Haute Marne
Discover Haute Marnea department French rich in culture, history, nature and gastronomy. Whether your passion is art heritageoutdoor activities such as hikingcycling, the fishingWhether you're looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventure in the mountains, or simply a place to unwind, this diverse region promises fascinating discoveries.
Located in the region Great EastThe Haute-Marne is famous for its varied landscapes, its built heritage with remarkable historic monuments, and its illustrious personalities such as Voltaire and Joan of Arc. It offers an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor activities and boasts a unique gastronomy, including Langres cheese and champagne.
Explore its 426 communes, discover its key sites and activities to suit all tastes. Haute-Marne awaits you to reveal its hidden treasures, authenticity and diversity.
To discover other French departments, read our detailed article here.
Unforgettable cultural and historical experiences in Haute-Marne
Haute-Marne, the birthplace of such emblematic figures as Charles de Gaulle, Voltaire, Diderot, Joan of Arc and Napoleon, is rich in exceptional architectural and artistic heritage. Discover captivating places to enrich your cultural and historical knowledge.
Langres, a charming fortified town
Langres, one of France's most beautiful detours, overlooks the Marne valley. The town is famous for its Roman ramparts, consolidated over the centuries. You can explore these fortifications on foot, by mini-train or electric bike, admiring the seven towers and gates along the way. Don't miss a visit to the Saint-Mammès cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, the 13th-century cloister, Diderot's birthplace, now a museum, and the Tour de Navarre and its belvedere offering a breathtaking view of the region. And don't forget to sample the local speciality, Langres cheese.
The Charles de Gaulle Memorial at Colombey-les-Deux-Églises
Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, the last home of General de Gaulle, founder of the Fifth Republic, is home to La Boisserie, the house where he lived, and the Charles de Gaulle Memorial. This historical interpretation center plunges you into the life and work of this major figure, through documents, objects, films and interactive animations evoking the key moments of the 20th century. Visit the cemetery where the General and his wife Yvonne are buried, and admire the Cross of Lorraine, an emblematic monument of the French Resistance.
Castles and museums in Haute-Marne
Haute-Marne boasts a number of castles and museums, reflecting its rich and diverse heritage. Discover the Château du Grand Jardin in Joinville, a Renaissance marvel, the Château du Pailly, a 16th-century jewel, and the Château de Cirey, Voltaire's residence. Museums are not to be outdone: the Musée d'art et d'histoire in Chaumont offers a wide range of collections, the Musée de la vannerie in Fayl-Billot explores this traditional craft, and the Métallurgic Park in Dommartin-le-Franc introduces you to metallurgy through exhibitions and works of art.
Haute-Marne, a land of nature and adventure
Haute-Marne, a department rich in leisure and relaxation activities, invites you to a harmonious immersion in nature. Whether your heart is set on water, forest, mountains or countryside, you'll be won over by the diversity and beauty of the region's unspoilt landscapes.
Discover below a selection of must-see activities and sites in Haute-Marne, ideal for rejuvenating and having fun.
Lac du Der, a paradise for nature lovers
Lac du Der, Europe's largest man-made lake, lies on the border between the Haute-Marne and Marne departments. Created in 1974 to regulate the flow of the Seine and Marne rivers and prevent flooding in Paris, it covers 48 km² and can hold up to 350 million m³ of water. It is surrounded by six ports, ten beaches, three half-timbered churches and several villages.
The lake is an ideal location for water sports activities such as sailing, canoeing, water skiing, fishing and swimming. It's also an exceptional site for observing flora and fauna, including migratory birds such as grey cranes, which stop off here in spring and autumn.
Admire these natural spectacles from the observatories, trails or bike paths that run alongside the lake. Don't miss a visit to the Musée du Der, which traces the history and ecological issues of this fascinating place.
Hiking in the National Forest Park
Inaugurated in 2019, the Parc national des forêts is France's eleventh national park, and the first dedicated to the protection of deciduous and lowland forests. Extending over 242,148 hectares, including 56,614 hectares of protected core, it covers part of the Côte-d'Or and Haute-Marne departments, including the Châtillon, Arc-en-Barrois and Auberive massifs.
