Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Turkey Oak <italic>(Quercus cerris L.)</italic> is considered a promising alternative to native oak species for enhancing the resilience of French forests to climate change. However, the physical and mechanical properties of trees grown in France remain undocumented. To address this lack of data, three mature trees grown in Loire-Atlantique (France) were processed into lumber, from which clear samples were prepared for physical and mechanical characterization. The density, shrinkage, compressive strength parallel to the grain, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR) were determined in accordance with standards. The results were analysed to quantify wood variability within and between logs and to evaluate the influence of density and visual quality on mechanical performance. The obtained results revealed significant variability at the lumber scale, while mechanical properties showed strong relationships with density and wood quality. The measured values confirmed the high mechanical potential of French-grown <italic>Quercus cerris L.</italic> , providing new reference data for its future valorisation as a structural timber resource. </p>