Ecological and citizen festival in the heart of the Forests National Park
The Ecotopie Festival is an ecological and citizen event organized in Auberive, in the heart of the Forests National Park, in Haute-Marne. Born in 2022 from the collaboration between the Departmental Federation of Rural Homes, the Rural Home of Auberive and the Festival Committee, its name combines "eco" (ecology) and "topia" (utopia), embodying a vision of an environmentally friendly future. It offers a program of varied activities for all ages to raise awareness about biodiversity preservation and environmental issues.
The Ecotopie Festival was born in 2022 on the initiative of three local associations: the Departmental Federation of Rural Homes of Haute-Marne, the Rural Home of Auberive and the Festival Committee of Auberive. Located in the heart of the Forests National Park, the festival offers a day of awareness-raising on ecology and biodiversity preservation, in an exceptional natural setting. The name "Ecotopie" combines "eco" (ecology) and "topia" (utopia), embodying the desire to move towards a more environmentally friendly future.
The Ecotopie Festival offers a varied program, designed to reach all audiences and all ages. Visitors can participate in donkey, bike, and walking tours through the forest landscapes of the National Park, discover the local company Biotopes specializing in the preservation of natural environments, or engage in collective actions such as "Let's clean up nature". Children's activities, a forum of committed exhibitors, conferences on environmental issues, and musical entertainment punctuate the day in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The festival addresses numerous themes related to the ecological transition: biodiversity, sustainable food, soft mobility, renewable energies, ecological housing, natural gardening, recycling, waste management, and adaptation to climate change. Each edition invites specialized speakers and partner associations such as the Nature Initiation Center (Ligue de l'enseignement), Nature Haute-Marne, and the Conservatory of Natural Areas of Champagne-Ardenne.
The festival takes place on the Place de l'Abbaye and in the Salle Sainte-Anne in Auberive, a historic village nestled in the hollow of the Aube valley. Auberive is famous for its Cistercian abbey founded in 1135 and is located in the heart of the Forests National Park, created in 2019, which protects one of the largest lowland deciduous forests in Europe. This exceptional setting gives the festival a unique immersive dimension, inviting participants to reconnect with the surrounding nature.
Supported by local associative actors deeply rooted in the Haute-Marne territory, the Ecotopie Festival is part of a dynamic of enhancing the Forests National Park and raising awareness among residents and visitors about the natural riches of Haute-Marne. The event contributes to the cultural and social vitality of the village of Auberive and strengthens the links between actors of the ecological transition at the departmental level.
The fifth edition of the Ecotopie Festival is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Auberive, in the heart of the Forests National Park. The program will offer new nature walks, conferences on environmental issues, an exhibitors' forum, participatory workshops, and activities for all ages.
The Ecotopie Festival returns for a fifth edition on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Auberive. The program includes: donkey rides, bike rides, and walks in the Forests National Park, conferences on biodiversity and the ecological transition, an exhibitors' forum, participatory workshops, and activities for the whole family. Details of the program will be announced in spring 2026.
By car: Auberive is located on the D428, about 50 km southeast of Chaumont and 35 km northeast of Langres. From the A31 motorway, take the Langres Sud exit and follow the direction of Auberive via the D428. Free parking is available in the village near the Place de l'Abbaye.
By train: The nearest stations are Langres (TER, 35 km away) and Chaumont (TGV and TER, 50 km away). Carpooling solutions can be organized during the festival period. The site is accessible by departmental roads crossing the Forests National Park.
The Ecotopie Festival takes place on the Place de l'Abbaye and in the Salle Sainte-Anne, in the center of the village of Auberive (52160). Outdoor activities (donkey rides, bike rides, walks) start from the village and follow the trails of the Forests National Park. The exhibitors' forum and conferences are held in the square and the hall.
Entry to the festival is free for all activities, conferences, and exhibitions. Certain specific activities (guided tours, workshops) may involve a voluntary contribution or a small fee. A catering area offering local and seasonal products is available on site.
The festival generally takes place in the summer, over one day or a weekend. Children's activities are planned throughout the day. The event is family-friendly. Wear suitable walking shoes for forest walks. In case of rain, activities will be moved to the Salle Sainte-Anne.
Auberive and its surroundings offer several accommodation options: bed and breakfasts, rural gites, and campsites in the heart of the Forests National Park. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the summer season.
Departmental Federation of Rural Homes of Haute-Marne
3 boulevard du Maréchal Foch
52000 Chaumont
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03 25 03 34 02
For more information, consult the website of the Departmental Federation of Rural Homes of Haute-Marne or the Facebook page of Foyers ruraux 52.
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Place de l'Abbaye et Salle Sainte-Anne
Place de l'Abbaye, 52160 Auberive