Forest - Rambouillet - Nature

The Rambouillet forest extends over nearly 30 hectares and 000 communes. Part of it is located in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park.

Rambouillet forest

Rambouillet forest classified as a protection forest

Since 2009, the Rambouillet forest has been classified as a "protection forest", which means that its environmental quality is preserved without excluding its various uses. This status makes the Rambouillet forest the second largest protection forest in France. There Rambouillet forest is characterized by a great diversity of soils; that is to say if the vegetation and the landscapes are varied. The oaks dominate. The pines occupy the sandy soils.

The forest species of the Rambouillet forest

Pedunculate oak - Forest of Rambouillet

Pedunculate oak and sessile oak

Oak is the most represented forest species in France. Oak trees are recognized by their characteristic lobed leaves and their fruits, acorns.
The Pedunculate Oak is, with the Sessile Oak, the most represented species in the Rambouillet forest. Often confused, these two species can be distinguished by one significant detail: the acorn of the Pedunculate Oak is separated from the branch on which it grows by a stem, the peduncle.

Scots pine - Rambouillet Forest

Scots pine

In France, Scots pine is found mainly in mountainous areas, but it has been introduced into many regions for reforestation purposes. It adapts without difficulty to poor and bare soils.
The Scots pine is recognizable by its tall size (up to 40 meters) and its orange-brown bark in the upper part of the trunk. Its fruits are cones with brownish scales. The maximum longevity of Scots pine is 500 years.

Forest animals in the Rambouillet forest

Rambouillet forest, deer

red deer

This majestic animal, emblematic of the forest of Rambouillet, is the largest deer in our regions. The male is distinguished by his antlers which can weigh up to 15 kilos and which he loses at the end of each winter. Its coat is brown, darker in winter than in summer. The doe has a smaller size and its coat is lighter. As for the fawn, it is recognized by its light brown coat spotted with white. Deer feed mainly on grasses, but they can also eat bark, acorns and dead leaves depending on the season. The rut, the mating period during which you can hear the deer slab, takes place at the beginning of autumn. The average lifespan of a deer is 15 years. Discreet animal, you will have more chances to observe it at dawn or dusk.

Wild boars - Espace rambouillet - Animal park - Sonchamp - Forest

wild boar

The wild boar is a species of omnivorous and forest mammals. This widely hunted species is considered an engineering species capable of developing adaptation strategies to hunting pressure.
It is from dusk that the wild boar generally feeds. Although it can also be observed during the day. When it is not looking for food, it rests in its wallow, a hollow in the ground in a very sheltered place. To cool off and eliminate parasites, wild boars like to wallow in mud baths, called sullies. Then, covered in mud, he rubs himself against a tree to clean himself.

Roe deer - Espace Rambouillet - Animal park - Sonchamp

deer

The roe deer is the smallest deer in Europe. It is a herbivorous mammal.
They are distinguished by a clearly visible whitish spot on their hindquarters, at tail level.
In case of danger, deer can show great agility: they jump, run and can even swim to escape. Discreet, it can be difficult to observe. On the other hand, at the time of the rut, its barking resonates in the forest. Yes, yes, the deer is barking!

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Activities in the forest

Hunting days in the Rambouillet forest

Poigny-la-Forêt Forest

On this page you will find all the information on hunting days in the Rambouillet forest.

Hunting days in the Rambouillet forest

Our weekend ideas to discover the Rambouillet forest

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FAQ

Apart from having the chance to come across it in the forest, the surest way to have the opportunity to observe the king of the forest is to go to the animal park L'Espace Rambouillet in Sonchamp!

Space Rambouillet

Through different sports activities! Hiking, bike rides or horseback riding are the best ways to discover the forest with family or friends!

Hiking, biking, horseback riding

Depending on the type of mushroom you are looking for, your search location will be different! If you are looking for porcini mushrooms, look under pines or oaks. If you want to find chanterelles, it is better to approach a water point or take a look in the moss...

Everything you need to know about picking mushrooms

Whether at Espace Rambouillet or with an independent nature guide, you have several options for listening to the stag's slab in the Rambouillet forest.

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