What to do in Langres, Haute Marne
Attractions in and Around the French Fortified Town of Langres
Oct 13, 2009
Situated in the southern tip of France’s Champagne region, Langres is an imposing walled town steeped in history and culture. Easily accessible from the A5 and A31 autoroutes, with a selection of hotels and accommodation to suit all needs the town serves well as both an en-route stopover and a destination in its own right.
History of Langres
Originally a settlement of the Gaulish Lignones tribe, Langres was settled by the Romans who were the first to fortify this hilltop stronghold. The Gallo-Roman influence plays a large part in the history of the town and its surrounding area with exhibitions marking the period in local museums and exhibitions. However, the town as it exists today owes much of its character to a period of prosperity that lasted through the middle ages and into the renaissance.
A Visit to Langres
With its great history and wonderful position, Langres and the surrounding area offer a great selection of attractions for visitors, from history and architecture to fresh air and adventure. Below are just a few suggestions of what to do while visiting the “Pays de Langres”
Tour Langres’ Ramparts
The town’s walls are a 3.5km circular route and offer a number of sights along the way. Visit the seven historic towers and the seven ancient gates, or simply soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside including the Lac de La Liez and nearby villages, and on a clear day, as far as the Bernese Alps. For those who prefer to save their feet, a motorised train takes guided tours around the walls departing from the tourist office in the Place Bel Air, which also takes bookings and sells tickets.
Langres Cathedral
The St Mammes Cathedral was built in the 12th Century and combines the Romanesque influences of neighbouring Burgundy with touches of the Gothic. Fronting onto the beautiful public square of Place Jeanne Mance, which boasts a fountain and seating, the cathedral can be enjoyed from outside while taking a tranquil break or explored inside where (during the summer months) the south tower is opened to visitors for a small charge offering fantastic views over the walled town and beyond.
Langres’ Renaissance House
Built in the mid-16th Century, the beautiful Renaissance House stands in the heart of the old town. Adorned with Ionic and Corinthian columns and capped with a frieze decorated with carved cattle heads, draperies and fruit the house is a well maintained example of its kind which is open to the public at no charge.
Langres Art and History Museum
A bold modernist structure in the heart of this ancient town, the museum of Art and History is the meeting place for old and new. The museum houses exhibitions including a Bacchus mosaic, art collection, examples of sculpture and Art Deco artefacts.
Langres and its Lakes
The countryside surrounding Langres boasts a total of four beautiful lakes, known as the "quatre lacs" they are the Lac de la Liez, Lac de Charmes, Lac de la Vingeanne and Lac de la Mouche. With directions available from the tourist office in Place Bel Air, the lakes are easily accessible for day trips from the town. Each lake boasts it own character, from the Lac de la Liez with its shoreside cafes and purpose-built marina perfect for watersports enthusiasts to the unspoilt shores and great walking opportunities on offer at the Lac de la Vingeanne.
Shopping, Eating and Drinking in Langres
Langres’ main street of rue Diderot offers a great selection of traditional and high street shopping as well as a number of restaurants and bars, while other eateries are dotted throughout the towns traditional backstreets. The covered terrace of the Café du Foy on Place Diderot makes a great spot for people watching as well as serving a mean “steak frites”.
Langres Tourist Information
The Langres Tourist Office is situated on Place Bel Air, at the entrance to the old town. The tourist office offers information on local attractions as well as English speaking advisors and booking facilities for tours and trips. For further information visit their website.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
