Nature Festival 2026: insects, birds of prey, flowers… the program in Mantes-la-Jolie

From May 20 to 25, the Fête de la Nature signe its 20th edition with a free event, a must-attend outing for families and biodiversity enthusiasts. In the Yvelines department, the gathering is in Mantes-la-Jolie.

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The Nature Festival is celebrated in a multitude of places across Île-de-France: at the iconic Jardin des Plantes de Paris, in the region’s biggest towns in Yvelines, and even at sites opened exclusively for the occasion… The idea? Bring the public together to raise awareness and help them discover the biodiversity around them. Yes, even in Paris or Île-de-France!

In the Mantes-la-Jolie area, the town hall is offering exhibitions, writing workshops, workshop visits, and guided tours… to help curious visitors discover the small and large creatures that surround us.

What’s on the agenda for Nature Festival 2026 in Mantes-la-Jolie (78):

Exhibition "Shards of Nature"

• Until May 31, at the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, an activity booklet for ages 7 and up

Exhibition 'Le Mantois Sauvage'

• From May 20 to September 20, at Square Brieussel, the Medicinal Herb Garden and an educational farm, open to the public

Writing workshop: birdsong or the insect hotel

• Wednesday, May 20, every hour, one-hour sessions at 9:00, 10:00 and 14:00
• Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 and 16:00
• Forecourt of the G. Duhamel Media Library, suitable for all ages from 6, advance registration recommended (at 0134788660 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.fr)

Workshop tour "apprentice gardener"

• Wednesday, May 20 at 10:00 AM
• Thursday, May 21 at 10:00 AM
• Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 PM
• Educational farm, free, open to all

Guided walk "Tracks and signs of mammals"

Learn to spot the tracks and signs that mammals leave behind on a guided nature walk with the EcoNature association.

• Wednesday, May 20 | 10:00–12:00 | Butte Verte — Stadium shed located near the parking lot | Free | All ages welcome | Sign up at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.fr

Guided tour of the exhibition "Le Mantois Sauvage"

Nicolas Dubois, a wildlife photographer, invites you to a Q&A and a preview of the exhibition photos. Wednesday, May 20 | 3:00–4:00 PM | Meet on the Town Hall forecourt | Free | Suitable for everyone aged 6 and up

Workshop "Nocturnal Raptors"

Owls and night birds will hold no secrets for you! In this discovery workshop, kids and adults alike will learn to recognize their silhouettes, their calls, and their remarkable adaptations to nocturnal life. In partnership with ATENA78 (Association Terroir et Nature en Yvelines).

• Wednesday, May 20 | 2–4 pm | Hôtel-Dieu Museum | Free | Open to all ages | Registration recommended at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.fr

Uncovered through the game "Mission Planet!"

Games about sustainable development, discovering and safeguarding the oceans and forests, biodiversity, and seasonal fruits and vegetables...

• Saturday, May 23 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. G.-Duhamel Media Library | Free | All audiences | Registration recommended at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.fr

Workshop "Along the Seine... in Color"

Colorized reproductions of vintage postcards dating from 1900–1930, drawn from municipal archives, featuring gardens, the Seine, and lush greenery.

• Saturday, May 23 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm G.-Duhamel Media Library | Free | Open to all | Registration suggested at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.fr

Introduction to wildlife photography

Join photographer Nicolas Dubois to learn how to capture wildlife in all its glory using professional techniques that are accessible to everyone. A unique experience that blends creativity, observation, and a love of animals.

• Saturday May 23 | 10 am – 12 pm | Educational farm | Free | Open to all ages from 6 | Registration at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation. patour@manteslajolie.fr

Guided tour of the Collegiate Church "Between Nature and Architecture"

Discover the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, its herbal garden, and its surrounding grounds with a fresh perspective on this walk where nature and architecture meet.

• Saturday, May 23 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Meeting point: forecourt of Notre-Dame Collegiate Church | Free | Suitable for all ages 6 and up | Registration recommended at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.fr

Workshop tour "The Animals of Mantes"

A tour of the museum's collections to discover the animals you might encounter in the city. Children will learn how to draw the animals of Mantes-la-Jolie and will make a paper mobile to hang in their bedroom.

Guided tour “The Seine: ecosystem and a major waterway”

Explore the biodiversity along the banks of the Seine on a stroll with SESNMV (Society for the Study of Natural Sciences of Mantois and Vexin).

• Sunday, May 24 | 9:30–11:30 am | Forecourt of Notre-Dame Collegiate Church | Free | Open to everyone from age 6 | Registration recommended at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.fr

Guided tour: "Discovering Insects"

A playful, accessible activity to observe, understand and get to know better these small yet essential inhabitants of nature, in partnership with the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux).

• Sunday, May 24 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | In front of Guy-Mainière Hall - 64, Maurice-Braunstein Street | Free | Open to all ages 6 and up | Registration recommended at 01 34 78 86 60 or reservation.patour@manteslajolie.f

The full lineup of activities offered for the Nature Festival is completely free and open to all. For workshops with limited spaces, advance booking is strongly advised. Wishing everyone a wonderful Nature Festival!