Leisure guide

Les Grands Lacs de Champagne, une destination authentique riche d'un patrimoine et d'une nature préservés ! Water activities p 4 à 7

Leisure activities p 8 à 11

Walks and hikes p 12-13 OVERVIEW

Animals and wildlife p 14-15

Museums p 16-17

Tours and circuits p 18 à 21

Traditional crafts and skills p 22-23

To complete your stay p 24-25

Gastronomy and local produce p 26-27

Main events p 28-29 Water activities

4 At Lac Amance, one of the Great Lakes of Champagne, you can enjoy a variety of water sports. Its 500 hectares make it the biggest lake in Europe devoted to motor boating. Its supervised beach and wooded areas make it an ideal spot for families.

Beach and swimming

Dienville beach is the perfect place to relax with family or friends. Various facilities are available to you : picnic tables, BBQ area, beach volleyball court, playgrounds and many other sports facilities await you. You can also rent bikes, parasols and try frisbee golf.

Lac Amance Harbourmaster’s Offices, (Harbor’s ) +33 (0)3 25 92 27 69 / port.dienville@.fr

Water skiing and tubing

Are you looking for big thrills? Don’t hesitate, put on your skis and hold on tight! Introductory and advanced training in all sports: hand skiing, wakeboarding, baby skiing... Or if you want to try something really crazy? Why not give tubing a go!

Aube water skiing club (Harbor’s Dienville) +33 (0)6 19 60 62 85 / www.Sncaube.com Water activities

6 Boat rental

With or without a license, embark on a boat trip and discover all that Lac Amance has to offer. CSB Marine (Harbor’s Dienville) / +33(0)3 25 92 94 17 [email protected] / www.csbmarine.com Batel Plaisance (Harbor’s Dienville) / +33(0)3 25 41 20 00 [email protected] / www.batel-plaisance.com

Boating licences

Fancy becoming captain and setting sail? Hop on board and training for your own boating license takes just 3 days. Nothing will stop you from sailing to your heart’s content on the waters of the lake. Bateau école Jean Jaurès (boating school) +33(0)6 70 08 77 11 / www.bateauecolereims.fr

Fishing

Whether you’re a keen angler or just looking to try something new, a magnetic card is available from the Harbourmaster’s Office which allows you to access the launching jetty (only upon presentation of your anglers’ card).

Lake Amance Harbourmaster’s Offices, (Harbor’s Dienville) +33 (0)3 25 92 27 69 / [email protected]

Pour allerboat trips paddling sailing jet skiing plus loin flynano diving canoeing kite surfing Leisure activities

8 Nigloland Theme Park

A renowned theme park that the whole family can enjoy! Nearly forty attractions and shows for all ages and tastes! An oasis of greenery, the park is established around century-old trees and a natural river. Discover what’s new for 2018: Zabeilles and Eden Palais.

From October to All Saints’ Day, the park is transformed for Halloween with impressive decorations. Thrills guaranteed!

Nigloland Theme Park () +33(0)3 25 27 94 52 / [email protected] www.nigloland.fr

Golf de l'Ermitage, Vendeuvre

On a spectacular 350-hectare estate, among woods and ponds, this 18-hole course will delight keen golfers and nature lovers alike. Combine sport and relaxation in a protected environment at the heart of the Natural Park.

Golf de l’Ermitage (Vendeuvre-Sur-Barse) +33(0)3 25 41 11 11 [email protected] www.asgolfdelermitage.fr

laser game escape game casino tourist train (Dienville and () (Giffaumont) (Mesnil-St-Père) other locations) Leisure activities

10 VisitesAerial audio Sports guidees - Aerodrome de Brienne-Le-Château Flydust (wind tunnel) Experience the thrill of free-fall without taking the plunge with this unique simulator in the region. An activity for the whole family, available for children aged 5 and over. +33(0)7 62 90 17 58 / [email protected] www.flydust.fr

Aube ULM (microlights) Discover the Great Lakes of Champagne from another perspective in a paraglider, microlight or FlyNano. +33(0)6 08 24 19 06 / [email protected] www.aube-ulm.fr

Aube Parachutisme (skydiving) Get your adrenaline fill by jumping from 4,000 m high. +33(0)3 25 92 82 61 www.sautparachute-paris.com

Aéro club du Briennois (flying club) Take to the skies and fly in a plane that can accommodate 3 passengers. +33(0)3 25 27 15 15 [email protected]

Are you a fan of high altitude? Take a training course and get your own flying license or set out to discover our region by hot air balloon! Walks and hikes

12 Walks around north-east Aubois

There are seven footpaths from 5 to 15 km on offer. The perfect opportunity for you to discover the unique characteristics, landscapes and special buildings of the region. Free guide leaflets are available at the Tourist Office.

Hiking in the Forêt d'Orient in the footsteps of the Templars...

