Camors Forest – Valley of the Korrigans & Breton Legends

The Camors Forest, known as the "Valley of the Korrigans, " is a 650-hectare natural area where ancient megaliths, Celtic legends, and unspoiled nature come together in harmony. Managed bythe Office National des Forêts (ONF), this state-owned forest in central Morbihan offers three marked hiking trails, exceptional megalithic heritage (3.40-meter-high menhir, alignments, dolmens), a family tree-climbing course, and total immersion in the legendary world of Brittany. The enchanted world of the Korrigans (magical Celtic protective creatures), a historical connection to the legend of Bluebeard via Count Conomor in the 6th century, enigmatic rock formations, and dense undergrowth with filtered light creating a dreamlike atmosphere. 25-30 kilometers from Camping Les Druides (35-45 minutes by car), an authentic green getaway freely accessible, combining mystery, prehistory, and natural rejuvenation.

📌 About This Natural Area

Camping Les Druides recommends the Camors forest via its blog and recommendation articles.

Important: The Camors forest is a freely accessible state-owned forest managed bythe National Forestry Office (ONF) and the municipality of Camors. Les Druides campground:

• does not manage this space

• does not offer guided tours

• only facilitates your access to this natural tourist resource

We recommend this exceptional site to enrich your stay.

For practical information—trail conditions, marked trails, access conditions— contact Camors Town Hall or the Quiberon Bay Tourist Office.

🌲 Camors Forest – Natural Features

Geography & Forest Composition

Preserved forest area in central Morbihan:

• Location: 20 km north of Auray, west of the Landes de Lanvaux

• Area: 650 hectares of state-owned forest (also extends over the municipalities of Pluvigner and Baud)

• Management: National Forestry Office (ONF), acquired by Louis XVI in 1785 for the Lorient arsenals

• Tree types: Oak, chestnut, beech (sought-after clogs), Scots pine, maritime pine, fir, spruce

• Geology: Granitic plateau, Lanvaux granite substrate with gneissic structure

• Landscape: Thick forest, dense undergrowth, small streams, granite gorges

• Accessibility: Safe, marked trails, free access 24 hours a day

The Valley of the Korrigans – Living Celtic Legend

The enchanted world of Breton folklore:

The Korrigans – Mythological creatures from Brittany:

• Little magical beings from Breton Celtic tradition

• Fairy-like appearance, underground protectors of the forest

• Masters of buried treasures, guardians of megaliths

• Local legend claims that they still inhabit the valley.

• Presence evoked by strange stones, ancient trees, mysterious gorges

A permanently magical atmosphere: The forest invites you to let your imagination run wild, particularly in the Korrigans Valley with its small granite gorges, enigmatic rock formations, dense undergrowth filtered by mysterious light, and a constant dreamlike atmosphere.

The Legend of Bluebeard – Historical Connection

Historical figure who inspired the French fairy tale:

The Camors forest was once the domain of Count Conomor (Comorre or Konomor) – 6th century, a fierce Breton lord who is said to have inspired the legend of Bluebeard. Conomor, meaning "The Great Chief, " ruled over the Poher region in Carhaix with a bloody reputation, killing his successive wives.

Historical sources: Gregory of Tours (Ten Books of History) mentions his atrocities. Conomor was killed in battle around 560 by Judual, son of the king of Iona, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.

Rumors claim that the Camors forest was the territory of this legendary lord, adding an extra literary dimension combining Celtic magic and French folklore.

🗿 Exceptional Megalithic Heritage – Breton Neolithic

The Braz Menhir – "Menhir of the Star"

Major megalithic monument in Brittany:

Features:

• Height: 3.40 meters (slightly sloping toward the northeast)

• Type: Massive standing stone (menhir)

• Period: Prehistoric Neolithic (~4,500-4,000 years ago)

• Location: Isolated in the heart of the national forest (Étoile roundabout)

• Status: Listed historic monument (August 22, 1934)

• Accessibility: 1.5-2 hour hike from the Petit Bois parking lot

• Names: "Men Braz" (Breton for "Big Stone") or "Menhir de l'Étoile" (Star Menhir)

Caption: The Braz Menhir is reputed to have been placed alone in the forest by magical forces, which reinforces its mysterious character and remarkable isolation compared to other megaliths in Brittany.

