île des Gords

Île des Gords is a pair of small, wooded islets on the Marne river, located within the town of Champigny-sur-Marne in the Val-de-Marne department. Despite the singular-sounding name, it actually refers to two neighbouring islets covering 2,800 m² and 3,800 m² — a compact patch of greenery in the middle of the river that has long stood out as one of the more interesting natural spots in this stretch of the Marne valley.

Where does the name come from?

The name "Gords" refers to an old fishing technique. A net was once stretched on stakes driven into the riverbed between the island and the bank — such fishing structures were traditionally called "gords" in French. Local fishermen used this method to catch fish moving along the Marne's channel, and the technique's name became permanently attached to the islets.

What wildlife lives here?

For such a small area, Île des Gords stands out for its remarkably rich biodiversity. No fewer than 153 plant species and 35 animal species have been recorded on the islets. The dense tree cover and largely untouched, natural character of the terrain make these small islets a valuable ecological enclave within the heavily urbanised Marne valley of the Paris metropolitan area.

Why are the islands protected?

Île des Gords is part of the Réserve Naturelle Départementale des Îles de la Marne (Departmental Nature Reserve of the Islands of the Marne). The reserve groups together three islands: Île des Gords, Île de l'Abreuvoir, and Île Pissevinaigre. This protected status aims to preserve the natural habitats and the diversity of flora and fauna on this small but valuable fragment of the river valley, which faces strong urban pressure on all sides.

How can you see the islands?

Because of its nature reserve status, Île des Gords is not a place meant for casual walking access — landing on the islets is restricted in order not to disturb the natural processes taking place there. The islets can, however, be admired from the riverbank and from the bridge in Champigny, which offers a good view of their wooded silhouette in the middle of the river. A closer encounter with Île des Gords is possible by canoe or kayak — paddling routes on the Marne allow visitors to pass near the islands and appreciate their natural character from a very different perspective than from the shore.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk onto Île des Gords? The islets are part of a nature reserve, so access on land is restricted. They are best admired from the riverbank, the bridge in Champigny, or during a canoe or kayak trip.

How many islands make up Île des Gords? There are actually two neighbouring islets, covering 2,800 m² and 3,800 m² respectively, which together operate under the shared name Île des Gords.

Where does the name "Gords" come from? From an old fishing technique — a net stretched on stakes between the island and the bank, used to catch fish in the Marne.

What species can be found here? The islets host 153 plant species and 35 animal species, making them one of the richer natural sites in this part of the Marne valley.

Is Île des Gords part of a different reserve than the nearby islands? No — Île des Gords, Île de l'Abreuvoir, and Île Pissevinaigre together form the Departmental Nature Reserve of the Islands of the Marne.