Located in the Aube department in the Champagne-Ardenne region, 25 km from Troyes, the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park is one of the largest in France, covering a vast area of 80,000 hectares. What can you do and see in the Forêt d'Orient? Follow the guide!
Hiking in the forest
With over 300 km of well-maintained and signposted footpaths, the Forêt d'Orient is a real paradise for walkers. You can choose from 25 circuits classified as "Promenade et Randonnée", ranging from 2.5 km to 20 km for the more sporty. Discover 23,000 hectares of forest, 4,360 hectares of lakes and over 265 species of birds. One of the campsite's favourites: the green route from Troyes to the lakes of the Orient Forest. You can find suggested walks on the Parc naturel régional de la Forêt d'Orient website.
Enjoy the Great Lakes
There are three lakes in the heart of the Orient forest. You can swim, fish, sail, kayak or birdwatch here. Lac d'Orient is the oldest and largest of the three lakes (2,500 ha). Swimming and all kinds of water sports are on offer. Lac du Temple, renowned for its calm and big fish, attracts fishing enthusiasts. Lac d'Amance, the smallest of the three lakes, is dedicated to water sports, in particular jet skiing and water skiing.
Watching migratory birds
With almost 300 species listed, the Forêt d'Orient park is the perfect place to watch migratory birds in Aube: black storks, grey cranes, white-tailed eagles, Berwick's swans, etc. There are several observatories dotted around the forest. Binoculars can be hired from the Maison du Parc in Piney.
Searching for the Templar treasure
Legend has it that the Templars buried their treasure in the Forêt d'Orient, the former stronghold of these enigmatic knight-monks of the Middle Ages. It might be worth taking a stroll along the Templar tourist trail in the Forêt du Temple (5 km). Here you can discover the Loge Bazin, a former Templar commandery in the heart of the forest, where some of the remains are still hidden under the vegetation.
Walk in the footsteps of Napoleon
Few people know it, but Napoleon Bonaparte got his start in Brienne-le-Château, in the heart of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park. A museum traces the Emperor's three visits to the town: from 1779 to 1784, when he was a pupil at the Royal Military School; in 1805, during his trip to Milan to be crowned King of Italy; and in 1814, during the final battle of Paris.
Where to stay?
Domaine de la Noue des Rois is the perfect address for your next adventure in the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park. Open all year round, our 4-star campsite in the Aube region offers mobile homes and pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans by the lake. Ideal location in Champagne-Ardenne, not far from Troyes, in an exceptional natural setting!
