Bétignicourt walks

In the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park, this is the route with the richest heritage, taking in the castle, the church and the market hall in Brienne-le-Château, and the Ecomuseum in Brienne-la-Vieille. Nature also has plenty of surprises in store, with a spectacular arboretum, an orchid lawn, the banks of the Aube and the castle’s forest path.

Winding its way through the open countryside of the chalky Champagne region, this route passes by the Croît viewpoint. Linking the three villages of the Val d’Auzon commune (Auzon-les-Marais, Villehardouin and Montandon) and that of Brantigny, it offers views of four churches, two wash houses, a castle and the pretty River Auzon.

Alternating between the stone embankment, white paths bordering the countryside and forest trails, this route goes all the way around Lake Amance, revealing its sometimes hidden treasures.

Partly following the Templar interpretation trail, the Salamander Trail and theGR® de Pays, this forest route offers original views such as that from the Fontaine aux Oiseaux dyke.

The Colossus with Feet of Clay is a short hiking trail of about 7 km. It invites hikers to discover the remarkable character of this forest area of the Orient Forest, and also addresses more serious issues such as climate change and the impact of humans on the natural environment. The originality of the Colosse aux pieds d'argile trail lies in its seven stations, each featuring impressive works of art. For example, gates symbolise the entrance to a peaceful space and, with their imposing presence, invite visitors to be discreet. A little further on, ceramic sculptures evoke the cultural heritage of the site and spark the imagination with traces of human history.

Almost exclusively in the forest, this route offers a wide variety of deciduous trees, forest environments, and path widths. These damp woods are home to the yellow-bellied toad, a protected and increasingly rare species.

This easy, mainly forest-based route takes you through the century-old trees of the Grand Orient Forest, crossing forest streams, with just a short detour to the village of La Loge-aux-Chèvres.

To go birdwatching in the National Nature Reserve at Lac du Temple, an observatory has been set up by the Park. Access is on foot or by bike via a straight, well-maintained forest track (white path).

A 19 km circular route starting from the Maison du Parc de la Forêt d'Orient, with a well-signposted route at the start (Colosse aux Pieds d'Argile), followed by a mix of wide and narrow paths that are very pleasant in fine weather.

Half of this forest route follows the Vélovoie cycle path, revealing a wide variety of lakeside landscapes: the submerged forest of Lac d'Orient, the unobstructed view from the Lac du Temple dyke. This is in stark contrast to the dirt tracks of thesecond part of the route, which takes you through forests and countryside.

Connecting Géraudot Beach on Lac d'Orient and the golf course located in the forest area, this route passes through different environments: meadows bordered by hedges, open farmland, dense deciduous forests, and the charming village of Géraudot.

A wine-growing region producing champagne, the Côte des Bars has a hilly landscape. This route crosses countryside, vineyards and forests on either side of the Aube valley, linking the villages of Bossancourt, Dolancourt, Jaucourt and Arsonval.

A lovely, varied walk that follows an old railway line and farm tracks through flat countryside and forest, passing through two small villages. Depending on the season, you may be lucky enough to find wild walnuts along the old railway line.

Walk around the Landres and Grand Coulon ponds, where there are many birds to observe.

Circular route around the Landres and Grand Coulon ponds, passing by the birdwatching hides.

A walk through the Dervois bocage takes you from one observatory to another, where you can observe many species of water birds.

Between lake and forest, countryside and orchards, this route includes the Sentier du Lapin Blanc (White Rabbit Trail). Revealing a preserved village and its barns, crossing a wood, open countryside and green meadows, running along the beach and the dyke, this route sums up all the attractions of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park.

Two villages notable for their heritage are linked by this route, which crosses the River Barse, winding through pastures and orchards – a landscape typical of the humid Champagne region. The path passes by the former abbey of Montiéramey and two manor houses in Montreuil-sur-Barse.

A lovely walk in the hills above Bar-sur-Aube, starting from the Sainte-Germaine Farm, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch paragliders. Make the most of the beautiful views from this vantage point.