The National Forest Park, a natural interlude

In the forests of Haute-Marne

France's 11th National Park, the National Forest Park is a haven of peace. Created in 2019, the park is a place where people have long coexisted with the unspoilt nature that is characteristic of the deciduous forests of the French plains.

A rich and ever-present wildlife

Ask the deer, hinds and wild boars what makes our Haute-Marne forests so precious. The diversity of tree species! It's one of the largest in France.

Listen to the stags bellowing at the first signs of autumn, hear the beaks of the black storks rattling, feel the leaves crunch under your shoes as you hike or cycle.

Rare, unspoilt flora

Watch your step! The vast forests of Arc-en-Barrois, Châteauvillain, Auberive and Châtillon-sur-Seine are home to some botanical rarities: yellow gentian, delicious mushrooms and wild orchids, including the rare "Sabot de Vénus", a true "quality label" awarded by nature itself to this exceptional environment.

Unique and fragile sites

At the turn of a clearing or a forest path, you may come across petrified waterfalls where water trickles down a succession of pools. These are tufa marshes formed by limestone accumulated over hundreds of years. One of the most famous is at Rolampont.

Water also shapes the landforms of the National Forest Park. On the edge of the Langres plateau, it has carved out the Vingeanne gorges, a canyon where it's nice to come and cool off in the height of summer.

These fragile environments are protected and managed so that you can access them without threat to the flora and fauna.

Art, history, heritage... What can you do in the National Forest Park?

Man has inhabited the forests of the National Forest Park since the Iron Age. Beautiful villages still preserve the heritage of monastic orders and local lords.

Visit Châteauvillain, Petite Cité de Caractère® (Small Town of Character)

At Châteauvillain, Petite Cité de Caractère®, you can travel back in time to the 14th century on the fortifications trail, with its towers and walls. Push open the Madame's Gate and enter the fallow deer park, a former hunting reserve dating from the 17th century. It's the perfect place for a picnic or a family outing.

Discover the collections at Auberive Abbey

The architecture at Auberive Abbey is Cistercian, but the 3,000 items in this major art centre are very much contemporary. Don't forget to try the apple juice, which is produced on site. The Abbey park has 3 conservatory orchards, home to 50 ancient species of apple and pear trees.

Admire the arts and crafts at the Moulin de la Fleuristerie

More flower than fruit? Let yourself be seduced by the artificial pistils, stamens and petals made at the Moulin de la Fleuristerie. In the workshops of this 7-century-old mill, floral fashion accessories are created for the most prestigious French brands, from Chanel to Lenôtre.