Forêt de Bellême, Commercial forest near Bellême, Normandy, France
The forêt de Bellême is a large deciduous forest in the Perche area of Normandy, France, surrounding the village of Bellême. Old oaks and beeches stand close together, and marked trails run through gently rolling terrain crossed by small streams.
The forest was used since Roman times and became a royal hunting ground during the Middle Ages. After the French Revolution it passed into state ownership, which is still the case today.
The Bellême forest sits in the Perche, a part of Normandy known for its oak woodlands. The oaks here are prized for their pinkish wood, which local craftspeople have long used for furniture and construction.
A parking area at the Carrefour des 7 bras, where seven forest paths meet, makes a convenient starting point. The trails are well signed and the terrain is mostly flat, making the routes accessible for all walkers.
Along one of the walking trails stands a stone known as the Pierre des Druides, whose true origin remains unknown. Nearby, the Etang de la Herse, a small pond inside the forest, is a spot where visitors often stop to watch birds or have a picnic.
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