Lac du Der-Chantecoq (Lake)
Lac du Der-Chantecoq extends over 4,800 hectares, making it one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe.
Lac du Der-Chantecoq - protecting Paris from floods
It is one of the reservoirs on the Seine designed to protect Paris from flooding. It takes its name from the village of Chantecoq, which along with Champaubert-aux-Bois, Nuisement-aux-Bois and surrounding oak forests were engulfed when it was built in 1960. The reservoir is located in two départements, Marne and Haute-Marne.
The lake is an ideal holiday destination for everyone, a great place to relax and unwind, have a fun family weekend and admire the beautiful scenery which changes with the seasons. The area is particularly rich in wildlife, ideal for swimming and even has a lakeside casino for entertainment.
Lac du Der-Chantecoq – a superb water sports centre
There are 77km of lakeside paths for walking and cycling and six beaches with facilities for swimming and relaxing (lifeguards are present in July and August) so it’s easy to have a dip during a walk or cycle ride around the lake. In addition, cycle routes lead to each of the beaches at Giffaumont-Champaubert, Larzicourt, Nuisement, Cornée du Der, Sources du Lac and Presqu’île de Champaubert !
The lake has 3 marinas, Nuisement, Nemours and Giffaumont, for sailing and water sports enthusiasts. What’s more, all three ports have Blue Flag status which guarantees that their facilities and environmental management system are eco-friendly to preserve the ecosystem of Lac du Der.
Fishermen are not forgotten ! The Maison du Pêcheur at Giffaumont Champaubert is an information centre reserved just for them!
Lac du Der-Chantecoq – a national protected wildlife area
Lac du Der-Chantecoq has exceptional flora and fauna. It is a protected wildlife area and no-hunt zone in order to preserve its magnificent ecosystem. It is a popular stopover for migratory birds in spring and autumn, especially common cranes, whose aerial ballet is an absolutely stunning spectacle. Bird watchers take note and make a date !
Unique in France, the half-timbered churches discovery trail (10 churches and a chapel) is not far from Lac du Der. Follow scenic country roads through countryside and villages dotted with lakes and ponds to discover these preserved architectural gems.
Lac du Der is in the Champagne region… and Champagne means that precious sparkling drink ! The Champagne Tourist Trail starts from Vitry le François and stretches for 60km along little roads across the hillsides and through villages typical of the Champagne region. Along the way, local wine-growers are delighted to talk about their love of the land and vines and to let you taste their production too !
Vitry-le-François, capital of the Perthois area, is at the crossroads of the natural regions of Champagne Crayeuse, Argonne and Pays du Der. A former centre for inland water traffic, it is lined with numerous canals, ideal for walks and bike rides.
As you will have realised, Lac du Der has something for everyone !
A little tip from Gites de France : «Lac du Der has different scenery and different things to do at any time of year. My favourite time is during the first fine weather, often in April, a great time for cycling. We start off in the morning when feeling the warm sunshine on our backs gives us energy for the day ahead. And we’re off for a family bike ride around Lac du Der. We stop for a picnic lunch on one of the beaches and round off the day with a crepe and hot chocolate. A wonderful day out at Lac du Der ! »
Discover Marne with Gites de France de la Marne : Argonne, land of remembrance, Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park."
