An oak forest of nearly 11,000 hectares, replanted under Colbert for the royal navy. Lakes, morning mist, the silence of a cathedral.
An oak forest of nearly 11,000 hectares in the north-west of the Allier, holding the Forêt d'Exception label (France's 'exceptional forest' label) since 2018. In the 17th century, Colbert launched its restoration and replanting, to build up a reserve of timber for the royal navy's shipyards. At the end of the 18th century, the Tronçais, Saloup and Morat lakes (étangs) were dug to power the forges; Saint-Bonnet (45 hectares of water) and Pirot (78 hectares) complete the picture. Oaks several centuries old, 19 of them recognised as remarkable trees, like the Chêne Carré (the 'square oak'), which is said to date from around 1630, and trails that take you around the lakes. For a swim, head for the Étang de Saint-Bonnet and its lifeguarded area in July and August. Open access.
What you will find
- The canopy of century-old oaks filtering the light down into the undergrowth
- The thick silence of the forest, barely broken by woodpeckers and jays
- The forest lakes at first light, with mist lingering over the water
- The outline of the great oaks, straight as masts, which gives you a sense of scale
Local tip
Plan your loop before you set off: the Chênes Remarquables loop (8.3 km, allow 2 h 15 min) is the best introduction to the century-old trees. Swimming at the Étang de Saint-Bonnet, lifeguarded in season.
Good to know
- Plan your loop before you set off: a paper map makes all the difference for finding your way in the forest
- For swimming, head for the Étang de Saint-Bonnet and its lifeguarded area in July and August: swimming is not allowed at Saloup and Morat, and Pirot is set up for walking
- In autumn, the colours are out in force but the dirt tracks quickly get slippery: bring shoes with good grip
Practical information
- Accessibility
- Partly wheelchair accessible
