Small house with character in the center of the village.

Enjoy as a family or for work, for relaxing moments in this independent accommodation to have a good time in perspective. It offers all the necessary amenities. Located in the countryside, it is close to St Dizier (8 km) Bar Le Duc (12 km), 25 km from Lake Der and about an hour's drive from the sites of the Great War (Verdun, Douaumont...) Beautiful walks nearby, on foot, by bike or on horseback. Boxes and parks available at an additional cost. The space 70 m2 accommodation with one floor, adjacent to the guest house but independent with a separate entrance. A new wood-burning stove is installed in the main room and allows you to pleasantly heat the entire accommodation; we supply this stove during the day if necessary. As a result, the radiators are not used except for the one in the bathroom. Upstairs, a barrier protects young children so they can't use the stairs alone. A small outdoor area with a bench will allow you to enjoy the outdoors if the weather permits. Completely redone, it offers all the amenities necessary for a pleasant stay. Guest access The entire property is at your disposal. Other things to note Chaue year, in November, the International FESTIVAL of Animal Photography takes place in Montier en Der . Located about 20 km from our Airbnb accommodation, it will allow you to discover many exhibitors by site and by type. With its 2000 photos, it is a must-see for amateurs and professionals. LAC DU DER.UN MUST-SEE 2 hours from Paris, this amazing lake is the largest man-made lake in France . This lake located is a paradise for nature and leisure lovers. A destination to discover absolutely ...... It is located in Champagne 2 hours from Paris, between the Marne and Haute-Marne. This artificial lake also known as the Der-Chantecoq lake is the largest in France by its size (Lake Serre-Ponçon in the Hautes-Alpes is on the other hand the largest artificial lake in the country by volume). Inaugurated in 1974, it was created to regulate the floods of the Marne and supply the Seine with water. Today, it has become a must-see for nature and leisure lovers. And even if it's not at all the largest man-made lake in Europe as you can sometimes read (this honor is to be booked for a Portuguese lake), here's why Lake Der absolutely deserves a visit this year! Lake Der, the largest man-made lake in France Lake Der was born after more than ten years of titanic work. Its main objective? Avoid the flooding of the Marne, a tributary of the Seine, and ensure sufficient flow during times of drought. For this, three villages have been engulfed underwater, a sacrifice necessary to protect the region. Today, the lake covers 4,800 hectares and can hold up to 350 million cubic meters of water. A paradise for nature lovers The lake of Der is not only a technical feat,it is also a real haven of peace for fauna and flora. More than 300 species of birds have been identified here, making it one of the most important birding sites in Europe. Every fall, thousands of ash cranes stop at the lake, offering a magical sight to watch at sunrise. Things to do for the whole family In addition to its natural richness, Lake Der is a popular place for leisure. Love water sports? You will be delighted! Sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding... there is something for everyone. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the 38 km of trails that surround the lake, offering breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding forest. For the youngest, several sandy beaches are set up, ideal for family swimming days. Five things to know about going to observe the common cranes at Lac du Der The autumn migration of the common cranes at Lac du Der is a spectacle open to absolutely everyone. How do you choose the right moment, where to stand, what to take with you? Here are five things to know before you go to observe these impressive birds. Common cranes feeding in the fields around Lake Der. - Jacky Lecerf archives How can you identify a common crane during the bird migration at Lac du Der? You don’t have to be a leading expert to recognize a common crane at this time of year. Present in large numbers at Lake Der from early October to late November, these large birds can be observed by everyone—certified ornithologists, of course, but also by the least knowledgeable layperson, who will be amazed by the sheer size of the flock, which somewhat overshadows the rest of the local wildlife, which is much more difficult to identify for the untrained eye. In the sky, the cranes form beautiful V-shapes and utter guttural or nasal calls, depending on their mood, a kind of very loud and far-reaching “grus grus.” Among the largest birds in Europe, the most beautiful specimens can reach up to 1.20 meters (3.9 feet) in height, with a wingspan of nearly 2.20 meters (7.2 feet). It can weigh up to 13 pounds. “In flight, the crane is distinguished by its ‘+’-shaped silhouette, with its long legs protruding far behind it and its neck stretched out,” writes the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO). The plumage is mostly gray in adults, although contrasting areas can be seen, such as on the head (white, black, or red). The younger members of the group, on the other hand, are entirely brownish, making them easy to distinguish. As winter approaches, common cranes from northern Europe head southwest in search of food. Until the end of November, these birds stop over en masse in the Vitryat area, attracting many birdwatchers along the way. This fall migration then continues in irregular waves until around the end of January. Head to Lake Der to discover a spectacle of exceptional beauty. So you don’t miss a thing, we’ll explain everything to you in five points. 