The Menhir Bihan – Younger Brother Companion

Accompanying the Braz Menhir:

• Height: approximately 1.70-1.90 meters

• Type: Smaller menhir, " little brother " of the Menhir de l'Étoile

• Location: ~500 meters southwest of the Braz Menhir

• Status: Listed historic monument

Other Megaliths & Prehistoric Heritage

Diverse prehistoric heritage:

✅ Cornevec alignment: 60 menhirs (most of them lying down) – field of aligned stones
✅ Dolmens: Megalithic burial tombs
✅ Burial galleries: Ritual collective burials
✅ Collapsed dolmen: Accessible from a marked trail
✅ Enigmatic rock formations: Granite gorges carved out by erosion

These megaliths bear witness toancient human occupation (Neolithic) and prehistoric ritual traditions in the Brittany region.

🎭 Local Legends & Dreamlike Atmosphere

Strange Stones & Magical Trees

Natural formations interpreted magically:

✅ Strange rocks: Enigmatic rock formations in gorges
✅ Magical trees: Ancient trees with unusual shapes and ghostly silhouettes
✅ Granite gorges: Small valleys carved out by thousands of years of erosion
✅ Enigmatic formations: Mysterious natural configurations that defy explanation

Permanent Dreamlike Atmosphere

The forest deeply inspires the imagination:

• Dense undergrowth: Filtered light creating a constant mysterious atmosphere

• Natural silence: Few artificial sounds, communion with nature

• Natural sounds: Melodious streams, wind in trees, creaking branches

• Overlapping legends: Korrigans + Bluebeard fuel the collective imagination

🚴 Three Marked Hiking Trails – All Levels

Water Circuit – 11 kilometers

The aquatic forest and its secret spaces:

Features:

• Distance: 11 kilometers

• Duration: approximately 2.5–3.5 hours

• Level: Intermediate

• Markings: Yellow

• Mountain biking: Possible

• Departure: Le Petit Bois area

Themed trail:
✅ Multiple ponds – small forest lakes creating a poetic setting
✅ Streams & waterways – constant melodious sounds
✅ Fountains & water sources – natural and picturesque
✅ Valley of the Korrigans – mysterious iconic passage
✅ Granite gorges – impressive geological formations

Theme: Water is everywhere in the Camors forest.

Étoile Circuit – 9 kilometers

Towards the magical megaliths & prehistory:

Features:

• Distance: 9 kilometers

• Duration: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours

• Level: Easy to moderate

• Markings: Orange + yellow horseshoe

• Mountain biking: Possible

• Departure: Le Petit Bois tree climbing park parking lot

Themed trail:
✅ Megalithic alignments – stone fields, traces of ancestors
✅ Braz menhir (3.40 m) – highlight of the trail, major stone
✅ Bihan Menhir (1.70 m) – younger brother companion
✅ Information panels – explaining megaliths & prehistory
✅ Enchanting undergrowth – mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere

Theme: Megaliths & prehistoric connections to the Neolithic period.

Tro-Bourk Circuit

Additional loop currently closed:

• Status: Temporarily closed (access to private plots)

• Reason: Loss of owner authorization

• To be confirmed: Possible reopening at Camors Town Hall 2026

🎢 Additional Activities – All Ages

X-Trèm Forest Tree Climbing Park

Suspended courses for all ages and levels:

✅ 11 tree climbing courses: From beginner to expert
✅ From age 2: Accessible to families with children
✅ Free fall: From 23 kg
✅ Climbing: For all ages
✅ Location: On the edge of the forest (Petit Bois parking lot)
✅ Combination: Tree climbing + hiking = full day in the forest

Outdoor Fitness Trail

Outdoor fitness & wellness:

✅ Exercise stations set up along trails
✅ Free access all year round
✅ Accessible to all ages without discrimination
✅ Sport and nature combined naturally

Fishing & Horseback Riding

✅ Fishing: Fish ponds (pike, carp), permits available from the town hall
✅ Horseback riding: Equestrian trails for riders

🏛️ Additional Heritage Points of Interest

The Last Clog Maker of Morbihan

Preserved traditional Breton crafts:

• Location: Le Sabot Camorien, forest base

• Occupation: Handcrafted wooden clogs (centuries-old tradition)

• Rarity: Last clog maker in Morbihan – a dying trade

• Visit: Observation of expertise (by appointment)

