.... A refuge for fugitives and comforter
of lonely hearts, it has inspired poets whose imaginations
have filled it with a world of nymphs and fairies. But
this forest with centuries-old specimens has not always
been a land of peace! As the former property of the Dukes
of Bourbon (it was confiscated from them in 1527), it
was the subject of such a free-for-all that, in 1670,
three-quarters of its trees had been destroyed. In the
same period, Colbert decided to protect it with the avowed
goal of providing the kingdom’s shipbuilders with
high-quality wood.
Today, the forest, 7/10ths of which is made up of oak,
beech and pine, provides raw materials for the production
of barrels, notably for the great Bordeaux wines. The
forest may be industrious, but it also has a story to
tell.
Here you will find the traces of the ancient Celtic, Gallo-Roman
and Gothic populations. You will also come across ponds
where you can enjoy a pleasant swim.
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