An extremely unusual natural heritage is growing near the Jura capital of Delémont and is standing the test of time. The exceptional oak is the oldest pedunculate oak in Europe and is listed in the Book of Records. Its age is difficult to determine, but some say it is more than a thousand years old. The gnarled, dry branches are witnesses of time and look like the fingers of an old woman. The bumps and nicks are from lightning strikes and have given the oak its characteristics. The oak has experienced suffering and happiness and tells of 1000 years of eternity. It has seen wars and storms and defied everything. This is how the legends are told to this day.
Legends
In old myths and legends, the oak is considered a sacred tree, a tree of life. The oak was often seen as a symbol of infinity. Court was often held under it. One of these legends says that when a young man married a young girl from the village of Châtillon, he had to plant an oak on his wedding night. The Millennium Oak is probably one such oak.
background
The Chêne des Bosses owes its longevity to its exceptional health and its sheltered location. Ideal light conditions and the early protection of the oak due to its nutritious acorns have also contributed to the fact that we can still admire the tree today.
Access
There are parking spaces outside the village of Châtillon, from where it is about a 10-minute walk to the tree. An educational trail leads from the village center to the oak tree.
