Forests in Motion 2026: Free Activities at the Climate Academy for Forest Day

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis, My de Sortiraparis · Photos by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on March 9, 2026 at 02:10 p.m.
For International Forest Day, organized by the National Forest Office (ONF), the Climate Academy in Paris will host the "Forests on Stage" festival on March 21, 2026. This free event promises a variety of activities designed to celebrate and deepen our understanding of nature!

In celebration of International Forest Day, the Academy of Climate is opening its doors for a series of free educational and entertaining activities. These events aim to raise awareness among all ages about the vital roles forests play in our environment, taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The program includes family-friendly workshops, lectures, film screenings, and outdoor nature excursions. However, note that participation requires prior registration. A fantastic opportunity to educate both young and old right in the heart of the capital!

Forests Unplugged: The Climate Academy's Exciting New Program

Discussions

  • The Incredible Story of French Forests - Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
  • How Are Our Forests Doing? - Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m.
  • Inspiring Forests! - Saturday, March 21 at 4 p.m.

Workshops for Adults and Children

  • The Play Tree

Learning through fun? Absolutely! That's the idea behind the forestry kit designed for both kids and adults. It features a board game about the history of forests, a quiz wheel, bark recognition tests, scent-matching games, and more — all engaging for every age and designed to stimulate all the senses. Plus, you'll get insights and stories from forest rangers along the way.

  • Discover the Sylvafresque Workshop!

Immerse yourself in the heart of the forest through a fun, interactive workshop inspired by the Climate Fresk. Discover the many roles the forest plays in our lives: a sanctuary of biodiversity, a climate regulator, a refuge, a vital resource... Learn how climate change is disrupting these delicate balances and join us in brainstorming practical solutions for sustainable forest management.

  • Discover the buds and the forests in the making with Marion Blandin from Kamomille Herbalism

Discover the fascinating world of edible and medicinal forest plants. Learn how to identify trees by their buds, understand their vital role in the forest ecosystem, and explore their uses in herbal medicine, especially in gemmotherapy.

  • A table! with the Edible Schoolyard

By nature enthusiasts of the Climate Academy, the team from the Edible School is guiding you through the art of foraging for forest-inspired dishes. On the menu: foraged forest tart, wild herbal velouté, nettle and mushroom cake, roasted vegetables with woodland flavors, berry pickles, and sharable delights made from spines and buds…

  • Faun’Escape! Organized with the Fauna-Alfort Association

Ready to help protect tomorrow’s biodiversity? Imagine for a moment: you wake up in a not-so-distant future where all animal and plant life has vanished… Like in an escape room, you’re then invited to travel back in time to discover solutions. Explore the office of Simone, the pigeon in charge of preserving wildlife and flora… her scientific research might hold the key!

  • Boats are born in the forest with the inventors

Until the end of the 19th century, exploring the oceans and uncovering the secrets of our planet could only be achieved with wood and forests — the vital link between land and sea. Embark on an exciting adventure and build your own propeller-powered boat!

  • Exploring the Forest with Edmond and Lucy

To celebrate the release of the film Edmond and Lucy: Adventure in the Forest, enjoy a series of nature workshops designed for children and families. These engaging sessions are led by Marion Le Bec, a nature educator and founder of Dans leur nature. From sensory activities to participatory explorations, these workshops encourage kids to connect with living nature through hands-on experiences.

  • The forest: an adventure waiting to be discovered with Les Savants-fou

Uncover the mysteries of the forest through hands-on scientific workshops and experiments. Observe, test, and explore to delve into the captivating world of plants, trees, and forest biodiversity! Special attention is given to understanding the vital role played by insects and other tiny creatures in maintaining the forest's delicate balance.

  • Nature explorers with the Office for insects and their habitats

Did you know that just one cubic meter of forest soil can contain up to 1,000 different species? Each one plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and maintaining healthy soils. Grab a magnifying glass and take a closer look at the forest litter—you might spot tiny spiders, millipedes, and small insects that often go unnoticed.

