- What is the origin of Lac du Der?
Lac du Der was impounded in 1974 after more than 10 years of gigantic construction work.
Its purpose is to regulate the Marne, the Seine’s main tributary.
To achieve this, the lake has an annual tidal range: it fills with spring floods and empties to maintain a sufficient water level in the rivers.
What was originally a technical structure is now a place for a wide range of outdoor activities.
- Can we see the villages swallowed up by the lake?
No, because the 3 villages of Nuisement-aux-Bois, Chantecoq and Champaubert-aux-Bois were completely destroyed – and in the middle of summer, you need to know how to snorkel!
On the other hand, a few buildings were saved, including the beautiful timber-framed church in Nuisement and the stone church in Champaubert-aux-Bois. Taken apart piece by piece, the Nuisement church was rebuilt and is now the centerpiece of the Village-Musée du Der in Sainte-Marie-du-Lac.
Champaubert church, the only remaining structure, watches over the lake from its reinforced promontory.
- Where are the cycle paths?
There are 100 km of safe cycling routes around Lac du Der. The main route is the Tour du Lac (38 km), with several links to Vitry-le-François, Saint-Dizier and Montier-en-Der.
- Can I rent a bike at Lac du Der?
Don’t have your own bikes? Don’t worry, there are several bike rental stores offering a wide range of bikes.
- Where are the beaches on Lac du Der?
The lake has 6 beaches, access to which is totally free. From July 1 to August 31, these beaches are supervised by lifeguards, and bathing areas are marked by water lines. Swimming outside these limits is at your own risk. Barbecues and dogs are not permitted on Lac du Der beaches.
- Where to stay near Lac du Der?
Lac du Der offers a range of accommodation solutions to suit everyone’s needs.
The inhabitants of Le Der open the doors of their establishments to welcome you for the duration of your stay:
- in family-run hotels, often with the Logis de France label,
- in bed & breakfasts in beautiful buildings,
- in timber-framed houses or perched in the trees,
- furnished accommodation in a bocage village or on the banks of a river,
- or in a tourist residence overlooking the lake.
For those with a preference for the great outdoors, campsites offer a variety of formulas to cater for fans of mobile homes, chalets, tents and farm camping. Caravanners will find areas open to them with lakeside service areas.
For hiking enthusiasts, group accommodation is available for star hikes or for those on the Santiago de Compostela trail.
- When and where to see cranes?
Ah, the most frequently asked question (along with beaches)!
Sandhill cranes can be seen from October to mid-March at Lac du Der. They are wild birds, and many factors influence their migration. So it’s impossible to give a fixed date. But ask the birdwatchers, and they’ll tell you the right time.
Lac du Der is an ideal site for observing sandhill cranes while preserving their peace and quiet.
The dikes are “natural” observatories from which to watch the cranes rise and set. During migration or in winter, the cranes spend the night in the lake basin, which is off-limits to all visitors. At sunrise, they leave to feed in the fields around the lake, returning at dusk.
Now grab your binoculars and set the alarm (yes, you have to get up very early to be on site before dawn!) to witness the morning spectacle of the cranes taking flight at sunrise. It’s advisable to arrive a good quarter of an hour beforehand (check the ephemeris, it’s safer) to enjoy the nocturnal atmosphere before the show begins.
A magical atmosphere guaranteed!
- Where to buy champagne and local produce?
Champagne, the drink of kings, can be enjoyed (in moderation, of course!) at winegrowers along the Coteaux Vitryats or Côte des Bar tourist routes, less than 30 km from Lac du Der. You’ll discover all the special techniques involved in champagne production.
Our passionate local producers (beer, honey, foie gras, cochonnailles, pottery, leather…) will share their know-how with you and help you discover their products. You’re sure to leave with a well-stocked basket!
- Can you fish on Lac du Der?
A fisherman’s paradise, Lac du Der offers more than 4,000 hectares for all types of fishing.
Anglers catch pike, catfish, carp, perch, zander, tench, roach and more. Some of these fish become exceptional trophies for sport fishing enthusiasts.
Sport fishing is available on Lac du Der andEtang de la Horre. Specially equipped stations are available for big carp anglers.
To fish on the lake, you must hold afishingpermit for the lake, as well asa fishing card issued by an approved Association de Pêche pour la Protection du Milieu Aquatique, bearing the appropriate stamp(s) for the type of fishing practised.
- How to discover half-timbered churches?
hrough the small country roads from Montier-en-Der, you can discover timber-framed churches and the charm of village architecture.
You’ll discover timber-framed sanctuaries and stone churches lit up by the superb, colorful stained-glass windows of the 16th-century École Troyenne.
A little history…
Lac du Der lies on a clay soil known as “Champagne Humide”. No stone was used to build farms here. Oak was used for the frame and clay for the cob.
This civil timber-frame architecture is also found in religious buildings that are unique in France (the church of Honfleur in Normandy is the only timber-framed church outside the Bocage Champenois).
These churches – a dozen in all, including six on Lac du Der – trace 4 centuries of architectural history.
The 10 most frequently asked questions
