Festival of the Crane and Migration
Nature and ornithological festival around the migration of common cranes
2026
About Crane Festival
The Crane and Migration Festival is organized every autumn by the LPO Champagne-Ardenne to celebrate the return of common cranes to the wetlands of Champagne. Spanning nine days, from Saturday to the following Sunday, the event takes place across several key sites: the Lac du Der-Chantecoq, the Étang de la Horre National Nature Reserve, the Étangs de Belval-en-Argonne Regional Nature Reserve, and the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park, including the Maison du Parc in Piney. The program features sunrise and sunset crane viewings, guided dike tours, birdwatching excursions, photo exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, concerts, performances, and children's workshops.
Crane Festival — edition 2026
The 19th edition of the Crane and Migration Festival runs from Saturday, October 17th to Sunday, October 25th, 2026, in the Champagne humide region. The LPO Champagne-Ardenne and its partners are hosting over a hundred events, totaling more than 300 hours of activities: watching cranes arrive and depart at Lac du Der, welcome sessions on the Chantecoq dike, open-access photo exhibitions, an organic fair, a children's day, lectures, film screenings, concerts, and performances, extending all the way to the Maison du Parc in Piney.
19th Crane and Migration Festival, October 17th–25th, 2026
The LPO Champagne-Ardenne is organizing this event in collaboration with the Village-Musée du Der, the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), the Train aux Oiseaux, the Étang de la Horre National Nature Reserve, the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park, the Étangs de Belval-en-Argonne Regional Nature Reserve, and independent birding guides. The program brochure was released on July 12th, 2026, and covers nine days of activities.
Four Territories
Events are spread across four main locations: Lac du Der-Chantecoq (51-52), where Der Nature (the LPO Champagne-Ardenne headquarters) hosts the bulk of the program; the Étang de la Horre National Nature Reserve (10-52); the Étangs de Belval-en-Argonne Regional Nature Reserve (51); and the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park (10), where the Maison du Parc in Piney will host the show "Bleue comme…" on October 18th and an afternoon of creative workshops on the 24th.
Reservations
Most activities require booking through the LPO Champagne-Ardenne at 03 26 72 54 47. For the Village-Musée du Der, call 03 26 41 01 02; for the Lac du Der Tourist Office, call 03 26 72 62 80; and for the Maison du Parc, call 03 25 43 38 88. Crane watching sessions at the Étang de la Horre must be booked at cen-champagne-ardenne.org/evenements.
Highlights Crane Festival 2026
- Organic and Alternative Fair at Der Nature, Sunday, October 18th, 10 AM–6 PM, free entry
- Children's Day, Wednesday, October 21st, 10 AM–5 PM at Der Nature
- "Murmurations" concert by Lorenzo Naccarato, Tuesday, October 20th, 4 PM at the Chantecoq site
- "Le Chant des forêts" by Vincent Munier, Thursday, October 22nd, 8:30 PM, Droyes village hall
- "Les Grues en Fête" at the Village-Musée du Pays du Der, Saturday, October 24th
- Over 200 large-format photos on free-access "Sur les chemins de Der Nature" trails
Programme Crane Festival 2026
Ongoing, October 17th–25th
- Photo Exhibitions — "Sur les chemins de Der Nature" trails, 4th year: over 200 large-format photos, free access.
- Daily, self-guided — On the Der Nature trail: "Les mammifères du Grand Est" (group exhibition); "Carte blanche" to the Ancerville photo club; "Le Busard cendré, un monarque en péril" by Alain Balthazard; "La Pie-Grièche écorcheur: état des lieux en Grand Est".
- Daily, self-guided — Chantecoq observatory: "Le dessus et dessous du lac du Der" by Ambre Bailet.
- Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM — Der Nature: "40 oiseaux au cœur des actions de la LPO" (group exhibition) and "Focus sur la Réserve naturelle régionale de Larzicourt".
- Crane arrivals and departures — Several sessions at Lac du Der with the LPO Champagne-Ardenne, including breakfast or snacks and a guided slideshow on cranes and migration. Book at 03 26 72 54 47.
- Dike welcome sessions — Every afternoon, observation sessions at Chantecoq hosted by LPO volunteers, with equipment and documentation provided.
- Naturalist outings at Lac du Der — Half-day observation sessions for crane arrivals or departures with ornithologist Gérard Rolin, transport via 8-seater minibus (Birder, 06 84 09 84 06); themed guided tours with ornithologist Antoine Cubaixo at the best current spots (06 09 79 00 37): "Lever des Grues cendrées avec collation In Natura", "Grues cendrées & oiseaux nordiques", "Grues cendrées & oiseaux migrateurs".
- LPO Shop — At Der Nature: nature bookstore, LPO/Grudine clothing, souvenirs, birdhouses and feeders, sunflower seeds, and a relaxation area with complimentary tea or coffee.
