Festival of the Crane and Migration

The Grand Spectacle of Migration

Each autumn, between 200,000 and 350,000 common cranes transit through the Champagne humide region during their migration from Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Finland) and Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland) to Spain and North Africa. The lakes of Foret d'Orient and Lac du Der-Chantecoq, with their vast expanses of water and surrounding meadows, constitute a crucial stopover point for this migration, where 20,000 to 30,000 birds even choose to spend the winter. The spectacle of crane flights at sunrise and sunset, punctuated by their characteristic calls, is one of the most beautiful natural scenes France has to offer.

Ten Days of Nature Activities

The Festival of the Crane and Migration offers a multitude of activities for all audiences over ten days. The cranes' departures and arrivals at sunrise and sunset, observed from designated viewpoints, are the highlights of the event: thousands of birds leave or return to their roosts on the lakes in a striking aerial ballet. Guided ornithological outings led by LPO specialists allow for the identification of various species of migratory and local birds. Conferences, screenings, and photographic exhibitions complete the scientific and educational program.

A Family and Educational Event

The Crane Festival places great importance on environmental education. Days dedicated to children offer nature workshops, fauna and flora discovery games, cinema-snack events, and storytelling walks in the forests and meadows of the regional park. The Train aux Oiseaux (Bird Train), a small tourist train, takes families to discover the landscapes and biodiversity of the Champagne humide region. An organic and alternative fair is also organized, offering local products and environmental initiatives.

A Partnership for Biodiversity

Organized by LPO Champagne-Ardenne in partnership with the Regional Natural Park of Foret d'Orient, the French Office for Biodiversity, the Village Musee du Der, the Etang de la Horre National Nature Reserve, and numerous independent ornithological guides, the Crane Festival is a unifying event dedicated to biodiversity and raising public awareness about the challenges of wetland conservation. Since its creation in 2008, the event has continuously grown, attracting thousands of visitors each year from all over France and abroad.