At some 25 minutes of Jonzac, at la Maison de la Forêt (Forest House), the forest genie Sylvain awaits for children. On several hectares, the “Sylvain” path is a forest trail full of surprises and discoveries and teachings. Thanks to Sylvain the genie, children find out more about nature and the importance of the local forest.
An openair museum
The Charente-Maritime region is rich with maritime pines favourite soil, and La Maison de la Forêt is a vast park dedicated to the discovery of this beautiful Haute-Saintonge forest, called “Double Saintongeaise”, its fauna and flora.
The European mink and European pond turtle, amongst others, dwell in this forest, and coming across Hoopoes or colourful bee-eaters is not uncommon. The site is set up on 10ha (25acres) of nature, and many exhibits, hikes, nature outings and conferences are organized there.
Several cabins dedicated to professions related to the forest, a chicken run, a palombière (pigeon hunting lodge) will entertain families on their ballad, along with a fun yet instructive quiz given to them before they start. A wooden playground will conclude the ballad.
As you enter La Maison de la Forêt, you will see the watchtower looking over the forest to prevent wildfires: open to the public, it is equipped with viewpoint indicators describing the landscape all around.
Admission is free !
Useful information
Maison de la Forêt de Haute-Saintonge
Tout vent – 17210 MONTLIEU LA GARDE
+33 (0)5 46 04 43 67