The forest of Hardelot enchants visitors with its great diversity of environments and plant life
Straddling three villages (Neufchâtel, Condette and Hardelot), the forest of Hardelot is one of the main wooded sites of the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park. Located on a low and gently undulating plateau, at the meeting point of the Boulogne woodlands and the dunes of Ecault, it plays a central role in the environment of the region. It is also and above all, an enchanting place that offers visitors a real opportunity to unwind! The ideal place to let go, breathe deeply and get back in touch with Mother Nature!
An open-air museum
A trip through the forest of Hardelot is to discover a natural environment in all its splendour. It's like being in a fabulous art gallery, where you stand before one landscape after another, except that here, museum is life size! In the open you might find yourself where the strongest, most vigorous shrubs grow, with only a slim chance to beat their neighbours into adulthood, but then stroll through a dense coppice, busier, wilder and with trees standing tightly together. Further along the trail the beautiful mature forest with its majestic trees, straight and very tall, set the scene. Sea buckthorn, elderberry, willow, ash, oak, birch and resinous woods... a true masterpiece!
Signposted trails
Three signposted trails allow you to discover the richness of the forest's fauna and flora. In addition to the GR 121 hiking trail, other signposted pathways invite you to discover the forest and its surroundings. Leaving from Condette, the Sentier du Château forms an easy loop through several villages. The rather longer Sentier des Collines explores the southern part of the forest by the way of Marette, before making a wide detour through Nesles and Verlincthun.
Mountain biking and horse riding
The area is perfect for mountain bikes and riders. A number of equestrian centres in the area offer wonderful walks through the undergrowth and along the dunes, on more than fifteen kilometres of well-kept bridle paths. Car parks and picnic areas are set up on the outskirts of the natural area and along the roads that cross it to make sure that everyone can best enjoy a perfect moment of relaxation in the shade.