Fête de la Nature 2026 en Essonne (91) : free outings and activities to go green

Get up close to nature and its inhabitants for five days, as the Fête de la Nature does every year, as soon as spring shows its colors. For this 20th edition, running from May 20–25, 2026, a wealth of free activities and events open to all await in the parks, gardens, woods and forests of Paris and Île-de-France. And Essonne (91) sticks to the same rhythm, with a program that blends nature outings, exhibitions and encounters for both young visitors and the endlessly curious.

What’s planned for the 2026 Fête de la Nature in Essonne?

The 2026 edition marks the 20th anniversary of the Fête de la Nature in France, a milestone that gives local organizers extra momentum. It’s the official site fetedelanature.com that lists all the labeled activities across the department, with a search tool to find an event near you. As in previous years, the activities are free and open to everyone, regardless of age or level: the event’s philosophy is precisely that nature speaks to everyone.

Nature Festival 2025 in Essonne (91), the picks :

Nature Festival 2026: walks, concerts and exhibitions in Essonne
La Fête de la Nature invests the courtyard of La Ferme de Boussy-Saint-Antoine in Essonne, from May 21 to 25, 2026. On the program: exhibitions, nature walks, lectures, and a free-admission eco-concert with a quirky twist. [Read more]

• À Igny : Taking care of biodiversity with Haie-Magique, a discovery stroll through the Picotois orchard and the surrounding wetlands, an introduction to plant identification, and participatory workshops to create wildlife habitats (nest boxes, insect hotels, dry hedges). Sunday, May 24, 10:30 AM–4:30 PM. Organized by Île-de-France Nature. Reservation required. Wear sturdy footwear, suitable clothing, and bring a picnic. Site not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  
  
• À Orsay : Do you know the hedgehog well?, an activity offered by the association Les P'tits Kipik in partnership with the University Paris-Saclay Botanical Garden, on May 23, 2:00–4:00 PM. Program: awareness of the hedgehog’s lifestyle, tips for making your garden hedgehog-friendly, and a fun footprint-molding workshop for kids and adults.
  
  
• À Bures-sur-Yvette : Poetic discovery walk of the Guyonnerie Sensitive Natural Space, a trek through river, forest, and wetlands with regular stops to observe local fauna and flora, on May 24, 4:00–5:30 PM. Organized by Candice Himpe - Microcosmes Paysages. Bring boots and binoculars. Start from the Guyonnerie kindergarten (RER B, Bures-sur-Yvette station, ~15 minutes on foot). Contact: 06 19 05 88 98.
  
  
• À Palaiseau : Discovering the dragonflies of the ponds and wetlands on the Saclay plateau, a guided walk led by an expert from the Office for Insects and Their Environment (OPIE), on May 23, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. Organized by the House of Insects. Please wear appropriate clothing and waterproof footwear. Open to children 4 and up. Contact: 06 23 10 34 07.
  
  
• À Villebon-sur-Yvette : Discovering insects, a festive and friendly afternoon organized by the OPIE in partnership with the Town of Villebon-sur-Yvette, on May 23, 1:30–6:00 PM. Insects displayed in terrariums and activities centered on little creatures. Accessible to people with hearing or mental disabilities.
  
  
• À Fleury-Mérogis : Forest in Focus: Smartphone Photo Workshop - Special for Parents & Teens, an immersive tour of the Saint-Eutrope forest led by a professional photographer to learn how to showcase nature with your phone, followed by a mini family photo contest, on May 24, 2:00–4:00 PM. Organized by Île-de-France Nature. Reservation required. Bring a charged smartphone with plenty of storage.

• To be read
• Nature Festival in Paris and Île-de-France 2026: the free highlights for its 20th anniversary
• Save the date for Jardins 2026 in Paris & Île-de-France: dates, program and theme of this edition
• 10 things to do in Yvelines this weekend, September 19–20, 2026

Who is the Fête de la Nature in Essonne aimed at?

This event is suitable for both families with children and fans of wildlife photography, local-history enthusiasts, or anyone simply looking to enjoy a pleasant outdoor day without spending a dime. All activities are free, except for a few sessions that require registration (and are noted). People attend in casual attire, with sturdy shoes and a healthy dose of curiosity. For forest activities, remember to check the weather and bring a light jacket.

You can also find plenty of reasons to head out in Essonne this weekend, notably at the Domaine de Chamarande, one of the region’s premier spots for culture and nature.

Discover the full program of the Nature Festival 2026 in Essonne, and remember to book in advance the events that interest you!

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