Langres

Langres is a commune in northeastern France, located in the Haute-Marne department of the Grand Est region. It serves as a subprefecture of the arrondissement of Langres and is a historic center on the Langres plateau.

Geography and features: The town sits on a limestone plateau at the edge of the Champagne-Ardenne area, overlooking the valley of the Marne. The historic center is perched on a hill and is surrounded by medieval ramparts and towers that shape its silhouette. The old town preserves a network of narrow streets and traditional houses that reflect its past.

History: The site has ancient roots with evidence of Gaulish settlement under the Lingones. Langres developed through the Roman era and the Middle Ages around a fortress and a cathedral. Over the centuries, its fortifications were modified and expanded, and the town retained a strong administrative and religious role in the region.

Landmarks: The Langres Cathedral, dedicated to Saint-Mammès, is a principal religious monument. The ramparts and towers remain prominent features of the urban landscape, complemented by historic houses and churches that illustrate the town’s long architectural tradition.

Economy and culture: Langres is widely known for Langres cheese, a washed-rind cow’s milk cheese named after the town and produced in the surrounding countryside. The cheese is a key element of the region’s gastronomic identity. The town also hosts markets and cultural events that reflect its historical heritage.

Transport and administration: Langres is connected by road and rail to major French cities and functions as the administrative center of its arrondissement, serving as a hub for local governance and services.