Festival of the Crane and Migration
The spectacle of the grey crane migration at Lac du Der
About Crane Festival
The Festival of the Crane and Migration is a major nature event organized every October by LPO Champagne-Ardenne at Lac du Der-Chantecoq in Giffaumont-Champaubert. For ten days, this festival celebrates the return of grey cranes to Champagne with a rich program: observation of crane departures and arrivals, ornithological outings, photo exhibitions, bird train, organic fair, nature workshops for children, conferences, and guided walks.
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The largest gathering of grey cranes in France
Every autumn, Lac du Der-Chantecoq hosts one of Europe's most impressive natural spectacles: the passage of tens of thousands of migrating grey cranes. The Festival of the Crane and Migration, organized by LPO Champagne-Ardenne (League for the Protection of Birds), has been celebrating this exceptional natural event since 2008.
Ten days of nature immersion
During the first week of the Toussaint holidays, the festival offers a dense and varied program of activities for all audiences. Observation points set up on the lake's dikes allow visitors to witness the spectacular departures and arrivals of grey cranes at dawn and dusk. Professional ornithologists accompany visitors and help them identify the different bird species present on the site.
Activities for all audiences
The program includes specialized ornithological outings, guided hikes, bird train rides departing from the Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station, exhibitions of local wildlife photography, and conferences on climate change and migration. A special day is dedicated to children with nature workshops, games, birdhouse building, and shows.
An organic and alternative fair
An organic and alternative fair complements the program with exhibitors offering organic products, local crafts, and alternative solutions for an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Cinema-snack events are offered to children, and donkey rides allow for a fun way to discover the lake's surroundings.
Crane Festival — edition 2026
19th edition of the Festival of the Crane and Migration at Lac du Der-Chantecoq.
2026 Edition
The 19th edition of the Festival of the Crane and Migration will take place in October 2026 at Lac du Der-Chantecoq. For ten days, nature lovers will be able to observe grey cranes in migration and participate in numerous activities: ornithological outings, bird train, organic fair, and nature workshops.
Prices Crane Festival 2026
Practical information — Crane Festival
Access
The main festival site is located in Giffaumont-Champaubert (51290), on the shores of Lac du Der-Chantecoq. The Chantecoq site, a prime observation point, is located at the only roundabout between the villages of Arrigny and Giffaumont-Champaubert. Bird train departures are from the Giffaumont-Champaubert nautical station. Accessible by car from Reims (1h30), Châlons-en-Champagne (45 min), or Saint-Dizier (20 min).
Prices
Access to observation points is free. Some activities (bird train, specialized guided outings) are subject to a fee. The bird train departs at 2 PM and 3:30 PM (duration: 2 hours). Information and reservations at the Lac du Der Tourist Office: 03 26 72 62 80.
Period
The festival takes place during the first week of the Toussaint holidays, generally from mid-October to the end of October.
Practical advice
Bring binoculars and a telescope if possible. Dress warmly for morning observations. The site is largely accessible to people with reduced mobility.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Crane Festival
Lac du Der-Chantecoq
Station nautique, 51290 Giffaumont-Champaubert, 51290 Giffaumont-Champaubert