Instructions and regulations | Tourist Office Lac du Der en Champagne

What you must respect for their safety and yours

Stay on top of the dikes in autumn and winter

Through the seasons

Autumn
Winter
Spring
Summer

With migration, between 50,000 and 450,000 waterbirds stop off at the reserve, offering a spectacle unique in France and Europe.

The quality of your observations depends on your behavior. Don’t cross the boundaries indicated by signs, and don’t go down onto the mudflats on the lake.

It’s essential not to disturb the birds, including the very shy Sandhill Crane. The slightest attempt to approach them will result in their flight, which prevents the birds from feeding properly and replenishing their reserves at a time when they need them most.

Don’t try to approach a group of birds. Always on the alert, if an intruder gets too close, the group will fly away and never return to the area, as their instinct is not to expose themselves to danger again.

Winter’s rigors force birds to reduce their movements to save energy. In the event of prolonged disturbance, they may desert the site for good.

Stay on public roads. Farm tracks are private, and passing vehicles damage the soil, not to mention the risk of getting stuck in the mud.

To observe Sandhill Cranes, use the observatories open to the public and the dikes bordering the lake. If you see Sandhill Cranes in a field along the road, don’t get out of your vehicle, otherwise you’ll scare off all the cranes present, even at a great distance (over 300 m).

This is the nesting season for Grebes, Coots, Herons, Titmice and ducks of all kinds. Disturbance can lead to nests or chicks being abandoned or lost. Avoid trespassing in the reed beds and along the edges of the lake.

From July to August, the tourist season is in full swing. Birds are concentrated in the quiet areas that are their main refuge.
Avoid approaching these areas, and stay behind the railings and dykes.

5 rules to remember for Sandhill Crane observation

Rule no. 1
It’s vital not to disturb these very shy birds. Disturbance disrupts groups, preventing birds from feeding properly and replenishing their reserves at a time when they need them most.
Rule n°2
Don’t try to approach a group of cranes. These birds are always on the alert. If an intruder gets too close, all the individuals will raise their heads at the same time: this is the signal for flight.
Rule no. 3
The best observation post remains the car, which cranes have learned not to fear. The only exception to this rule is the observatories and dykes of the great lakes of Champagne-Ardenne. Of course, you mustn’t get out of your car, otherwise you’ll scare off all the cranes present, even at a great distance (over 300 metres).
Rule no. 4
Stay on public roads. Farm roads are private and passing vehicles damage the soil, not to mention the risk of getting stuck in the mud.
Rule n°5
Even if you are in a favorable location (observatory or dike on the large Champagne lakes), avoid shouting, exclamations and flash photography.