For a weekend, enjoy a unique and unforgettable spectacle: the flight of the grey cranes over Lac du Der, an essential stage in their winter migration.
Observe the beauty of nature in the company of a specialised guide, and make the most of your stay in a bed and breakfast typical of the region to discover the exceptional wealth of the Champagne bocage.
You'll love
- One of the best spots in the world for watching sandhill cranes
- A unique site: Le Der, Europe's largest artificial lake
- An enthusiastic guide to help you see and learn everything you need to know
- The magic of the cranes rising
From
300€
The price includes
Price for 2 people, including 2 ½ days with a nature guide and loan of equipment, one night's accommodation with breakfast in a charming guest house, and a visit to the Musée du Pays du Der.
A nature break in the land of the grey cranes
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Photo, © Philippe Lemoine -
Photo, © Eric Girardot -
Photo, © French Wanderers -
Photo, © Eric Girardot -
Photo, © MDT52 -
Photo, © Eric Girardot -
Photo, © Nos.coeurs.voyageurs -
Photo, © Nos coeurs voyageurs
The programme
Our suggestions
Day 1
Welcome to a bird paradise
In the early afternoon, meet the nature guide who will be accompanying you during your stay at the Chantecoq site. From the shore, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Lac du Der, a veritable Champagne sea.
Join the observatories to admire through binoculars some of the 310 species that inhabit this artificial body of water, the largest in Europe: grey herons, great white egrets, white-tailed eagles... At the end of the day, you'll be amazed by the setting of the grey cranes, the undisputed stars of the place.
A nature break by the lake
Just a few minutes from the lake, La maison de Marie welcomes you for the night. Share your impressions of the day with Sylvie and Thierry, who have been running this charming guest house with its typical Champagne architecture for "a few" years...
Day 2
A magical morning: the aerial ballet of the grey cranes
After a local, home-cooked breakfast, you'll head to the lake to watch the cranes rise in the first rays of sunshine. Their aerial ballet is reflected in the water to give you an unforgettable spectacle! Your guide will take you to the best observation sites and reveal all the secrets of this unique gathering. A light snack will round off this wonderful morning.
In the afternoon, discover the timber-framed buildings of the Village-Musée du Der. They tell the incredible story of the three villages that disappeared when the lake was built.
Accommodation
A guest house with typical Champagne charm
At La maison de Marie, you'll find peace and quiet in this pretty half-timbered house typical of the Champagne region.
Its two bedrooms are ideal for private getaways, and its pleasant garden has become a haven for passing birds.
Enjoy a home-cooked, local breakfast while browsing through the many books on the region. A nature break just a few minutes from Lac du Der.
Practical information
The price includes
- 2 ½ days accompanied by a nature guide with loan of equipment
- One night with breakfast in a charming guest house
- A visit to the Village Musée du Der
The price does not include
- Transport
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Mid-morning breakfast on day 2
- Tourist tax
- Personal expenses
Access and location
Straddling the Marne and Haute-Marne, Lac du Der is at the heart of the Champagne region. It is 10 minutes from Montier-en-Der, 15 minutes from Saint-Dizier and Wassy, 1 hour from Chaumont, Nancy, Reims and Troyes, 2 hours from Dijon, 2.5 hours from Paris and Strasbourg, 3 hours from Lille and 4 hours from Lyon.
- By car :
- From the east and north, access via the A4, exit 27 - La Veuve
- From the west, take the A5, exit 20 - Troyes-centre / Sainte Savine
- From the south, take the A5, exit 23 - Bar-sur-Aube
- By train :
- Vitry-le-François station (1h20 from Paris by TGV) + 22 km by bike
- Saint-Dizier station + 10 km by bike. In summer, shuttle buses run from Saint-Dizier.
A holiday to suit you
Contact us to tailor this holiday to your needs!
Contact us