Domaine de Coolus

Domaine de Coolus is a nature reserve stretching over approximately 38 hectares. It features a wide variety of ecological entities, from dry woodland to meadows and wetlands (the river Coole, a lake and ponds). This nature reserve is home to a wide range of fauna and flora, and is a delight for anyone who takes the time to observe it.

A paradise for

nature lovers

Marked paths

As soon as you arrive, you can start walking. To make the most of the reserve, hiking trails and permanent orientation courses have been set up. This is a great way to explore the reserve and have fun with family and friends.

The 3 km marked trail will take about an hour to complete. You’ll pass by ponds inhabited by newts and frogs, among other species. Don’t forget to bring your boots!

With around 200 plant species, Domaine de Coolus is home to a wide variety of flora. The richest environments are the meadows and woodlands. The wetlands offer less diversity, but the flora is very special, which is what makes it so fascinating.

The site features 25 plants which are considered to be very rare in the region, including two protected species, those being Blood Crane’s-bill and the Marsh Bluegrass.

Awakening children

to nature

An educational area

An educational area has also been created to encourage children to discover the wonders of this environment. A pond, a learning garden, a conservation orchard, dry stone walls and beehives are all used to assist in environmental education projects.

The ‘Croqueurs de Pommes de la Plaine Champenoise’, an organisation tasked with protecting and promoting regional fruit varieties, chose to take up residence here. Since then, the estate has been able to provide a small observatory. Pruning and transplanting workshops as well as tours of the orchard are regularly organised.

Discover the Croqueurs de Pommes (FR)

A natural area

with an exceptional diversity

Domaine de Coolus is located in a French “Zone Naturelle d’Intérêt Ecologique Faunistique et Floristique”, It is a fragile natural area with a vast wealth of fauna.

The reserve is home to a hundred or so birds that can be discovered by following the bird-watching trail. Your senses will be alerted to recognise the blue tit, robins, finches as well as the Great Spotted Woodpecker. Twelve listening points are set up near the nesting boxes.

Fete De La Nature Coolus Chalons © Christophe Manquillet

Admire the fauna

A pair of binoculars is highly recommended for this adventure, which can be arranged with the LPO, Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux(Bird Protection League). The association regularly organises night-time excursions, on the look-out for owls and bats.

Several types of amphibians may also be encountered, including two rarer species, the Fire Salamander and the Smooth Newt, which are protected by law.

More than 50 species of insects have been recorded, some of which are rare to the region, such as the Praying Mantis.

Discover the LPO (FR)

How to get there

Domaine de Coolus

Opening times
Getting there by car
Getting there by bike or hiking

Domaine de Coolus welcomes you all year round.

The park is open every day from 8am to 9pm in summer and 9am to 5pm during the winter period.

Domaine de Coolus is located in the village of Coolus, 10 minutes (5 km) from the centre of Châlons-en-Champagne. Free parking is available at the entrance of the Domaine.

Starting from the centre of Châlons-en-Champagne, the Chemin du Domaine de Coolus (13 km) takes you directly to the park.