Attractions and Places To See around Écollemont - Top 20

Écollemont is surrounded by natural beauty, most notably the expansive Lac du Der-Chantecoq, Europe's largest artificial lake, which offers stunning views and a habitat for diverse birdlife. The village itself is drained by the Blaise River, where you can find a charming old mill. Additionally, Écollemont is known for its abundant floral displays, often described as a 'garden in itself' with colorful flowerbeds adorning the roads.

Within Écollemont, you can visit the Church of the Transfiguration-de-Notre-Seigneur, which features a simple wooden-ceilinged nave and an older choir with ogive-vaulted bays, housing two 16th-century wooden statues. The village also has an old mill on the Blaise River, a public fountain with a roofless wash house, and a Town Hall (Mairie) with a notable wood-paneled facade, where you can see a renovated Napoleonic land registry from 1830.

Lac du Der-Chantecoq is a hub for aquatic activities. The Port of Giffaumont-Champaubert serves as a common base for these, offering an idyllic setting for relaxation and admiring sailboats. The lake is also home to the Ufolep departmental sailing school, providing opportunities for sailing.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The View of Lac du Der offers a unique perspective of the lake, perfect for a scenic outing. The Canal bridge is a beautiful footbridge offering panoramic views of the canal. The Port of Giffaumont-Champaubert is also a great spot for families to relax by the water and watch the boats.

The area around Écollemont is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling. For instance, there are easy hiking trails like the 'View of Lac du Der loop from Écollemont' (5.08 km) and moderate ones like the 'Between Lake and River Trail' (12.42 km). Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Lake Der-Chantecoq – Tour of Lac du Der loop' (38.41 km). You can explore more options on the hiking guide, gravel biking guide, and road cycling guide for Écollemont.

For exceptional views of Lac du Der, visit the View of Lac du Der highlight, which provides a unique perspective, often with a wooded peninsula in the foreground. The Port of Giffaumont-Champaubert also offers beautiful vistas, especially at sunset, and the Canal bridge provides panoramic views of the canal leading into the lake.

Yes, the Saint-Laurent Church in Giffaumont-Champaubert stands directly on the lake and serves as a poignant reminder of the villages that were flooded during the creation of Lac du Der. Around late October, when the lake's water level is at its lowest, the foundations of the original village of Champaubert-aux-Bois can sometimes be seen. Additionally, the Half-timbered Church of Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement houses a museum chronicling the history of Lac du Der and the destroyed villages.

The area around Écollemont, particularly Lac du Der-Chantecoq, is beautiful throughout the warmer months for water sports and cycling. For birdwatching, the lake is a significant stopover for migratory birds, making spring and autumn ideal. The floral displays in and around the village are most vibrant during spring and summer.

In the vicinity, you can explore the Porte du Pont in Vitry-le-François, a classical gate built in 1746 and now a classified historical monument. Vitry-le-François also features the Place d'Armes, a central square with a monumental fountain and the impressive 17th and 18th-century collegiate Notre-Dame church. Near Thiéblemont-Farémont, there are exhibitions on regional crafts and history.

Visitors particularly appreciate the serene and idyllic settings, especially around the lake. The Port of Giffaumont-Champaubert is loved for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful lake views. The Champaubert Peninsula Campsite is noted for being quiet, well-maintained, and perfect for swimming. The unique perspective offered by the View of Lac du Der is also a community favorite.

Yes, the Champaubert Peninsula Campsite is a very quiet and well-maintained option located directly on the beautiful Lac du Der, inviting visitors to swim and enjoy the lakeside environment. It's often open during spring and autumn, providing a great base for exploring the area.