Parc de la Fontaine aux Fées, protected area in France
The Parc de la Fontaine aux Fées is a protected natural area in Talant featuring dense tree clusters mixed with open clearings crossed by small streams. It covers around 30 hectares of heathland and dry grassland with diverse vegetation including wild plants such as rock violets and bee orchids.
The land formed as limestone deposits around 165 million years ago, later quarried for regional construction projects. The park received official protected status on December 23, 1994 through a prefectoral decree to conserve its natural habitats and wildlife.
The park is experienced by local residents as a place to observe how nature changes throughout the seasons. Springtime brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn leaves turn golden and red, offering a view of natural cycles in action.
The park is accessible through multiple entry points: via Rue des Boissières near the cemetery or Avenue de la Combe Valton at the sports complex parking lot. Marked trails are safe for walking and typically take about one hour; bring sturdy footwear and binoculars for wildlife viewing, especially in spring.
The park hosts rare amphibians such as salamanders, newts, and the midwife toad living in its spring sources. A mobile app called 'Au fil du sentier' guides visitors through the route with additional explanations along the way.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
