An exceptional range of heritage issues come together in Fontainebleau forest. It is in this abundance of different interests and sensitivities that the real difficulties involved in the global management of the forest reside.
An exceptional range of heritage issues come together in Fontainebleau forest. It is in this abundance of different interests and sensitivities that the real difficulties involved in the global management of the forest reside.
Fontainebleau is a “true” forest (and also the second largest national forest in France in terms of area, after Orléans forest) less than 40 miles from Paris and served by two major transport links, a motorway and a railway. Furthermore, 120,000 people live in the urban areas of Melun and Fontainebleau at the gateway to the forest. And ten million people live less than 40 miles away.
The variety and originality of the forest landscape at Fontainebleau is remarkable. The landscape stems from a rough and dynamic terrain, often divided by long, parallel ranges of hills and rocks separated by dry valleys with drops of between 165 and 230 ft, substantial within the context of an environment that is on the whole flat, like the plain of Brie. This topography provides very broad, often grandiose prospects and viewpoints, both within the forest itself and on the surrounding plain.
The geology and extremely varied ecological conditions mean that some remarkable and very diverse environments, such as sandy grasslands, sun-scorched heathlands, acid oak groves and hundred-year-old beech groves, stand almost side by side.
There is the omnipresent sand, visible to varying degrees, which among the pine trees inevitably recalls the beach, the sea and a sense of escapism.
Lastly, and perhaps most important of all, the signature of Fontainebleau: that surprising, intriguing and “picturesque” chaos of sandstone blocks which has always captured the imagination of visitors when confronted with these strange forms.
Certain areas are more visited than others (Franchard, Apremont, La Solle, Le Cuvier, Chatillon, the Mare aux Fées, etc). But are they, in fact, more remarkable? Perhaps so (Apremont and Franchard offer outstanding viewpoints, for example), as their historical aspect has given them a notoriety that still attracts the public. But to single out these sites as the most visually outstanding is to do a disservice to the forest as a whole which is a landscape entity in its own right, a continuum of picturesque ambiences sculpted by the seasons and the dynamics of its plant life.
The name of Fontainebleau resonates with and is enriched by numerous evocative connotations such as the royal hunting lodge and reserve, the Barbizon painters, the Denecourt footpaths, excursion trains, reserves, majestic oaks, rocks and sandstone quarries.
An extremely broad range of activities take place in the forest. Walking is popular even in exceptional conditions thanks to the network of routes (“blue paths”, hiking routes, family nature walks and circuit routes) and to the sandy nature of the terrain (providing pleasant walking regardless of the weather). The activities of horse riding (there are nine riding stables within the forest) and climbing are also enjoyed by many visitors. But there is also plenty to attract nature lovers, mushroom enthusiasts, and those keen on photography, painting and so on.
The unlikely combination of all these unparalleled attractions makes Fontainebleau forest one of the most visited natural sites in France but one which is in danger of becoming the victim of its own success.