Wet meadows, hedgerows and birdwatching give Briel-Sur-Barse a distinctive nature theme. The Prairies humides de la Barse and guided excursions to the natural areas of Champagne Humide and Barrois offer different perspectives on nature and biodiversity. There is also Chant’équi, with nature experiences on horseback, pony or in a horse-drawn carriage. This gives you a specific choice for your trip: would you like to explore an accessible landscape on your own, discover biodiversity with a guide, or plan a horse-related activity?
Wet Meadows and Birdlife
The Prairies humides de la Barse comprise a network of preserved meadows and hedgerows and are open to the public. Records of the wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola), osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) have also been documented in Briel-sur-Barse. The village’s nature theme therefore has two specific aspects: a named natural area and several recorded bird species. If you are particularly interested in birdlife, these species names provide a clear point of interest for your stay. The records relate to Briel-sur-Barse; the meadows and hedgerows also provide their own distinct landscape setting.
Guided Nature Excursions
Nature and ornithology guide Yohann Brouillard offers tailor-made excursions for adults and children. The offer ranges from introductory outings for beginners to guidance for experienced ornithologists and naturalists. At any time of year, the excursions set out from Briel-sur-Barse to explore biodiversity, mainly in the Champagne Humide and Barrois natural areas in the Aube and Haute-Marne départements. They are available on request and by reservation; the guide offers them in English and Spanish. Before making an enquiry, you can therefore consider which language and level of experience would suit your group.
The publicly accessible natural area and the guided excursions also differ in their planning requirements: the guided excursion must be requested and booked. In terms of location, it takes visitors from Briel-sur-Barse mainly into Champagne Humide and Barrois, while the Prairies humides de la Barse is a specific site in Briel. If you would like to include both nature experiences during your stay, you can plan them as separate activities: a visit to the meadow landscape and a pre-arranged guided excursion.
Nature Experiences on Horseback, by Pony or in a Horse-Drawn Carriage
Chant’équi offers rides and other nature experiences in Briel-sur-Barse on horseback, by pony or in a horse-drawn carriage. This adds a different type of activity to exploring the landscape and birdwatching. Seasonal availability may vary, so ask about what is available during your travel dates before your trip. An entry by the tourism office, updated on 10 January 2024, notes that the Chant’équi riding centre is affiliated with an FFE riding school.
Church and Château History
The history of the village includes the Église Saint-Maurice and the former Château de Briel-sur-Barse. The church is in Briel-sur-Barse. Jean VIII de Mesgrigny had the Château built in 1667. His titles included Marquis de La Villeneuve-Mesgrigny and de Vendeuvre, Count of Briel and Viscount of Troyes; in 1634, he was president of the Breton Estates and a royal adviser. The château was later demolished. Thus, a church building that still stands in the village and the history of a château that no longer exists are two different historical points of reference for Briel-sur-Barse.
Discover more destinations: Sainte-Maure, Vougrey, Isle-Aumont, Saint-Benoît-Sur-Seine, La Saulsotte, Buchères, Merrey-Sur-Arce, Saint-Julien-les-Villas.
See the regional travel overview: Aube.
