Forêt d’Orient Regional Natural Park Lac d’Orient
A vast natural park with three large lakes, offering beaches, water sports, and over 300 km of hiking and cycling trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, full activities
Forêt d’Orient Regional Natural Park Lac d’Orient
Best Time
Mild weather, full activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast natural park with three large lakes, offering beaches, water sports, and over 300 km of hiking and cycling trails.
"A true natural gem! The park delivers a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for nature lovers and families."
Pack for the Beach & Trails
Bring swimwear for the lakes and comfortable shoes for the extensive hiking and cycling paths. :athletic_shoe: :bikini:
Check Visitor Center Hours
Visitor centers can have unusual opening times; verify before your visit to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Great Lakes
Lac d’Orient, Lac du Temple, Lac Amance
Expansive artificial lakes offering swimming, sailing, and serene waterside walks with lovely views.
Forest Trails
Throughout the park
Over 300 km of well-maintained trails through oak forests, meadows, and wetlands. Perfect for hiking and cycling.
Birdwatching Hotspots
Observation points around the lakes
A paradise for birdwatchers, home to nearly 300 species including cranes and eagles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lakes and Trails
Visitor Center Hours & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the Beach & Trails
Bring swimwear for the lakes and comfortable shoes for the extensive hiking and cycling paths. :athletic_shoe: :bikini:
Check Visitor Center Hours
Visitor centers can have unusual opening times; verify before your visit to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
Water Level Awareness
Activities on the lakes can vary depending on water levels, so check local conditions if planning specific water sports. :wave:
Cycle the Greenway
A popular 42 km greenway connects Troyes to the lakes, offering a scenic cycling route. :bicycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Beach & Trails
Bring swimwear for the lakes and comfortable shoes for the extensive hiking and cycling paths. :athletic_shoe: :bikini:
Check Visitor Center Hours
Visitor centers can have unusual opening times; verify before your visit to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
Water Level Awareness
Activities on the lakes can vary depending on water levels, so check local conditions if planning specific water sports. :wave:
Cycle the Greenway
A popular 42 km greenway connects Troyes to the lakes, offering a scenic cycling route. :bicycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the park's natural beauty, extensive lake systems, and well-maintained trails for walking and cycling. It's highlighted as a peaceful escape offering a beach-like experience inland, with good facilities for food and drink. Some note that visitor center hours can be unusual.
"Great walks around the lakes, visitor centres have unusual opening times. Activities available on or around the lakes depending on water level."
Al Eaglesfeld
"Located in the Aube department of the Grand Est region, the Parc naturel régional de la Forêt d'Orient is a vast protected area encompassing approximately 70,000 hectares of forests, lakes, and wetlands. Established in 1970, it is one of France's earliest regional natural parks, offering a rich blend of biodiversity and outdoor experiences.
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🌲 Natural Beauty & Biodiversity
The park is famous for its three expansive artificial lakes: Lac d’Orient, Lac du Temple, and Lac Amance. Originally created to regulate the flow of the Seine River, these lakes are now crucial wildlife habitats and popular for leisure. The surrounding woodlands, dominated by oak and hornbeam, along with meadows and marshes, create a varied ecosystem.
This is a paradise for birdwatchers, with nearly 300 recorded bird species, including grey cranes, black storks, and white-tailed eagles. Other wildlife includes wild boars, roe deer, and many amphibians and reptiles.
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🚣♀️ Outdoor Activities
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities:
Water Sports: Swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing are all permitted in designated zones across the lakes.
Cycling & Hiking: Over 300 km of trails wind through the park, suitable for relaxed walks or more challenging hikes. A popular cycling route is the 42 km greenway from Troyes to the lakes.
Tree-top Adventures: Grimpobranches adventure park offers tree-climbing, zip lines, and family-friendly aerial courses.
Birdwatching: Several observation points around the lakes make it easy to view both migratory and native birds in peaceful settings.
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🏞️ Conservation & Education
The park is part of the Natura 2000 network, reflecting its significance in European biodiversity conservation. Educational centers and guided nature walks help visitors understand and appreciate the delicate ecosystems protected here.
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🗓️ Best Time to Visit
The best time to explore the park is between May and September, when the weather is mild and most outdoor activities are available. Spring and autumn also offer stunning bird migration spectacles."
krrazie
"A lovely place to visit, offering a beach like experience but very much inland. As well as offering beaches and watersports, it also provides a lovely setting for a waterside walk with some lovely views over the lake. There are lots of facilities for snacks, food and drink ranging from snack bars to lovely restaurants so it’s possible to find something to suit all occasions."
David Preece
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in the Aube department of the Grand Est region. It's accessible by car, with major routes leading to the area. The greenway from Troyes offers a cycling option.
