Langres walks

Langres is one of the sub-prefectures of Haute-Marne. The town is unique in being completely surrounded by ramparts, making it the town with the longest fortified wall in Europe. This section takes you on a tour of Langres’ historic centre and along the 3-kilometre-long walkway of the medieval fortifications. The route through the town itself is equally charming, featuring a number of historic monuments, including Saint-Mammès Cathedral, and for those wishing to extend their visit to Langres, there is also the town museum to explore.

This route, initially designed to connect to the Culmont-Chalindrey railway junction, has been extended to Dijon due to the cancellation of the train service! It crosses the mustard fields of the Côte-d'Or and the former sand pits of La Tille, which have been converted into ponds that are more popular with fishermen than tourists.

This stage takes place in the Marne catchment area, whose waters flow into the English Channel. Perched on a high hill detached from the plateau, Langres invites us to stroll along its ramparts. Opt for its restaurants rather than the usual picnic.

This route takes you around Lac de la Liez along a path in the heart of unspoilt countryside. The lake is very busy in season and is the perfect place to relax, either on the beach or by taking part in the various activities on offer (sailing, water skiing, tubing, etc.). But nature lovers can also enjoy themselves away from the area near the Liez Reservoir dam and Langres Plage.

This stage offers the chance to discover some of the springs of the Langres Plateau, whose waters feed into the English Channel. After skirting the marshes, you enter the Auberive State Forest, in the heart of the Forêts National Park. The abbey founded by Saint Bernard in 1132 reveals its secrets. But why Auberive, exactly?

The walk is mainly through woodland, but with a few passages through farmland or pastures to vary the landscape. It visits four pleasant villages with churches and refreshing fountains, as well as several picnic areas. It offers views of Lac de la Mouche and winds its way along the foot of cliffs, some of which are jagged, such as along the "ecological trail" (from (15) to (16)).If you find the walk a little long, you can shorten it to about 15 km by cutting from (8) to (17).

This walk, three-quarters of which is through woodland, allows you to enjoy two exceptional sites: the active tufa formation at Rolampont, and the Gallo-Roman archaeological site of the Faverolles Mausoleum.

Discover the wild flora and fauna in the heart of the Pays des 4 Lacs.

From Arbigny-sous-Varennes, the waters of the Presle stream flow into the Mediterranean, whilst from Orbigny-au-Mont those of the Liez flow into the English Channel. Perched on its hilltop, Langres serves as our landmark.

Fayl-Billot is a village of 1,300 inhabitants located in the Haute-Marne department. It is best known as the capital of basketry. There are many artisans practising this craft in the village. At the end of this walk, do not hesitate to take home a souvenir. This walk takes in the village’s main tourist and cultural attractions, such as the National School of Osier Cultivation and Basketry, Notre-Dame Church, as well as all the village’s wash houses and fountains.

Two-part hike: a beautiful forest loop ending at the animal park enclosures (fallow deer and wild boar), followed by a visit to the charming village of Auberive, with a tour of the former Cistercian abbey and a review of its rich history from its foundation in 1135 to its current status as a museum and exhibition venue.

This route allows you to explore the village of Auberive and its abbey (open to visitors; check opening times and days). Most of the route is through forest and offers views of the tufa formations (information panel on site).

A fairly wild route, mainly through woodland, where it is not uncommon to spot roe deer from the Auberive Forest (future national park). Passes through the Chalmessin Nature Reserve via theGR®7, returning via the Bois de la Montagne and the Forêt des Charbonnières.Moderator’s note: Please note that reviews of this hike mention difficult, even impossible, sections

A lovely walk offering superb panoramic views, leafy arches and, depending on the season, birdsong.

On the borders of Champagne, Burgundy and Franche-Comté, the Domaine du Muid Montsaugeonnais covers 13 hectares, spread across the territories of four communes: Chatoillenot, Montsaugeon, Rivière-les-Fosses and Vaux-sous-Aubigny. Abandoned since the outbreak of phylloxera in the late 19th century, the vineyard was revived in 1988 thanks to the Chevaliers du Montsaugeonnais.

Set off on a loop in the heart of the vast Corgebin State Forest, a stone's throw from Chaumont. Covering an area of 1,100 hectares, this forest became state property in 1789. Located in Haute-Marne, it is the closest state forest to the town of Chaumont, the department's prefecture. It is managed by the ONF (French National Forestry Office) for the sustainable production of quality wood, environmental protection and public access, while also allowing hunting in winter. It is very popular with the public, who come here to enjoy the peace and quiet and get in touch with nature on the outskirts of the town. It is a limestone plateau forest, consisting of beech-based deciduous stands. The landscapes are varied, ranging from coppice with standards to high forest. A nature trail starting at the Muguet visitor centre allows visitors to familiarise themselves with the main species present.

A pleasant little walk through the vineyards and the heritage of Franche-Comté.