Les Ulis is a remarkable example of post-war French urban planning, founded as an independent commune only in 1977. The city is located southwest of Paris on a high plateau overlooking the Yvette valley. Its architectural concept was based on the strict separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, leading to the creation of vast elevated concrete plateaus housing residential blocks and shops. A key factor in the emergence of Les Ulis was the development of the Courtabœuf business district, which is now one of the largest technology and industrial parks in Europe. The city is characterized by a high proportion of social housing and a very young, multicultural population. Despite its dense urban character, the commune is surrounded by forests and agricultural lands, creating an interesting contrast with the modern concrete architecture. In recent years, extensive urban renewal programs have been carried out to modernize the cityscape and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Location: Île-de-France, France
Top sights: Parc Nord · Église Jean XXIII · Esplanade de la République
Nearby: Villebon-sur-Yvette (5 km)
Population: ~25.886
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg °C
3
4
7
10
14
17
19
19
16
12
7
4
Rain mm
52
46
52
41
63
58
52
55
40
59
61
65
Live webcam – Les Ulis
See what it looks like near Les Ulis right now.
Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard: Environs des Ulis · 2.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Population
25,785
Coordinates
48.68220, 2.16750
Facts
Date of establishment: February 17, 1977
Elevation of the plateau: approximately 150 meters
Number of companies in Courtabœuf: over 1,000
Total land area: 5.18 square kilometers
Most famous resident: Footballer Thierry Henry (raised here)
Green space: approx. 45 hectares of parks in the center
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→14:261.5 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
Start your morning absorbing the civic energy at the Esplanade de la République. Midday brings you past the striking Église Jean XXIII towards the cultural heart of the Cinéma. In the afternoon, let the kids climb La Grande Araignée. Evening concludes peacefully in the expansive Parc Nord.
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09:10 · 45'
Esplanade de la République
Start your day at the heart of Les Ulis where modern civic life gathers, making sure to notice the surrounding urban architecture before heading out.
Bring the kids to conquer this impressive spider-web climbing structure, offering a fun physical challenge right in the middle of the residential area.
The day starts on the Esplanade, where rain reflects the modern architecture. At noon, the church and the Jacques Prévert cinema offer dry havens for culture enthusiasts. In the afternoon, we explore the green heart of Parc Nord under the shelter of an umbrella. By evening, we enjoy the special atmosphere of the city's illuminated, rain-slicked paths.
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09:10 · 45'
Esplanade de la République
Admire the shiny reflections of the buildings on the wet pavement; wear non-slip shoes for a secure grip on the smooth surface.
A frosty morning awaits us on the Esplanade, ideal for a brisk walk to stay warm. At noon, we warm up inside the church and the cinema before temperatures drop further. In the afternoon, enjoy the clear winter light in Parc Nord before the sun sets around 17:00. The evening concludes in the cozy atmosphere of the city center.
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09:10 · 45'
Esplanade de la République
The open square can be windy in winter; wear a scarf and gloves to comfortably admire the architecture during your morning visit.
Your morning starts with energetic fun at the Toboggans before rolling into the town's central square. By midday, you're admiring local modern church architecture and enjoying nearby playgrounds. The afternoon offers a scenic ride into Parc Nord. The day winds down at the relaxing Millepertuis area.
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09:10 · 45'
Toboggans
Kick off your cycling tour with some high-energy fun on these popular slides, making sure to arrive early to beat the neighborhood crowds.
Stop by this well-maintained playground where young riders can stretch their legs safely, enjoying the modern equipment surrounded by safe pedestrian paths.
Enjoy a scenic ride through the winding paths of the city's largest park, taking advantage of the dedicated cycling trails under the shade of mature trees.
We explore modern districts by bike, taking extra care on wet paths. At noon, the Esplanade and the church offer opportunities for dry breaks. In the afternoon, cycle through the fresh Parc Nord, protected by good rain gear. The evening ends with a pleasant ride through the gleaming, rain-washed streets of Les Ulis.
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09:10 · 45'
Toboggans
The slides are wet in the rain; use this stop to enjoy the view of the city under the clouds and watch out for puddles.
A crisp winter morning on the bike invigorates the spirit as we glide through the modern architecture of Les Ulis. At noon, we warm up during short stops in sheltered spots. In the afternoon, we make the most of the daylight in Parc Nord before the early twilight. The ride ends before it gets too cold after the 17:00 sunset.
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09:10 · 45'
Toboggans
The cold wind is stronger in elevated areas; wear a windproof jacket and keep your ears covered during the morning ride.
Begin the day with a refreshing morning walk in Parc Nord after a quick drive. Midday features playground visits and checking out the civic center's vibe. Afternoon is reserved for shopping and lunch at Centre Commercial Ulis 2, followed by active play. The evening lands at L'Aventure Spatiale.
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09:10 · 60'
Parc Nord
Park your car early to enjoy a morning stroll through the refreshing greenery of this park, grabbing a coffee beforehand to sip as you walk.
Navigate to the town center's main square to witness local municipal life, but be prepared to find street parking slightly further away during busy hours.
We drive comfortably between the green oases of Les Ulis while the rain drums against the windows. At noon, the Ulis 2 shopping center provides perfect shelter and entertainment in the dry. In the afternoon, we visit the playgrounds during breaks in the rain. The evening ends with a relaxed drive through the misty but well-lit urban landscape.
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09:10 · 60'
Parc Nord
Park near the entrance for quick access to the greenery; enjoy the rain-washed nature even from the comfort of your car.
We enjoy the ride in a warm car while outside the winter frost enchants the landscapes of Les Ulis. At noon, the Ulis 2 shopping center offers pleasant warmth for browsing. In the afternoon, we visit the parks in the clear winter light before it gets dark around 17:00. The day ends cozily with views of the illuminated streets.
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09:10 · 60'
Parc Nord
Beautiful frosty landscapes in the morning; park close to the entrance to avoid long walks in the biting cold air.