A hiker's paradise, the park offers over 1,000 km of marked trails accessible on foot, bike or horseback. Visitors can discover exceptional biodiversity, home to over 5,000 animal and plant species, some rare or endangered, as well as a rich cultural and historical heritage including the Château du Pailly, the village-museum of Der, the wolf fountain and the Charles de Gaulle memorial.
Water sports and leisure activities in spa resorts
Haute-Marne also boasts a wealth of thermal resources, with the resorts of Bourbonne-les-Bains and Contrexéville, famous for their medicinal mineral waters. Whether you're looking for a prescription cure or to enjoy the benefits of spa treatments (massages, bubble baths, wraps, showers), these resorts offer an unrivalled relaxation experience.
Wellness areas offer sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, swimming pool, gym and relaxation. Discover the resort's wide range of entertainment and leisure activities, including casino, cinema, golf, tennis, bowling and animal park.
Events and festivities: the beating heart of Haute-Marne
Haute-Marne shines in its festive spirit, offering a multitude of events and festivities to suit all ages and tastes. Whether you're a music lover, a cultural enthusiast, a gourmet or a hunting enthusiast, there's something for everyone in this warm and dynamic département.
Discover a selection of must-see events and festivities in Haute-Marne, which promise entertainment and wonder.
Music festivals and cultural events
As a music lover, the Haute-Marne welcomes you with its renowned festivals, celebrating a variety of musical genres, from rock and jazz to French chanson and classical music. The Le Chien à Plumes festival, for example, takes place in early August near the Villegusien lake, offering a rich program with artists from the national and international scene. The Jazz Ô Der festival, meanwhile, takes place at the end of March in Montier-en-Der, bringing together famous jazz musicians.
Haute-Marne also promotes its rich cultural and historical heritage through events such as the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), offering access to historic monuments and sites, and Christmas shows, which immerse visitors in a magical atmosphere with concerts, storytelling and Christmas markets.
The Chaumont craft market and local flea markets
The department showcases its craftsmanship at the Chaumont craft market, an annual event in early December where artisans display their unique creations. What's more, regular flea markets and garage sales in various communes provide the ideal opportunity to hunt for and discover rare and original objects.
The hunting season and local culinary traditions
Haute-Marne, with its centuries-old tradition of hunting, offers a rich season from September 17, 2023 to February 29, 2024, where local game is given pride of place. It's also an opportunity to sample culinary specialties based on game. The department's gastronomy, famous for local products such as Langres cheese and Chaumont ham, promises authentic tasting experiences in local restaurants and markets.
Conclusion
Haute-Marne, with its richness and diversitypromises an experience rich in discovery, leisure, relaxation and pleasure. Whatever your interests - whether culture, history, nature, adventure, gastronomy or celebration - this multi-faceted department will meet your expectations.
This region will charm you with its authenticity, friendliness and countless surprises. Don't delay in discovering Haute-Marne, a department ready to offer you unforgettable moments.
FAQ
What is the main town in Haute-Marne?
Chaumont is the main town in Haute-Marne and serves as the department's prefecture. Saint-Dizier is the most populous city, with around 25,000 inhabitants.
Where is it good to live in Haute-Marne?
There are many advantages to living in Haute-Marne. The département enjoys a privileged geographical location between Paris, Strasbourg and Lyon, while offering very attractive property prices.
Haute-Marne also boasts an exceptional natural and cultural heritage, with forests, lakes, castles, churches and charming villages. Choose from small towns like Chaumont and Saint-Dizier, or quiet villages like Joinville, Bourmont, Châteauvillain, Montsaugeon or Vignory.
Where to go walking in Haute-Marne?
Haute-Marne offers a wide range of walking options to suit all tastes. Not to be missed:
- The Charles De Gaulle Memorial at Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, a historic site dedicated to the life and work of this eminent statesman. Here you'll find the Cross of Lorraine, symbol of the Resistance, as well as La Boisserie, the general's family home and burial ground.
- The 19th-century Viaduc de Chaumont offers a remarkable architectural spectacle with its 50 arches, spanning 600 meters in length and 52 meters in height. It offers breathtaking views over Chaumont and the surrounding area.
What assets does Haute-Marne have to offer?
Haute-Marne is distinguished by its natural wealth, with forests, lakes, springs and rivers, earning it the nickname "France's water tower". Its industrial heritage is also a major asset, including forges, foundries and innovative companies in the automotive, aeronautics and medical prosthesis sectors.
