Île-de-France - Forests with high heritage value
Much sought-after forests
The forests of Ãle-de-France have similar characteristics to the average French forest. They are deciduous forests with oak and beech as the most common species. Sessile oak dominates. Then comes European oak and chestnut.
The black alder, ash and birch are found in forests in more humid areas. The fast-growing poplar is often found with the robinia. The birch, a pioneer species, can be found on all soil types. Willow prefers the bottom of the valleys. Conifers are rare in the forests of Ãle-de-France, Scots pine being the most common species of this type.
The extensive State-owned massifs such as Fontainebleau and Rambouillet help define the territory and draw many visitors. The city-dwellersâ need to return to nature is what gives the forests of Ãle-de-France their appeal.
The acquisition of a forest in Ãle-de-France may be based on the presence of heavy lumber and the possibilities of exploiting it. It is, however, second-grade lumber. These forest massifs are largely accessible.
The forests of Ãle-de-France are very fragmented and private owners often occupy very small surface areas (1Â hectare per owner). These forests are, however, very highly sought-after, including among hunters after big and medium game. With Paris so close by, the purchase of a forest in Ãle-de-France is quite an exceptional acquisition.
Who buys forests in Ãle-de-France?
Forests in Ãle-de-France attract buyers who are financially capable of such an investment. They will need to be able to act quickly on a very dynamic market.
Economic view
Opportunities are rare and the prices totally different to those on the national market. It is, however, perfectly possible to acquire a forest in Île-de-France because some forests change hands quite frequently.
Allow for a budget of €10,000-€20,000/hectare. A forest in Île-de-France is a safe investment with high heritage value, but also delivers on its promise of escape to the great outdoors.