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In the forests of Sologne or the forest of Chambord, walkers and curious people can hear the rattle of the majestic kings of the forest. The slab deer period, in Autumn, is famous and delights many people every year.
Deer bellow to mark their territory, show their strength to other deer but also attract females.
The Brame du Cerf is one of the many activities to do if you visit the Loire Valley
The slab arrives with the start of autumn, this is the period from approximately September 15 until mid-October. The slab period lasts about 1 month and attracts many enthusiasts and curious people.
It should be noted, however, that the exact period of deer bellowing each year can vary depending on various factors such as weather or food resources.
The deer are then more easily visible, as are many does accompanying them. If you're lucky you might even witness a deer fight!
On this video, dating from the slaughter season 5 years ago, you can first admire two 14-horned deer facing each other before confronting each other:
This is what the show can look like if you're lucky!
Deer generally bellow when temperatures are lower. You will therefore have a greater chance of hearing the bellowing of the deer early in the morning, from 6:30 a.m., or at dusk, from 6 p.m. in the evening.
However, the deer can bellow all day or even night if the conditions are right. A particularly clear and not too cool night for example, and especially if it is calm.
It is important not to make noise from your observation post so as not to disturb the deer that may invade a field, as this will quite likely scare them away!
You will have to arm yourself with patience (and warm clothes), and count on luck to be able to observe this very special spectacle.
It is possible to use the different observatories in the Chambord area:
You can find the different observatories of Chambord here.
Another observatory where you can see the Brame du Cerf near the Loiret and Chambord is the “Wildlife observation platform”, 17 minutes by car from the Lodges de Blois-Chambord campsite. It is a large viewpoint on which up to 10-15 people can sit quite easily. Type the name of the observatory into Google Maps or a GPS and let yourself be guided!
The observatories are comfortable and ideally located facing open spaces where deer are more likely to come and slab!
We have made a summary list for you so that everything goes as smoothly as possible, here are our tips to increase your chances of seeing them without disturbing them:
Finally, it is essential to remember that the welfare of the deer must always come first. If you think a deer is stressed or disturbed by your presence, calmly walk away and give it space. Respecting wildlife is key to ensuring that future generations can also enjoy this unique experience.
During the Brame du Cerf period you can book your unusual weekend at the Lodges to have a Calm & Nature base.
Book your unusual nights in a cabin-lodge from €162 for 2 nights for a couple, on a weekend, to be close to the observatories.
Or rent a mobile home by the pond from €242 per weekend for 4 people.
Make your reservation easily directly on the website and don't hesitate to call us if you need information on other visits to do in the area!
You can take advantage of your trip to the Loire Valley and your deer braying weekend to see other unique experiences:
See you soon at the Lodges of Blois-Chambord!
