Nature lovers, get out your best harness: here’s our selection of the 6 best accrobranche spots in the Paris region.
If someone tells you to go accrobranching in the Paris region, you might think it’s mission impossible, and that there are more forests of buildings than woods and bocages. But beware! It’s true that Île-de-France is the country’s most densely populated region, but the fact remains that three quarters of its territory is covered by forests and farmland. And that’s not to mention the large urban parks, the green lungs of Paris and its suburbs.
You’ll have no trouble finding a place to go accrobranching in the Paris region. Set in a forest among oak, ash and birch trees, this activity involves moving from tree to tree across a secure course built at great heights. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t do it! But if you like it, come along!
From inner Paris to the forest of Rambouillet, via the major regional nature parks and the forest of Fontainebleau, we’ll take you to the best spots for accrobranche climbing in the Paris region!
1. The Bois de Vincennes
Photo credit: Facebook – Evasion Verte, the only tree adventure park in Paris
The reputation of the Bois de Vincennes is well established. With its 995 hectares, including some 500 hectares of forest, it is the largest green space in Paris. A veritable green lung for the capital, it offers an idyllic setting for those who want to go accrobranching in the Île-de-France region without leaving Paris. In fact, it’s designed in the « English garden » style, with numerous species of trees, world-renowned flowerbeds, streams, lakes, rivers… In its Parc Floral, you’ll find the one and only accrobranche spot in Paris intra-muros.
So on Wednesday afternoons, weekends and vacations, take metro line 1 to the Bois de Vincennes. Once you’ve arrived among the oaks, maples, elms and pines, you’ll discover four accrobranche courses for the whole family. From the easiest for children to the most challenging at 12m, there’s something for everyone. All in all, an excellent spot for accrobranche in the Paris region!
2. The forest of Fontainebleau
Photo credit: Facebook – Parc Lemurien Acrobatic course
With its 25,000 hectares, the Fontainebleau forest is the largest forest area in the Île-de-France region. Situated 60 km south of Paris, it is easily accessible by public transport, and Parisians make no mistake. Every year, millions of visitors flock here. So if you’re looking for a change of scenery, this is the place for you.
Mostly planted with oak, pine and beech trees, it offers safe treetop adventure for everyone aged 4 and over. There are different courses and levels of difficulty, so that everyone can have fun while surpassing themselves. It’s even possible to finish on the longest footbridge in France. But will you dare to cross it?
3. French Vexin Regional Nature Park
Photo credit: Facebook – PARC AVENTURE LAND
The truth is, it’s pretty easy to go accrobranching in the Paris region, less than an hour from Paris. Here’s one more piece of proof. The French Vexin Regional Nature Park covers almost 100 communes in the Val-d’Oise and Yvelines departments, and is easily accessible by public transport (metro, bus, RER…). Created with the aim of preserving the surrounding landscapes, it offers some excellent accrobranche spots.
Arriving in the heart of a 17-hectare wood, you’ll find a variety of courses. All are accessible to the whole family. The minimum height required is one meter. From there, you can explore the various difficulties. Wander through high nets, traverse a route comprising 50 zip lines in a row or hike through the canopy… anything is possible! You can even free-fall from a height of over 5 meters. For this event, a strong stomach is a must. But don’t worry, a big mattress will catch you!
4. Port-Royal forest
Photo credit: Facebook – Île de loisirs de Saint Quentin en Yvelines
In the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse regional nature park, the Port-Royal forest is a great spot for accrobranche in the Paris region. Close to the town of Trappes, around 35 kilometers south-west of Paris, it’s smaller than those we’ve already mentioned. But you’d be wrong not to give it a try. Accessible by RER (regional express train), you’ll still find great courses for young and old alike.
With five levels of difficulty and ages 3 and up, you’ll find yourself among sessile oaks, birches, hornbeams and poplars. The enchanting setting allows you to discover accrobranche as a family in complete safety. Nets, tunnels, zip lines… Climb up to 15 meters above the ground and finish with a big Tarzan cry at the end of your liana! Liberator!
5. Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park
Photo credit: Facebook – Sherwood Parc
It’s perfectly possible to go accrobranche in the Île-de-France region, at the gateway to the Chantilly and Ermenonville forests. What’s more, if you take the Transilien or RER from Paris, it only takes an hour to get to the heart of nature. Willow, birch, hornbeam, maple, chestnut and lime trees await you… And you’ll find yourself surrounded by a magnificent biodiversity. You’ll be able to test your balance and agility on courses of varying degrees of difficulty.
In fact, from the age of three, you’ll be able to soar between 1 and 20 metres above the ground. From the easiest to the most extreme, you can try out no less than forty-one different courses. From the easiest to the most extreme, you’ll be able to try out no fewer than forty-one courses, including monkey bridges, swings, rope lianas… and even a bit of peak snowboarding! It’s not the first thing you think of when you go accrobranche in the Paris region.
The spot also offers over 2000 meters of zip lines. The longest of these will send you hurtling along at almost 60 km/h! Once you’ve reached the end, there’s more to come. You’ll be able to jump into the void and free-fall more than 15 metres. It’s a good opportunity to scream and let out all your tension!
6. Bondy regional forest
Photo credit: Facebook – Parc PLAINE FORME (Official)
The Bondy forest in Seine-Saint-Denis (93) is a historic forest, having existed since at least the Middle Ages. Located around 15 kilometers east of Paris, it covers more than 170 hectares. Straddling the communes of Clichy-sous-Bois, Coubron and Montfermeil, it offers a great spot for accrobranche climbing in the Paris region. Its oak, beech and pine trees provide a magnificent setting for climbing.
On a dozen adventure courses, you can tackle the trees according to your skill and fitness level. With increasing levels of difficulty, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy, without getting bored or injured. From beginner to ninja, there’s something for everyone. The most difficult course climbs to a height of 16 metres and ends with a giant zip line over 80 metres long!
The icing on the cake is that if you want to go accrobranching in the Paris region at night, it’s possible, because the site organizes nocturnes!