- Book signings — Dominique Gall presents her book "Les oiseaux du lac du Der au fil des saisons".
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
- 10 AM–5 PM — Wildlife Art Exhibition: local artists and those from northeastern France (watercolors, wood carvings, drawings, paintings, crafts), plus a permanent photo exhibition on the lake's creation and reserve management · Maison de la Réserve de l'OFB, Chantecoq site · Info: 03 26 73 82 68
- 2 PM — Pottery workshop: make a terracotta birdhouse or feeder with Edith, followed by firing in a large wood-fired kiln · Tuilerie Royer, Soulaines-Dhuys · Bookings: 06 88 71 92 94
- 2 PM and 3:30 PM — Le Train aux Oiseaux: discover Lac du Der with Bruno, followed by observation at Chantecoq with LPO members and spotting scopes · Departures from Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station · Bookings: 03 26 72 62 80
- 2 PM–6 PM — Gourmet hike with César: 7 km in the Dervois bocage at a donkey's pace with Chantal, followed by a tasting of local products (ages 4+) · Start in front of Outines church · Bookings: 06 73 50 13 50
- 2 PM until crane sunset — Crane hike: 10 km easy walk with observation stops, followed by a snack · Village-Musée du Pays du Der, Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement · Bookings: 03 26 41 01 02
- 3 PM–4 PM — "Les Chemins de l'Espère": exclusive slideshow by Fabrice Cahez, based on his new book about wild mammals in the Vosges · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 5 PM–7 PM — "Du Grand Val au Petit Val", film by Francis Hengy and Jonathan Contin (ages 8+), with the director present · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 6 PM — Concert by duo Leï, "Amarre": female polyphonic singing by Laurène Barnel and Carine Habauzit, album launch · Champaubert church · Bookings: [email protected]
Sunday, October 18th, 2026
- Crane sunrise at Lac du Der · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47 (time not published in program)
- 10 AM–5 PM — Wildlife Art Exhibition · Maison de la Réserve de l'OFB, Chantecoq site
- 10 AM–6 PM — Organic and Alternative Fair: organic producers, wellness, crafts, sustainable alternatives, and non-profits, with workshops, debates, and music all day. Organized by Bio en Grand Est / Bio de la Marne and Alter-natives · Der Nature · Free entry · Info: 06 66 64 49 10
- 10 AM–6 PM — Book signing with illustrator Mathias Grosclaude for his comic "Nola & la Grue" · Der Nature
- All day — "Ânes & Nature, les oiseaux migrateurs": family meeting with donkeys and birdwatching with Laurine, donkey mediator · L'Âne Cœur, Voillecomte · Bookings: [email protected]
- 2 PM and 3:30 PM — Le Train aux Oiseaux · Departures from Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station
- From 2 PM — Concert by Celtes de Lorraine: traditional music from Northern Europe, between Sweden and Ireland · Der Nature
- 3 PM — Show "Bleue comme…" by Théâtre des Opérations (51): 10-year-old Océane sees her island disappear and meets the Lyrebird · Maison du Parc, D43, 10220 Piney · Bookings: 03 25 43 38 88
Monday, October 19th, 2026
- 9 AM–12 PM — Naturalist drawing workshop (colored pencils) on "Common Cranes and Waterbirds" with ornithologist and illustrator Thibault · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 2:30 PM — Screening and discussion: "La Grue cendrée: sur les ailes d'une géante", film by Annekatrin Mücke (Arte Studio, 43 min) · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 5:30 PM–8 PM — Crane sunset at the Étang de la Horre National Nature Reserve, guided by Laure (nature educator at the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Champagne-Ardenne) on the "fishermen's path" · Meet at Maison de la Horre, between Puellemontier (52) and Lentilles (10), on the D62 · Bookings: cen-champagne-ardenne.org/evenements
- 6:30 PM — Screening and discussion: "Une chanson pour ma terre", documentary on the harmful effects of pesticides (released March 20th, 2026) · Ciné Quai, Saint-Dizier
- Crane sunset at Lac du Der · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47 (time not published in program)
Tuesday, October 20th, 2026
- Crane sunrise at Lac du Der · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47 (time not published in program)
- 1:30 PM–3 PM — Tour and tasting at the Brasserie artisanale du Der (est. 2006), featuring their autumn "Dame Grise" beer · 7 avenue d'Alsace, Montier-en-Der · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 2:30 PM — Discovery tour of timber-framed churches with the Lac du Der Tourist Office (1h30) · Bookings: 03 26 72 62 80
- 4 PM — Concert "Murmurations", the Birds tour: Lorenzo Naccarato on prepared piano, cassette players, and vinyl turntable · Chantecoq site (or Der Nature if bad weather)
- 4:30 PM–6 PM — Ornithological outing at the water tower: 33m high with panoramic lake views, with a naturalist guide · Depart from Village-Musée du Der · Bookings: 03 26 41 01 02
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
- 10 AM–5 PM — Children's Day: workshops and games about the Common Crane's first year, from egg to migration; naturalist drawing with Thibault (by registration, small groups, 30 min sessions between 10 AM and 12 PM); participatory games and large wooden games · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- All day — "Ânes & Nature, les oiseaux migrateurs" · L'Âne Cœur, Voillecomte · Bookings: [email protected]
- 2 PM and 3:30 PM — Le Train aux Oiseaux · Departures from Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station
