Enchanted forests!
The most beautiful forests of Atlantic Loire Valley (Gavre, Mervent-Vouvant ...)
Mervent-Vouvant Forest (85) – Life-sized
This impressive 12,355-acre forest, in the heart of which is a majestic reservoir, is home to impressive oaks that can reach 35 metres tall! It is said that the place was once the refuge of the Mélusine fairy and that the magical atmosphere of the place is sometimes reminiscent of the Forest of Brocéliande. Tucked away in the north of the forest, Vouvant is believed to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Photo LAD-C. MENES
Gâvre Forest (44) – Varieties from around the world
As well as rolling out the red carpet for visitors with its splendid alleyways, this large state-owned forest takes us on a journey through its arboretum. Here, trees from Asia, the Americas and all of Europe rub shoulders. The site also has hiking trails including the Magdeleine circuit, which takes us on a discovery of legends and history. Finally, don't hesitate to discover the Maison de la Forêt (House of the Forest) and its shows for children!
Photo J. Damase
Bercé Forest (72) – The kingdom of the oaks
Located in the Loir Valley, Bercé forest showcases one of the finest collections of oaks on the continent. At the Clos mature plantation, some of the inhabitants are over 300 years old and 50 metres tall! Also discover the romantic Hermitière spring, the valley of stones and its faux-mountain feel, or Carnuta, Maison de l'Homme et de la Forêt (House of Man and the Forest) which, in the neighbouring town of Jupille, is bursting with fun and educational facilities.
Photo Ph. Caharel
Pail Forest (53) – Vertigo
Backing onto the Alpes Mancelles and their mountainous landscapes, the Pail forest is also not lacking in altitude. Located to the north, the eponymous corniche exceeds 350 metres high in some places and reveals a superb panorama of the surrounding countryside. Don't hesitate to explore a little further, beyond the borders of the massif, to go even higher on the Mont des Avaloirs, the highest point in the region at 416 metres.
Photo A. Lamoureux-Vendée Expansion
Olonne Forest (85) – The open sea
Spread over 11 km between Brétignolles, La Chaume and the fishing village of Sables d'Olonne, this 2,471-acre forest was created in the 19th century to bring plants to the dunes and thereby secure the sand during storms. Wedged between sea and marshland, it is home to maritime pines, green oaks, hawthorns, tamarix, acacias and poplars. The site's many trails are perfect for strolls.
Photo Anjou Tourisme
Chandelais Forest (49) – Noble land
Welcome to one of the most beautiful state-owned forests in the region, which in the 15th century was the hunting ground of King René and the fiefdom of the Comtes d'Anjou! 60 km of walking trails and 7 km of cycle paths snake between oaks and beech trees, along which mushroom lovers arrive, during the season, to gather the ceps and chanterelle mushrooms that abound in the forest.
Atlantic Loire Valley is home to remarkable forests, some of which are among the most beautiful in France. Here's a little stroll in pictures through them, with the scent of the moss, the squeaking of the leaves and the caress of the ferns...
Welcome to the kingdom of the oak! Rightly considered the domain of the sacred tree, the Atlantic Loire Valley forest also abounds with numerous varieties such as maritime pine, birch, beech, chestnut and poplar. A total of 803,092 acres of woods cover the area and offer the perfect place for walking, hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. An opportunity to learn about impressive biodiversity and some of the richest fauna.
Will you choose the seaside scents of the Olonne forest, the exotic look of the Gâvre forest, the majestic quality of the Mervent-Vouvant massif, or the Alpine feel of the Pail forest? A little reinvigorating escape, above.
Other selections
Foret domaniale d'Olonne
Under the orders of Louis XV, the planting of the very first pine seedlings was succeeded by a series of major grow operations in
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FORET DOMANIALE DE CHANDELAIS
The forest of Chandelais is the most remarkable forest
of Anjou. It was the hunting-ground of Good King René.
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of Anjou. It was the hunting-ground of Good King René.