Some of the most beautiful parks and nature reserves in Europe
With nearly 970,000 hectares of forest, did you know that the Burgundy region is the third most wooded region in France, just behind Corsica and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur? This is a major biological asset, especially as these forests are home to a third of the ZNIEFF (Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest). In other words: areas that are home to rare or characteristic animal or plant species of the region. Of the 4 departments that make up this beautiful region, the Côte-d'Or is undoubtedly one of the best endowed, particularly thanks to its parks and nature reserves. Indeed, superb domains are available to nature lovers. Let's mention, among others, that of Cîteaux. And, among the best known, the Parc national de Forêts. The largest wooded area in the Côte-d'Or covers almost 241,000 ha, and preserves the forest areas of Châtillon-sur-Seine, Arc-en-Barrois and Auberive. Inaugurated in 2019, it has become the eleventh registered French national park, the first north of the Loire, and the first to be entirely dedicated to the forest. The ultimate privilege, it is also the largest in Europe to defend a vocation that is both ecological and economic, while being dedicated to leisure and discovery. This forest (which stretches from Burgundy to Champagne), includes 127 municipalities, 77 of which are in the Côte-d'Or, as well as a complete reserve which will soon cover 3,100 hectares left to evolve freely: the forest is gradually becoming wild again, while a scientific research centre will soon be created. In the meantime, from the most common species to the most sought-after morels and chanterelles, mushroom hunting enthusiasts will be happy here! The Morvan Regional Nature Park is also famous, as it is one of the 53 parks in France to have been awarded a label; it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. The Côte-d'Or shares it with the three other Burgundy departments to the south-west. Of course, nature is king here, and its hilly landscapes are covered with forests between which lie hedgerows, rivers, lakes and picturesque villages. We must also mention the Marais du Cônois, which covers 7 hectares and is one of the most beautiful tufa marshes in the Châtillonnais. Fed by springs whose water is highly charged with limestone, this marsh has an interesting geological characteristic: in contact with the air and vegetation, the limestone gives rise to a more or less friable rock, the tuff. Moreover, due to the presence of a cold microclimate, it is the site of a very specific flora, including plants with a mountainous character, such as the gentian and the perennial swertie. The Combe Lavaux-Jean Roland Nature Reserve covers 486 ha. It is located in the communes of Brochon and Gevrey-Chambertin. Many plants, animals and reptiles can be found there, including some rare species. Finally, let's talk about the Val Suzon regional nature reserve. To the north of Dijon, this forest massif covers more than 3,000 hectares. Created at the end of 2011, it provides 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. Thus, the Siberian ligwort, a large yellow-flowered plant introduced by the monks, has become well acclimatised in the north of the department. The Langres and Châtillonnais plateaus are home to rare species: white sedge, rock bramble, yellow gentian, naked-stemmed thistle, thymelous daphne, red cephalanther, etc. As mentioned above, the tufa marshes are home to rare and remarkable species. The climate of the back coast and the Dijon mountains has encouraged the development of sub-mountain plant species, such as the martagon lily for example. The wood carnation can also be seen on the cliffs. As for the forests of the Châtillonnais, they are home to a pretty orchid known as the Venus hoof. This flower with an upright stem - and 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: only for the pleasure of the eyes! Protected, it is strictly forbidden to pick it. You have been warned!
