Le balisage reste à revoir mais dans l'ensemble les ballades sont sympa.
lundi 06 juin 2011 | 12h14
N'étant pas du pays et désirant faire un séjour dans votre coin, je trouve laborieux de situer exactement le départ des sentiers pédestres, la longueur et le temps alloué. Le stationnement ne figure pas non plus.
The Pays de Monts Forest Park, which covers about 2,000 hectares between Fromentine and Sion-sur-l’Océan, extends to the edge of the dunes.
Until the mid-19th century, only a belt of sand marked the coastline. The villages faced a very real danger of being buried by sand whenever there was a violent storm. An imperial decree of 1810 ordered the planting of vegetation which would hold the sand. The first maritime pines, the only species which could survive on such poor soil, where wind and spray reigned, were planted towards 1850.
As trees grew on the dunes, firewood replaced dried cow dung as fuel. The marsh and waterside dwellers were given responsibility for harvesting and sowing seeds in return for the right to gather pine needles and dead wood for fires.
Bike path in the forest
The introduction of paid holidays gave rise to a new economic structure in which leisure came first. The forest became a public park which was very popular with walkers looking for peace and quiet. The foresters, the creators of the woodland, now have a double role. They have to preserve the balance of nature and make access possible for walkers, riders and cyclists.
Since being planted with maritime pines over a century ago, the forest has gained evergreen oaks, maples, robinias and other species. The unwooded dunes remain the habitat of low-growing plants adapted to drought and windborne sea spray.
The peaceful, shady forest paths reveal a world with an unusual wealth of flora and fauna, promising engrossing, surprising outings for simple walkers and lovers of nature alike.
Dune
Ideas for excursions :
- Nature trails
- The dune garden : Discover an extremely sensitive natural ecosystem. Marram grass dominates the coastal fringe, but the environment is also populated by a high number of other plant species. You can learn to identify them by following the waymarked paths and find answers to various questions, such as how a dune is formed.
- The squirrel trail is for children. It is there for everyone to enjoy the outstanding backdrop of the Saint-Jean-de-Monts forest.
- The viewpoint - reached by footpath from the Parée Jésus sports centre. From the viewpoint, you can see the sea and enjoy a panorama extending from the Saint-Jean-de-Monts golf course to the forest. You can also enjoy guided nature walks, with or without using GPS.
- The heronry - An attraction of the Pays de Monts forest park, where common herons and little egrets live in a bird sanctuary. The fledglings’ first attempts at flight and the squabbles between the two species will delight you. The heronry contains over 900 nests. Each maritime pine, with an average height of 20 m, may hold up to ten nests, from April to early June.
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