Nature at Lac de la Liez

Nestling in the heart of a beautiful delicately-sloping setting, Le Lac de la Liez benefits from a splendid well-preserved nature environment – perfectly adapted for walking, hiking and cycling.

A National Park in 2012

Fully aware of the natural resources of this lovely region, the French government decided to create its 11th national nature park – and the only one n the northern half of the country! This national park, “Between Champagne and Burgundy”, will stretch from the southern Champagne region (Haute Marne) to northern Burgundy (Côte d'Or). Nestling in the heart of this 10,000 ha forest park of broad-leaved trees is a 3,000 ha reserve.  

The initial phase of the creation of the park will begin in 2010 and is projected to terminate in 2012. You may, however, benefit from the natural resources of the region; in particular the dense forest where you may observe a multitude of rare species – White Sedge, Stone Bramble, Lady Slipper Orchid, Siberian Ligule absent, Great Yellow Gentian, Naked Alpine Thistle, Buphtalmos Leaved Willow, Daphne Cneorum, Alpine Bastard Toadflax, Stemless Carline Thistle, Davall’s Sedge, Bogrush and Swerts Perennee etc..

In addition, you may come across a range of mammals, such as deer, wild cat and marten.

A Lake adapted to its Wildlife

Located in proximity to the future national park, Le Lac de la Liez is a perfect destination for the appreciation of this splendid nature! Take off on your discovery outing on foot or bike (16 km circuit). For bird watchers, the lake is particularly rich in bird life. As you stray away from the busier zones of the lake, you find yourself in the midst of the area’s mudflats, where you will be able to observe nesting birds such as coot, grebe and heron. Avid ornithologists of the latter species are invited to flock to Chatenay-Macheron, where there are approximately 30 nests.

In addition, the lake is a perfect site for fishing, in particular carp and pike.

Discover the Natural Wealth of the Region of Langres

Nestling between the Canal of Champagne and the Canal of Burgundy, the Langres plateau is slightly hilly, offering a multitude of meandering water bodies and dotted with lakes. These stunning landscapes are a true paradise of flora and fauna, with numerous bird species and an abundance of orchids (40 species in the department). Thirty eight circuits designated as short- and long-distance footpaths, 2-28 km and 107 km resp., criss-cross in various directions throughout the department, allowing you to discover this incredible nature on foot, bike or horseback. You may download information cards via the Internet site of the Langres Tourism Office; go to “Walking” in the “Your Search in 1 Click” column:  www.tourisme-langres.com.