Fontainebleau forest near Paris reopens most of area after July wildfire

The renowned Fontainebleau forest, situated about 60 km southeast of Paris, was partially shut after a July wildfire burned approximately 2,000 ha, roughly 10% of the former royal hunting ground. On Aug 22, roughly 80% of the woodland was reopened, attracting large numbers of walkers, rock climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Regular visitors such as Gilles Moutounet, a weekend climber, and Stefano Rosso, a veteran climber from Turin, welcomed the chance to return, noting benefits for the community and local businesses.

Deputy prefect Benoit Kaplan explained that firefighters are still active, dousing remaining hotspots within a 4,000 ha restricted zone, and that 20% remains closed because of falling-tree hazards. Forest worker Julien Vabre cautioned that reopening may encourage campfires and curiosity-driven incursions near prohibited zones. Authorities have banned barbecues and smoking to prevent reigniting vegetation already stressed by successive European heatwaves. The gradual reopening signals a step toward normalcy after a season of drought-driven fires.