Parc du Chemin de l'Ile: reviews and practical tips

A green lung born from industrial ashes

Along the banks of the Seine in Nanterre, this vast 18-hectare natural space took over former paper mills and long-neglected terrain. Opened in 2006 and later expanded in 2012, it represents a successful urban reclamation project blending restored nature with shared recreation.

A site shaped by recycling

The park was designed with a unique philosophy: reusing materials directly on site. Crushed old concrete fences serve as foundations for pathways, pruned vegetation becomes mulch to nourish the plantings, and local clay waterproofs the basins. It stands as a concrete example of ecological planning thought out from the ground up.

The Seine as a guiding thread

River water is pumped and purified to irrigate the park and nearby community gardens. An elevated promenade planted with wild cherry trees offers sweeping views of the Seine, turning this waterfront access into a genuine breath of fresh air for neighborhood residents.

A small pond and a series of filtering basins are also located on site, adding variety to the landscapes, flora, and fauna that can be observed here, including water lilies, yellow flag iris, ducks, moorhens, roach, frogs, and dragonflies.

Facilities designed for all ages

Beneath the A14 highway, more than 2,500 m² of covered spaces have been rehabilitated into sports zones featuring permanently accessible fitness equipment, street workout stations, enclosed soccer fields, and a basketball court. Families with children will find several themed playgrounds, including treehouses for ages 5 to 12 and rope pyramids reaching 11 meters high, connected by footbridges, zip lines, and hammocks.

The most adventurous kids will want to head for the rope pyramids near the Jardin des Touradons, accessible starting at age 7 for an elevated playtime break.