Mycologiades Internationales de Bellême
The largest mycological gathering in France in the Bellême forest
About Mycologiades de Bellême
The Mycologiades Internationales de Bellême are an annual mycological event held every first weekend of October in Bellême, in the Orne department, in the heart of the Perche Regional Natural Park. Created in 1952, these days have brought together mushroom enthusiasts and specialists for over 70 years, featuring guided outings in the Bellême state forest, scientific and public conferences, a competition for young mycologists, and a large free exhibition of collected species. The event is one of the most important mycological gatherings in France and Europe.
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The Mycologiades de Bellême: over 70 years of mycological passion
Since 1952, the Mycologiades Internationales de Bellême have been the annual meeting point for all mushroom enthusiasts. Organized every first weekend of October in Bellême, in the heart of the Perche Regional Natural Park, these mycological days are among the most important mycological gatherings in France and Europe.
A scientific and accessible program
Guided forest outings
The guided mycological outings in the Bellême state forest are the heart of the event. Led by experienced mycologists, these excursions allow participants – from beginners to experts – to learn to identify fungal species in their natural habitat. The Bellême forest, with its ancient oaks and beeches, offers an exceptional foraging ground.
Conferences and presentations
A program of conferences covers various topics: taxonomy, mushroom ecology, mushroom cultivation, species conservation, and recent discoveries. Public presentations are held alongside more specialized sessions, allowing everyone to find their level of interest.
Themed workshops
Workshops complete the program: introduction to lichen identification, presentation of low-tech mushroom cultivation from organic waste, and other topics related to mycology and forest ecology.
The Golden Truffle competition
The "Golden Truffle" competition is a flagship event of the Mycologiades, dedicated to young mycologists and students under 25 years old. The winners receive the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Truffles, recognizing their knowledge of mushrooms and encouraging the next generation of mycologists.
A large free exhibition
The exhibition of collected species during the outings is a highlight. The mushrooms collected are presented, identified, and classified by mycologists, offering the public an impressive overview of the fungal diversity of the Bellême forest. This exhibition is free and open to all.
An international event
The Mycologiades de Bellême attract participants and speakers from all over France and abroad, confirming their status as an international event. Mycological societies from several countries regularly participate, making Bellême a place for exchange and knowledge sharing on a European scale.
Mycologiades de Bellême — edition 2026
73rd edition of the Mycologiades Internationales de Bellême. Mycological forest outings, conferences, competition, and exhibition. Program to be announced.
Prices Mycologiades de Bellême 2026
Practical information — Mycologiades de Bellême
Access and transport
By car: Bellême is located 45 km from Alençon via the N12 then the D955, 35 km from Mortagne-au-Perche, and about 2h30 from Paris. The Bellême state forest and the Gué-de-la-Chaîne parking lot are the starting points for the mycological outings. Follow the signage from Bellême. Free parking at Gué-de-la-Chaîne.
By train: Nearest station: Alençon (45 km) or Le Mans (80 km). A vehicle is necessary to reach Bellême and the state forest.
Activity locations
- Forest outings: Departure from the Gué-de-la-Chaîne parking lot, in the heart of the Bellême state forest. Outings are guided by experienced mycologists and take place on forest trails.
- Conferences and presentations: Bellême community hall or Gué-de-la-Chaîne hall depending on the program.
- Species exhibition: Collected mushrooms are exhibited and identified in the Gué-de-la-Chaîne hall, open free to the public.
Period and times
From Thursday to Sunday of the first weekend of October (4 days). Forest outings depart at 9:00 AM from the Gué-de-la-Chaîne parking lot. Lunch is organized on-site (by reservation). Conferences take place in the afternoon, generally from 2 PM. The Golden Truffle competition is held on Saturday.
Prices
Guided forest outings and the exhibition of collected species are free and open to all. Conferences are free to access, but some may require prior registration. Lunch at Gué-de-la-Chaîne is paid and must be booked in advance with the organizers.
Recommended equipment
For forest outings, be sure to bring: waterproof hiking shoes, clothing suitable for the forest in autumn (long pants, waterproof jacket), a basket (not a plastic bag, which damages mushrooms), a knife, and possibly a magnifying glass for observing details.
Contact
Mycologiades Internationales de Bellême
Website: www.mycologiades.com
Bellême Town Hall: www.villedebelleme.fr
Practical advice
- Arrive on time at Gué-de-la-Chaîne, outings depart at 9 AM sharp.
- Never consume wild mushrooms without formal identification by a mycologist.
- Outings are accessible to all levels, from beginners to specialists.
- Book lunch well in advance to ensure a spot.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Mycologiades de Bellême
Forêt domaniale de Bellême et salle communautaire