Located in the rural region of Champagne-Ardennes, the departement of Haute-Marne, named after the River Marne that flows through the area, is not usually high on the list of places to visit. Yet tourists bypassing this pretty and historical region are missing out on some great attractions. Whether you want to enjoy the wooded landscapes, four lakes or special greenways for cycling, or would prefer to explore the Renaissance castle of Joinville and the family home of Charles de Gaulle, they can all be found in Haute-Marne. The main towns of Langres and Chaumont are both ideal locations to make your base, with plenty of tourist accommodation to suit every budget.
The main reason to visit this medieval town is its impressive Renaissance castle, the Chateau du Jardin. As you might expect by the name, the laid-out gardens and open grounds around the castle are beautifully maintained and very big. Make sure you leave at least an hour to explore them properly. The old town itself has changed little since the 16th century, with winding alleyways leading to the River Marne and the 500-year-old Poncelet Bridge, which is still in use today. Further north of Joinville is the Der-Chantecoq lake, on the border with the neighbouring department of Marne. This is the largest artificial lake in Europe and is a great place to relax after all that sightseeing in Joinville. Not only are there several beaches and safe swimming, but also you can try your hand at water sports like sailing, wind surfing and even water skiing. There are several paths around the shore of the lake and up to the water towers located in nearby villages. You are allowed to climb these structures, if you have a head for heights, and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings.
Further south are the large, historic towns of Chaumont and Langres. The former is a fortified town, which is home to a medieval castle, churches and typical half-timbered houses, while there is an impressive 19th century viaduct on the outskirts of the town that you can cross for a small fee. Langres, meanwhile, is another fortified town, with many of its walls and towers still standing. The main attraction is undoubtedly the 12the century cathedral, although the town is also famous for the soft cheese that shares its name. Not far from Chaumont is the village of Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, the birthplace of the great French military and political leader Charles de Gaulle. You can visit his former home which has now been turned into a museum about his life and achievements.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Haute-Marne? Then below is a selection of gites in Haute-Marne and villas in Haute-Marne that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
