Where to watch the Red Deer rut in France
Every year at the start of autumn, the deer slab intrigues and fascinates thousands of curious people across France. Across the country, there are many places to witness this impressive spectacle. No matter what region you are in, we show you where to listen and observe the red deer slab.
What is the deer slab?
Between September and October, the slab of the red deer resounds in our forests. A grandiose spectacle attended by many nature lovers. Immersed in their natural habitat in the presence of these majestic animals, the experience is unforgettable. Whether it's the first time or the hundredth, listening to the slab is always a magical moment, timeless and rich in emotions!
Definition of slab
The deer's slab corresponds to the rutting period in these majestic deer. The roar refers to the harsh and powerful call emitted by males to intimidate their rivals. It is a territorial marking. Contrary to what you might think, deer do not roar to attract females.
During mating season, deer change their behavior and become more aggressive. Even forgetting to eat, they can lose more than 20% of their weight. When intimidation is not enough, confrontation becomes inevitable between males of the same size, sometimes resulting in violent fights which are however very rarely fatal. More often than not, the weaker of the two deer leaves the place.
When to listen to the slab?
The slab generally starts in mid-September and ends in mid-October. If the summer period has been particularly hot, it can start earlier, around the beginning of September. In mountainous areas, the rutting season begins later than in the plains, towards the end of September. The privileged moments to hear it in the forest are twilight and at night, but the deer can also roar during the day.
Precautions to be taken to observe the slab
Like any outdoor activity, observing the slab requires a few simple rules to apply so as not to disturb the animals and to avoid endangering yourself.
Here are some basic recommendations:
Inform yourself beforehand about the place you are going to explore and its specificities.
Go out alone or in a small group.
Take time. Move slowly, without making sudden movements. Otherwise, opt for the hiding technique.
Choose clothes in neutral colors.
Stay on the trails.
Minimize noise:
Whisper, or better yet, stay silent.
Wear quiet clothes.
If you are a photographer, use the silent mode on your device and / or put a noise-canceling cover on your camera.
Put your phone in silent mode.
Keep your distance when you see a deer. Approaching a deer that has seen you will most likely cause it to flee. Staying still is the best option for both you and the animal.
Do not use a flashlight or flash.
Do not come with your dog, even on a leash.
By taking care to follow these instructions carefully and to be as discreet as possible so as not to disturb the rut, the risk of being charged by an animal is almost zero.
To fully enjoy this unforgettable experience, it is best to have an experienced guide accompany you. We organize trips dedicated to the red deer rut in the Hautes-Alpes. And if you want to live this experience elsewhere, know that a good number of outings are organized every year throughout France.
Places to listen to the deer slab in France, region by region
Slab places are listed in each French region. Classified by region, here is the most complete list of the must-see sites to observe the deer love parade in France.
The deer slab in the Hauts de France region
Mormal forest
10 km south-west of Maubeuge, the national forest of Mormal covers more than 9,000 hectares. Home to a large population of deer, this is the largest forest in the Nord department.
The massif of trois forêts
In Picardy, in the south of the department of Oise, is the massif of trois forêts. Covering a total area of 14,000 hectares, it brings together the territories of the forests of Chantilly, Halatte and Ermenonville, all three present in the area of the Oise-Pays de France regional natural park.
Compiègne forest
Also located in Oise, the forest of Compiègne is a place well known to forest wildlife enthusiasts. Vast over 14,000 hectares, it has many spots to observe the slab period.
The forest of Retz
Another hotspot for observing slab in Hauts-de-France, the forest of Retz covers more than 13,000 hectares in the department of Aisne. It is also known as the forest of Villers-Cotterêts.
The deer slab in the Grand Est region
Home to many hectares of forests, the Grand Est region has many places to observe deer slab.
The Eastern Forest
Located near Troyes in the heart of the Aube department, the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park covers more than 80,000 hectares. Built to study the site's birds, the Temple Lake Observatory will give you a front-row seat in the fall to listen to the roar.
The forest of Verzy
Superb nature reserve of a thousand hectares, the Verzy national forest takes place to the east of the mountain range of Reims, in the Marne. At the bend of its “Faux”, the twisting beech trees that make this forest a unique site in the world, you can observe the deer slab with your family.
Gérardmer forest
In the Vosges, it is in the mountainous setting of the Gérardmer national forest that you can best observe the amorous parade of deer, very present in the eastern half of the massif. Included in the Ballons des Vosges regional natural park, this forest area is home to many protected sites and nature reserves.
The forests of Argonne
In Argonne, the deer population is particularly dense. In autumn, the slab resonates in this forest massif located at the crossroads of the departments of Ardennes, Meuse and Marne.
The forests of Chateauvillain and Arc-en-Barrois
In Haute-Marne, the greenest department in France, there are plenty of options for observing the deer slab! Located in the heart of the 11th National Park of France, the state forests of Châteauvillain and Arc-en-Barrois are particularly conducive to the observation of these large deer.
