Sentier de la grainette

Step 1: L'histoire de la forêt

In just a few steps, you'll be plunged right into the heart of the pine forest… The Pays de Monts state forest is a recent creation. The first tree species were planted by man around 1850 (Mother Nature was not the originator of this beautiful forest). The aim was to limit sand invasion.

The maritime pine was the first to be introduced, as it is a species that helps to fix the dunes and is able to grow on poor soils exposed to the sea winds. The tree can reach 15 to 20 metres in height. It has long needles (grainettes) measuring 17 cm, hanging in pairs. In the past, pine was used for its resin (gemmage technique), from which turpentine was extracted for varnishes. Today, the wood is mainly used for heating.

Then, under these pines, holm oaks were planted, initially in small numbers by foresters. Today, this forest covers more than 2,260 hectares, from Fromentine to Saint Hilaire de Riez. The Office National des Forêts is responsible for its management. In fact, as you walk through the forest, you may come across a patch that has been cut down. Logging is carried out on a regular basis, as it is essential for the regeneration of the forest and its long-term survival.