What are the most beautiful forests in France?

The Tronçais forest

Labelled a "forest of exception" since 2018, this forest renowned for its oak trees is located in the north-west of the Allier department, where it covers almost 11,000 hectares. This forest, developed by Colbert under Louis XIV, is home to some twenty remarkable trees, including the Square Oak, which is thought to have originated in the 17th century, and the Sentinel, an oak tree with a circumference of 6.55 metres.

The French forest of Paimpont

It is in this mythical forest in the heart of Brittany, to the south-east of Rennes, that hundred-year-old trees have taken root. Better known by the name given to it by Chrétien de Troyes at the end of the 12th century - the Forest of Broceliande - it is the largest forest in the region, covering 7,000 hectares. The area is divided into several zones, from moorland to coniferous forests and undergrowth of oak and beech. Beware during your walks, you may come across a korrigan or a fairy!

>>> If you wish to discover them in pictures, go to our slideshow of the the most beautiful forests in France !

The Païolive wood

Whoever enters this labyrinthine wood in the extreme south in one of the most beautiful villages of Ardèche, can only wonder at these blocks of limestone sculpted by erosion, which are as if they were placed in the middle of white oaks. Nicknamed by the locals "bois des fados", "bois des fées", this curious landscape, which covers 16 square kilometres, is crossed by the Chassezac gorges. Several well-marked paths allow you to walk in peace.

The Landes forest

With its surface area of almost one million hectares, the Landes forest, along the Atlantic Ocean, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is the largest artificial forest in Western Europe. Although the maritime pine reigns supreme in this sublime natural park, you will also come across various varieties of oak trees on your walks or mountain bike rides.

The forest of Fontainebleau

Distinguished by the ONF's "exceptional forest" label, the Fontainebleau forest, which is only an hour from Paris, extends over more than 22,000 hectares to the south of the capital, in Seine-et-Marne. Recognised by UNESCO as a "biosphere reserve", it is the second largest state-owned forest in France, after Orléans. It is home to some 5,000 plant species and more than 6,000 animal species (most of which are insects).

The undivided forest of Haguenau

The sixth largest forest in France, the undivided forest of Haguenau, nicknamed the "holy forest", covers more than 13,000 hectares in the north of the Alsace plain. A third of its surface is occupied by Scots pines and oaks, but you will also find beech and birch trees.

The Eawy forest

This 7,200-hectare state forest in the heart of the Bray region of Normandy is unique in that it is criss-crossed by what is known as the "allée des Limousins", a 14-kilometre-long straight passage. Nestled between its foliage is a place of remembrance, the "Val Ygot", which refers to a V1 (missile) launch base. Bombing operations were carried out there by the German army during the Second World War.

The Vizzavona forest

In the centre of Corsica, in Haute-Corse to be precise, this forest of over 1,600 hectares is crossed by the road linking Bastia and Ajaccio. Don't miss a swim in the Cascade des Anglais, located a good hour's drive from the Vizzavona pass. The more athletic - and hardy! - climb Monte d'Oro, the second highest peak in Corsica, which reaches an altitude of over 2,300 metres.

The Bélouve forest

This tropical forest, perched on a plateau at an altitude of 1,300 metres in the east of Reunion Island, is very close to the Salazie cirque. It is home to the high tamarins, which are neither monkeys nor fruits, but trees endemic to the island. Classified as a biological reserve, the primary forest of Bélouve is also home to other endemic plant species, such as the tree fern ("fanjan") and certain orchids. Don't miss the hike to the Trou de Fer lookout, where you can see an impressive waterfall.

The forest of Boscodon, in the Hautes-Alpes

With its many fir trees, the Boscodon forest dominates the Serre-Ponçon lake in the Hautes-Alpes. Formerly the domain of the abbey of Boscodon, it now extends over 850 hectares. At the bend in the path, you will arrive at the Bragousse lookout point, from where you can admire the cirque of the same name.

The Iraty forest, in the Basque Country

In the heart of the Basque Country, between France and Spain, lies the Iraty forest, the largest beech forest in Europe, in the middle of the Pyrenees. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts will enjoy its landscapes in winter, when the snow covers its 17,000 hectares with a white coat.

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