LA FORÊT DOMANIALE DES PAYS DE MONTS

The Pays de Monts forest covers 2,280 hectares from Fromentine to Saint Hilaire de Riez, stretching for 25 kilometres.

The plantation, which dates back to the 19th century, is essentially artificial. It fixed the dunes that were threatening to silt up the marshes exploited by man. The 600 hectares of forest covering the commune of Saint Hilaire de Riez are mainly planted with maritime pines, laricio pines, holm oaks and various broadleaved trees (sea buckthorn, hawthorn, elder, etc.), the only species capable of colonising poor soils such as those of the dunes.
Today, the forest is very popular. In Saint Hilaire de Riez, four footpaths and a sports trail are signposted.