When people think of the large green spaces around Paris, their minds often turn to Fontainebleau, Rambouillet, or the Bois de Vincennes. Yet, in Seine-Saint-Denis, a 65-hectare park offers a completely different side of the Île-de-France region. Located in Neuilly-sur-Marne, the Haute-Île Departmental Park is a true natural gem, nestled in the last undeveloped bend of the Marne River.
A 65-hectare nature reserve
Here, there are no French-style gardens or long, perfectly laid-out paths. The landscape is deliberately left as close to its natural state as possible. Wetlands, meadows, wooded areas, and bodies of water alternate in a setting reminiscent of the region’s ancient plains. This design choice has earned the site its Natura 2000 designation, due to its exceptional ecological richness.
The park has become a refuge for many species of birds. Over 170 species have been recorded there over the years, ranging from gray herons to kingfishers, including grebes, kestrels, and swans. To observe them without disturbing them, six wooden observation decks are scattered along the trails. It takes just a few minutes to forget that you’re right in the heart of Paris.
But the Haute-Île has another, much more unexpected surprise in store. At the heart of the park lies an archaeological site— the only one of its kind in Île-de-France. It came to light following major excavations that uncovered remains dating back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, as well as the oldest burial site ever discovered in Seine-Saint-Denis. Today, several prehistoric dwellings have been reconstructed, and hands-on workshops allow visitors to discover the techniques used by the region’s earliest inhabitants: starting fires, flint knapping, and crafting everyday objects.
This dual identity is what gives the place its charm. On one hand, it ’s a nature reserve where biodiversity is carefully preserved. On the other, it’s a true journey through time that tells the story of the first settlements along the banks of the Marne.
You can explore them on foot or by bike; the paths wind through ponds, reed beds, and wide meadows, offering frequent unobstructed views of the Marne River. Unlike other green spaces in the Île-de-France region, which are often very crowded, the atmosphere here remains particularly peaceful, even on weekends.
The department also organizes numerous free activities throughout the year: nature walks, introductory birdwatching sessions, archaeology workshops, bike rides, and opportunities to explore the local wildlife. It’s a great way to rediscover an area that many people pass through without realizing it’s home to one of the most remarkable natural spaces in the Paris region!
Haute-Île Departmental Park