The deer slab in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region
The Bertranges forest
In the heart of the Nièvre department, you can listen to the slab of the deer in the Bertranges forest, a forest area that stretches over nearly 10,000 hectares.
The forests of Morvan
The “king of the forest” was only introduced fairly recently in the Morvan, at the end of the 1960s. These majestic mammals have since been observed in several places in the smallest mountain range in France. Located on the edge of the Yonne, Nièvre, Côte-d´Or and Saône-et-Loire rivers, the Morvan has been a regional natural park since 1970.
The Lime Forest
East of Dôle, between the Doubs and the Jura, the Chaux forest covers an area of nearly 20,000 hectares. It is in the heart of this immense massif of hardwoods, among the largest in the country, that you will have the opportunity to experience the slab.
The forests of Côte-d'Or
In the Côte-d'Or department, the deer population is well distributed over all the forest areas. You can meet deer during the slab period in various places such as the Citeaux, Châtillonnais or Is-sur-Tille massifs.
The slab of the deer in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
The forest of Tronçais
In the heart of Auvergne, to the north-west of the Allier department, is the majestic Tronçais forest. In the middle of its centuries-old oak trees, an observatory (accessible from the Rond de la Croix in Vitray) has been specially designed so that you can listen to the deer's roar without disturbing the animals.
The Chartreuse massif
Sharing its territory between Isère and Savoie, the regional natural park of La Chartreuse is one of the most popular places in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to observe the deer slab in a breathtaking setting. Several observation spots exist to enjoy the slab while being far enough from the deer.
The Ambel plateau
In Isère, the Vercors massif conceals various sites where to hear the love parade of the king of the forests. Among them, the Ambel plateau, a magnificent natural site in the Drôme region protected during the hunting season, hosts many specimens.
The deer slab in the PACA region
The Briançonnais
Located in the Ecrins National Park (Hautes-Alpes), the Briançonnais and its forests are the ideal environment for observing the deer slab in autumn and creating unforgettable memories.
Mercantour National Park
With a territory of 1,800 km2 which extends over the departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes de Haute-Provence, the Mercantour National Park offers an exceptional natural setting for observing the deer slab. The deer are present in many places such as the Haut Verdon valley or on the territory of the municipality of Moulinet, for example.
The forests of Ventoux
In Vaucluse, the forests of Ventoux and Mont-Ventoux constitute a privileged place for observing the slab. Many outings are offered in season.
The slab of the deer in the Occitanie region
The forests of the Cévennes
With 72% of its area occupied by forests, the Cévennes National Park is one of the must-see sites for observing the mating season of large deer. Located between the Occitanie and PACA regions, the Cévennes have many places for deer slab, like Dourbies and Valleraugue.
The Aubrac plateau
Divided between Occitanie and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Aubrac high plateau is home to many herds of deer in its woods. In season, you can observe the slab of the deer in various places, in particular in Lozère.
The forest of Grésigne
With its 3,500 hectares, the national forest of Grésigne in the Tarn, is one of the largest oak groves in Europe. Located to the north-west of Albi, this forest is a great place to listen to the slab. The Office National des Forêts (ONF), which manages the site, has also installed specially dedicated listening places.
The forests of Ariège
In Ariège, the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees allows you to observe the amorous parade of deer and does in its forests and glades. Several outings are organized, notably on the heights of Barguillère, towards Foix.
The deer slab in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region
The forests of the Médoc
A natural region anchored in the Gironde, the Médoc does not only have vines on its territory! Between September and October, you can watch the slab in the Medoc forests, like the Hourtin national forest, located between the Gironde estuary and the Arcachon basin.
The forests of Corrèze
A land of nature, the Corrèze department is ideal for observing the deer slab. Several locations are possible, particularly within the regional natural park of Millevaches en Limousin, shared between Corrèze, Creuse and Haute-Vienne.
The forests of the Landes
Mimizan, Sabers, Moustey, etc. There is no shortage of forest sites where you can listen to the sounds of the slab in the Landes! Another possibility: the Moulin de Poyaller, in Mugron, an animal park housing many deer that can be observed during the slab.
The forests of Dordogne
In the Dordogne too, listening to the rut of the deer can lead you to visit multiple forest areas, like the Barade forest, the Double, or the Bessède, for example.
The deer slab in the Centre-Val de Loire region
The Orleans forest
Spread over nearly 35,000 hectares, it is the largest national forest in France. Crossed by many hiking trails, the Orleans forest is one of the must-see sites for observing the slab period.
The forest of Chambord
In Chambord, the deer is king! The Domaine national de Chambord in Loir-et-Cher is the largest closed park in Europe with its 5,500 hectares of land surrounded by 32 kilometers of surrounding wall. In the heart of Sologne, you can listen to the slab ritual in an exceptional setting.
