The Fontainebleau forest near Paris has reopened to the public after a major wildfire damaged part of the popular woodland in July. Around 80 percent of the forest is now open, giving walkers, climbers and other visitors access to much of the site.
The forest is about 60 kilometres southeast of Paris. It is one of France’s best known natural areas and attracts visitors from around the world. It is also famous for its large sandstone rocks, which make it a major climbing site.
The reopening brought many people back to the forest on Saturday. Climbers returned to their usual rocks, while walkers enjoyed the late summer weather.
For many regular visitors, the reopening was an important moment. Gilles Moutounet, a 59-year-old retail worker, said he was happy to return to the forest. He spends many weekends climbing there and described the visit as a return to normal life.
Other climbers also welcomed the return. Stefano Rosso, who is nearly 70, has visited Fontainebleau’s climbing areas for about 30 years. He travelled from Turin, Italy, with his wife while they were on holiday in the region.
Rosso said the reopening was good not only for visitors but also for people who live and work around the forest. Local shops, cafes and other businesses depend on visitors who come to enjoy the area.
The wildfire burned about 2,000 hectares of land in July. That area represents around 10 percent of the former royal hunting ground. The fire led authorities to close large parts of the forest as they worked to control the damage and protect visitors.
Some areas remain closed. About 20 percent of the forest is still off limits. Signs warn visitors not to enter the restricted zones. Officials say the danger has not ended because many trees damaged by the fire could still fall.
A restricted area of about 4,000 hectares includes land directly hit by the flames and a wider safety zone. Firefighters continue to visit the area each day to deal with hot spots and reduce the risk of a new fire.
Benoit Kaplan, deputy prefect of the Seine-et-Marne department, urged visitors to follow the rules. He said people should stay on marked paths and keep away from closed areas.
The authorities have also banned barbecues and smoking in the forest. The rules are aimed at preventing another fire. Dry plants and trees remain highly vulnerable after weeks of heat and little rain.
Forest workers are also concerned about visitor behaviour. Julien Vabre warned that reopening could increase the risk of campfires. He said some people may ignore signs and enter closed areas out of curiosity or to take pictures.
The warning comes after a summer of extreme heat across France and much of Europe. France has faced three heatwaves in quick succession. Dry weather and high temperatures have created dangerous conditions for forests across the country.
Scientists have linked the growing risk of heat, drought and wildfires to climate change. Hotter conditions can dry plants and soil, allowing fires to spread faster and making them harder to control.
The Fontainebleau forest reopening is therefore a welcome step for visitors, local businesses and the climbing community. But officials say access will remain limited until the damaged areas are safe.
Visitors returning to the forest are being asked to respect the restrictions. Staying on open paths, avoiding flames and following official signs will help protect both people and the recovering woodland.
For now, most of Fontainebleau is open again. The remaining closed areas serve as a reminder that the effects of the wildfire are still present and that the forest will need time to recover.
