The National Nature Reserves
Since 1991, 6 national nature reserves have been created in Champagne-Ardenne. They protect a unique biological and geological heritage.
The National Nature Reserves
These are reserves governed by special legislation which aims to protect their remarkable natural heritage.
To learn more
The Vireux-Molhain national nature reserve (08)
This small reserve (1.8 ha) was established in 1991. It is a geological reserve with a great many fossils. An educational discovery booklet has been published and the reserve abounds in explanatory panels. The reserve is managed by the Office National des Forêts [Forestry Commission].
The Pointe de Givet national nature reserve (08)
The Givet Reserve (created in 1999 over 354 ha) is both a geological and a botanical reserve. It is managed jointly by the Office National des Forêts and the Conservatoire du Patrimoine Naturel de Champagne-Ardenne. It is complemented by explanatory panels and guided tours are possible.
The Orient Forest national nature reserve (10)
This reserve, created in 2002, is the largest in Champagne-Ardenne (1560 ha). It has a wide variety of landscapes and habitats: lakes, ponds, forests... It protects many species of flora, fauna and birdlife. Educational trails have been set up around the edge of the reserve. It is managed by the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park.
The Chalmessin national nature reserve (52)
Created in 1993 over an area of 124 hectares, this reserve protects a tuffaceous marsh.
An educational trail on duckboards enables visitors to discover the site. A number of measures have been implemented in order to protect the march, including the introduction of Highland cattle. The reserve is managed by the Conservatoire du Patrimoine Naturel de Champagne-Ardenne.
The Horre national nature reserve (10-52)
The Horre reserve (established in 2000 over 415 ha) is very rich in birdlife, in particular thanks to the numerous migratory birds that stop off here. It is possible to enjoy a hike to a number of hides on the eastern side of the reserve. The reserve is managed by the Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage [National Office of Hunting and Wildlife].
The Oger and Mesnil sur Oger national nature reserve (51)
This national reserve (created in 2006 over 130 ha) is the most recent in Champagne-Ardenne. It is a mosaic of small habitats including heath land, marshes, woods and calcareous grassland. It is jointly managed by the ONF and the CNPCA. Its management plan is currently being developed.
To contact the managers of these reserves:
ONF Ardennes
1, rue André Dhôtel - BP 457
08098 - CHARLEVILLE-MEZIERES
tel: 03 24 33 74 40 – fax: 03 24 33 74 49
sd.charleville-mezieres@onf.fr
ONF – Agence interdépartementale Aube Marne
38 r Grégoire Pierre Herluison
10000 TROYES
tel: 03 25 76 27 37 – fax: 03 25 76 27 39
www.onf.fr
Conservatoire du Patrimoine Naturel de Champagne-Ardenne
Château de Val-Seine
10 110 BAR-SUR-SEINE
tel: 03 25 29 18 60 – fax: 03 25 29 81 32
www.cpnca.org
Parc Naturel Régional de la Forêt d'Orient (Orient Forest RNP)
Maison du Parc
10220 PINEY
tel: 03 25 43 81 90 – fax: 03 25 41 54 09
www.pnr-foret-orient.fr
ONCFS Ile-de-France – Champagne-Ardenne
Domaine Saint-Benoît
5, rue Saint-Thibault
78610 Auffargis
tel: 01 30 46 60 81
dr.iledefrance-champagneardenne@oncfs.gouv.fr
http://www.oncfs.gouv.fr/