Maison de la Forêt

About the museum

The Maison de la Forêt is a site of the Échappées Nature network, set in the heart of the Double Saintongeaise forest in the south of Haute-Saintonge. It is run by the Haute-Saintonge communauté de communes and has held the Qualité Tourisme label since 2018.

The Forêt de la Double was once a vast, sparsely populated heathland. In the second half of the 19th century, the massive planting of maritime pines for gemmage, the tapping of resin for turpentine, transformed its landscape and economy. That activity has disappeared, but the harvesting and processing of timber remain important. The maritime pine still makes up two thirds of the stand, alongside broadleaves such as oaks, sweet chestnuts and maples.

The site covers 20 hectares of trails, with themed areas on beehives, butterflies, reptiles, burrows and a bird labyrinth. The scenography at the entrance acts as a transition between the outside world and the forest, and aims to stir emotions and questions about the trees. A lookout tower offers a 360° view. Through the seasons, the team offers temporary exhibitions, nature outings, guided visits and workshops.

Highlights

• Twenty hectares of trails with free access
• Scenography on the forest, its trees and their uses
• Lookout tower with a 360° view over Haute-Saintonge
• Wooden play structures for children aged 2 to 14, including a tyrolean zip line (Tyrolienne)
• Themed areas: beehives, butterfly reserve, reptiles and burrows

Permanent exhibition

• La scénographie de la Maison de la Forêt – Entrance exhibition that invites visitors to discover the Haute-Saintonge forest, its trees and the emotions it stirs.

Operated by

Communauté de communes de la Haute-Saintonge (site des Échappées Nature)

Visitors per year

approx. 17,500

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Access to the 20-hectare site, the wooden play structures and the scenography is free. Free giant-game days are held, for example on Thursdays, October 22 and 29, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00. Animations, workshops and outings may be charged.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Only the building holds the Tourisme et Handicap label (for hearing, intellectual and motor impairments). Bicycles, balance bikes and scooters are not allowed on the site.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Wooden play structures for children aged 2 to 14 (tyrolean zip line, balance course, treehouses), the “Sylvain” forest genius trail with a quiz handed out at the start, creative workshops, “Mercredi Nature”, birthday parties from age 6, and welcome for leisure centres and school classes. Sylvain’s trail passes treehouses devoted to forestry trades, a henhouse and a palombière (traditional hunting hide), and ends at a wooden play area.

Getting there & parking

From the RN 10, take the D 730 exit, at the foot of the lookout tower.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with regional produce, craft items, books, road maps and souvenirs. Hot and cold drinks and ice cream in the relaxation area. Picnic tables, shaded car park and an electric vehicle charging point.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit