THE PLATEAU OF BEAUREGARD IN MAXEY-SUR-MEUSE

The plateau of Beauregard in Maxey-sur-Meuse is the most northerly grassland of the department. The high quality of the site's landscape, its opening and its surface make it unique. The promontory of Beauregard stands out from the landscape without revealing its chalky grassland. Most visitors are attracted by the contrast between the vast alluvial plain where the Meuse flows and the wooded hills.
The preserved site of Beauregard is covered with a particular vegetation - the limestone grassland - whose uncertain presence is due to physical features and to the previous centuries' agropastoral practices.

The exposition of the plateau towards the south explains the soil's dryness. There is no stream of water. The precipitation infiltrates the cracked rocky soil to end up further down and allow Maxey's citizens to collect drinking water at the foot of the promontory.

This singular place is home to species used to live in dry environments such as in mediterranean areas. The chirp of locusts, numerous orchids, aromatic plants such as thyme and oregano, running lizards, and surprising mantises will make you feel like in a southern region.

As there are no herbivores, a lot of grasses, bushes and larger woods will temporarily settle in the grassland. However, the spontaneous evolution of this environment is leading to the depletion of biodiversity.