Discovering the mysteries of the forest of Brocéliande

Are you passionate about Celtic legends and enchanting places? The forest of Brocéliande in Brittany is a mythical place full of mystery, the true cradle of Arthurian legends. So follow in the footsteps of Merlin the Enchanter and King Arthur and discover this magnificent forest. 
 
If you look for the Forest of Brocéliande on your GPS, you will not find anything, this mythical forest is imaginary and was popularised by the Christian poet Chrétien de Troyes in the 12th century. If you want to walk in this place, look for the Forêt de Paimpont, and leave from its small village, not far from Rennes, to discover all the secrets of the region.
 
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With a surface area of about 10,000 hectares, the forest offers many walks to be done by mountain bike, horseback or on foot with almost 200km of hiking trails. It is a real land of discovery where nature and history meet with enigmatic landscapes, hundred-year-old oaks and other menhirs pushing the door of the imagination.
 
You can relive the adventures of the Knights of the Round Table by discovering the tomb of Merlin the Enchanter, the Valley of No Return, or the Fairy Mirror. You will also come across the miraculous fountain of Barenton which is said to have supernatural powers... Do not hesitate to take part in one of the many guided walks where you will be told all the secrets of the forest of Brocéliande.
 
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Merlin the Enchanter is undoubtedly the most famous character of the forest, like all mythological figures, he is both man and god, prophet and bearer of knowledge, appeared for the first time in literature in the 12th century in the Prophecy of Merlin by Geoffroy of Monmouth. Over time his characteristics and origins have evolved according to the authors, so he is at the same time druid, enchanter, soothsayer or scholar, he is said to have many powers and was a close adviser to King Arthur. 
 
According to legend, Merlin kidnapped Arthur and at the age of 16, during a tournament, the latter succeeded in removing the magic sword Excalibur from the stone in which it was firmly fixed. He then became king and founded the famous Brotherhood of the Knights of the Round Table. 
 
After visiting the mystical forest, take the time to discover the wonders of the region and especially the gastronomy such as a good salted butterscotch pancake!