How about taking some time out this year? We suggest you visit an island that is little known to Parisians: Île Nancy. A peaceful, bucolic place that will recharge your batteries. To get there, you’ll need to take… a boat: that’s right, the island is only accessible by ferry! Once you arrive, you’ll discover a beautiful, unspoiled area that is entirely pedestrianized.
A little-known island on the outskirts of Paris
If you look for a road to get there, you’ll find nothing but water! Île Nancy is only accessible by ferry via the town of Andrésy. To get there from Paris, head to Gare Saint-Lazare, then take the J line towards “Mantes-la-Jolie” and get off at Maurecourt. After a few minutes’ walk to Andrésy town hall, you can’t miss the pier! The crossing is completely free and only takes a few minutes.
Nancy Island
Once you disembark, you will discover several forest trails and a magnificent preserved natural area. Stretching over 3 km, the island offers a breathtaking and almost wild view of the banks of the Seine. Almost entirely wooded, the island is rich in biodiversity that you can observe… on foot! That’s right, bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades are strictly prohibited! Every year since 1997, from mid-May to November, the island is transformed into a huge open-air gallery for seven months. The Sculptures en Île festival showcases the work of established contemporary artists as well as budding artists from Andrésy’s nursery and primary schools.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from April 1 to October 15,the island is a true haven of peace that we highly recommend you discover this year.