Are you passionate about nature and history? Follow in the footsteps of the Knights Templar (order founded in the 12th century at the heart of the Forêt d’Orient) by following a path suitable for all and unveil the legend and mysteries surrounding these knights. Immerse yourself in this fascinating history...

Start of the walk: Route Forestière du Temple.

Walks around Dienville

At the start of the lakes cycling trail, the nautical base of Dienville naturally lends itself to excursions of all types (walking, cycling, etc.) Nature lovers can admire the flora and fauna from the observatory located on the edge of the lake.

Free guide leaflets are available at the Tourist Office and Harbourmaster’s Office in Dienville. Animals and wildlife

14 Domaine Saint-Victor

A former priory, the estate covers several hectares and offers visitors a place of tranquillity and discovery with the deer park and its observatory, educational garden and arboretum.

Domaine Saint-Victor (Soulaines-Dhuys)

Educational Farm of la Marque In a 17th-century farmhouse at the heart of the Natural Park, come and share a special moment with all the animals on the farm. During your visit, children can play at being farmers. You can also enjoy a guided tour from the owners and stock up on farm produce directly available for purchase.

Ferme pédagogique de la Marque (Champ-sur-Barse) +33(0)3 25 41 47 97 / [email protected] www.fermedelamarque.com Briennois Pony Club

For horse lovers, the Pony Club offers a range of equestrian rides in the countryside. Ride your horse and admire, with every step, the natural and cultural richness of the « Grands Lacs de Champagne ». Poney club du Briennois (Brienne-le-Château) +33(0)6 23 52 64 38 / [email protected] www.poneyclubbriennois.com

wildlife area nature walks (Mesnil-St-Père) (cpie, lpo, pnr) Museums

16 The Napoleon Museum

Located at the former Royal Military School of Brienne-le-Château where Napoleon himself was trained, the museum invites you to share the story of this illustrious, world-famous emperor. Through a contemporary exhibition, discover his military glories, how his image was constructed, his reforming work and get to know the man. 03 25 27 65 80 / [email protected] www.musee-napoleon-brienne.fr In the footsteps of the great men of Champagne... Charles de Gaulle Memorial - Colombey-Les-Deux-Eglises Cirey-Sur-Blaise Castle (Voltaire) Camille Claudel Museum - Nogent-Sur-Seine Musée Hugues de - Payns Clairvaux Abbey (Bernard de Clairvaux) Renoir’s House and Exhibition Rachi Cultural Centre - Troyes (Du côté des Renoir) -

Ecomuseum of the Forêt d’Orient bateau promenade (Mesnil-Saint-Père) The eco museum presents a collection of old agricultural equipment where 3,000 tools used from the 18th to the 20th century are displayed on 2 sites. Soak up the rural life of old through the various exhibition spaces (classroom, café, housing, etc.) Enjoy what all the site has to offer with the family, from mini golf to exhibitions.

Eco Museum of the Forêt d’Orient (Brienne-la-Vieille) +33(0)3 25 92 95 84 / [email protected]

der museum village crystal museum troyes museums (Ste-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement) () (Troyes) Tours and circuits

18 Guided tour of Brienne-Le-Château

Let yourself be enchanted by the town that was so loved by Napoleon. Discover its classified monuments, the castle, the town hall, the covered market and the former Royal Military School. In this town that is steeped in history, you will be amazed to learn that far more than one famous man has passed through Brienne. Information and conditions are available from the Tourist Office.

Guided tour of Soulaines-Dhuys

Stroll through the alleys of Soulaines, a small village full of character. It will win you over with its imposing church, its small half-timbered chapel dating from the 15th century and its houses which are typical of the area. The village is also known as the “Green Venice of Aube” because of the many rivers that pass through it. As you explore, don’t miss the 13th-century Maison à Écailles which hosts various exhibitions. Information and conditions are available from the Tourist Office. Napoleon 1814 circuit

This circuit retraces the fighting that took place during the French Campaign of 1814 via 25 steles along the Forêt d’Orient Regional Natural Park. Each stele tells the story of the battle, forces involved and small anecdotes unique to each place. Relive the Napoleonic era!

Brochure available from the Tourist Office. Tours and circuits

20 Half-timbered churches circuit

Between Der and the Forêt d’Orient, set out and discover a group of religious buildings that is unique in . This route takes paths surrounded by ponds and lakes, and leads you to ten churches and a chapel built entirely of timber, a style of architecture that is iconic of the region. Brochure available from the Tourist Office and available to download from www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com

Discovering churches

The Great Lakes of Champagne area is full of buildings dedicated to worship, with stained glass inherited from the school of Troyes. The remarkable statuary of Champagne is present in many of these churches and will delight art lovers. A real gem: the Rosnay-l’Hôpital church and its crypt.

“Another day, another church” brochure is available from the Tourist Office.