1- Choose the right time The autumn migration of the common cranes is by far the most spectacular natural event to be seen on Lake Der. From October 10 to the end of November, these large wading birds can be seen in large numbers on the vast expanse of water, which has receded somewhat at this time of year. To make the most of this experience, bird-watching experts recommend coming before sunrise or in the late afternoon, just before sunset. “They fly over the dykes at that time, and even without any equipment, you can enjoy the atmosphere they create,” explains Aurélien Deschatres, Project Manager at the Champagne-Ardenne Branch of the French League for the Protection of Birds (LPO). Among the largest birds in Europe (see also), the common cranes are therefore clearly visible and very noisy. Still as a group, they create an incredible soundscape. “On the other hand, during the day, when they’re out on the lake, if you don’t have binoculars or a spotting scope, it can be a bit frustrating and disappointing from a distance,” the expert continues. 2- Keep track of headcount… or not Another factor to consider… or not: the influx of birds. Everyone would agree that the atmosphere is not the same with 10,000 people on site as it is with 90,000, or even 268,320, according to the record set in 2019. In fact, the website “The day-to-day migration of common cranes” is very useful for finding out about their arrivals. “It’s hard to predict everything, but when a major outflow occurs in the north-northeast of Germany, we record it on the day.” In the evening, there’s a good chance that you’ll find this little world at our place,” continues Aurélien Deschatres. “After Germany, they are mainly found on Lake Der.” That’s their preference,” he adds. Connoisseurs are keeping an eye on the weather across the Rhine, but also here in France, to gather information. Generally, if the weather is good on the other side of the border and the weather conditions are not optimal here, sandhill cranes can arrive in large numbers and gather, waiting for better conditions before continuing their journey south. However, the LPO representative adds a note of caution: “Other species are arriving and making up for their departure, albeit to a lesser extent, but there are still plenty to see.” Personally, I prefer to see cranes taking off in the sunshine, even if there are fewer of them, rather than a mass takeoff under a gray sky in Champagne.” 3- Find the right place Lac du Der is notable for its easy access to the dykes. When the weather looks gloomy, there are fewer questions to ask yourself. Any spot will be able to accommodate the spectators. “We can set up anywhere because the cranes emerge in a fairly uniform pattern,” says Aurélien Deschatres. “We can go anywhere we want as long as we stay on the dykes, without ever going down into the lake basin,” which is considered a restricted, quiet area. On clear days, it is best to position yourself to the southwest or south of the lake, he adds. “Because the cranes will anticipate a likely migratory departure in the morning, and will go to feed beforehand in the fields and meadows to the south or southwest in anticipation of taking off around 9 or 10 a.m.” While there are dedicated observation points, such as the one at Chantecoq, which is very popular this season, the specialist indicates a preference for the dike. “It’s the best—you’re not bothered by a roof, you really get to enjoy an immersive atmosphere among the cranes, in the sunlight, and with the vastness of the sky.” 4- Choose a comfortable outfit Come as you are, one might almost say, like at a major fast-food chain. To observe common cranes, you don’t need any special clothing, other than what you would wear on a family outing. Of course, as with any outdoor activity, it is important to take into account the day’s weather conditions to avoid suffering from the cold or rain. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing that’s suitable for the weather. When it comes to equipment, no observation gear is absolutely necessary. The cranes are large, there are lots of them, and they fly in groups, so it’s impossible to miss them. What’s more, as already mentioned, at certain times of the day, they fly over the dykes, allowing visitors to admire them up close. However, be careful not to disturb the peace of the winged wildlife. Indeed, it is not uncommon to spot sandhill cranes perched on the side of the road while they are foraging for food. Motorists are asked not to alter their driving behavior to observe them while driving. Similarly, it is highly recommended that you do not park just anywhere, but instead use parking lots. “If you have a car, stay there to observe them.” Do not approach them within 300 meters,” it is written in the booklet “La Grue cendrée, emblème du lac du Der.” Furthermore, it is not recommended to venture onto private paths or other private property, nor to use the camera’s flash, which may startle the animal. 5- Get support from professionals Binoculars or a telescope are useful for observing the activities of the self-proclaimed star of Lac du Der. However, not everyone has one. That’s why, every afternoon during the Crane Festival, which coincides with the first week of the All Saints’ Day school holidays (November 18–26, 2025), the LPO provides free equipment on the Chantecoq site, every day from 2:00 p.m. The facility, along with two bird-watching guides, also organizes outings throughout the year, providing the appropriate bird-watching equipment. In their company, the topic expands: it's inevitably about common cranes, but also about the many other birds that inhabit the places visited. In addition to the spectacle provided by nature, these passionate experts offer a highly rewarding wealth of additional knowledge. Prices vary from around ten euros to around forty euros, depending on the accompanying person and the package chosen, for a minimum of two hours. Registration Details 494V00017N