  • A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Climate Academy

Take a leisurely stroll through the Climate Academy. Step into its lush courtyard, adorned with vertical vegetable gardens. You’ll have the chance to create your own botanist’s notebook, where you can record the different types of leaves and tree bark found within and around the Academy.

  • Raising awareness about climate issues through Virtual Reality

Onéira offers an immersive experience blending virtual reality and botanical art, created by OAZA in collaboration with VR artist Mourdjen Bari. Step into an imaginary world where planting trees highlights how different climates shape forest life and maintain ecological balance.

  • Discover a different way to garden with the National Society of Horticulture of France

Jardiner Autrement is an initiative focused on promoting eco-friendly gardening practices that support biodiversity, tailored for amateur gardeners and children. Come meet them to learn how to nurture your garden on a balcony or terrace, and gather tips on preventing and managing pests and diseases using biocontrol solutions.

  • Explore the world of woodworking and forestry with Fibois Île-de-France

A career dedicated to forests and wood – have you considered it? Come explore, discuss, and learn more about the challenges of sustainably managing our forest resources. Discover a wide range of professions committed to ecological transition!

Nature Walks

  • Stroll through Bois de Vincennes and explore forest management practices

Led by forest rangers from the Bois de Vincennes, explore the woods and learn about the various forest management efforts underway. Balancing landscape preservation, habitat conservation, and climate change adaptation, this springtime walk offers a fresh perspective on Paris’s green lung!

  • Visit to the Vincennes Woods Arboretum: A nature walk

The teams at Paris Botanical Garden invite you to explore the Arboretum: a living museum of trees that transports you across the five continents. Come witness the first blooms of the season and marvel at the incredible diversity of bark among a collection of over 650 tree species! As you wander the pathways, the garden's naturalist gardeners will also introduce you to the wide variety of habitats found within the garden.

  • Tour of woodland management at the Bois de Boulogne

The forestry experts of the Bois de Boulogne invite you to get a behind-the-scenes look at their profession. Discover the ins and outs of managing trees and forest plots—no secrets left! Join a guided walk through a springtime biodiversité bursting with surprises!

Film Screenings

  • Healing does exist — March 18 at 8:00 PM at L’Epée de Bois

In the woods of Mizubiki village, a luxury camping project is raising concerns over ecological balance and sparking unease among local residents. This situation is closely examined by Dominique Amon-Moreau, Head of Environment and Biodiversity at the National Forest Office.

  • Lighting up the night — March 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the Panthéon Cinema

In Galicia, the homecoming of a humble, impoverished farmer and pyromaniac sparks a devastating blaze… This is followed by commentary from Alexandre Butin, deputy head of the Fontainebleau regional unit of the National Forest Office.

  • Fitzcarraldo - Showing on March 20th at 7:30 PM at Le Grand Action Cinema

Deep within the Amazon rainforest, a passionate music enthusiast sets out to build an opera in the heart of the jungle, embarking on a grand and daring adventure. This visionary project is narrated by Alban Rangier, head of the Val d'Oise Saint-Germain territorial unit at the National Forest Office.

  • Nausicaa - March 21st at 2:00 PM at the Nouvel Odéon

In the Valley of the Wind, Princess Nausicaä strives to restore harmony between humans and nature. The screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece will be followed by a fun animation session.

  • La Vallée des Loups – March 21st at 2:00 PM at Le Lucernaire

A passionate individual's journey to encounter wolves in their natural habitat. A screening followed by an engaging activity.

  • Hello, World — March 22 at 10:45 AM at the Studio des Ursulines

An animated film masterpiece where paper-crafted animals come to life against vibrant settings, inspiring viewers to protect our ecosystems. The screening will be followed by an interactive activity.

  • Edmond and Lucy: Forest Adventures - March 22nd at 4 PM at Le Lucernaire

Get an exclusive first look at the latest adventure of Edmond and Lucy, the charming French animated series designed for preschoolers and outdoor exploration. The event will feature a screening followed by an engaging activity.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On March 21, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    2 Pl. Baudoyer
    75004 Paris 4

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Prices
    Free

    Recommended age
    For all

    Official website
    www.onf.fr

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