Free sports and nature activities during a special weekend in the Île-de-France forests.

What if the forests and natural spaces of Île-de-France became, for a weekend, places to work out, slow down, or simply breathe fresh air? To mark its 50th anniversary, Île-de-France Nature is staging a weekend of activities on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, focused on well-being, sport and health, with a lineup of free events spread across several natural sites in the region.

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After a year spent rolling out a hiking program to celebrate the anniversary, the regional agency keeps the festivities going by inviting Île-de-France residents to experience differently the spaces it protects and develops over half a century. For the occasion, join us on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026 to discover how Île-de-France's natural spaces can be both places for a stroll and biodiversity discovery, and also terrains conducive to physical activity and well-being. About a dozen to fifteen activities will be on offer throughout the weekend, with a special focus on accessibility and the diversity of the public.

The activities have been designed to suit both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and those who simply want to try a new experience in a natural setting. Some offerings will specifically be accessible to people with reduced mobility, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and neurodivergent children, including those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD.

Please note: the activities are free and open to everyone; however, it is essential to sign up for the one you choose to secure your place!

On the menu for a nature, wellbeing and health-filled weekend in the forests of Île-de-France:

Saturday, September 12

• Hands-on insects at a fingertip away—Boissy woods, Franconville (95), for ages 4 and up, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, registration
• Nature-immersive walk with a hiking professional and a naturalist, Marne Valley, Vaires-sur-Marne (77), from age 10, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, registration
• Tree climbing in the Rougeau regional forest, Savigny-le-Temple (77), for ages 7 to 77, 10:00–11:00, 11:00–12:00, 2:00–3:00, 3:00–4:00 PM, registration
• Forest immersion around the five senses (special for neurodivergent children), Butte de Marsinval, Verneuil-sur-Seine (78), ages 6–16, 2:00–3:00 PM and 4:00–5:00 PM, registration
• Discovering soil microfauna, Saclay plateau, Jouy-en-Josas (78), from age 6, 2:00–4:00 PM, registration
• How to walk in nature? at Bois Saint-Martin, Noisy-le-Grand (93), from age 3, 7:30–9:30 PM, registration
• At night, bats take to the skies! Stors Marsh, Mériel (95), from age 7, 8:30–10:30 PM, registration
• Forest bathing, Roche-Guyon (95), from age 18, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, registration
• Wellness hike in the Corniche des Forts regional natural area, Pantin (93), from age 16, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, registration

Sunday, September 13

• Nature-focused loop hike near Moisson (78), for ages 13 to 77, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, registration
• Discovery of the Rougeau regional forest by mountain bike, Savigny-le-Temple (77), for ages 8 to 77, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, registration
• Nature-dance discovery workshop, Grosbois, Boissy-Saint-Léger, for ages 5 to 85, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, registration
• Rediscovering the forest in a different way, Le Plessis-Saint-Antoine, Le Plessis-Trévise (94), for ages 12 and up, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM, registration
• Afghan-walking discovery, Saint-Vrain (91), for ages 13 and up, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, registration
• Donkey-ride escapade (accessible to people with reduced mobility), Galluis, Frémainville (95), from 2 years old, 2:30 PM–5:00 PM, registration
• Sensory walk and wild-tasting, Montgé-en-Goëlle (77), for ages 10 and up, 2:30 PM–5:00 PM, registration
• Safari for budding young naturalists, Grand-Voyeux, Congis-sur-Thérouanne (77), for ages 6 to 14, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM, registration

Île-de-France Nature’s 50th anniversary won’t be limited to the events on September 12 and 13. To extend the experience, the agency has also devised 50 free sport itineraries that let you explore different natural spaces across the region at your own pace.

Designed for a variety of activities, from hiking and trail running to running, walking, mountain biking, cycling, or even wheelchair travel, these routes traverse very different landscapes, from forests to the banks of the Seine and through Île-de-France’s agricultural belts. They can be downloaded in GPX format for use on a smartwatch or navigation app, and will also be available on Strava.

This anniversary weekend puts into practice the aim of opening these spaces even more to Île-de-France residents, showing that a forest, a trail, or any natural space can also become a place to get moving, unwind, and discover your surroundings.

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