Chêne des Hindrés in the Forêt de Brocéliande
The Chêne des Hindrés (Oak) is one of the venerable elders of the ancient Forêt de Paimpont-Brocéliande, a mystical realm steeped in Arthurian Legend, in the heart of Brittany.
This magnificent oak is about 500 years old, and belongs to the sessile oak species (Quercus Petraea) and displays impressive dimensions: 23 metres in height with a circumference of 5.07 metres at 1.30 metres above the forest floor!
The Chêne des Hindrés took root in the soil of an ancient ritual site where druids once held their sacred ceremonies.
This majestic oak is indeed at the heart of an isolated enclave of the Hindrés, nestled in the depths of the Brocéliande forest, far from men and only accessible on foot.
To visit this magnificent oak, you must take an agricultural road starting from the D59 towards Plélan-le-Grand, then turn left onto a forest path that winds through the lush forest.
The Chêne des Hindrés is near other emblematic places in the legendary Brocéliande forest, such as the Tombeau de Merlin (Tomb of Merlin) and the Fontaine de Jouvence (Fountain of Youth).
The 500-year old giant
The countless knots and twists in the Chêne des Hindrés’s weathered bark bear witness to the passage of time, to the centuries of history and legends it has witnessed.
Indeed, it is said that the fairies of Brocéliande, with their magic wands, bestowed upon this five-hundred-year-old oak the gift of longevity, allowing it to silently watch over the ancient legends whispered among its branches.
However, time takes its toll, and the weight of the years can be seen in the gentle curve of its branches, sometimes broken by the winds. An enclosure has thus been built to preserve it and ensure the safety of all those who pass under its foliage.
Passerby, if you find the forest path leading to the venerable Chêne des Hindrés, you will be greeted by a touching poem written by Marc Benredjem, a technician from the National Forestry Office (ONF), inviting you to pause and appreciate its beauty.
A Poem addressed to the Passerby
Passant
“Toi qui vient me célébrer
Je te remercie de ta visite.
Je suis le coeur des Hindrés
Je vis au coeur de cette forêt enchantée par Merlin.
Je puise ma vitalité dans cette terre des fées qui, d’une baguette magique, m’ont donné cette vitalité.
J’ai tellement vu d’hivers et d’étés,que j’ai oublié mon âge.
Je me sens si vieux que mes branches cassent sous la légère brise.
Je deviens un danger pour ceux qui passent sous mes frondaisons.
Un matin, je me suis vu enclos, non pour t’empêcher de m’approcher mais pour t’éviter une grave blessure.
Je compte sur ta compréhension et merci de ton passage.”
Translation
“You come to pay me tribute – And I thank you for your visit.
I am the heart of the Hindrés – I live in the heart of the magical forest of Merlin the Wizard.
I draw my vitality from the soil of the fairies who blessed me with their wand.
I have seen so many winters and summers that I have forgotten how old I was.
I feel so old that my branches break in the breeze – I become a danger to those who walk under my foliage.
One morning I discovered I was fenced, not to stop you from coming close but to protect you from a serious injury.
I hope you will understand and I thank you for your visit.”
Discover the other magical sites in the Forêt de Brocéliande
Tombeau de Merlin, Fontaine de Jouvence, Château de Comper, Chêne d’Eon or Chêne à Guillotin, Fontaine de Barenton, Jardin aux Moines, Eglise du Graal in Tréhorenteuc, Miroir aux Fées and Arbre d’Or in the Val Sans Retour, Hostié de Viviane or Tombeau des Druides, Tombeau des Géants ou Roche à la Vieille, Abbey of Paimpont, Forges de Paimpont and Pierres Droites and the Arthurian Legend
Department of Ille-et-Vilaine
Directions: Follow the D2 from Concoret to Saint-Malon sur Mel, do a sharp right turn onto D59 before La Ville Moisan, then keep right to follow the D71. A few 100m farther along you’ll find a farm track to your left, follow it until you find a small car park and continue by foot; the trail will take you into the forest. It’s a bit tricky but look at the map below, and it will make sense!
Coordinates Chene des Hindres – Concoret: Lat 48.065759 – Long -2.114460
