The Forest of Écouves, about 10km north of Alençon, is the largest forest in Normandy and home to the Signal d'Écouves — at 417 metres, the highest point in western France. The forest covers some 15,000 hectares of ancient woodland: oak, beech, pine, and spruce stretching across the hills of the Perche Normand.
Walking trails of various lengths cross the forest, and the GR36 long-distance path passes through. The forest is particularly beautiful in autumn, when the beech trees turn gold and red deer can sometimes be seen in the clearings at dawn and dusk. Wild boar also live here, though they are shy and usually avoid walkers. The forest road from Alençon makes a good half-day drive with a walk at the summit.