Langres

Visit Langres, Champagne-Ardenne

Langres is in the Haute-Marne department of the Champagne-Ardenne region, 35 km south of Chaumont. The town is in an attractive location, above the Marne river on the 'Plateau de Langres'.

Exploring Langres

The main highlight is the ramparts that surround the town, about 3.5km long that can be walked around, and including seven fortified towers and seven gateways. Parts of the ramparts date back 2000 years, although some parts are much more recent - for example the citadel dates from the 19th century, and most of the towers date from the 15th-16th centuries.

If walking is a bit much, there is a little tram that also makes the tour of the ramparts. (Note: Langres was the first town in France to have a train 'à crémaillère' - to enable steeper slopes to be climbed, these have a third 'notched' rail between the normal two rails, enabling better traction).

Having toured the edge of the town, the town itself is worthy of an explore, with some attractive streets lined with Renaissance houses, and the other high point of the town - the Cathedral Saint-Mammes. Built in the second half of the 12th century, the style falls between Roman and Gothic, with a little of each. The 13th century cloister at the cathedral now houses the town library.

Langres Cheese

The quiet agricultural countryside around Langres is also known for a local cheese produced here, the 'Fromage de Langres'.

Now awarded AOC status (which means the name can only be used when the cheese is produced by traditional techniques in the immediate region, the cheese is small, round and with an orange skin and is the only cheese which 'collapses' during its maturation to form a concave dome in the top.

Langres is twinned with Beaconsfield (England)

In the region

Most leisure activities near langres are based on the four lakes that are found close to the town (Liez, Charmes, Mouche and Vingeanne). Artificial lakes created more than 100 years ago, they are now centres for various leisure activities such as walking around the lakes or canoeing, pedalos and fishing in the lakes themselves. Birdwatching is popular around the Vingeanne Lake.

Tourist classifications for Langres: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*; Recommended detour town (plus beau detour); Listed town of Art and History; 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Langres, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

See these places and more on a map at places near Langres

Langres tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin d’Ode - remarkable garden (48km) : Parc de l'Etang - remarkable garden (53km) : Château d'Arcelot - remarkable garden (54km) : Jardin du château du Talmay - remarkable garden (57km) : Colombe-le-Sec - ville fleurie 4* (59km) : Vittel - ville fleurie 4* (59km) :

French version: see Langres (Francais)