Haute-Marne is a department of springs and forests, a wooded limestone plateau from which the Marne, the Aube and the Meuse spring forth, rivers that go on to water far more famous regions. This tranquil and little-visited region has, through isolation and a harsh climate, forged robust men and skilled craftsmen, whose reputation extends far beyond the department’s borders.
Langres, a hilltop town perched on a plateau overlooking the Marne valley, is one of the masterpieces of French fortified architecture: its Roman and medieval ramparts, complemented by Renaissance towers and bastions, are almost intact and offer a walk of several kilometres with exceptional panoramic views. It is also the birthplace of Diderot and the sculptor Bouchardon.
Joinville, the former capital of the Duchy of Guise, boasts a partially preserved castle and valuable archives on the history of the Guise family, who defied the Valois and nearly seized the French throne in the 16th century. Bourbonne-les-Bains, a spa resort renowned since Roman times, and the forest of Châtillon-sur-Seine offer a preserved natural setting that contrasts pleasantly with the profusion of monuments in some neighbouring departments.