It only lasts a few weeks and has nature lovers racing from mid-September to celebrate that wild autumn symphony that is the slab (or slab).
This is the period when the great stags launch their hoarse bellows which can be heard from very far away.
These calls from the forest have several purposes and reflect the behavior of the males (dominant or pretenders) towards the does and their rivals.
From dusk to dawn or even during the day, the slab will allow the dominant males to control and mate with the females of their herd, gathered at the beginning of autumn as if by magic, while summer saw these animals go their separate ways.
The females and their fawns in small groups and the males more solitary.
To discover
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Hinds are receptive for a very short time (barely a few days a year!).
While defending their herd from the inclinations of other deer who have reached maturity and are very impatient, the dominant males assert their superiority.
Adrenaline in their veins, panting nervously and sometimes with their tongues hanging out, they seem exhausted from always having to resist or impose on suitors.
They can then go from the phase of intimidation to direct combat where the woods will collide in the silence of the clearings... This is the moment when everyone is pitted against each other in epic struggles.
These are generally harmless, even if they are grueling for the kings of our forests.
This period is the most sought after to hear or observe these splendid animals.
Reserved only for initiates a few years ago, the deer slab now attracts a lot of people.
Countless formulas have emerged, from simple evening outings to stays with conferences, exhibitions, walks, even bivouacs and observations in the forests.
All under the sign of this noble animal.
Enough to meet a real need to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy these great moments of autumn forest life.
Among dozens of offers, we have singled out a few essentials… And if you missed the concerts, the forest awaits you all year round to reveal other mysteries.
At the Domaine de Chambord
15 km from Blois, the famous Château de la Loire has an entirely enclosed estate covering more than five thousand hectares... With around seven hundred animals!
Several formulas are proposed: a group observation from the watchtower of the Guillonnière farm, "Listening to the slab" (3 hours, per group of sixteen) and a more tailor-made formula with a reserved watchtower, "At the heart slab” (from 4:45 p.m. to nightfall, four people maximum in a group already formed).
The novelty of the year?
The possibility of renting hides for a few hours to take pictures (under the supervision of a nature guide).
Le Relais de Chambord hotel also offers packages with room, breakfast and slab experience.
Deer slab at the Château de Chambord.
“Listening to the slab”: from €35 per person.
“At the heart of the slab”: €200 per group.
Hide hire: from €200.
The night at the Relais de Chambord with the slab experience: €395 for two.
Such.
: 02 54 50 40 00 and reservations@chambord.org
Read alsoItinerant horseback riding, another way to visit the castles of the Loire
In the forest of Chantilly
This imposing forest of more than six thousand hectares is located in Chantilly, less than 40 km from Paris.
From mid-September to mid-October, the guest house Le Brâme invites you to hear the deer slab… from your bedroom door!
Le Brâme, 17 bis rue du Docteur Lucas Championnière 60300 Avilly St Léonard.
Such.
: 06 75 57 09 36. From €85 per night.
For other activities in the Chantilly forest around the brâme: chantilly-senlis-tourisme.com
Read alsoCream course at the Château de Chantilly
In Sologne
Sunrise over the Sologne.
Adobe Stock
South of Orléans, Sologne is famous for its forests and ponds (it has more than three thousand).
This paradise of nature and misty atmospheres has large wooded massifs of oak, beech, hornbeam, maple, hazel, birch, pine (Scots, maritime, Douglas).
"Sologne Nature Environnement" offers many offers to go with a guide to meet a Serial Lover, pardon the "Cerf'rial lover", at the first light of day or at nightfall.
September 24, 27 and October 5.
€17 for three hours.
Book here.
On horseback in the forest of Fontainebleau and elsewhere
Enjoying the slab on horseback is an experience you absolutely must try.
These discovery walks open the doors to the forest (notably Fontainebleau and its 25,000 hectares of woodland happiness) to experience magical moments in the heart of breathtaking nature.
These outings are open to all riders, beginners and experienced.
This happens at dusk during horseback riding where, accompanied by a guide, riders go in search of deer to try to hear them in the silence of the evening.
Moments of intense emotion...
Henson.
From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Every day until Sunday October 16 (upon request).
Price: 75€.
Children from 1m40.
From €75.
At the Animal Park of Sainte-Croix (Lorraine)
With its 120 hectares, the beautiful animal park of Lorraine organizes a series of activities on the theme of the slab (by reservation): "Brame evenings" (from 6 to 10 p.m. with "lumberjack menu"), "Barme mornings" (with breakfast, from 7 a.m.), "special animal photography mornings" (with installation from 7 a.m. at the observation posts) without forgetting the yurt to fall asleep (or not) to the sound of deer love. Something to satisfy nature lovers.
These formulas come with prices including the days of visiting the park.
Until October 9.
Mornings: 40 euros (from 12 years old).
Evenings: €44.
Yurt: €240 per night.
More info on parcsaintecroix.com
Read alsoThe getaway of the week: night in immersion at the Sainte-Croix animal park
In Belgium, at the Caves of Han
Spectacular set of caves coupled with a vast animal park, the Domaine de Han, in Wallonia, offers deer belling evenings (departure 6 p.m., €18, duration 2 hours) with the possibility of meals and accommodation at the glamping Cocoon Village ( €200 per adult, €100 per child until October 2).
Be careful, given the success of these evenings and mornings, it is better to book early!
Belling at dusk (6 p.m.) (child rate €20, adult €27) 30/09 and 01/10, 07/10 and 08/10.
Slab at dusk and meal (€35 child and €50 restaurant Pavillon): 30/09, 01/10, 07/10, 08/10.
Slab at daybreak (at 7 a.m.): 01/10, 08/10.
Photo safari (7h45): 25/09, 02/10, 09/10.
Deer bellow visits to the Caves of Han.
Such.
: +32 (0) 84 37 72 13.