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troncais-stebbing-luc-olivier-cdt-allier-7The Forêt de Tronçais is an exceptional forest and home to some remarkable oaks: a concentration of the finest specimens of oak in Europe.
With their unusual dimensions, singular history and strange shape, the remarkable oaks of Tronçais are venerable monuments to nature. Discover the Chêne Carré, the Stebbing, the Pilier, etc…
Located in Saint-Bonnet Tronçais, the Futaie Colbert II is home to 2-century-old oak trees, some of the finest in the Forêt de Tronçais.
In this exceptional setting, a number of fun and educational activities await you. Starting at the Rond de Richebourg, a 1-hour walk (1 km) will help you to understand the terroir, forestry, quality of Tronçais wood and barrel-making, or how to create the exceptional alchemy between Tronçais wood and the greatest spirits.
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foret-de-troncais-03Only around twenty of France’s 1,300 state-owned forests have been awarded the Forêt d’Exception® label. Tronçais, a prestigious oak forest, was awarded this label in May 2018. A living testimony to French forestry excellence, Tronçais is world-renowned for the quality of its wood, used to make the barrels that will sublimate the finest wines and spirits. The label highlights the excellence of forest management. It also recognises the environmental heritage preserved, the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage, and the way in which the public is welcomed and encouraged to visit this unique area.
The 10,500 ha of the Forêt de Tronçais are organised around 5 major centres to welcome tourists and walkers: the Futaie Colbert II, the Rond de Thiolais, the étang de Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais, the étang de Pirot and the Rond de la Cave.
Some forty fountains dot the forest. Their mere presence or their strange names have always given rise to legends, beliefs and cults. They all contribute to the mysterious atmosphere of Tronçais.
One cures leprosy and skin diseases, the other heralds a fruitful agricultural year. The Font Brigadier makes lovers fall in love and the Font Viljot predicts marriages… Whatever their mysterious powers, they are a welcome addition to many walks in the Forêt de Tronçais.
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cerf-foret-de-troncais-06Mysterious and impressive, an enigmatic call echoes through the forest between September and October: the stag’s bellow. This is the mating season for this key species in the Tronçais forest. To witness this unusual scene in the best possible conditions, an observatory has been set up, accessible from the Rond de Vitray. There are educational panels to help you better understand the life of the stag.
This unique spectacle requires the utmost discretion, as the preservation of the species depends on it. We therefore recommend that you follow the ONF’s instructions to the letter.
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