A walk in the Double forest
Located 13km from our campsite in the Dordogne, the Forêt de la Double straddles the departments of Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne and Gironde. Bounded by the rivers Dronne to the north and Isle to the south, this gigantic wood has a history that goes back to the dawn of time. Let yourself be lulled by the sound of the wind in the leaves and take a stroll through the Double forest, discovering its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
The story of a centuries-old forest
The forest was first called Sylva Edobola by the Romans, which literally means “eating-hornbeam forest”. It was later renamed Saluts de Doblas by the Gallo-Romans, meaning “wooded and cultivated height”. Over time, its name became the one we know today through deformation. The Double forest played a key role during the 100 Years’ War, as it represented a border that was difficult to penetrate. However, this didn’t prevent the major deforestation operation of the 18th century, which led to the spread of numerous diseases, including malaria, to the local population via the resulting waterlogging in the clay soil. Trappist monks from Port-du-Salut saved the Double region by founding an abbey and reclaiming the woods and swamps.
A wood of many
treasures
As you stroll through the forest of the Double from our campsite with swimming pool in the Dordogne, you’ll find plenty of surprises in store, not least of which is a little break for a bite to eat. Discover the must-see sites and activities!
Our Lady’s Abbey
of Good Hope
Founded in 1868 by Trappist monks, the abbey was taken over by a congregation of nuns in 1923. The nuns still live there, and today it’s possible to visit the abbey church and stock up on fresh produce in the store. During your stay in a Dordogne mobile home, be sure to try the delicious “Trappe Échourgnac” cheese, carefully crafted by the nuns.
Parcot Farm
Not far from the abbey, you’ll have plenty of time to discover Doubleaude architecture, made of trusses and cob with a four-sided roof. The Parcot farm is an interesting example. The surrounding ecosystem is perfectly protected. You’ll have plenty of time to discover the varied flora and fauna.
Activities in the
Double forest
Let’s take a walk in the woods… of the Double! On foot, by bike or on horseback, the trails take you from lakes to clearings and from bird sanctuaries to majestic trees. Nature lovers love to lose themselves in these woods, photographers appreciate the richness of the surroundings and stressed workers relax in the shade of the trees. The many ponds promise great fishing, an activity you can also enjoy from our riverside campsite in the Dordogne. If you like water sports, you can spend an hour or a day at the “base de loisirs du grand étang de la Jemaye”.
