Orient Forest Regional Natural Park

Park Regional natural park in Grand Est, forested landscape

Regional park in France’s Grand Est (Aube) centered on lakes and mixed forest. Visitors hike, cycle and birdwatch around reservoirs built for river regulation and recreation.

Main image

Orient Forest Regional Natural Park (Parc naturel régional de la Forêt d’Orient) is a protected area in the Grand Est region of France that combines managed forest, wetlands and large reservoirs. It is notable for its lakes, biodiversity and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The landscape includes large reservoirs created in the 20th century as part of water management for the Seine basin; the regional park status protects forest, wetland and lakeshore habitats while supporting sustainable recreation.

The park lies in the Aube department of Grand Est in northeastern France and covers forested and lacustrine terrain that is accessible from nearby towns and from the city of Troyes.

  • Three major lakes: The park encompasses extensive managed forest and three large man-made reservoirs that are key for both flood control of the Seine basin and for recreation and birdwatching.

What to See #

  • Lac d'Orient: Lac d'Orient is one of the park's principal reservoirs and is used for birdwatching and water sports along its shoreline.
  • Lac Amance and Lac du Temple: Lac Amance and Lac du Temple are the other major lakes within the park complex, forming large wetland and recreational zones that attract migratory birds.
Orient Forest Regional Natural Park
48.2977, 4.4337

How to Get to Orient Forest Regional Natural Park #

The park is accessible by regional roads from nearby towns in the Grand Est region. The nearest larger towns include Chaumont and Saint-Dizier; from them, drive on departmental roads (D-roads) toward villages bordering the park. Public transport is limited-car or bicycle is recommended for exploring the park’s trails.

Tips for Visiting Orient Forest Regional Natural Park #

  • Bring a map of marked trails-some paths branch into private forestry areas.
  • Avoid the heaviest hunting weekends in autumn if seeking quiet routes; check local park notices.
  • Look for the region's characteristic ponds and old beech stands-these are where dragonflies and orchids show up.

Best Time to Visit Orient Forest Regional Natural Park #

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times for walking; summer can be warm and busier with local visitors.

Spring
April-June · 8-18°C (46-64°F)
Woodlands flush to life; wildflowers and birds are active.
Autumn
September-November · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Cooler air, changing foliage, and quieter trails.

Weather & Climate near Orient Forest Regional Natural Park #

Climate

Orient Forest Regional Natural Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (748 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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