Cheptainville is a commune of Essonne, in the region of Ile-de-France, 35 km south-west of Paris.
With a relatively small area (7 km²), located on a plateau between the Essonne valleys in the east and the Barley in the west, the territory of the locality remained essentially agricultural and forestry (south).
This green environment remains the main asset of the town, which now has some 2000 inhabitants. Cheptainville developed in the Middle Ages as a "village-street" and has preserved a rural aspect and landscapes.
With its heritage and its farm-museum, the locality is a pleasant stage in the heart of an urban area so urbanized.
Built in the late twelfth to early thirteenth century, restored in the nineteenth (at the nave and its decor), the Church of St. Martin is the main heritage of Cheptainville. The foothills that frame the gate, the bell-tower that seems to be recessed to the south of the building, and the Corinthian-style columns on which the ogives fall are visible.
In the village or in immediate surroundings, one can still admire old farms typical of the region (the country of Hurepoix, around Dourdan).
Then place to cultural, sporting and "nature" leisure.
Founded by passionate farmers, the so-called Bois Blanc agricultural museum is very interesting to visit. There are collections related to the habitat of yesteryear, the crafts of yesteryear (cooperage, saddlery, farriery), but adults and children can also better understand the techniques of production of milk and its processing, beekeeping. Many tools are visible, tracing the evolution of agricultural techniques. An old "sorting machine" and a traveling still are exposed.
In parallel with the visit of the museum, the farm can also be discovered. Price: 2 and 3 euros. Information on +33 1 64 56 96 96.
On the same site, during the summer months, a plant labyrinth is set in the heart of a vast 4-hectare cornfield. A fun and educational questionnaire allows children and their parents to follow the right path... Open Tuesday to Sunday from July to September. Price: 4 and 6 euros. Pass including the farm, the museum and the labyrinth: 8 and 12 euros. Information on +33 1 64 56 96 96.
For hikers, then, multiple possibilities of circuits are possible on the commune, including incursions in its cultivated grounds but also its forest, in the south, registered as protected natural space. Maps and information on +33 1 64 97 36 91.
For athletes, it is allowed to reserve a tennis court by joining the local club at +33 6 07 14 95 59.
Finally, on the cultural level, the library of Cheptainville regularly programs animations (readings, exhibitions). Information on +33 1 64 56 18 70.
The third Sunday of March, trail (running through nature).
The first weekend of April, the "Parcours des Artistes" event offers open doors and activities in the workshops of artists and craftsmen (sculpture, painting, ceramics, leather work...) installed in the common.
The first weekend of June, village festival with fun, gourmet and musical entertainment and a flea market on Sunday.
The last Saturday of June, summer ball.
The last Saturday of October, "Night of Fear" with Halloween themed animations.
The last Sunday of November, flea market in interior.
