Langres, Champagne-Ardenne

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Langres is in the Haute-Marne department of the Champagne-Ardenne region, 35 km south of Chaumont.

The town is in an attractive location, above the Marne river on the 'Plateau de Langres'.

The main highlight is the ramparts that surround the town, about 3.5km long that can be walked around, and including seven fortified towers and seven gateways. Parts of the ramparts date back 2000 years, although some parts are much more recent - for example the citadel dates from the 19th century, and most of the towers date from the 15th-16th centuries.

If walking is a bit much, there is a little tram that also makes the tour of the ramparts. (Note: Langres was the first town in France to have a train 'à crémaillère' - to enable steeper slopes to be climbed, these have a third 'notched' rail between the normal two rails, enabling better traction).

Having toured the edge of the town, the town itself is worthy of an explore, with some attractive streets lined with Renaissance houses, and the other high point of the town - the Cathedral Saint-Mammes. Built in the second half of the 12th century, the style falls between Roman and Gothic, with a little of each. The 13th century cloister at the cathedral now houses the town library.

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