Forêt de Brocéliande, a magical forest
The legendary Forêt de Brocéliande is the setting for Arthurian tradition, a kingdom steeped in magic and myths where, it is said, Merlin the Enchanter and the fairy Vivian lived.
Yet, for centuries, the precise location of this forest remained a mystery. Some have suggested that the mythical Forêt de Brocéliande was located in the present-day Forêt de Forge, near Saint-Brieuc.
The etymology of his name added a further difficulty to the research. The older version, Brécheliant, derives from the Celtic term Brec’h, meaning hill, and Brittany has many hills, which further complicated matters.
The Forêt de Brocéliande was first mentioned by the Anglo-Norman poet Robert Wace in his 1160 work, Le Roman de Rou. However, the forest’s legendary status transcends mere geographical boundaries, because two thousand years ago, a vast forest covered all of inland Brittany, known as Argoat.
In the 19th century the Forêt de Brocéliande-Paimpont appeared to be an ideal candidate and was officially recognised as its exact location. Centuries-old oaks and beeches thrive there, drawing their nourishment from the granite and red schist of its soil. An endless network of trails crisscrosses the dense forest, where ancient burial mounds and Neolithic megaliths stand like silent sentinels, witnesses to a forgotten era. Although the memory of these ancient builders has faded, their creations remain; the inhabitants have woven countless legends over the centuries to explain their presence.
In the 5th century, the Celts of Cornwall left their country, fleeing the advance of the Angles and Saxons, and found refuge on the Breton coasts. They brought their rich culture and Christian beliefs, imbuing ancient Brittany with their own stories and traditions, and forever linking Brocéliande to Arthurian legends.
Forêt de Paimpont
The Forêt de Brocéliande, now known as Forêt de Paimpont, is a magnificent green sanctuary. Its protected status guarantees an escape from the tumult of modern life: no snack bars offering greasy fries or souvenir shops selling tasteless trinkets!
A network of well-marked trails invites you to explore at your own pace, guiding you to discover its countless archaeological and legendary wonders.
Although the signage may sometimes seem discreet, blending harmoniously with the natural landscape, careful navigation and a good sense of direction will allow you to find your way.
Explore the shaded paths that wind through the heart of the forest, a place filled with secrets, tranquil lakes, ancient springs, and centuries-old trees that preserve this sacred place’s magic.
Each step you take on the meandering trails, gentle slopes, and mysterious clearings leads you to another world, a parallel dimension where the ordinary fades away, and the extraordinary unfolds.
And if you ask the locals for directions, their enigmatic reply resonates with mystery: “You’ll find if you know where to look…”
It’s an enchanting, indescribable experience if you wnat to believe in the magic of the Forêt de Brocéliande and the ancient Arthurian legends.
Discover the sites of the magical Forêt de Brocéliande :
Tombeau de Merlin, Fontaine de Jouvence, Chêne des Hindrés, 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
Coordinates Paimpont – Foret de Broceliande: Lat 48.020903 – Long -2.170572
Photo via Wikimedia Commons: Excalibur by Flomacon35 CC BY-SA 3.0
