NatureVillers-Cotterêts
Forêt de Retz
Forest avenues and trails to choose from around Villers-Cotterêts.
Nature · Villers-Cotterêts
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Sourced listing · Not visited
Tata Nadège has not visited this place. This page brings together publicly sourced facts and contains no review from her.
Facts and their sources
Documentary check, no field visit.
Source consultation : .
Known : Villers-Cotterêts · Étang de Malva, point de départ suggéré.
To confirm : Accessibility.
According to NLocale, listing « Forêt de Retz », Office national des forêts : forêt domaniale de Retz et calendrier de chasse · Office national des forêts : la perle du Valois historique · Office national des forêts : sentier de la Salamandre, distance et durée · Office national des forêts : Malva, ancien étang et projet de restauration · Office national des forêts : localisation de Malva dans le programme 2026 (2026-09-29).
About this place
The Retz state forest covers nearly 13,000 hectares in the Aisne. The French forestry authority highlights several discovery trails, including the Salamander trail, Malva pond and the Royal Avenue. It is a large forest, not a single entrance: choose a trailhead using the ONF map and check hunting dates before setting out.
What to look for
- The Salamander trail.
- Malva pond for a forest break.
- The Royal Avenue and its long vistas.
Choose a specific walk
For a waymarked hike, the ONF’s Salamandre trail is 9 km and takes about three hours. It connects the forest landscape to the story of Villers-Cotterêts Castle and its old aqueducts; the Royal Avenue opens a long view into the woods. An informal walk around Malva, which has a picnic area, is another option, but it is not the full 9 km circuit.
Starting point and precautions
Because this forest has many entrances, the directions on this page point to the former Malva pond area near Villers-Cotterêts, identified by the ONF. The former pond is undergoing ecological restoration, so do not expect water there at all times. Check the ONF route for your chosen trail and any hunting or forestry notices before setting off; keep to open paths.
Plan your visit
Address : Étang de Malva, point de départ suggéré, 02600 Villers-Cotterêts
Published opening times : Open-air forest; some areas may be temporarily affected by forestry work or hunting. Check ONF updates before walking.
Published prices : Free access to open trails.
Suggested starting area: Malva (49.275151, 3.091598), not the forest’s only entrance. The marked Salamandre walk is 9 km (about 3 hours).
Official websiteThese details were checked online. Confirm opening times, prices and access with the venue before travelling.
Sources and checks
. Tata Nadège has not visited this place. This page brings together publicly sourced facts and contains no review from her.
- Office national des forêts : forêt domaniale de Retz et calendrier de chasse
- Office national des forêts : la perle du Valois historique
- Office national des forêts : sentier de la Salamandre, distance et durée
- Office national des forêts : Malva, ancien étang et projet de restauration
- Office national des forêts : localisation de Malva dans le programme 2026