Cedars of God Forest
A protected grove of around 400 ancient cedars — some more than 1,000 years old.
No. 06 — 10
The Cedars of God
Bcharre — North Lebanon
One of the last forests of Cedrus libani — Lebanon's national symbol, rooted high in the mountains.
Sights
Located in the high mountains of the North, this is one of the last remaining forests of the Cedrus libani, Lebanon's national symbol. Nearby, you can visit the Gibran Museum, dedicated to the famous poet Kahlil Gibran.
The Itinerary
Top Places to See
The shortlist we always send first. If you have only one afternoon, start here.
Gibran Museum
In Bcharre, the converted monastery housing Kahlil Gibran’s manuscripts, paintings, and tomb.
Qadisha Valley
The "Holy Valley" below — a UNESCO landscape of cliff-side monasteries, hermitages, and waterfalls.
Mzaar / Cedars Ski Resort
Lebanon’s northernmost ski resort, open December–April, with runs surrounded by cedars.
Insider Notes
Quietly Highlighted
The corners that don't always make the guidebooks but reward the curious.
01
Saint Anthony of Qozhaya
A cliff-cut monastery in the valley below — home to one of the earliest printing presses in the Middle East.
02
Khalil Gibran’s grotto
Beside the Gibran Museum, the simple cave where the poet asked to be buried.
What to Do
Entertainment & Atmosphere
Where the place comes alive — concerts, festivals, beach clubs, and the best ways to fill an evening.
Skiing in winter
The Cedars resort is the highest in Lebanon — short, scenic runs above the tree line.
Hiking in summer
The Lebanon Mountain Trail descends from the Cedars into Qadisha — a spectacular day-hike.
Festival al Arz
Summer concerts and folk performances staged in and around the cedar forest.
The Table
Where to Eat
Tested addresses across categories — from village mountain food to fine modern Lebanese.
L’Auberge des Cèdres
An old mountain auberge serving country Lebanese cooking by a wood fire — famous for kebbé bil sanieh.
Tigerlily
A modern table in Bcharre with a pretty terrace and a strong North-Lebanon wine list.
Makhlouf
A roadside Bcharre institution for kibbeh nayeh and freshly grilled lamb.
To Take Home
Souvenirs Worth the Suitcase Space
Locally made, locally sourced, and small enough to fly with — what to actually buy.
01
Cedar-wood carvings
Hand-carved boxes, rosaries, and small sculptures from the workshops surrounding the forest.
02
Bcharre apples & arak
The valley is famous for its apples and small-batch arak distilled from local grapes.
03
Mountain honey
Single-origin honey from the high meadows — sold in glass jars at the forest shop.
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