Forest of Villefermoy

The forest of Villefermoy covers approximately 4,783 hectares of diverse woodland habitats including mature oak and beech trees, wetland areas with numerous ponds, and dense undergrowth supporting various wildlife species across the Île-de-France region.

Originally owned by medieval abbeys including Barbeau and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the forest served as a royal hunting ground for Louis XVI before becoming nationalized state property following the French Revolution in the late 18th century.

The forest features an educational arboretum at the Eight Routes crossroads displaying tree species from different temperate continents, while the Thibaut de Champagne hiking trail provides marked paths for nature discovery and outdoor recreation activities.

Visitors can access the forest from 19 Rue Grande in Les Écrettes with nearby accommodations including guesthouses and campsites, while regulated pathways minimize environmental impact during research and eco-tourism activities throughout the protected area.

The site contains remnants of ancient charcoal production sites and features a distinctive geodesic chimney at Grand Grippon, a brick and stone structure built in the early 20th century for precise topographic measurements and regional mapping purposes.