Andaines Forest (Forêt des Andaines)
About Andaines Forest (Forêt des Andaines)
The Forêt des Andaines is a 5,437-hectare state forest managed by the Office National des Forêts, surrounding the thermal spa town of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. The forest features over 250 km of marked trails ranging from easy 1-hour walks to challenging full-day hikes, with paths color-coded by difficulty. Mixed woodland of oak, beech, and pine covers the terrain, reaching 304 meters at Mont en Gérôme. Visitors can explore ancient oak trees including the 400-year-old Chêne Hippolyte, mystical sites like Fontaine Saint-Ortaire with its legendary healing waters, and nearly 900 WWII bunkers left by the German 7th Army in 1944. The forest offers activities from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing on equipped formations and mushroom foraging in autumn. Deer rutting season from mid-September to mid-October draws wildlife enthusiasts at dawn and dusk. Entry is free and the forest is open year-round, though trails can be muddy after rain. Check hunting schedules with local town halls before visiting during autumn months.
Interesting Facts
The forest takes its name from the ancient Gaulish tribe called the Andains. Local legend says three protective fairies named Andaine, Gione, and Gisèle once watched over these woods, giving rise to mystical place names like the Lit de la Gione (Gione's Bed) megalith that still stands in the forest today.
During World War II, the German 7th Army established an extensive logistics network here in 1944. Today, nearly 900 bunkers, trenches, and military installations remain scattered throughout the forest, accessible via the Circuit des Vestiges de Guerre trail. Many structures still show traces of wartime camouflage paint that wasn't fully removed until the 1990s restoration.
The Chêne Hippolyte (Hippolyte's Oak) was named after forest ranger Hippolyte Foinet, who protected the tree from being felled after World War I when lumber was desperately needed for reconstruction. Standing 36 meters tall with a circumference of 5.7 meters, this 350-400 year old oak remains the forest's most celebrated tree.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Forêt domaniale des Andaines, 61140 Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, France