The forest is surrounded by the natural regions of Beauce, Gâtinais, and Loire Valley; it extends along the North of Loire river in an arc which is 60 km in length, from Orléans to Gien, and 5 to 20 km in width.

This absence of relief, joined with the impermeability of the soil prevents the natural flow of rainwater and explains the humidity of the terrain and abundance of ponds.

[4] An area of 28 ha of the forest of Orléans was designated a natural zone of ecological interest, fauna and flora.

[5] Furthermore, an area of 36,086 ha of the forest north of Loire was designated a natural zone of ecological interest, fauna and flora.

[7] It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) that hosts ospreys, booted eagles, middle spotted woodpeckers, and European nightjars.