Public transport options directly to the park's core areas might be limited. It's best to check local bus schedules for towns near the park, but a car is generally recommended for flexibility.
The park is about 2.5 hours from Montreal and 1 hour from Quebec City if you're considering similar Canadian parks, but for this French park, it's easily accessible from Troyes and other nearby towns in the Grand Est region.
Parking is available at various points around the lakes and trailheads. Some areas may have a parking fee, especially during peak season.
Yes, roads connect the main areas around Lac d’Orient, Lac du Temple, and Lac Amance, allowing for easy exploration by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access the park itself. However, some specific activities, parking areas, or facilities might have associated costs.
The park is open year-round, but visitor centers and specific facilities have varying hours. It's advisable to check their official website or local listings for current opening times.
For popular water sports or guided tours, booking in advance is recommended, especially during the summer months. For general park access and hiking, no booking is required.
As a natural park, visitors are expected to respect the environment. Stick to marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, and follow any posted regulations.
Parking fees can vary. Some areas might be free, while others, particularly near popular beaches or activity centers, may charge a fee, often around $10 CAD for similar parks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers over 300 km of trails. Popular options include lakeside paths and forest routes. Trails are generally easy and suitable for families.
You can enjoy swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing in designated areas across the lakes.
Absolutely! It's a prime location with nearly 300 bird species, including grey cranes and white-tailed eagles. Look for observation points.
Yes, the park offers beaches, picnic areas, and the Grimpobranches adventure park with tree-climbing and zip lines, making it family-friendly.
Definitely! There are over 300 km of trails, including a popular 42 km greenway from Troyes to the lakes, perfect for cycling.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are facilities ranging from snack bars to restaurants offering food and drinks around the lakes.
Picnic areas are available, making it a great option for a relaxed meal amidst nature. Remember to clean up after yourself.
Options vary, but you can expect typical lakeside fare like snacks and light meals, as well as more substantial restaurant offerings.
For stocking up on picnic supplies, you'll likely need to visit towns like Troyes or smaller villages closer to the park.
While not guaranteed, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. It's best to inquire directly with the establishment.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakes at sunrise or sunset offer stunning reflections. Forest trails provide beautiful light filtering through trees, and birdwatching spots offer unique wildlife shots.
A versatile lens is useful for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive lakes, and a telephoto lens is helpful for birdwatching.
Drone usage is often restricted in natural parks to protect wildlife and maintain tranquility. Check the park's official regulations before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the best light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing activity on the water.
Yes, but always maintain a respectful distance and use a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and consider a picnic to make the most of the scenic spots. The variety of activities means there's something to keep everyone entertained, from building sandcastles to spotting birds. Check the visitor centers for any specific family-friendly events or nature discovery programs.
🚴 Cyclists and Hikers
Trail surfaces vary, so choose your route based on your preferred activity. Lakeside paths are generally flat and easy, while forest trails can offer more varied terrain. Ensure you have appropriate gear, water, and a map, as some areas can be quite extensive.
🐦 Birdwatchers
Utilize the designated observation points around the lakes for the best viewing opportunities. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for closer looks, and be prepared for early morning or late evening activity, which often yields the most sightings. Remember to maintain a quiet presence to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Biodiversity and Conservation
Beyond birds, the park is home to mammals such as wild boars and roe deer, as well as numerous amphibians and reptiles. The conservation efforts within the park aim to protect these delicate ecosystems. Educational centers and guided nature walks are available to help visitors understand the importance of this biodiversity and the ongoing efforts to preserve it.
Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respect the natural environment. Sticking to marked trails and refraining from disturbing wildlife are crucial for maintaining the park's ecological integrity. This commitment to conservation ensures that the Forêt d'Orient remains a sanctuary for nature for generations to come.
Outdoor Activities Galore
On land, the park boasts over 300 kilometers of trails catering to both hikers and cyclists. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through the woods or a more challenging trek, there's a path for you. A particularly popular route is the 42 km greenway that connects the historic city of Troyes directly to the lakes, offering a scenic and accessible cycling experience.
For a different kind of adventure, the Grimpobranches adventure park provides thrilling tree-top courses with zip lines and aerial challenges, suitable for families and adrenaline seekers. Birdwatching is another key activity, with numerous observation points strategically placed around the lakes to facilitate sightings of the park's rich avian life.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
While the park itself is free to enter, be aware that some facilities, such as parking areas near popular beaches or activity centers, may charge a fee. Visitor center hours can be irregular, so it's wise to check their schedule in advance if you plan to visit them for information or resources.
For those looking to explore, a car offers the most flexibility in navigating the park and reaching different lakes and trailheads. However, the greenway from Troyes provides a fantastic car-free option for cyclists. Remember to pack appropriately for both beach activities and hiking, and always respect the natural environment by staying on marked paths and disposing of waste properly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit