A wild escape on the shores of Lac du Der

From Saint-Dizier, this optional stage takes you on a loop to the great Lac du Der, an accessible natural diversions much appreciated by cyclists in search of space, light and watery panoramas.

Leaving Saint-Dizier, you quickly reach the feeder canal to Lac du Der, a tranquil waterway that links the town to one of Europe's largest man-made reservoirs. The cycle route that runs alongside this canal offers calm, easy pedalling through a Champagne landscape that combines cultivated areas, hedged farmland and shady tree-lined passages... Soon, the horizons open up and you can make out the size of the lake, a vast expanse of water that attracts nature lovers and migratory birds every year.

Arriving at the Lac du Der-Chantecoq is a real reward: here, the light is reflected on the water, and the banks open out onto natural beaches, birdwatching observatories and areas ideal for picnics or contemplative breaks. The panoramas change according to the time of day and the weather: from intense blue in summer to softer shades in spring and autumn, the lake offers a constant exchange of views. Further afield, charming villages such as Giffaumont-Champaubert invite you to stop off at the harbour or explore the local produce.

This loop is an ideal natural interlude in your itinerary, whether you opt for an excursion lasting a few hours or a full day. On the way back to Saint-Dizier, you'll pick up where the V53 left off, with memories of vast stretches of land, sky and water that will prolong the feeling of freedom you get from travelling by bike.