I am fortunate to live in the Spa town of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne in Normandie, north-west France. The town lies in the middle of the Forest of Andaine, which is perfect for walking trails and cycling.
The town itself offers plenty of sporting activities. There is an outdoor swimming pool; tennis courts, which host national tennis tournaments; archery classes; Tree-Aerobics (including acrobatics while suspended from tall trees!); bicycle-hire; Nordic Walking and many more seasonal delights.
The old railway track , heading north between Bagnoles-de-l’Orne and Briouze, has been converted into a graveled walking and cycling track, crossing an area of conservation with rare marsh-land plants. Or you can go westwards through unspoiled forest towards the medieval fortress-town of Domfront. Eastwards, the spectacular Gorges de Villiers hides ancient monuments. Some trails link to medieval pilgrimage routes, such as the one to Mont Saint Michel.
I am lucky enough to live on the edge of town, surrounded by forest. It is easy for me to access several of the trail routes. Instead of going with an organised group, I prefer to walk at my own pace. Just being amongst the trees and nature is a balm to the spirit. It not only tones up my physical body but helps to clear my brain from stress and calms down my emotions.
The only time that this does not work is during the Hunting Season! For six months, from September until the end of February, if you go down to the woods today, you are likely to get shot by La Chasse! Every year there are accidents and fatalities because, let us not forget, these are people toting powerful weapons with high-caliber bullets. What amazes me is that hunting is classed as a “Sport”! Calming? No! Eco-friendly? No!
There I was, naively thinking that the woods existed to provide fresh air to the planet and to provide a last refuge for creatures other than humans but evidently the forest is just another tourist asset. Oh dear!
Hopefully it will be safe to walk in the woods again come March………!
ENDS
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