Fontainebleau Forest

Culture and biodiversity

The first natural site in the world to benefit from a protective measure with the Barbizon Painters’ Reserves, the forest also constitutes a precious reservoir of biodiversity. This shelters a great diversity of environments and more than 1,200 animal and plant species.

A vast area

Like all state-owned forests, the Fontainebleau forest is one of great renown. It is managed by the Office National des Forets. Welcoming the public, environmental and landscape protection, forestry and timber management… there are many issues at stake! The foresters are counting on you to help them look after it. Today’s massif is the result of the merger of the Fontainebleau forests. Fontainebleau to the east, the Trois Pignons to the west and the Dame Jouanne forest to the south.
The Dame Jouanne massif offers a variety of high-quality landscapes. Strangely shaped sandstone rocks, birch, oak and pine trees stand out against the sandy soil. Extensive beaches of fine sand are the ingredients of the Dame Jouanne forest, a popular destination for walkers and climbers. The 105 caves and rock shelters in the Gulf of Larchant are also home to numerous rock engravings. See the elephant, the rock of justice, the shelter of the little man’s cross, the St Mathurin fountain, etc…