The limestone rocks that form the bedrock of the Bois Païolive come from the Jurassic Period, 180 million years ago. Aeons of erosion created unusual rock outcroppings, which the French government back in 1934 declared to be an ecologically protected area. There is incredible biodiversity in the Païolive, but the most notable trees are the numerous white oaks, many over 200 years old. Peregrine falcons, Bonelli’s eagles, beaver, and a number of rare beetles are some of the most unusual fauna. The limestone outcroppings still appear mazelike, lending credence to the guidebooks’ claims that these 16km of forest used to be called the “Fados le bois de fée,” or “woodland of the fey”.
