Some of the most beautiful parks and nature reserves in Europe
With almost 970,000 ha of forest, did you know that Burgundy is the third most forested region in France, just behind Corsica and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur? A major biological asset, especially as these forests are home to a third of France's Zones Naturelles d'Intérêt Écologique, Faunistique et Floristique (ZNIEFF). In other words, areas that are home to rare or characteristic plant or animal species of the region. Of the 4 départements that make up this beautiful region, Côte-d'Or is undoubtedly one of the best endowed, thanks in particular to its parks and nature reserves. Nature lovers can enjoy a host of superb estates. Cîteaux is one of them. And, among the best known, the Parc national de Forêts. Côte-d'Or's largest wooded area covers almost 241,000 ha, and preserves the forest massifs of Châtillon-sur-Seine, Arc-en-Barrois and Auberive. Inaugurated in 2019, it has become France's eleventh registered national park, the first north of the Loire, and the first to be entirely dedicated to forests. The ultimate privilege, it is also the largest in Europe to defend both an ecological and economic vocation, while at the same time devoting itself to leisure and discovery. The forest (which stretches from Burgundy to Champagne) includes 127 communes, 77 of which are in the Côte-d'Or region, as well as an integral reserve that will soon cover 3,100 hectares left to evolve freely: the forest is gradually becoming wild again, and a scientific research center will soon be created. In the meantime, from the most common species to the most sought-after morels and chanterelles, mushroom-hunting enthusiasts will find everything they need here! The Parc naturel régional du Morvan is one of 53 regional nature parks in France to have been awarded the "Parc label", and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020. Côte-d'Or shares it with the other three Burgundy departments to the south-west. Of course, nature reigns supreme here, and the hilly landscape is covered with forests, interspersed with hedged farmland, rivers, lakes and picturesque villages. We must also mention the 7-hectare Marais du Cônois, one of the most beautiful tufa marshes in the Châtillonnais region. Fed by springs whose water is highly charged with limestone, this marsh has an interesting geological feature: in contact with air and vegetation, the limestone gives rise to a more or less friable rock, tuff. In addition, the cold microclimate is home to a highly specific flora, including mountain plants such as gentian and perennial swertie. The Combe Lavaux-Jean Roland Nature Reserve covers 486 ha. It is located in the communes of Brochon and Gevrey-Chambertin. It is home to numerous plants, animals and reptiles, including some rare species. Finally, let's talk about the Val Suzon Regional Nature Reserve. North of Dijon, this forested area covers more than 3,000 ha. Created at the end of 2011, it offers a new area of protection and preservation in the department.
A sometimes surprising fauna!
As much as in its landscapes, the Côte-d'Or benefits from a wide diversity of natural species. From the Châtillonnais to the Morvan or the Val de Saône, this exceptional green heritage is widely maintained and promoted by the Burgundy region, which, since 2006, has set up ambitious preservation programmes. But this maintenance of characteristic landscapes also involves a policy of environmental education, as well as raising awareness among the general public. Thus, in many forests and natural parks, trails and educational panels have been installed. And observation sites have also been set up here and there. Not to mention the walks made possible on the many greenways. In any case, you will see many animal species everywhere, and not always the most expected in this region of France! Like on the cliffs of Baulme-la-Roche where you can see peregrine falcons. And black storks in the woods of Châtillonnais. Or else? The pastures attract roe deer, foxes and hares. You may also come across wild boar, large red deer, squirrels and hedgehogs in the forest of Cîteaux and Izeure. There are also "new" species: otters have returned via the Morvan, and beavers have moved up the Arroux. But the Côte-d'Or, with its limestone plateaus and slopes, is also an ideal solarium for reptiles, such as aspid vipers and lizards. Snakes are also present on the Dijon coast. As for birds, they are legion: kingfisher, black woodpecker, wagtail, buzzard, grey heron, oak jay, owl, great egret or royal kite... On the other hand, it should be noted that the vineyards no longer welcome the fauna as they once did: the use of insecticides has unfortunately driven away many species.
A rich and often protected flora
The flora is just as rich and varied. Siberian ligwort, a large yellow-flowered plant introduced by the monks, has acclimatized well to the north of the département. The Langres and Châtillonnais plateaus are home to rare species such as white sedge, rock bramble, yellow gentian, bare-stemmed thistle, thymelous daphne and red cephalanther. As mentioned above, tufa marshes are home to rare and remarkable species. The climate of the Dijon back-coast and mountains has favored the blossoming of submontane plant species, such as the martagon lily. The wood carnation can also be seen on the cliffs. The forests of the Châtillonnais region are home to a pretty orchid known as sabot de Vénus. This upright-stemmed flower - whose fruit has a capsule that can remain dried on the stem until the following summer - is emblematic of the region. It blooms from May to July. But beware: it's for your eyes only! Protected, it is strictly forbidden to pick it. You've been warned!
