Châtillon Forest:hiking and the National Forest Park

In brief: the Chatillon forest is by far the largest forest massif in Côte d’Or with nearly 9,000 hectares of state forest. Part of the National Forest Park since 2019, it offers hiking trails, renowned mushroom picking and the spectacle of deer rutting in autumn. It shelters the Val des Choues abbey within its heart.

In northern Côte d’Or, between Chatillon-sur-Seine and the borders of Champagne, stretches the Chatillon forest, a vast state-owned forest massif of nearly 9,000 hectares, sometimes called the “great forest” by locals of the Chatillonnais region. Including private and communal woods, more than 12,000 hectares of continuous forest cover the limestone plateau of the Chatillonnais - the largest wooded area in the department.

A forest massif of 9,000 hectares

The Chatillon forest is a stand of oaks and beeches typical of Burgundian limestone plateaus. The main species are sessile oak, beech and hornbeam, accompanied by secondary hardwoods such as lime, maple and wild cherry. The forest is managed by the National Forest Office (ONF), which supports a dynamic local timber industry (construction timber, firewood, industrial wood).

The terrain is that of a limestone plateau carved by valleys where the Seine and Ource rivers flow. The clay-limestone soils support a diverse vegetation. Altitude varies between 250 and 400 metres, offering varied atmospheres between the drier plateau tops and the more humid valley bottoms.

Since November 2019, the Chatillon forest has been part of the National Forest Park, the 11th French national park and the first dedicated to lowland temperate forest. This status brings enhanced protection to the massif while encouraging responsible nature tourism.

Hiking and trails in the forest

The Chatillon forest is crossed by several marked trails:

• The GR2 (“Au fil de la Seine”), which links Dijon to Le Havre over nearly 860 km following the river, crosses the massif on its Chatillon section, one of the most wooded along the route.
• The Chemin de la Belle Étoile, a 240 km GRP that makes a complete circuit of the National Forest Park, with possible departure from Chatillon-sur-Seine.
• Several mountain bike routes marked by the Espace VTT-FFC du Pays Chatillonnais (from a few kilometres to several dozen) allow cyclists to explore the massif.

Hiking enthusiasts will find routes for all levels, from family walks to stages of the GR2, with marked circuits to suit everyone.

Wildlife, flora and foraging

The Chatillon forest shelters rich and diverse wildlife. Red deer and roe deer are the most visible large mammals, alongside wild boar and foxes. The deer rut, from mid-September to mid-October, is one of the massif’s most impressive natural spectacles. Guided outings are organised by the Chatillonnais Tourist Office.

Birdwatchers can observe black woodpeckers, middle spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches and willow warblers. The forest also hosts protected species such as the Lady’s Slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), a rare wild orchid that blooms in limestone clearings in spring.

In autumn, the Chatillon forest is renowned for mushroom picking: chanterelles, porcini, trumpet mushrooms and hedgehog mushrooms draw foragers from across the region. Picking for personal consumption is free, within the rules of the ONF and the National Forest Park. Avoid picking species you don’t know and limit yourself to what you will consume.

The Val des Choues abbey and other points of interest

At the heart of the Chatillon forest lies the Val des Choues abbey (see dedicated page), a former Cistercian monastery from the 12th century that now houses a hunting museum and a pack of hounds. The abbey is accessible from the forest trails.

Other points of interest in the massif include: commemorative steles dedicated to the Resistance fighters who fell in the forest during World War II, the Chateau of Rochefort-sur-Brevon and the remains of the Brevon valley forges, witnesses to the historic ironworking activity of the Chatillonnais, as well as the Maison de la foret at Leuglay, which offers an exhibition on forest management and the National Park.

The Chatillon forest is an essential link in the Chatillonnais ecosystem. Its preservation is central to the mission of the National Forest Park, which encourages respectful enjoyment of the area.

Practical information

Access and seasonality

The forest is freely accessible all year round, with no restrictions or entry fee. The main trailheads start from Chatillon-sur-Seine or from car parks at the edge of the massif (towards Villiers-le-Duc, Rochefort-sur-Brevon or Leuglay). Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking: mild temperatures and beautiful colours. In summer, the forest canopy offers pleasant coolness. Hunters are present from October to February: stay on marked trails and wear bright clothing.