Nature and biodiversity: heading for Lake Der, the blue giant of Champagne

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Fresh water as far as the eye can see. At 4,800 hectares, the Der is the largest artificial lake in France. A reservoir, a gem that a family from the Lille metropolitan area decided to explore along the Der, aboard a very special electric boat.

Two bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, or even a real house. " It's funny because it looks just like a mobile home or a classic rental. It's just that it's on the water ," says the mother. " Spending the night here, then waking up there, opening the curtain, and then being on the lake... It's something that will give us a good memory, I think, " enthuses the father.

And to pilot this house on the water, no boat license is required. Lucky for Guillaume, a true novice. The accelerated training provided by base manager Samuel is enough. Before setting off, the children decide to enjoy the lake, soon followed by their parents. And so it's time to explore. " You quickly get the hang of it, once you've got the hang of it. It's a really great feeling. You only hear the sound of the lapping water; you don't hear any engine noise. You move at the pace of someone walking, so it's really very peaceful," says the father.

Others cycle around the Der. A 36 km route, a distance that doesn't scare a couple of regulars. They ride here almost every day, a sporting routine, but not only that. " We've been in the region for 24 years. And we always feel like we're rediscovering something new. We see animals. The setting is magnificent. It's true that we're lucky ," the woman admits.

Because the lake is also a paradise for migratory and resident birds . A third of the site is a reserve that Gérard, a bird guide, enjoys helping people discover or rediscover. "In this part of the lake, we have one of the largest heron colonies in France, with six species nesting here ," he explains.

By chance, a purple heron shows up. " The purple heron is a migratory bird that is relatively rare in our region. We have the largest colony in northeastern France. It's one of the region's rare birds. Witnessing the departure of 80,000 or 100,000 common cranes in the morning in October and November is well worth the spectacles from the other side of the world ," he says.

On the lake, it's the end of the day for the family in the mobile home. It's time for an aperitif on the rooftop terrace, and also time for the first lessons about this unusual experience. At sunset, Lake Der offers an exceptional panorama.