Senonches forest
On the territory of the Perche Regional Natural Park, in Eure-et-Loir, the Senonches forest covers more than 4,200 hectares, where the mating season of deer can be observed.
The forest of Loches
In Indre-et-Loire, you can watch the deer slab in the forest of Loches, between Genillé and Orbigny, towards the castle of Marsin, as well as the road to Saint-Aignan, at the exit of Orbigny.
The deer slab in the Pays de la Loire region
Perseigne forest
East of Alençon in the Sarthe, the Perseigne forest covers 5,000 hectares of land. It is known for its 30m high belvedere which offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. You can observe the slab of the deer there thanks to the outings organized by the tourist office.
The forest of Bercé
To the south of the Sarthe department, the national forest of Bercé stretches over nearly 5,400 hectares. At the bend of the oaks and pines which mainly make up the site, you can listen to the call of the deer.
The Gâvre forest
Located north-west of Nantes, the Gâvre forest is the largest national forest in Loire-Atlantique (nearly 4,500 hectares). Deer and hinds are present in large numbers, like onlookers who come to observe their love parade during the season. Le Gâvre is indeed one of the high places in France to listen to the slab. However, be careful not to disturb the animals.
The Huisne Valley
At the start of autumn, the deer slab is included in the program of tourist trips to the Huisne valley, where deer can be observed in many places. A river in northwestern France, the Huisne crosses three regions: Pays de la Loire, Normandy, and Center-Val de Loire.
The forest of Mervent-Vouvant
Oak is omnipresent in the forest of Mervent-Vouvant, the largest forest in the Vendée with its 5,000 hectares. This true paradise for hikers located in the south of the department is crossed by streams and rivers. In season, it is a magnificent setting to witness the slab of the deer.
Olonne forest
The national forest of Olonne spreads its 1000 hectares of nature on the territory of the municipality of Sables-d'Olonne, in Vendée. Bordering the coast, this forest area where you can hear the slab of the deer is home to many species of trees.
The deer slab in the Brittany region
The forest of Paimpont (Brocéliande)
It is in the heart of the 9,000 hectares of the Paimpont forest, in Ille-et-Vilaine, that the myth of the Brocéliande forest is perpetuated, the cradle of the Arthurian legend. You will be able to listen to the roar of the deer in a magical setting, between the Vale of No Return, the Fairy Mirror, Merlin's tomb and many other legendary sites.
The forests of Côtes-d´Armor
Dominated by cultures, the Côtes-d´Armor department also includes imposing forest stands on its territory. In season, you can witness the rut of deer, present in numbers. Several sites allow you to observe the slab. Among them: the forests of Loudéac (where outings are organized every year), Lorge, Boquen, Hardouinais and Hunaudaie.
Lanoué forest
Not far from the Loudéac forest, the Lanoué forest, located in the Morbihan department, is also one of the places frequented by connoisseurs during the slab. With its 4000 hectares, it is the second largest forest in the region after the Paimpont forest.
The deer slab in the Normandy region
Lyons forest
Known for its monumental beeches, one of the largest forest areas in Normandy covers nearly 12,000 hectares, 25 km from Rouen, between Eure and Seine-Maritime. Lyons State Forest is home to a large population of deer. Do not hesitate to seek advice from the Lyons-la-Forêt tourist office, which will tell you, in season, the slab spots in the area.
The forests of the Orne
The department of Orne is home to beautiful forest areas where deer slab can be observed between September and October. Among these massifs is the national forest of Ecouves (15,000 hectares) north of Alençon in the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park; as well as the Andaines forest (5,000 hectares) in Bagnoles-de -Orne, where outings are organized every year to listen to the slab.
The deer slab in the Île-de-France region
Better known for its rampant urbanization, the Ile-de-France region has vast and numerous natural spaces, including imposing forests representing nearly a quarter of its territory.
Rambouillet forest
Steeped in history, the national forest of Rambouillet extends over more than 14,000 hectares in the south of the Yvelines department. In the heart of the massif, the “Espace Rambouillet” has been created, an animal park that allows families to observe the great forest fauna, in particular the slab of the deer.
The forest of Fontainebleau
With nearly 22,000 hectares in area, the Fontainebleau forest is the second largest national forest in France. Located in Seine-et-Marne, it hosts outings every year dedicated to listening to the slab.
The Baillon marsh
Numerous outings intended for the observation of the slab are offered each year around this 8 hectare communal marsh located in the Val-d'Oise at Asnières-sur-Oise.
The deer slab in Corsica
In Corsica too, you can observe the deer slab! Large cervids are present in all sectors of the Corsica Regional Natural Park. The latter stretches from north to south of the island and covers more than a third of the territory.
Do you want to experience the deer's slab in exceptional conditions? Our dedicated tours combine respect for nature and animals with great knowledge regarding observation techniques. Contact us for our red deer rut tours in the Hautes-Alpes, either for 1, 2 or 3 days.
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