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Although the name “Eawy” (pronounced “Ee-a-vee”) means wet pasture, this is a glorious beech forest covering 72 sq km (28 sq miles) on a jagged outcrop. It was originally planted with oaks, which were subsequently cut down to build houses after the Hundred Years’ War. To see other species, follow the Chemin des Écoliers.

Walk or cycle along the path carved through the middle of the forest, and admire a magnificent line of giant oaks that soar up to 40 m (130 ft). They were planted in the 17th century, with beech trees, on the orders of Colbert, to make planks for naval ships.

With its dense thickets of oak, beech and imported spruce and Scots pine covering the eastern end of the hills of BasseNormandie, at 140 sq km (54 sq miles), this is the region’s largest, wildest and arguably most beautiful forest. It supports a varied wildlife, including rare birds, deer and boar. Tucked away in Bois de Goult is a charming 11th-century chapel, frescoed with hunting scenes.

You might glimpse deer or roebuck roaming through the forest that encircles Bagnolesde-l’Orne, and you will certainly see many different species of tree, including Japanese larch and Canadian fir. Try to visit the priory dedicated to St Ortaire, and the attractive observation tower of Bonvouloir.

This 100 sq km (37 sq mile) beech forest was a favourite hunting ground of Merovingian kings. Tall, slender beech trees cast a beautiful, dappled light, making it a perfect place for walking. As well as Lyons-la-Forêt (see Lyons-la-Forêt), there are two châteaux and the ruined Abbaye de Mortemer to explore.

This forest of beeches and many more exotic trees covers three large plateaux: Triage Forêt d’Eu, Haute Forêt d’Eu and Basse Forêt d’Eu. Among the highlights are a spectacular view of the Yères Valley from Poteau de Ste-Cathérine, and a pair of intertwined oak and beech trees, known as the bonne entente (happy couple).

Heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande, this peaceful forest of towering oak, beech and pine, almost encircled by a loop in the Seine and reached by the soaring Brotonne Bridge, affords breathtaking views. It is home to deer, boar and hare, and in spring produces a carpet of bluebells.

Glimpse the characteristic étangs (pools) through the trees from the D603, which bisects these neighbouring forests, usually regarded as one. A ramble here might turn into a mushroom hunt: the ferny floor is a breeding ground for ceps and chanterelles. Don’t miss Abbaye de la Trappe, home to Trappist monks.

Like the Forêt du Perche et de la Trappe, this forest is dotted with pools, including the lovely Étang de la Herse. Of its many splendid oak trees, the most famous is the Chêne de l’École on the western fringes – 40 m (130 ft) tall and more than 300 years old.

With the Forêts de Rouvray, Verte and La Londe, this forest forms a 140 sq km (50 sq mile) crown around Rouen. Children will enjoy watching the roe and fallow deer and wild boar in the Parc Animalier (wildlife park) near Canteleu on its eastern border, where there is also a 15th-century subterranean convent in the caves of Ste-Barbe.