FORÊT DE LA PIERRE ATTELÉE

Property of the Conservatoire du littoral The 41-hectare area has belonged to the Conservatoire du Littoral since 1977, and the town council is responsible for its upkeep in conjunction with the ONF (Office National des Forêts). Walkers will find a wide range of tree species, including pedunculate oak, holm oak, laricio pine and other deciduous trees such as acacia and maple. The site traces its origins back to the 19th century, when the commune decided to plant pine trees to fix the dune, which was then mobile and devoid of vegetation. Later, holiday camps were established here (these have now disappeared). Finally, this natural area is home to the Pierre Attelée menhir, a listed monument since 1978. A protected natural site… The area closest to the sea is made up of dunes, the highest of which is 31 metres high. These dunes have been planted with maritime pines and laricio pines to fix the sand. An undergrowth of holm oak develops spontaneously. As you move away from the coast, the woodland changes. Various broadleaved trees appear: pedunculate oak, black locust and maple. They allow more varied vegetation to develop in the understorey. Have you seen the red squirrel – Sciurus vulgaris? If you’re out walking early in the morning and see pine cone cores on the ground, look up. You may be lucky enough to spot a little red squirrel playing tightrope walker in the pines. The red squirrel’s tail acts as a pendulum to balance it on the branches and to steer it when it leaps or to brake its fall. Squirrels do not hibernate. In autumn, this opportunistic omnivorous rodent buries food at the foot of trees in preparation for winter. So keep an eye out!