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Langres

Visit Langres (Champagne-Ardenne, France)

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.

Photos taken within 10 km

Tourist classifications for Langres

Langres has received the following tourist classifications: recommended detour town (plus beau detour); historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); listed town of Art and History

Address: Langres, Haute-Marne, Champagne-Ardenne, 52200 || GPS: latitude 47.863, longitude 5.3338

Map of Langres & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Langres.
See Champagne-Ardenne for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Langres, France

• Jardin d’Ode - remarkable garden (48km)

Market days in Langres: Regular market(s) are held in Langres each Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Langres (Francais)