Observatoire du lac du Temple "Valois"

The "Forêt d'Orient" Regional Nature Park is a true paradise for bird lovers. With its vast lakes, wetlands and forests, it is home to more than 265 species throughout the year.

Highlights include:
- Autumn, when thousands of common cranes stop over during their migration.
- Winter, when between 20,000 and 40,000 birds come to find refuge.
- Spring and summer, marked by the breeding season and the ballet of nesting birds.

To fully enjoy this spectacle, the Valois observatory, located on the banks of the Lac du Temple, offers a privileged viewpoint over the Forêt d'Orient National Nature Reserve, a protected area with strictly closed access to the public. In the autumn, when the waters recede, the site reveals vast, flooded lawns where many migrants settle. It is also the ideal time to hear the bellowing of the deer in a captivating forest atmosphere.

Access is on foot from the Maison du Parc, following the line of the Counts of Champagne. Allow about 30 minutes of walking (2.5 km) on a natural path. The route is accessible to all, but can be demanding for people in wheelchairs due to the surface of the paths and slight difference in altitude.

Come and experience a unique immersion in nature and let yourself be surprised by the ornithological richness of the Park!

Last updated on 03/02/2025 - Parc Naturel de la Forêt d'Orient