Forêt d'Orléans & the Étangs de la Borde
Stretching over 35,000 hectares north of the city, the Forêt d'Orléans is the largest national forest in France — a vast, ancient woodland of oak and pine threaded with cycling trails, wildlife corridors and mirror-still étangs (ponds) that reflect the sky like polished silver. It is Orléans' greatest natural escape and almost entirely unknown to foreign visitors.
The Forest and Its Wildlife
The forest is home to roe deer, wild boar, red squirrels and over 120 breeding bird species including the elusive black woodpecker. The Office National des Forêts maintains a network of signed walking and cycling trails ranging from a gentle 5 km family loop to a 40 km day ride through the heart of the woodland.
Spring is spectacular: the forest floor erupts with lily of the valley, wood anemones and wild orchids between April and June. Autumn brings extraordinary colour — the oaks turn deep copper and the forest smells of damp earth and mushrooms.
The Étangs de la Borde
Within the forest, the Étangs de la Borde near Ingrannes are a cluster of glacial ponds surrounded by reeds and ancient oaks — a prime birdwatching site where you can spot kingfishers, great crested grebes and, in winter, migrating ducks in large numbers. A wooden observation hide sits at the water's edge.
The ponds are also popular for wild swimming in summer (at your own risk — there are no lifeguards), and the grassy banks make a perfect picnic spot after a morning's cycling through the trees.
Getting There and Cycling Routes
The forest is easily reached by car from Orléans in 20–30 minutes (head north on the D2060 towards Ingrannes or Vitry-aux-Loges). Several trail heads have free parking and information panels with downloadable QR-code maps.
The Véloroute de la Forêt d'Orléans is a dedicated cycling itinerary that links the forest to the Loire by bike path — an outstanding full-day ride that combines woodland, river and village scenery. Bike hire is available in Orléans city centre at Vélo'+ stations.
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