Or de Brocéliande – Arbre d’Or
The Or de Brocéliande (Gold of Brocéliande), also known as the Arbre d’Or (Golden Tree), is nestled in the heart of the mysterious Forêt de Brocéliande, near the Miroir aux Fées (Fairy Mirror), in the Valley of No Return.
It is said that this enchanted valley is the kingdom of Morgan le Fay, the enigmatic half-sister of King Arthur. The locals still whisper stories about the Fairy Mirror, believing in its mystical powers.
Tragically, in September 1990, a fire reduced part of the forest and the Valley of No Return to ashes. For five days, the flames consumed them, leaving only a ghostly landscape of charred trees. This shocking fire, however, sparked an outpouring of solidarity and generosity not only in France but throughout the world. Donations thus poured in from all over the world to clean up and replant the magical forest and bring back to life the legends of King Arthur, Merlin the Wizard, Vivian the Lady of the Lake,and Morgan le Fay.
With this in mind, the artist François Davin proposed preserving six charred trees located on the shores of the lake, at the spot where the fire had finally subsided. He selected the largest one and covered it entirely with glittering gold leaves. He named it the Or de Brocéliande to celebrate the resilience of Nature, the hope of renewal it represented and the magic of this forest which would rise from its ashes.
Or de Brocéliande – Symbolism
The symbolism of the Or de Brocéliande goes far beyond its golden trunk and branches. Its charred branches evoke the majestic woods of Cernunnos, the Celtic God of Nature and Fertility, while the five surrounding trees silent reminders of the devastating fire. Together they form a sacred circle, an emblem of the timeless magic and resilience of the Brocéliande Forest.
A multitude of small, sharp standing stones encircle these trees, like a forest of stone. Their purpose? Deterring potential thieves and protecting this precious symbol of rebirth!
Sponsored by the Association pour la Sauvegarde de la Forêt de Brocéliande (Association for the Safeguarding of the Brocéliande Forest), this unique artistic project testifies to the community’s commitment to preserving and revitalising the forest. Based in Ploermel, it not only oversees replanting efforts but also preserves the rich heritage and magical essence of the Brocéliande forest.
Discover the magical Forêt de Brocéliande other sites
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 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
Department of Ille-et-Vilaine
Directions: Leave Tréhorenteuc on the D141 towards Le Vieux Quily. Turn left shortly after exiting the village, there’s a small car park.
Directions are well indicated. Walk along the farm track that follows the brook Ruisseau du Gué de Mony.
Coordinates: Lat 48.001054 – -2.286412
