Fontainebleau Forest Welcomes Back Visitors After Wildfire
By Editor • August 22, 2026 • 1 min read
After a month of recovery from a devastating wildfire, Fontainebleau Forest has reopened 80 percent of its trails and climbing areas to the public. The popular nature reserve, located about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris, had been closed since a fire ravaged approximately 2,000 hectares in July.
While many outdoor enthusiasts, including walkers and climbers, are eager to return, a fifth of the forest remains off-limits due to safety concerns. Signs clearly indicate the restricted areas, where burnt trees pose a danger of falling.
Gilles Moutounet, a local climber, expressed joy at the reopening, calling it a “return to the good old habits.” Meanwhile, Italian visitors like Stefano Rosso, who has been climbing in the forest for three decades, shared their relief at being able to enjoy the site again. “We’re happy for ourselves, of course, but also for the community and local businesses,” he noted.
Authorities are cautious as they navigate the reopening. Benoit Kaplan, a deputy prefect, warned of the ongoing risk associated with visitors straying into prohibited zones. Forest worker Julien Vabre emphasized the need for adherence to safety regulations, urging guests to avoid campfires and stick to marked paths to prevent further wildfires.
Source: www.france24.com
