The forest, a world to read and shape

Where does this compelling call to the forest come from, this deep desire to reconnect with nature and let ourselves be enveloped by its fascinating universe?
A complex ecosystem, a haven of peace conducive to meditation, a source of raw materials for the timber industry, an inspiration to artists and writers, the forest has many facets.

An interest in forests raises a multitude of issues: the fight against global warming, the preservation of biodiversity, the production of water and oxygen, the development of a local energy resource… but also the exploration of their beneficial effects on our physical and mental health. The benefits of the forest can be seen in cardiovascular disease, the immune system, reduced cortisol levels – an indicator of stress – and reduced anxiety.

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in natural materials, particularly wood, and a reappraisal of the value of manual work and associated skills. Used since the dawn of time, wood is now increasingly present in eco-friendly homes, and many everyday objects are fashioned from it. Working with wood, drawing or telling stories about trees means reconnecting with yourself and with nature.

A source of imagination, the forest is omnipresent in fiction: at once comforting and protective, where we marvel at this natural spectacle; but also frightening and mysterious, confronting us with our deepest fears.

Essential to our well-being and that of our planet, the forest is at the heart of our selection ofdocuments, presented from November 24, 2025 to January 3, 2026 at the entrance to the Agora on the Riponne site.