• Context: Beech trees in the Camors forest, historically used for clog-making

Lambel-Camors Station – Tourist Train

Railway heritage & tourism:

• Location: Lambel-Camors (1898)

• Train: Napoleon Express from Pontivy (tourist train)

• Guided tour: Departure from the station (2 hours, moderate difficulty)

• Frequency: Wednesdays in July and August (check the 2026 calendar)

• Fun fact: Étoile roundabout – oak tree planted in 1811 to mark the baptism of Napoleon's son, felled in 1995

🏕️ From Les Druides Campground

Easy access to the Camors forest:

✅ Distance: 25-30 km (35-45 minutes by car)
✅ Easy route: Via D768 Auray
✅ Free parking: Near the trails (Petit Bois parking lot)
✅ Heated pool: Relax after a hike at the campground
✅ Le Carpe Diem Bar: Post-excursion recovery

Perfect day trip: Morning forest hike (2-3 hours) → Picnic at Petit Bois → Afternoon tree climbing → Relaxing at the campground pool! 🌲

📋 Practical Information – Access & Opening Hours

Access & Parking

🚗 Route D768 via Auray towards Camors
🚗 Petit Bois parking lot: Main free entry point
🚗 Free: Free forest parking access
🚗 Road signage: Clear signage Camors

Opening Hours & Access

⏰ Forest: Open 24 hours a day, all year round
⏰ Tree climbing: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. depending on the season (closed in winter)
⏰ Clog making: By appointment at the town hall
⏰ Tourist trains: Wednesdays in July and August (check 2026)

Amenities

✅ Public restrooms: At Petit Bois
✅ Drinking water: Fountains at reception points
✅ Restaurant/Café: Near Camors village
✅ Small shops: In Camors village

Practical Tips

👕 Clothing: Waterproof & windproof (windy forest)
👕 Shoes: Good grip required (rocky, muddy terrain)
👕 Insects: Mosquito repellent (June-September)
👕 Seasonality: April-October ideal (fall: mushroom picking)
👕 Safety: Stay on marked trails at all times

✨ In Summary

The Camors Forest offers much more than just a hike: it is a journey into the Breton imagination, among ancient megaliths and authentic Celtic legends.

The magical Korrigans Valley, the isolated 3.40-meter Braz Menhir, mysterious ponds, a variety of marked trails, a family tree climbing adventure park, and the constant serenity of the forest create a unique rejuvenating experience in southern Brittany.

Exceptional prehistoric heritage (Neolithic period, 4,500 years ago), the legend of Bluebeard (Count Conomor, 6th century), dense undergrowth with filtered light, enigmatic granite gorges, traditional clog-making, 650 hectares of state-owned forest: this place combines historical mystery, unspoiled nature, and authentic rejuvenation.

From Camping Les Druides, 25-30 km (35-45 minutes) away, discover this ONF-managed national forest where unspoiled nature and prehistoric heritage merge in an authentic and lively legendary atmosphere.

📞 Contacts & Information 2026

Camors Forest: freely accessible state-owned forest managed by the ONF (French National Forestry Office) and the municipality.

For information on trails, trail conditions, and access conditions, please consult the organizations listed below.

Camors Town Hall

Website: www.camors.fr
Phone: +33 (0)2 97 21 62 90
Services: Information on trails, trail conditions, clog-making, tourist trains

Quiberon Bay Tourist Office

Address: 14 rue de Verdun, 56170 Quiberon
Telephone: +33 (0)2 97 50 07 84
Website: www.baiedequiberon.bzh
Services: Hiking maps, forest events, detailed trails

National Forest Service (ONF)

Website: www.onf.fr
Services: Camors state forest management, environmental information

X-Trèm Forest Tree Climbing Park

Location: Petit Bois parking lot, Camors
Telephone: Information Baie Quiberon Tourist Office
Season: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. depending on the period

The Camorian Clog – Traditional Clog Making

Visits: By appointment (contact the town hall)
Telephone: Information from Camors town hall 02 97 21 62 90

Les Druides Campground

Address: 55 Chemin de Beaumer, 56340 Carnac
Telephone: +33 (0)2 97 52 08 18
Website: www.camping-les-druides.com
Distance: 25-30 km Camors forest

Services: Heated indoor pool, Le Carpe Diem bar (6 p.m. guests), reception information, hiking advice