Plaine de Sorques
The Plaine de Sorques is a protected natural area located in the Seine-et-Marne region of Île-de-France, near the towns of Montigny-sur-Loing and Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne. Managed by the local council, it’s officially classed as an “Espace Naturel Sensible”—which means it’s a special area set aside to protect wildlife and natural habitats, while also being open for people to explore and enjoy.
Table of Contents
The site was once used as a gravel quarry, but over time, nature has reclaimed the landscape. Now, it's a mix of wetlands, ponds, meadows, and woodland—all of which support a rich variety of animals and plants.
This area is perfect for nature lovers, families, walkers, and birdwatchers. You can enjoy:
- Peaceful walking trails
- Bird-watching hides (observatories)
- A variety of landscapes: forest, riverbanks, meadows, and marshes
- Seasonal wildlife, including deer, birds, frogs, and dragonflies
Whether you're into wildlife photography, looking for a quiet place to walk, or simply curious about local nature, there's something here for everyone.
What Can You See There?
The Plaine de Sorques is home to a wide range of wildlife and natural features. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Birds and Birdwatching
The ponds and wetlands attract many bird species throughout the year. In winter, you can spot migratory birds resting here. In summer, it becomes a nesting site. Bird hides along the trail let you watch them without disturbing them.
Insects and Amphibians
The site is buzzing (literally) with insects like dragonflies and damselflies, especially around the water. In spring, frogs and other amphibians come here to breed.
Plants and Wildflowers
In the wetter areas, you’ll find rare and protected plants like sanguisorba officinalis and warted spurge. Drier, sunnier areas are home to rare pioneer plants, like dropwort rockrose and sand plantain.
Deer and Mammals
With a bit of luck—especially on a quiet autumn evening—you might see a red deer in the meadow. They’re a common and iconic presence here, and a favorite subject for wildlife photographers.
Reptiles
This site is also rich in reptiles. In fact, nearly all reptile species found in Île-de-France live here.
Walking Trails
There are two main walking loops to explore the area:
- Blue Loop (1 km – about 40 mins): A short path leading to a birdwatching spot.
- Red Loop (5 km – about 2 hours): A longer circuit that goes along the Loing River and into the Fontainebleau Forest.
Both trails are flat and accessible to most visitors. Along the way, you’ll pass two observatories, where you can sit quietly and watch wildlife without being seen.
Nature & Conservation
The Plaine de Sorques is a brilliant example of how a former industrial site can be transformed into a valuable and beautiful wildlife haven. Managed by Seine-et-Marne Environment, the area is carefully looked after to protect its ecosystems and give the public a chance to experience nature up close.
Each type of environment—ponds, marshes, dry soil, meadow, forest—supports different species, making the reserve incredibly diverse for its size. It’s a living classroom for anyone interested in:
- Plants and flowers
- Insects
- Birds
The Plaine de Sorques is a peaceful, wild, and fascinating place just a short trip from the towns nearby. Whether you’re in it for the quiet, the walking, the wildlife, or the photography, it’s a space that changes with the seasons and always has something new to offer. Come with good shoes, a camera if you have one, and take your time—you never know what you might see.
Gallery