- 2 PM until crane sunset — Crane hike, 10 km · Village-Musée du Pays du Der · Bookings: 03 26 41 01 02
- 3:30 PM — Film and snack: "Planètes", film by Momoko Seto (ages 4+) · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 5:30 PM–8 PM — Crane sunset at Étang de la Horre National Nature Reserve · Meet at Maison de la Horre, on the D62 · Bookings: cen-champagne-ardenne.org/evenements
- 6 PM — Show "Un peu de vent dans les plumes", musical tale by Cie Entre-Deux (05) with Anne-Claire Dromzée and Jean-Benoît Blandin (45 min, ages 7+) · "La Grange", Lusigny-sur-Barse · Bookings: 03 25 43 38 88
Thursday, October 22nd, 2026
- Crane sunrise at Lac du Der · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47 (time not published in program)
- 10:30 AM–12 PM — Demonstration visit with glassblower Baptiste Failla: hand-blown tableware, lighting, and decorative pieces · 21 place Notre-Dame, Montier-en-Der · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 1:30 PM–3:30 PM — Guided kayak trip with Fun Center, commentary along the water · Champaubert peninsula · Bookings: 03 26 72 62 80
- 5 PM–6:30 PM — Lecture: "La migration des grues à la lumière des textes médiévaux" by historian Baudouin Van Den Abeele (University of Louvain) · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 8:30 PM — Ciné-rives: screening and debate of "Le Chant des forêts" by Vincent Munier (César-winning documentary), followed by a discussion with Étienne Clément, president of LPO Champagne-Ardenne and Grand Est · Droyes village hall
- Show "En route pour Tombouctou" (time and location not published in program)
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
- 9 AM–12 PM — Naturalist drawing workshop with Thibault · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 10 AM–5 PM — Nature activities by the French Office for Biodiversity: exhibition, workshops, and games about Lac du Der-Chantecoq, its management, and species · Maison de la Réserve, Chantecoq site · Free entry
- 2 PM–6 PM — Gourmet hike with César, 7 km · Start in front of Outines church · Bookings: 06 73 50 13 50
- 2:30 PM — Naturalist storytelling walk: "Histoires d'arbres, de plantes et d'oiseaux" with storyteller and mountain guide Anne-Claire Dromzée (easy hike, ages 6+) · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 4:30 PM–6 PM — Ornithological outing at the water tower · Depart from Village-Musée du Der · Bookings: 03 26 41 01 02
- 6 PM — Screening: "La Grue cendrée: sur les ailes d'une géante" · Troyes Museum of Modern Art · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 6:30 PM — Screening and debate: "Les Pies-grièches, sentinelles des campagnes" by Philippe Menetrey, with the director present · Der Nature
Saturday, October 24th, 2026
- 7:15 AM–10 AM — "Le réveil des étangs": sunrise and birdwatching at the Étangs de Belval-en-Argonne Regional Nature Reserve, followed by breakfast and a guided slideshow · Meet at observatory parking, exit of Belval-en-Argonne towards Givry-en-Argonne, D354 · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 10 AM — Screening: "La Grue cendrée: sur les ailes d'une géante" · Der Nature · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- 10 AM–5 PM — Nature activities by the French Office for Biodiversity · Maison de la Réserve, Chantecoq site · Free entry
- 2 PM — Pottery workshop: terracotta birdhouse or feeder · Tuilerie Royer, Soulaines-Dhuys · Bookings: 06 88 71 92 94
- 2 PM–6 PM — Dike welcome: bird observation and information point with LPO volunteers · RNR des Étangs de Belval
- 2 PM–6 PM — Nature photo exhibition by Rémy Lepron on Common Crane wintering in Belval and Meuse, with the photographer present · Outdoors or in the orchard-conservatory observatory if bad weather, RNR des Étangs de Belval
- 2 PM–6 PM — Creative workshops and naturalist outings: collective art project on cranes with illustrator Mona Leuleu, led by Park environmental educators, plus naturalist outings with a guide · Maison du Parc, D43, 10220 Piney · Bookings: 03 25 43 38 88
- 2 PM and 3:30 PM — Le Train aux Oiseaux · Departures from Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station
- 5 PM — Screening: "La Grue cendrée: sur les ailes d'une géante", followed by a discussion with members of the LPO Argonne local group · Verger observatory, RNR Belval · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- "Les Grues en Fête" — The Village-Musée du Pays du Der hosts exhibitors, wildlife artists, and artisans on the theme of nature. Food available on-site · Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement · Full program at villagemuseeduder.com
- Awards ceremony for the international nature poetry contest by LPO Champagne-Ardenne and Grand Est · Der Nature
- Concert: Caravela, fusion flamenco
Sunday, October 25th, 2026
- 10 AM–5 PM — Nature activities by the French Office for Biodiversity · Maison de la Réserve, Chantecoq site · Free entry
- 2 PM — Le Train aux Oiseaux, one departure only · Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station · Bookings: 03 26 72 62 80
- 2 PM–6 PM — Dike welcome and nature photo exhibition by Rémy Lepron · RNR des Étangs de Belval
- 3 PM–5 PM — "Le coucher des étangs": guided slideshow on cranes and migration, followed by birdwatching · Meet at observatory parking, exit of Belval-en-Argonne towards Givry-en-Argonne, D354 · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47
- Crane sunset at Lac du Der · Bookings: 03 26 72 54 47 (time not published in program)
Daylight saving time ends on the night of Saturday, October 24th to Sunday, October 25th, 2026.
