A green space born from industrial ashes
Along the banks of the Seine in Nanterre, this 44-acre (18-hectare) natural area replaced former paper mills and long-neglected terrain. Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2012, it represents a successful urban renewal project blending restored nature with shared recreation.
A site shaped by recycling
The park was designed with a specific philosophy: reuse materials directly from the site itself. Crushed old concrete fences serve as the foundation for pathways, cut vegetation becomes mulch to nourish the plantings, and local clay waterproofs the ponds. It is a practical example of ecological landscaping built right into the original plans.
The Seine as a central thread
River water is pumped and purified to irrigate the park and neighboring community gardens. An elevated walkway lined with wild cherry trees frames scenic views of the Seine, turning this waterfont access into a welcome escape for neighborhood residents.
A small pond and a series of filtering basins also occupy the grounds, adding diversity to the landscapes, plant life, and wildlife you can spot here, including water lilies, yellow flag iris, ducks, moorhens, roach, frogs, and dragonflies.
Facilities built for all ages
Beneath the A14 highway, more than 27,000 square feet (2,500 m²) of covered space has been converted into athletic zones featuring permanent exercise stations, street workout setups, enclosed soccer fields, and a basketball court. Families with kids will find several themed play areas, including treehouses for ages 5 to 12 and rope pyramids rising 36 feet (11 meters) high, connected by walkways, ziplines, and hammocks.
Bolder kids will want to check out the rope pyramids near the Jardin des Touradons, open to ages 7 and up for some fun up in the air.
Great for: families with children, urban athletes, and people who enjoy walks along the water.
Less ideal for: visitors seeking total quiet, as the site sits near major highway and rail infrastructure.
Opening hours
November, December, January: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
February: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
March: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
April to August: 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM
May, June, July: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
September: 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
October: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Parc départemental recently set up along the Seine that combines very different environments:
- An enormous concrete viaduct covered in graffiti (A14 highway)
- Soccer and basketball courts, an exercise course with pull-up bars and equipment for... athletes
- Kids play areas
- Filtration basins to naturally purify water for the Seine
- A pond and a small overgrown stream
You will find families, young people, ducks, dragonflies, fish, frogs, and I saw a nutria too.