If you haven’t had a chance to get away for the summer, Paris and its surroundings are sure to charm you. Between its bucolic villages, its guinguettes and its secret gardens, the Île-de-France never disappoints. This time, we invite you to explore a little further! Head for Haute-Marne, in the Champagne region, to discover Lac du Der, the largest man-made lake in mainland France (and one of the largest in Europe). With its beaches and water sports activities, you’ll never know when you’re there!
A magical place 3 hours from Paris
This immense expanse of water is not an arm of the sea, but a man-made lake! The 48 km² Lac du Der is a feast for the eyes. This immense aquatic playground, nestled in the heart of nature, has everything to please.
You can fish for pike or carp, go jet-skiing or paddle-boarding, cycle 150 km along its shores or sunbathe on one of its six sandy beaches… The “Champagne Sea” is a true open-air paradise, where you simply won’t have time to get bored. All summer long, the lake’s six beaches are supervised, so you and your family can enjoy a peaceful swim. What’s more, the floating water park with its waterslides is the perfect place to have fun.
For thrill-seekers, there’s plenty to do: wakeboarding, water skiing, kite surfing… there’s sure to be something for you! Finally, if you’re more into calm and contemplation, the lake boasts a great hiking trail. With 250 km of marked trails, you’ll discover the beauty of the area and its rich biodiversity. From October to March, Lac du Der is one of the most popular places for nature lovers to watch the migration of grey cranes. These birds leave our shores for warmer climes, forming a magnificent ballet! A unique spectacle to be observed in silence at sunrise.
A useful lake for the city of Paris
But why build such a lake? Created in 1974, Lac du Der was originally… a reservoir. Its purpose was to regulate water levels in the Marne, which feeds the Seine, thereby preventing overflows. It was also a way of feeding the rivers during low-water periods, when water is in short supply.
It took more than 10 years of work before this lake could be admired. Today, more than 50 years after its creation, Lac de Der welcomes over 1 million visitors every year. Its enchanting setting, which changes with the seasons, is truly magical! So, are you ready to discover this little-known gem just outside Paris?