Free festival in Essonne: trail running, a zip line, climbing and kayaking await you.

In Essonne, the Sport and Nature Festival is back for its third edition on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Domaine de Chamarande: zip-lining, rock climbing, kayaking, charity trail runs, and 40 activities—all free of charge.

In Essonne, the domaine départemental de Chamarande becomes a life-size playground on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The Sport and Nature festival returns for a third edition, organized by the Essonne department, with about forty outdoor activities, all free and open to everyone. A perfect day outdoors within easy reach of Paris, since Chamarande is served by the RER C.

What to do at Chamarande's Sport and Nature Festival in 2026?

From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the program leaves little room for boredom. Tyrolienne, canoë-kayak, escalade en forêt, tir à l'arc, balade commentée en milieux humides, randonnée à vélo, demonstrations d'équitation western, roliball, pêche, découverte des oiseaux, marche dynamique… The list is long and the activities run continuously in the park of the estate and in the Belvédère forest nearby. The idea championed by the department is to encourage outdoor sport while raising visitors' awareness of preserving natural habitats. On the ground, this translates into a fairly successful blend of adrenaline, gentle walks, and small nature workshops.

Charity trail runs and races open to registrants

New to this edition: the Galopins association joins the festival to offer charity runs and trails through Chamarande Park and along the Juine valley. Five routes are on the program, from 1 km for the kids to 32 km for long-distance enthusiasts. Note, however, that the 10 km race and the 17- and 32-km trails are already full. There are still spots left for the 5 km non-timed, the 10 km non-timed, and the 1 km race reserved for under-11s. Registration fees are entirely donated to two charities working for children’s well-being: AAPISE and Les P'tits Doudous. Last year, this same approach raised 6,000 euros for Gustave Roussy’s pediatric department and for the MTFMT LEIGH Syndrome association.

A festival designed for families and inclusive sport

The festival also welcomes the youngest attendees and people with disabilities, offering adapted activities: mini accrobranche, orientation games, all-terrain wheelchairs, cani-joëlette, or adapted bicycles. Some activities are free to access, while others require prior registration on the department’s website. It’s best to plan ahead for the most in-demand experiences like the tyrolienne or l'escalade.

With its expansive lawns, tree-lined paths, and a winding river, the Chamarande estate offers a natural backdrop that’s ideal for a family outing, a day with friends, or a solo escape. The festival truly caters to everyone: seasoned athletes aiming for the 32 km trail, parents with strollers, thrill-seeking kids eager to ride the zipline, or curious visitors who just want to stroll and learn a thing or two about the birds along the Juine.

The Sport and Nature Festival is set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the departmental estate of Chamarande (91730 Chamarande), accessible by RER C (Chamarande station). Admission and activities are completely free. For running events and trails, registration is through the Galopins site.