Ethical Yvelines
Sensitive Natural Areas in Yvelines
You didn't know yet? The Yvelines is considered the green lung of the Paris Region! With map in hand and hiking boots on your feet, come and discover our Département's “Espaces Naturels Sensibles” (Sensitive Natural Areas)!
What is a Sensitive Natural Area?
A Sensitive Natural Area is an area with remarkable or threatened ecological or landscape functions. Our policy of acquiring and developing Sensitive Natural Areas meets two priority objectives: to preserve these areas and to develop them so that they can be opened to the public, except in exceptional cases due to the fragility of the natural environment.
The creation of Sensitive Natural Areas is also a way of:
- valuing the landscapes,
- preserving biodiversity and natural environments,
- developing nature-based leisure activities,
- educating people about the environment.
Yvelines Sensitive Natural Area
With its 70,000 hectares of woods and forests (30% of the Département’s total surface area), its 35,300 hectares registered as Sensitive Natural Areas, and 85% natural and agricultural areas, the Yvelines is the leading green Département in the Paris Region.
The Yvelines now boasts 67 Sensitive Natural Areas (representing 2,850 hectares of land acquired since 1990) with remarkable or threatened landscape or ecological functions. Our Département’s vocation is to preserve and develop these areas so that residents and tourists alike can appreciate the diversity of our natural environments. Among the most well-known:
- le Bois des Terriers (Buchelay, Magnanville),
- le Biotope du Bout du Monde (Epône),
- le Parc du Peuple de l’herbe (Carrières-sous-Poissy),
- la Forêt des Grands Bois (Les Alluets-le-Roi, Morainvilliers),
- le Parc de la boucle de Montesson (Montesson),
- le Bois des Flambertins (Crespières),
- les Tailles d’Herbelay (Aigremont, Chambourcy),
- la Forêt de Sainte-Apolline (Neauphle-le-Château, Plaisir),
- le Parc des Côtes Montbron (Jouy-en-Josas),
- le Bois Chauveau (Jouy-en-Josas, Saclay),
- le Domaine de Beauplan (Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse),
- la Forêt de Méridon (Chevreuse, Choisel),
- le Bois de Pinceloup (Clairefontaine-Sonchamp),
- la Forêt de Rochefort (Rochefort-en-Yvelines),
- le Bois de Saint-Benoît (Clairefontaine, Sonchamp, Saint-Arnoult)…
Discover the Sensitive Natural Areas: nature walks and outings
Nearly 20 of the Département’s Sensitive Natural Areas are particularly well-suited to welcoming the public and promoting ecology. You can explore the areas on foot, on horseback or by bike and discover their biodiversity and richness.
Not only that, but the Département has put together a number of nature trails for you to discover. Armed with a backpack and comfortable shoes, map or smartphone in hand, come and discover our region’s Espaces Naturels Sensibles in an unusual way!
Here’s a short list of departmental areas to discover through fun, themed walks:
- Le sentier des 4 dragons dans la forêt Départementale de Rochefort-en-Yvelines
- Les énigmes de Tom et Zoé au Parc Départemental du Peuple de l’Herbe
- Le chemin de la Salamandre dans la forêt Départementale de la Madeleine à Chevreuse
- La course d’orientation du Bois des Terriers à Magnanville
- Le cap énigme dans la forêt de Sainte Apolline à Plaisir
- Le Conte de Mélida dans la forêt de Méridon
Lastly, throughout the year, numerous events and nature outings enable you to discover these areas from a different, original angle, and have fun in a responsible way.
Best practice guide
For a successful and respectful outing, consult our guide to good forestry practices or watch this video :