The Orleans Forest

35,000 hectares of the 60,000 hectare Orleans Forest are managed by the ‘Office National des Forêts (ONF)’ making it the largest national forest in France.
The GR3 hiking path runs through the forest from west to east and the GR32 runs from north to south criss-crossed with numerous other paths, well-marked and maintained by the ONF. So it is easy to explore all aspects of the mysterious forest in peace and tranquillity from its fringes to its very heart.
The Orleans Forest, a patchwork of habitats and rare species
Nature-wise the Forêt d’Orléans has amazing biodiversity, a patchwork of habitats and rare species comprising trees, lakes, ponds, chasms and springs, bracken undergrowth, carpets of heather, glades of lily-of-the-valley, bluebells and even blueberries !
Above all it is home to the birds of prey which are the crown jewels of this massive forest : 11 diurnal and 4 nocturnal species. The osprey nested for the first time in France on the Etang du Ravoir lake where an observatory allows you to watch the nesting and reproduction of this rare bird of prey which has become the symbol of the forest.