which for centuries provided the hard stone used to build iconic structures in Paris and Versailles. Its medieval core is beautifully preserved, featuring the Saint-Thomas Priory and several timber-framed houses dating back to the 15th century. Épernon served as the seat of the influential Dukes of Épernon, who played major roles in French royal history. Today, the town serves as a key gateway between the agricultural Beauce region and the Rambouillet forest. Thanks to its position on the Paris-Chartres railway line, it has become a popular residential choice for commuters seeking a balance between historical charm and accessibility to the capital. The local economy is diverse, blending traditional crafts with modern light industry and services.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3461013171919151174
Rain mm544653426357515341606366

Geography

Population
5,266
Coordinates
48.61080, 1.67420

Facts

  • Founding of the Saint-Thomas Priory: 1052.
  • Highest elevation: 165 meters above sea level.
  • Train journey to Paris-Montparnasse: approx. 45 minutes.
  • Total area: approx. 14.76 km².
  • Postal code: 28230.
  • Main economic sector: Pharmaceuticals.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Épernon (5)

Prieuré Saint-Thomas

An ancient priory featuring impressive vaulted cellars and a historic garden, showcasing the medieval monastic life of the region.

Église Saint-Pierre⛪ religious

A 15th-century Gothic church with remarkable stained glass windows and a tall spire that dominates the skyline of the town.

Les Pressoirs🏺 historical

Historic wine presses housed in a traditional building, representing the long history of viticulture and cider production in Eure-et-Loir.

Conservatoire des Meules et Pavés🏛 museum

A unique museum dedicated to the history of quarrying in Epernon, featuring tools and techniques used for making millstones and pavers.

Château de l'Eure🏺 historical

A private historic residence with elegant architecture, standing as a testament to the local nobility's influence over several centuries.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Épernon from Paris?
Épernon is about 45 minutes away by TER train from Paris-Montparnasse station, making it handy for a day trip.
What is the Prieuré de Saint-Thomas?
It is a former priory with beautiful gardens, currently serving as a spiritual center and exhibition venue.
Are there local hiking trails?
The Sentier des Carrières path leads through old quarries that once supplied stone for the construction of the Palace of Versailles.
What is there to see in the town center?
The center features appealing half-timbered houses and the historic wine press 'Pressoir d'Épernon'.
When is the market day?
The traditional weekly market takes place every Tuesday morning at the Place du Marché.
Épernon: where is it located?
Épernon is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Épernon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prieuré Saint-Thomas, Église Saint-Pierre, Les Pressoirs.
Épernon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Épernon: why is it worth visiting?
Épernon is a historic town in the Eure-et-Loir department, strategically located at the confluence of several small rivers on the edge of the Beauce plain.
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