Standing here, imagine a time long before Paris. The Forêt de Carnelle whispers tales of ancient peoples. It is a Val-d’Oise treasure.
The Forêt de Carnelle covers 975 hectares. Add the surrounding woods, and it reaches 1,229 hectares. This makes it one of the three main forests in Val-d’Oise.
This forest sits on a high point. It dominates the landscape at 210 meters. The Forêt de Carnelle offers exceptional views. You can see across the Oise valley.
The name Carnelle comes from the Celtic word “carn”. Carn means stone. The Forêt de Carnelle is part of the Oise – Pays de France Regional Natural Park.
This majestic forest has chestnut trees and oaks. You will also see European beech trees. The forest is home to varied wildlife. Look for deer and buzzards. You may spot common frogs near the ponds.
The Pierre Turquaise stands as a megalithic structure. It is an important prehistoric monument. It dates back to the third millennium BC. It is the most important prehistoric monument in Île-de-France. The Pierre Turquaise is a corridor dolmen. It was likely a collective tomb. The dolmen is about 12 meters long. In 1985, someone bombed it. Some damage remains visible today.
The Forêt de Carnelle has two unique ponds. They are called Lac Bleu and Petit Étang. These ponds sit near the forest’s summit. Mining created them. Miners extracted gypsum and marl here. The ponds’ bottoms have green marl. This gives the water a blue-turquoise color. The colors change with the light and season.
In 1793, the Forêt de Carnelle witnessed history. It was the site of early telegraph tests. Twenty-six words traveled 26 km in 11 minutes. The message went from Ménilmontant to Saint-Martin-du-Tertre.
Explore the Forêt de Carnelle via marked trails. Over 30 km of paths await you. There are also 21 km of bridle paths. You can hike the GR 1. It connects Carnelle to other Val-d’Oise forests. Or try the PR 16. This 15 km loop circles the forest.
Alfred Régnier built a château near the forest. It was a copy of the Château de Maisons-Laffitte. The estate had beautiful gardens. There was even a Renaissance theater. Today, the site houses a hospital.
The foresters manage the Forêt de Carnelle. They focus on wood resources. They also protect ecological diversity. They work to prevent natural risks. They guide visitors and maintain picnic areas.
Walk among the old trees. The foresters leave some areas untouched. This helps biodiversity. You might see very old trees.
The Forêt de Carnelle is a special place. It mixes history and nature. Enjoy its beauty and its stories. It’s a treasure of the Val-d’Oise.