France forest walks – what to do and what to avoid

Spring brings millions of visitors into France’s forests, widely seen as spaces for calm and wellbeing. But authorities stress that access depends on responsible behaviour in environments under ecological pressure.

The Office national des forêts (ONF) has issued updated guidance covering safety, wildlife protection and shared use of public forests.

Before you set out

Check weather conditions and local access rules before leaving. In high-risk periods, especially in the south, prefectures may restrict entry depending on wildfire alerts. Do not enter a forest if there is a storm or strong winds - the risk of falling branches or trees is very real

Prepare properly: take water, food, a map or GPS, and a bag for waste. Mobile coverage is not guaranteed, even on popular routes.

The ONF advises checking official forest pages in advance, where maps, marked trails and alerts are published for each site.

Stay on marked paths

Once in the forest, stay on designated tracks and trails. These are not only for orientation but for protection of vegetation and soil.

Leaving paths damages young growth, increases erosion and can bring you into forestry work zones. Some areas are actively managed or closed for safety reasons.

You should also avoid disturbing dead wood left on the ground. It is not waste: it supports insects, fungi and soil regeneration, forming part of the forest’s ecological cycle.

Shared space, shared rules

A forest is not a single-use space. Walkers, runners, cyclists, riders and forestry workers all share the same environment.

Keep noise low, including music and loudspeaker use. Slow down when passing others, and give space where needed. Courtesy is part of forest safety, not just etiquette.

Respect all signage and avoid restricted areas, including conservation zones where access is permanently prohibited.

Zero tolerance for fires

Fire is strictly forbidden in forests and within a surrounding buffer zone that can extend up to 200 metres depending on local rules.

Cigarettes, barbecues and campfires are among the main causes of forest fires in France. Even extinguished fires can reignite days later under wind or heat.

Violations can lead to fines and criminal liability, particularly if damage occurs.

Take only minimal quantities when foraging

Picking flowers, mushrooms or other natural materials is allowed only in small quantities for personal use - effectively a handful per person rather than commercial harvesting.

Excessive collection can lead to fines of up to €135, with higher penalties for large-scale removal.

Dead wood should never be collected. It is a key element of the habitat and part of soil regeneration.

Dogs on leads

From April 15 to June 30, dogs must be kept on a lead in forests when outside marked paths under Article R428-6 of the French environmental code.

The rule protects nesting birds and newborn wildlife which are highly vulnerable to disturbance. Dogs’ scent and movement can directly disrupt breeding cycles.

Outside this period, dogs must remain under control and within 100metres of their owner. A dog out of sight or beyond recall is considered to be roaming freely.

Night-time and wildlife

Forests are not designed for overnight human activity. Camping is prohibited outside designated areas, and many sites restrict night-time presence entirely.

Wildlife is most active after dark. Human presence can disrupt feeding and reproduction patterns, which is why some car parks and access points are closed overnight in sensitive areas.

After returning

Check your body and clothing for ticks after returning from woodland or tall grass. Remove any attached tick promptly and monitor for symptoms such as fever or expanding redness.

Shower and change clothes after forest visits where possible.