Lesmont walks

Long stretches across the Champagne plain are punctuated by delightful stops in the villages of Chalette-sur-Voire and Martigny, with beautiful views from the hill: this varied route ends on a high note on the shaded banks of the River Aube.

The eighteenth stage of the Jura to Hauts-de-France route via the Francigena. During this stage, the route invites you to stop off at Rosnay-l’Hôpital, where the church features – exceptionally – a crypt. A little further on, the route allows you to admire two of the finest half-timbered churches. Whilst half-timbered architecture is common, its use in religious architecture remains unusual. Along the way, you’ll discover the church at Bailly-le-Franc, one of the most charming due to its size and the variety of its decorations, followed by the church at Outines, the most monumental and largest of all the half-timbered sanctuaries in Champagne. The stage ends near Lake Der, surrounded by lush countryside; this lake features quiet areas reserved for the 300 species of birds recorded to date. It’s an opportunity to join the photographers hidden away in the birdwatching hides as they keep an eye on the birds.

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.

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.

On the banks of the Aube, the meadows of the Pelouse des Brebis are home to remarkable flora. The information boards along the interpretive trail provide details on the fauna, flora and uses of this preserved natural area, which is classified as a Natura 2000 site.

Crossing the Champagne plain, a former battlefield of Napoleon’s armies, this route follows an ancient Roman road, an old railway line, as well as the banks of the Aube and a path overlooking Lake Amance.

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.

A unmarked route that will take you on a tour of the churches of Rouilly and Sacey. A magnificent 360-degree panorama of the hills of Champagne, the forests of the Lacs d’Orient and the windmill at Dosches. Shaded paths beneath the canopy of trees.

In the heart of the Forêt d’Orient Nature Park, this discovery trail explores aquatic habitats home to numerous wild species, including the salamander. It was established by the ONF and the Park. This walk follows part of a route that explores the history of the Domaniale du Temple forest, the largest forest estate the Knights Templar ever owned in the West.

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.

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.

At the foot of the windmill, the picturesque village of Dosches has preserved a fascinating heritage. The interpretive trail traces life in days gone by and its traditional trades, winding its way past half-timbered houses, the two churches and Rosson Castle.