National Parks of France # 7: The National Forest Park

On the Langres plateau, between Champagne and Burgundy, straddling the departments of Haute-Marne and Côte d'Or, the National Forest Park covers nearly 250 hectares. True sanctuary of wild life, its heart constitutes an exceptional biosphere reserve.

Created in 2019, the youngest National Parks, the National Forest Park is the first park in plains deciduous forest. It benefits from continental and oceanic climatic influences, but also from some Mediterranean and Alpine entrances. Thus many natural environments share the places. Forests, like tufa marshes, limestone lawns and meadows are home to an extraordinary variety of animal and plant species. Nearly 700 kilometers of waterways crisscross the park. Because this land is rich in springs, resurgences, waterfalls and rivers. Synergies between water and forests give the heart of the park a peaceful and restful character. Almost magical ...

Representative biodiversity

The deciduous forests of the Forests National Park are quite representative of the limestone plateaus of the north-eastern quarter of France. Beeches, oaks, ash trees, alders are the masters of the place. But the fifteen different tree species per hectare, give shade to a quantity of shrubs, shrubs and mushrooms. Spring Nivéole, the Martagon Lily and the famous Sabot de Vénus are the discreet stars of the undergrowth. On the fauna side, common species such as deer, roe deer and wild boar, rub shoulders with rarer species such as the forest cat ou the black stork. But most of the richness of the fauna is found in the soil, leaves and wood. Arachnids, mollusks, beetles and other insects abound here. They contribute to the balance of this valuable forest ecosystem.

A witness to the links between man and nature

The National Forest Park is the privileged witness of the close links between man and nature. Since the Neolithic, the inhabitants have left traces of their passage there. This is how visitors can admire the famous Vix Vase, which is none other than the largest Greek vase found to date. The Gallo-Romans also left many vestiges behind them. In the Middle Ages, it was then the monks who left their mark on the place. Agricultural, forestry, hydraulic and metallurgical operations have succeeded each other over the years in this territory. Today the Park wishes continue this harmonious cohabitation between nature and human activities. Its primary ambition is therefore to “preserve these exceptional heritage, but also economic, social and cultural development”.

Visit the National Forest Park

Walks, discovery of biodiversity or archeology, visits to villages of character, monastic or industrial heritage ... There is so much to experience in the National Forest Park. In the heart of the park, as in its membership area, enthusiasts bring traditions to life. They share their knowledge and know-how with the amazed visitors. Don't wait any longer to discover the youngest, and perhaps also the quietest, of France's national parks.