The calcareous grasslands
The calcareous grasslands of Champagne-Ardenne are home to a unique flora, including many species of orchids.
For many years used only for the pasture of sheep and goats, the so-called "dry lawns" have gradually disappeared from the landscape of Champagne, along with the pastoral activity which used to ensure the sustainability of the original ecosystem of these arid limestone soils.
Today, these grasslands are mainly to be found in the military camps of Champagne, but also in northern Ardennes, in the south of Aube and Haute-Marne (Vallage and Pays de Langres).
The "lawns" are maintained in their current state, with their specific plant and animal species, thanks to extensive pasturing. The Conservatoire du patrimoine naturel de Champagne-Ardenne [Champagne-Ardenne Heritage Conservation Agency] helps municipalities who so wish to protect this extraordinary biodiversity.
The lawns of the Mont de Sery (Sery – Ardennes)
"Mount" Sery is an isolated chalk hill in the heart of Chalky Champagne. On its slopes, the grass is home to 16 species of orchids, among its more than 160 plant species.
Discover the site in the course of a hike
The lawn of St. Souplet sur Py (Marne)
This limestone lawn of 3.5 hectares enables visitors to admire, among other things, 8 species of wild orchid.
Ewes Lawn (Brienne-la-Vieille – Aube)
Situated in the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park, this lawn of 10 ha was once, as its name suggests, grazed by sheep. It is an area of alluvial grassland on sand which is also home to many species of orchids and many insects such as the praying mantis.
Taloison Hill (Bay-sur-Aube – Haute-Marne)
Taloison Hill is located at an altitude of 430 metres on the Langres Plateau. This grassland has the distinction of hosting more than thirty rare plant species of southern or submontane origin. It is exceptional to find a submontane grassland at this altitude.
Discover the site in the course of a hike
More technical information on this site