Lusigny-sur-Barse walks

Starting from a family-friendly beach, this route showcases the best features of the lakes of the Forêt d’Orient: it offers a pleasant mix of walking through a diverse state-owned forest and along the shores of Lac d’Orient, with stunning views of the submerged forest at ‘high tide’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

This flat walk, suitable for all ages, starts and ends at the foot of the village’s 16th-century church. A 15 km walk suitable for everyone; pushchairs with large wheels are welcome. Mostly shaded, it will nevertheless give you a glimpse of the village’s streetscape. The first half of this walk follows theGR®2

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.

Cross the Souligny Communal Forest, descend into the Val de Gloire along the Sentier des Moutons, then visit the Montaigu nature site, the remains of the Gallo-Roman oppidum and the ruins of the castle, with a panoramic view of the Champagne plain on the way back. The route follows sections of several well-signposted Sentiers des Moutons trails (8 km, 12 km, 14 km).

This trail follows one of the sheep tracks that allowed herds to move from the surrounding villages to the Essarts plateau when it was used as grazing land in the 19th century. Since then, it has become a beautiful forest.

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.

From the heights of Laines-aux-Bois, descend to the plain, visit the Fontaine site, the remains of the Gallo-Roman oppidum and the traces of the castle at the Montaigu nature site, then return via the Sentier des Moutons trail, ending with a walk through the charming hamlet of Les Grandes Vallées. This route avoids the steepest paths.

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.

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.

A short walk offering a beautiful view of the Crésantignes region and the forests of Jeugny and Aumont.

A lovely walk through the Champagne vineyards.

Discover the cadoles of Courteron, as well as the magnificent vineyard landscape from the ridge path.