Chaumont (Haute-Marne) walks

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 mixed and challenging route, mainly through woodland and passing by sites of both local and national historical significance!

This circuit cleverly combines the three walks around Chateauvillain: the Castle Park (which includes the Deer Park), the Belle Balade and its original sculptures carved into the forest, and a visit to the town of Chateauvillain, notably the Fortifications Trail. A rich and varied walk with no difficulties.

A short, easy walk with views of Andelot, Montéclair and the Fouillot hill that hides Rimaucourt. You can also see the Moulin district and its very old Tréfilerie factory.

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.

A route exploring the Haut-Marne countryside (route no. 51, marked in yellow and green).

A lovely, varied walk through vineyards, forests, plains, valleys and plateaus, from Buchey to Buchey via Harricourt and Biernes. There are some steep climbs that lead to beautiful viewpoints.

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).

A route that takes you to the Cul du Cerf, a limestone cirque 200 metres wide and 65 metres high, at the bottom of which flows the underground spring known as La Manoise. A Natura 2000-listed site notable for its flora, where you can admire the spring gushing from the ground, protected by a metal grille. A fairly technical route with some difficulties due to the nature of the terrain.

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?

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.

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 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 walk leads to Brachay, the birthplace of Philippe Lebon (1767), inventor of lighting gas produced by distilling wood. A bust in his honour stands in front of the town hall, and two houses that once belonged to him can also be seen.

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.

A walk steeped in history, as we pass through Doulevant-le-Château, where Napoleon stayed on two occasions. We also pass through Villiers-aux-Chênes, home to an ancient Merovingian cemetery, and finally through Dommartin-le-Saint-Père, where you can visit the Foundry Museum.

Explore the plateau between Baudrecourt and Dommartin-le-Saint-Père and its many wind turbines, passing through Baudrecourt. Enjoy the pretty old stone houses, now renovated. You can also see a watercress bed in the Blaiseron riverbed.