Taunay

Taunay is a commune located in the Haute-Marne department in the Grand Est region of north‑east France. It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Chaumont arrondissement and is part of the Grandvilliers canton. The municipal status is that of a commune, the smallest unit of local government in France.

Geographically, Taunay spans an area of 19.2 square kilometres. The elevation ranges from 260 metres to 385 metres above sea level, with an average altitude of approximately 300 metres. The landscape is predominantly rural, characterised by agricultural land and patches of forest.

Historically, the area of Taunay has been inhabited since the medieval period, although detailed records first appear in the 12th century. The local church, dedicated to Saint Martin, dates back to the 18th century and is considered an important example of regional ecclesiastical architecture. In the 19th century, the commune experienced modest growth, largely due to developments in farming techniques and the establishment of local cooperatives.

The population of Taunay has fluctuated over the years. As of the latest census, the commune houses just over 500 residents, reflecting a steady decline from its mid‑20th-century peak. Despite this, the community maintains active civic participation, with regular local festivals celebrating both agricultural heritage and regional traditions.

Economically, Taunay remains largely agrarian, with key activities including cereal production, dairy farming, and small-scale livestock rearing. The presence of a communal grain mill, dating from the early 1900s, continues to serve local producers. Rural tourism has also begun to grow modestly, offering visitors insights into traditional farming life and the natural scenery of the Haute-Marne countryside.