It is the largest artificial lake in France,[1] covering 48 km2 (19 sq mi) with 350 million m³ of water.

The lake is located in the communes (clockwise starting from the north) Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement, Éclaron-Braucourt-Sainte-Livière, Giffaumont-Champaubert, Arrigny, Larzicourt and Écollemont.

[2] The combination of deep water, islands, and freshwater marshes make the area ideal for waterfowl, most notably the common crane.

Each spring and autumn, tens of thousands of cranes assemble here in their migration between wintering grounds to the south and breeding sites in northern Europe.

Other birds recorded in the area include white-tailed eagle, great egret, and various geese, ducks, loons (divers), and grebes.