Joinville

Saint Dizier

Chaumont

Neufchateau

Langres

Bayel

Troyes

Reims

Picturesque towns and villages

The Haute Marne and surrounding area is a region not dominated by big cities, but has many small, attractive towns and villages set amongst the undulating countryside.

Joinville

12km from La Forge de Sainte Marie, Joinville is a quaint little town, offering all the amenities that you will require during your stay at La Forge de Sainte Marie.  Small cafés on the canalside are ideal spots for an afternoon coffee or beer, while a stroll round will give you the chance to see some of the beautiful old buildings still in their original state from up to 500 years ago.

Saint Dizier

In Saint Dizier you'll find a wide range of shops and cafés, with many of the high street names from the UK.  Complementing these are small arts and crafts stores, with plenty of novel gift ideas for friends back home.

Chaumont

With its huge viaduct towering alongside, Chaumont is a wonderfully historic town, with small, winding streets opening up to majestic squares.  The Marne runs through the centre of the city, so combine a day of shopping and sightseeing with a walk along the riverside.

Neufchateau

Neufchâteau, a small town in the neighbouring department of Vosges, hosts a live music festival during the season.  Set amongst the narrow streets and alleyways, there is a wide variety of music, mixing local talent with more internationally known music.  A fantastic cultural experience.

Langres 

The walled city of Langres was a major focal point of the region during wartime.  The old town, set high above ground level, allowed the soldiers of the day to guard a wide area of land, and thus give as much warning as possible in the event of an attack.  You can walk all the way to the top, or take the scenic route in the cable car.  Langres is also well known for its excellent cheese.

Bayel

An hours drive from the site, Bayel is home to the crystal industry in the region.  Take a tour of the factories and kilns, watching the people at work, and see the objects take shape through glass blowing.

Troyes 

The city of Troyes is beautifully designed, with an original tudor house set amongst modern buildings and a fantastic cathedral at its centre.  The main roads in the city, when viewed from above, form the shape of a champagne cork, a hark back to the days when Troyes was a much bigger champagne producer than it is today.  On the outskirts of the city, designer outlet store McArthur Glen has bargains for everyone.

Reims and Epernay 

Reims and Epernay, linked by the scenic ‘Route de Champagne’, have the most prestigious champagne producers amongst their residents.  Take in a trip to both with a visit to the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims, followed by a tour of one of the many champagne houses in Epernay.