Franchard ecotourism centre

The Forest of Fontainebleau, the world's first protected natural space, has been recognised by UNESCO, along with its famous landmarks, as the Fontainebleau and Gâtinais Biosphere Reserve as part of the international Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.

Get some fresh air in parks and gardens in Paris Region.

In order to pursue this work to preserve nature and ecosystems, it was decided to create a space within the forest itself to raise the public’s awareness of the environment and local ecosystems.

This innovative place was designed to meet several needs. First of all, it serves as an information centre about all the natural, cultural and historical sites accessible to the public around the forest and throughout the Paris Region. It thus helps to spread out tourism and prevent too great a human impact on the site.

It also aims to raise visitors’ awareness of the fragility of natural environments and the importance of safeguarding landscapes, flora and fauna and promoting nature discovery as part of an environmentally responsible and sustainable approach to tourism…

A committed, multi-purpose outreach tool, the Franchard ecotourism centre is asserting its role as a leading player in sustainable development at regional level.