Val-de-Meuse walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

A walk through meadows, past cows and horses, with beautiful countryside scenery and dirt tracks.

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.

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 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?

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.

A route showcasing the transition in landscapes and architecture between the Vosges and the Haute-Marne.

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 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.

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

It’s well worth venturing deep into the woods to discover the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Cherlieu.

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.

Argillières is a small village steeped in legend... Its castle is said to have been home in the 18th century to the famous bandit Mandrin, a hero to the people but a thief whom the authorities were determined to bring down at any cost. Concealed by a high wall, this castle, built in the 17th and 18th centuries, is now mainly occupied during the summer months.

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.

Club Vosgien route where you will see crosses and calvaries, an altarpiece, a chapel, a church and an ancient Roman road, through the shimmering countryside and deciduous woods.

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

This stage follows the southern part of the Eurovélo 19 "La Meuse à vélo" route (1,050 km from Langres to Rotterdam). From Neufchâteau, we follow the meandering Mouzon, a tributary of the Meuse. We then leave it behind, taking less travelled but more direct roads that avoid the meanders of the Meuse. We rejoin the EV19 just before the "Source de la Meuse" site, on the Langres plateau crossed by three watersheds. With the plateau reaching a height of 450 m, the gradients are not significant, but on arrival, you will need to make a little effort to climb the promontory on which the Citadel of Langres is perched. Your reward: a splendid view at dusk!

In a rural landscape where industry has nevertheless left its mark, let's follow the route of the jalopy, which stopped in each village to load goods.

Discover the trades of our ancestors in the forest on this forest trail.

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

Rupt-sur-Saône is a small picturesque village in the Saône valley, at the foot of three hills, close to a salt road and a Roman road The nearby forest is home to the ghosts of the medieval loves of the Crusader Jean de Rupt, while the Saône offers the pleasures of fishing and boat trips.