At once the largest oak forest in Midi-Pyrénées, an enchanted territory and a haunt of master glassmakers, the Grésigne Forest is home to exceptional wildlife that is magical to listen to.
The end of September and the beginning of October correspond to the breeding season for stags and does. To attract females and inform others that they would be better off not getting too close to their harem, males let out a harsh and resounding cry; the bellow. A sound spectacle that lends itself well to a nature outing!
Listen to the roar in your own way
At the beginning of autumn, the "Princes of the Forest", as majestic as they are imposing, offer a memorable spectacle: it is the time of the deer's bellow. The sign - the sound - which makes the mating season official and therefore the meeting between the stags and the does.
Listen carefully to the doors of the Grésigne forest, between Puycelsi, Castelnau-de-Montmiral and Vaour, the echoes of the powerful cries of the males resonate and invite discovery.
This very particular cry that males make serves to demonstrate their strength and virility to females, provoking royal and impressive confrontations. From mid-September to mid-October, it is the most favorable period to go and meet them and discreetly observe their parade in a most natural environment.
A unique adventure to be experienced in the undergrowth of a nature reserve extending over more than 3000 hectares.
For those in the know: Go to the forest on familiar paths
Connoisseurs of nature and the Grésigne forest can go directly to the paths that they will travel on foot! In order to respect the tranquility of the deer and all the wildlife populating the forest, cars will have to stay far away. To be sure of your shot, it is always useful to prepare your night excursion by calling the ONF or a hunting society, and to leave with all the keys to enjoy this magical moment while respecting the natural environment!
For more information during this period, contact the Tarn Hunting Federation – 05 63 49 19 00
Some instructions to follow !
In order not to disturb wild animals and the natural environment, it is important to respect certain rules:
- No cars so as not to scare the animals with noise or headlights.
- We stay on the paths! A deer in rut weighs between 200 and 250 kilos and can be aggressive. – Better to avoid it getting angry!
- Be careful with lights from phones or lamps that scare animals.
- We don't wear perfume! Deer mainly detect human presence by smell.
- We dress accordingly, walking shoes are a must!
For adventurers
Combine bellowing and Solex outing with Vintage Moped
To enjoy this unique experience, the Association Vintage Moped 81 offers night or morning outings on Solex.
Every day between September 29 and October 13, set off at daybreak on the small roads crossing the forest to reach an observation point. There, in groups of 10 people maximum, we settle down without making any noise, it's time to be on the lookout! The horned mammals that we are waiting for are more the type to make themselves heard when the sun sets or rises... Maybe we will be lucky!
- Departure from Larroque – walk of around 3 hours
- Exit by reservation required at 06 23 53 80 86 or 06 18 76 24 64
- Price: €40 (helmets, approved gloves and fuel provided)
- Wear clothing suitable for the activity (closed shoes and pants)
For the curious
Register for sound walks in the heart of the Grésigne forest
Meet at the Maison forestière with the Tarn departmental hunters' federation and the National Forestry Office! After a presentation of the evening, head to the listening area where you are accompanied by forest rangers who know the massif like the back of their hand! The sound walk takes us for an hour and a half along the paths in search of herds of deer. Between the hooting of the owls that also populate the area, the males release their impressive cry characteristic of the breeding season. It is also possible to hear their antlers clashing. No mercy between the kings of the forest!
At the end of the walk, we return to the Maison forestière for a discussion on the species over a rustic aperitif.
See you in September 2025 for the next dates!
Our accommodations close to the forest
To enjoy this phenomenon as close as possible to nature and wildlife, several accommodation solutions located on the edge of the forest or in a clearing welcome lovers of greenery and calm. Very close to the paths, we sometimes see a few wild boars and piglets passing in the distance or a few deer with their fawns. A good plan to photograph them! Discover our lodgings and guest rooms as close as possible to the forest at Vaor, Saint Cecilia of Cayrou ou Larroque !
The deer’s bellow, quite a story!
Usually so discreet, the deer allow themselves to leave their legendary reserve deep in the woods to venture into the adjoining fields. The rutting season is therefore the ideal time to observe them from dawn to dusk.
Attracting females in the hope of mating, intimidating other males... Deer have many reasons for bellowing. Old dominants initiate young deer and increase the comings and goings to discourage individuals outside the herd from approaching the does and the latter from leaving. It is indeed a question of not wasting time, the fertility period of does being very short, deer must not hang around to reproduce.
Please note: does give birth between May and July. If you come across very young fawns during your walks, do not touch them! Their mother, recognizing a foreign smell, could then abandon them... Without protection, they are easy prey for their predators.
Themes
