The Parisian flood of 1955 prompted the acceleration of the Orient Lake project. Despite initial local protests, its work began in November 1959. Since then, Orient Lake has become a refuge conducive to the preservation of unique fauna and flora. It consists, among other things, of pondweed and water lily rafts, floating plants, and lentil vegetation. In the lake's reed beds grow the marsh germander, protected in the Champagne-Ardenne region, and the water buttercup, protected throughout the country.