Forêt de Boudré

At the gateway to Seiches-sur-le-Loir, the more mysterious Boudré forest cultivates a secret atmosphere for an interlude of unspoilt nature.

The Domaine Départemental de Boudré, the woods and a number of agricultural plots further enrich this mosaic of landscapes, nestling in a loop of the River Loir.

Here, slender pines stand guard over secret wetlands, bordered by the Loir, the watercourse that forms a green loop and shapes the identity of the site.

As you stroll along, you are constantly surprised. After a few steps in the woods, visitors discover a string of ponds that were once quarries and are now home to a number of nesting birds that can be spotted discreetly from the ornithological observatories: peaceful swans on the water, a grey heron taking flight, a wild orchid at the bend in the path, the rustle of reeds in the wind. The almost wild atmosphere awakens the instinct to explore.

Around the lakes, there is a succession of environments: grassland and moorland, both dry and wet. A rare diversity that shelters a host of remarkable species and invites you to look, listen and smell.

Between wetlands, dense undergrowth and forest ponds, it is home to a remarkable ecological wealth. Visitors will feel the thrill of exploration, an almost savage atmosphere that arouses their curiosity.

There are a number of footpaths through this Sensitive Natural Area (ENS).

The Boudré ENS is a real showcase for biodiversity.
Owned by the Maine-et-Loire Department, the Boudré ENS is a remarkable site, as demonstrated by the plant and animal species that live there. Enhancing its value and its educational value for the public is one of the Department's major projects for the coming years.
An action plan has been drawn up to preserve, restore and enhance the ENS de Boudré. Certain environments are particularly targeted by this plan, as they make a significant contribution to the richness of the site's flora and fauna. These include waterholes, with monitoring of the quality of ponds and the restoration of around ten ponds. There are also moors, dry grasslands and wet meadows, which are grazed by cattle.