Lac du Der

The Lac du Der is a must-see location for birdwatchers in northern France's beautiful Champagne region. The lake is situated close to the commune of Saint-Dizier in the departments of Marne and Haute-Marne. It is the largest artificial lake in France, covering 48 km2 with 350 million m³ of water.

The lake is a Réserve Nationale de Chasse et de Faune Sauvage (National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve), and its protected ecosystem has helped the survival of over 200 bird species, including endangered and unusual species. Swans, white-tailed eagles, goldeneyes, and other migrating species can be seen. Other outdoor activities in the Lac du Der include boating and cycling, in addition to bird watching. Right alongside the lake is a bike path. The Lac du Der features six sandy beaches with lifeguards on duty between July and August for those who like swimming.