Prices Crane Festival 2026
Paid: activities marked as such in the brochure, including the Train aux Oiseaux, crane hikes, gourmet hikes, ornithological outings at the water tower, pottery workshops, kayak trips, and several screenings.
The official brochure does not list prices: please check with the organizer of each activity for rates.
LPO Champagne-Ardenne reservations: 03 26 72 54 47.
Practical information — Crane Festival
Locations
- Der Nature — Headquarters of the LPO Champagne-Ardenne, Ferme des Grands Parts, D13, 51290 Outines. Features an LPO shop, nature bookstore, and relaxation area during the event.
- Chantecoq Site — Office français de la biodiversité Reserve House, south of Lac du Der. Dike welcome points every afternoon.
- Village-Musée du Pays du Der — Les Grandes Côtes, 51290 Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement.
- Maison du Parc — D43, 10220 Piney, for Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park events.
- Étang de la Horre — Meet at the Maison de la Horre, between Puellemontier (52) and Lentilles (10), on the D62.
- Étangs de Belval-en-Argonne — Meet at the observatory parking lot, exit Belval-en-Argonne towards Givry-en-Argonne, D354.
- Train aux Oiseaux — Departures from the Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station.
Reservations
- LPO Champagne-Ardenne: +33 3 26 72 54 47 — [email protected]
- Village-Musée du Der: +33 3 26 41 01 02
- Lac du Der Tourist Office: +33 3 26 72 62 80
- Maison du Parc de la Forêt d'Orient: +33 3 25 43 38 88
- Crane sunset viewings at Étang de la Horre: cen-champagne-ardenne.org/evenements
Program
The full brochure is available as a PDF on champagne-ardenne.lpo.fr, under the "La Fête de la Grue" page.
The largest Ramsar site in metropolitan France
The wetlands of the Champagne region cover 255,800 hectares, stretching from the Argonne in the north of the Marne to the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park in the southwest of the Aube, passing through the Pays du Der. The area boasts over 400 ponds, four major lakes—Lac du Der-Chantecoq, Lac d'Orient, Lac du Temple, and Lac Amance—as well as the Étang de la Horre National Nature Reserve and several regional nature reserves, including the Étangs de Belval-en-Argonne. Nearly 150,000 waterbirds spend the winter here.
The common crane
With a wingspan of 2 to 2.40 meters and weighing between 4 and 6 kg, the common crane is one of Europe's largest birds. It has been a protected species in France since 1967. They fly at an average speed of 40-80 km/h, can exceed 100 km/h with a tailwind, and travel at altitudes between 200 and 1,500 meters, allowing them to cross France in a single day. Approximately 400,000 cranes pass through the country; they primarily nest in Sweden, Finland, Northern Germany, and Poland, with 120,000 to 170,000 of them wintering in France.
Observe without disturbing
The LPO reminds visitors that the common crane is a shy bird with a flight distance of 300 to 400 meters. Disturbance disrupts their groups and prevents them from feeding properly during a critical period when they are rebuilding their energy reserves. Entering the lake basin area is strictly prohibited.
Sunday counts
From mid-October to mid-March, every Sunday morning at dawn, a team of about fifteen LPO Champagne-Ardenne volunteers counts the cranes as they leave the Lac du Der basin to head to their feeding grounds in the surrounding countryside. Their data contributes to the annual summary of migratory movements and wintering patterns at the site.
Where does it take place — Crane Festival
Crane Festival in brief
Other festivals near Piney
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