The heritage value of the Fontainebleau forest has been shaped by a history rich in customs and traditions, as well as pressures from human activities – forest management, extraction of sand and sandstone, royal hunting followed by modern hunting, art retreats, pastoral activities, and more recently the development of family and sports tourism. Today, the forest attracts nearly 17 million visitors per year.

88% of the Biosphere reserve’s land is rural, 45% is woodland. However, due to its proximity to the capital, the Biosphere reserve is experiencing urbanization and an increase in human activities along the valleys (Seine, Essonne and Loing), as well as major development of transport links (the A6 motorway, RER D, etc.). Natural areas and low land rates make it an attractive area, and the population is increasing significantly, as is the number of tourists.

The region is located on a major European freight transport route, and is also the source of Paris’s drinking water, with the Vanne aqueduct carrying water from the upper part of the catchment.

The core area of the Biosphere reserve is made up of different types of protected natural areas, representing 22.7% of the total area. These areas are host to varying activities depending on the location, including hunting, mushroom and fruit picking, forestry, outdoor sports, tourism, environmental education and scientific research. As a result of a hunting tradition that dates back to the kings of France, Fontainebleau Forest is criss-crossed by more than 300km of marked trails, and places left untouched are relatively rare.