Audio-guided tours at the heart of the Champagne

These audio-guided paths will allow you to discover the area in a different way. Funny and tragic anecdotes, as well as local history mixed with national history help you get to know this area. Download the free “Géo-Découverte” app or go to www.zeviSit.com/guides/departement/aube

church treasure village tours (Dienville) (Amis du Parc) Traditional crafts and skills

22 Royer Tilery and Pottery

Visit and discover how terracotta products are manufactured the old-fashioned way. From moulding to firing and decorating, all the secrets of this craft that has been passed down for 5 genera- tions will be revealed. The tilery also offers discovery courses by appointment. The shop has a wide range of pottery for sale. Royer Tilery (Soulaine-Dhuys) +33(0)3 25 92 75 06 / [email protected]

Amance Pottery and Tilery

Far from industrial production, Amance Pottery and Tilery also strives to continue in the tradition of high-quality craftsmanship. Many products made in these workshops (roof tiles, floor tiles, jugs etc.) are on sale in the shop.

Drouilly Tilery (Amance) +33(0)3 25 41 34 05 / [email protected]

Stained Glass Workshop

Discover the Aurore workshop combining history, material craftsmanship and design. Let yourself be carried away by this communicative passion through the eras and techniques practised in the tradition of master glass-makers. The workshop offers discovery courses in stained glass and glass painting. Stained Glass Workshop () +33(0)3 25 27 92 30 / [email protected]

glass blowing metallurgic park windmill (Bayel) (Dommartin-le-Franc) () To complete your stay...

24 In love with the region and want to make the most of it? Check out our suggestions:

Brienne-le-château arboretum Vendeuvre-sur-Barse castle park

River fishing

Covered markets Company tours

Montier-en-Der stud farm

Andra Roman roads

Rope courses

Tourist trains

Hot air balloons Gastronomy and local produce

26 Champagne

From Saulcy to Argançon, passing by Colombé-la-Fosse and , visit these picturesque little wine-making villages. Immerse yourself in the heart of the prestigious Champagne vineyard and discover the secrets of the wine of kings. Thanks to the Aubois winemakers, enjoy exceptional wines and learn about the subtleties of Champagne. The doors of the Côte des Bar are open to you : discover all the grape varieties and soils of this celebratory wine.

Briennoise Sauerkraut (“Choucroute”)

Brienne-le-Château is inseparable from sauerkraut, grown on the surrounding plains. This local speciality, rooted in the area for over a century, is cooked naturally in Champagne or Pays d’Othe cider. Its delicate taste, without a trace of bitterness, means that it goes well with all flavours. Bon appétit !

Champ-sur-Barse Cheese

This farmer’s cheese, hand-moulded by ladle, is made using fresh milk from the farm’s cows. It can be enjoyed in various forms (faisselle, natural, with herbs etc.), as maturing allows it to develop different flavours. Foodies won’t be able to resist! Champ Roy Cheese Dairy (Champ-sur-Barse) +33(0)3 25 70 67 30 / [email protected]

market Wednesday Thursday Sunday days (Vendeuvre-Sur-Barse) (Brienne-le-Château) (Dienville) Main events

28 Saint-Victor festival Visits of Brienne castle th (Soulaines-Dhuys) 21 July / 25 August (240 Anniversary) Saturday 7 July 22 September /13 October

Troyes-Dienville lakes triathlon Gathering of aircraft Sunday 8 July manufacturers and enthusiasts From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 August Freworks Friday 13 and Saturday 14 July Color Lake* (Harbor’s Dienville) Saturday 18 August (*Colorful race) Artisan and local produce market (Dienville) Farmers fair Sunday 15 July (Brienne-le-château) Sunday 26 August Festival des lacs de champagne Wednesday 18 July (Maizières-lès- European heritage days Brienne - Thursday 19 July (Brienne- Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September le-Château - Friday 20 July (Piney) Sauerkraut festival (Brienne-le-château) Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September

Onion fair () Saturday 13 October

, enjoy our For more fun summer entertainment programme in Dienville! Soulaines-Dhuys Brienne-le-Château Tourist Information Tourist Information Office Office

7 Rue de l’ Ile 34 Rue de l’Ecole Militaire 10200 Soulaines-Dhuys 10500 Brienne-le-Chateau

+33(0)3 25 57 18 23 +33(0)3 25 92 82 41

[email protected] See you soon!

Towns of ar t Crafts and history Outlet Tourist information center centre 16th-century Green resort Champagne sculpture Beach Noteworthy stained glass Noteworthy Marina architecture Museum Viewpoint www.grandslacsdechampagne.fr

©Crédits photos : OT Grands Lacs de Champagne, Pixabay, Zevisit, SncAube, Nigloland, Association Aéronautique Briennoise, Golf de l’Ermitage, Aube Parachutisme, Aube ULM, Flydust, CDT Aube, Randonneurs du Briennois, Ferme de la Marque, Ecomusée de la Forêt d’Orient, SMNEA, Poterie d’Amance, Au’Vitrail, Choucrouterie Laurent, Fromagerie Le Champ Roy, L.Thiérard, G.Froment