Lake Der-Chantecoq

Bird sanctuary

The Lac du Der -Chantecoq (short Lac du Der, Marne Reservoir ) in the southern Champagne is known for its location in the sparsely populated north-eastern France with nearly 48 km ², the largest reservoir in France and for water sports such as for nature lovers.

History

With the construction of the dam was started in 1966. It was inaugurated in 1974 by Robert Galley and Valéry Giscard d' Estaing. In addition to the Lac du Der were created in the 20th century, three other reservoirs in the region of the Seine- Lac de la Forêt d' Orient (1966 ) and Aube reservoirs Lac Amance (1990) and Lac du Temple.

Purpose

The main function of the Lac du serves as the retention basin to the Marne Valley and later in particular to protect the city of Paris from flooding and to always provide high in dry summers for sufficient water level of the Seine in Paris. The water level of the lake varies greatly: it reaches its peak in June each year (maximum 15 m ) and then to December plummet by up to 10 m.

Origin of the name

" The " comes from the Celtic word for " oak ", the tree for building houses and the typical half-timbered churches in the region. " Chantecocq " is the name of one of the three former flooded villages that lay in today's sea area. The two other hot Nuisement -aux- bois and Champ Aubert -aux- bois.

Crane milestone

For bird lovers the Lac du is known to in France's Champagne region mainly because of the pervading and latching cranes. Here are collected annually in the fall up to 80,000 cranes.

From the Champagne then the cranes fly in two further stages up to their winter quarters in southern France and the Spanish Extremadura, some fly even further to Morocco. Meanwhile, spend about 8,000 cranes winter at Lac du Der Chantecoq.

In the spring ( late February / early March ) reverse the cranes on the same path back to northern Europe.

Tourism

  • Street of half-timbered churches and stained glass windows from the 16th century
  • Open-air museums
  • Castles
  • Harbor for sailing boats / motor boats - Water
  • Beaches
  • Campgrounds
Marne (river) Blaise (Marne) Saint-Dizier Champagne (historical province)
494983
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