7 Breton forests in autumnal mood

Located around Paimpont, 30 km from Rennes, the marvellous Broceliande Forest is the largest forest in Brittany. It is also the best-known forest in France. And why is that? Because it's here, on these 9,000 lush hectares, that Merlin the magician, the fairy Viviane and the legend of King Arthur continue to cast their spell... More than just a magical land, the Breton forest charms hikers above all for its moors, its ponds and the incredible diversity of trees it contains: the Ponthus beech, the Pas aux biches chestnut, the Guillotin oak, to name but a few...

Autumn walking routes

Ceps, boletus or chanterelle mushrooms? Perched on the sublime pink granite coast at Loguivy-Plougras, the Beffou forest massif is the highest in Brittany. Covering 630 hectares, the forest has a 322m high peak at its heart. Why do we love it? As well as putting on its most beautiful autumn colours, the Beffou forest is renowned above all for being a real mushroom goldmine. Gourmets flock here in search of rare gems.

Autumn walking routes

Head for Brest, on the shores of a freshwater sea that is none other than the famous "Lac de Guerlédan". Here lies the forest of Quénécan, a haven of peace belonging to the Pontavice family. Inside, you'll find an ancient village with a rich heritage and, above all, four paths leading you to discover the flora and fauna typical of the undergrowth. Here you'll find roe deer, Breuil du Chêne, beech trees, pines, yews and even cabanes perchées where you can play robinson for a night.

Autumn walking routes

Another legendary forest renowned for its unique scenery: the rounded granite boulders, its trembling rock (star of the forest at 137 tons) and its folk tales where legendary figures (fairies, the devil, the virgin, King Arthur) can be found in the chaos of the rocks. Nestled in the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique, la forêt de Huelgoat is also recognizable for its emblematic passages: the chaos of the Moulin, the rivière d'Argent, the grotte du Diable, the gouffre or the camp d'Artus.

Autumn hiking itineraries

Situated near the Nantes-Brest canal, the 7 hectares of woodland at Le Gâvre are home to trees from all over the world. Whether from Europe, America or Asia, they all have a special place in the avenues. Inherited by the Dukes of Brittany, the Gâvre forest is ideal for mycological walks.

[Find out more about activities in the Forêt du Gâvre (https://www.erdrecanalforet.fr/3733-foret-du-gavre.html).

Three-quarters of the 1,500 hectares of state forest are dominated by beech. And they have been there since the Middle Ages. Imagine the spectacle in autumn! In Ille-et-Vilaine, the Fougères forest is home to the Cordon des Druides, an exceptional alignment of 50 quartz menhirs in a 30-metre row. Other highlights include the Pierre Courcoulée dolmen (an ancient table sunk into the ground) and the Celliers de Landéan, a vaulted underground cave dating from the 12th century.

Autumn walking routes

It's in the Morbihan, north of the Auray region, that the Camors forest hides a legend that is still very much alive. It is said that a certain stone circle at the foot of an oak tree helps children to walk. So don't be surprised if, when you go for a walk, you come across a few shoes scattered like confetti in the woods... It's also worth noting that the massif has been home to many clog makers. Today, one workshop still exists and has found refuge in the Vallée de Pratmeur... For the more adventurous, it is also possible to sleep in a cabane perchée.

Autumn walks