Looking to get some fresh air and discover local biodiversity? Sud-Essonne boasts natural sites to explore. In Châlo-Saint-Mars and Saclas, two areas invite you to enjoy a walk in nature while learning about the region's riches.
The Bouniol park, located in Châlo-Saint-Mars, is a Sensitive Natural Area offering walks with educational panels, children's play areas, and picnic tables. The Vallée de la Chalouette hiking trail also passes nearby. This park is home to remarkable biodiversity, including eight heritage wetland habitats of Île-de-France, three amphibian species, and five heritage bird species. These environments also contribute to water purification and flood regulation. In 2023, SIARJA rehabilitated four hectares of wetlands.
In Saclas, an educational trail leads you through the heart of the Juine valley. Eight panels along the route provide information on biodiversity, the role of water, and conservation efforts. Situated within the Natura 2000 site of the calcareous grasslands of Champ Brûlard, the trail also raises visitor awareness about landscape and nature preservation challenges. It is freely accessible year-round. This project was initiated and funded by Triadis Services Étampes, in partnership with SIARJA, the NaturEssonne association, and the municipality of Saclas.
These two sites offer great opportunities for walks, observing fauna and flora, and better understanding the natural environments around us. Visitors are reminded to take their waste with them and respect the locations to preserve these spaces.
