Parc Astérix, Château de Chantilly and CDC Biodiversité Launch Ecological Restoration in Chantilly Forest

Parc Astérix is once again proving its commitment to sustainability: Together with CDC Biodiversité and the Château de Chantilly, extensive restoration work is currently underway in the heart of the Chantilly Forest. No fewer than 8 hectares are being reforested and planted with climate-resilient species – an ambitious compensation project directly tied to the park’s expansion plans and designed to last up to 50 years.

The unique partnership leverages the geographic proximity between Parc Astérix and the 6,300-hectare forest owned by the Institut de France. Developed on sandy, low-water-retention soils, this iconic forest is severely impacted by climate change: An estimated 40 percent of trees, especially oaks, are in concerning health. CDC Biodiversité, the park’s designated compensation operator, is therefore implementing restoration and maintenance measures on 29 hectares of forest parcels in silvicultural deadlock – identified in close coordination with the Château de Chantilly and the Office National des Forêts.

At the core of the project is a real environmental obligation (ORE), notarized between CDC Biodiversité and the Château de Chantilly, ensuring the long-term durability of the measures on the provided parcels. This instrument enables the implementation and monitoring of concrete actions to offset impacts on birds and bats in shrubby or wooded habitats, as well as on forested natural habitats.

The planned actions are already defined: planting diversified local species adapted to climatic changes, creating forest edges and clearings, preserving trees in senescence islands, and restoring Calluna heaths.

Work began at the end of 2024, resumed in early January 2026 during a period least sensitive for fauna and flora, and will continue over the coming years. The intensive restoration phases will later give way to lighter maintenance work and targeted ecological monitoring of the compensated species and habitats. This phased approach allows measures to be tailored to the specific ecological characteristics of the affected areas.

The project brings together CDC Biodiversité, Parc Astérix, the Château de Chantilly, the Office National des Forêts, the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels des Hauts-de-France, and the Parc naturel régional Oise-Pays de France. It exemplifies innovative regional cooperation for the benefit of biodiversity and forest resilience to climate disruptions.

“This project was initiated by the partners as early as the planning phase of the first measures of Parc Astérix’s overall expansion project. It represents a concrete and long-term response (30 to 50 years) to the climate emergency and biodiversity loss. It proves that ambitious ecological compensation, praised by state authorities, can also serve as a lever for regional resilience.” Renaud Garbé, Director of the Hauts-de-France agency, CDC Biodiversité

“Parc Astérix places great importance on protecting biodiversity, as it is located both in a Natura 2000 zone and in the Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park. This project reflects our desire to develop Parc Astérix responsibly and sustainably – in collaboration with local stakeholders to implement measures for ecosystem restoration.” Delphine Pons, General Manager of Parc Astérix

“As a major forest owner, the Château de Chantilly bears particular responsibility: to preserve its natural heritage and pass it on to future generations. Faithful to the mission entrusted to it by the Duke of Aumale and to the motto of the Institut de France – Preserve, Support, Enlighten – the château works daily to support its forests in facing climate challenges, while promoting knowledge and education. It operates in close cooperation with regional stakeholders, in service of a rich and shared biodiversity.” Anne Miller, General Administrator of the Château de Chantilly