From outdoor leisure base to Île de loisirs: the story of Étampes since 1977

An outdoor leisure base opened in 1977

The Étampes outdoor leisure base opened to visitors in 1977 after two years of construction. It formed part of the Île-de-France policy of creating large recreational spaces within reach of urban populations. The site developed south-east of Étampes in a waterside landscape large enough to combine walking, sport and leisure.

1993: the wave pool becomes the major aquatic landmark

The wave pool introduced in 1993 changed the scale of the summer offer. Its 1,750-square-metre basin became one of the most recognisable facilities on the site. Photographs taken in July 2009 preserve a clear view of its historic layout before renovation work carried out during the 2010s.

2007: the rail toboggan strengthens the outdoor identity

The all-season rail toboggan added in 2007 brought a permanent attraction that made direct use of the site’s terrain. Built by Wiegand, it runs for 680 metres and became one of the symbols of the more energetic side of the leisure base.

2014: the regional leisure base becomes an Île de loisirs

For several decades the destination was known as an outdoor leisure base and later as the Étampes regional leisure base. In 2014, the Region renamed its network as “Îles de loisirs”. Étampes then adopted its present name, linking its local identity to the common regional brand.

2019: renovation and preparation of a new Pôle Aventure

A new investment cycle was presented in 2019. The wave pool received €1.6 million of renovation and waterproofing work over two years. At the same time, a Pôle Aventure was being prepared between the pony club and the pool, with a treetop course and pump track among the announced facilities.

Today, the joint authority brings together the Île-de-France Region, the Essonne Department and Étampois Sud-Essonne to manage the site. Its history is less a succession of rides than the continual adaptation of a large public leisure landscape.