Tour of the Othe Forests (Aube)

Starting from Vauchassis, the trail winds its way into a wooded massif, alternating between chalky valleys and dense oak groves. The route leads to Sommeval, a picturesque village nestled in a hollow, where the rugged terrain surprises with its almost mountainous character in the heart of Champagne. Heading towards Eaux-Puiseaux, nature blends with cider-making tradition, the flint soil providing the apple orchards with a unique terroir that has made the Pays d'Othe region famous. The heritage is revealed in Maraye-en-Othe, with its ancient churches and half-timbered houses typical of Aube architecture. At Chennegy, the woodland edges offer unobstructed views of the cultivated fields before plunging back under the protective canopy of the vast forests.

The Othe Forest is a rolling, verdant forest, composed mainly of hardwoods, at an average altitude of 236 meters. It is primarily composed of oaks, beech trees, birches, hornbeams, and ash trees. Rarer species can also be found, such as the spruce, the Scots pine, and the European larch. The Othe Forest is a place of exceptional biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including deer, wild boars, roe deer, foxes, badgers, hares, rabbits, raptors, and songbirds. In the Middle Ages, the Othe Forest was an important source of firewood and construction timber. It was also a favored hunting ground for local lords. In the 18th century, the Othe Forest was subjected to intensive exploitation. The wood was used for the construction of ships, bridges, and houses.

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