Tronçais: A Forest of Exceptional Beauty

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the myriad shades of green, the water-based activities around the ponds, the bellowing of the stags, mushroom picking, and the horn-blowers at the hunt…

The Tronçais Forest reveals a new side to itself with every season.

Getting there

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Luc Olivier

A vast playground

covering over 10,500 ha!

Oaks, many of which are several hundred years old, watch over the forest. From the Colbert Nature Reserve to its successor, Colbert II, via the numerous fountains and legends, Tronçais reveals its mysteries.

The Tronçais oak is world-renowned for its quality. It is notably used in the manufacture of barrels in which the finest wines from French vineyards are aged.

After being awarded the “Forêt d’Exception®” label in May 2018, the Tronçais Forest, a prestigious oak forest, renewed this prestigious accreditation for the second time in October 2022, for a further five years.

Tronçais State Forest

Between Mystery and Tradition

The Tronçais Forest is a world unto itself; a place where stags bellow in autumn, where one can still encounter wild boar and roe deer, birds of prey and rare butterflies, where one discovers gigantic, listed oak trees, and where the legendary fountains hold an indescribable charm.

In 1670, Colbert, Prime Minister to Louis XIV, developed the forest to protect high-quality timber intended for the construction of ships for the Royal Navy… But it was the cooperage and the world of spirits that would give Tronçais its international reputation.

In 2018, the Chênaie Prestige was recognised and awarded the Forêt d’Exception® label, a mark of excellence and a guarantee of the promotion of its forestry, natural and cultural heritage.

A different way to explore the forest...The Order of the Golden ShieldFree in-car gaming app

Treasure hunt in the medieval town of Montluçon and the Tronçais Forest

A two-part experience

They talk about it

better than us!

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At every turn along the walk, a surprise awaits us!

As you wander through Tronçais, you realise that human endeavour, combined with nature, can produce the very best results.

Tronçais produces exceptional timber, the result of a harmonious blend of the local terroir, nature and human expertise. A truly exceptional setting for our walks, organised throughout the year!

Infos