Forêt de Dourdan, forest in France
The Forêt de Dourdan is a state-managed forest covering roughly 1.600 hectares across several towns southwest of Paris. The Orge river runs through the land, with sessile oaks forming the main tree population, mixed with beech, hornbeam, chestnut, and pine on sandier slopes.
The Abbey of Notre-Dame de l'Ouÿe was founded in 1163 by Louis VII and shaped the woodland for centuries. In the 18th century King Louis XIV gave the forest to his brother Philippe d'Orléans, and the Orléans family held it until the Revolution, when it became state property in 1870.
The forest has been tied to royal hunting traditions since medieval times and shaped the region's identity. Today visitors experience it as a place of reflection and connection to nature, with local guides sharing stories about the ancient trees and forest workers.
The forest has numerous walking trails and tracks, including sections of long-distance routes GR 1 and GR 111 that suit cycling too. Local tourism offices provide simple forest maps, and signposts and informational panels mark various spots and forest history.
The Chêne des Six Frères is an oak tree about 500 years old with six main trunks growing from the same root, which is quite rare. At the tree's center sits a small water basin that once served as a prayer site and traditionally holds water believed to have special qualities.
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