Attractions and Places To See around Culmont - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Culmont, a small village in the Haute-Marne department of France, offers a tranquil setting amidst natural beauty. The area is characterized by surrounding forests, providing opportunities for walking and observing local wildlife. While Culmont itself has modest points of interest, several significant attractions are found in its immediate vicinity, particularly in the nearby fortified city of Langres. This region serves as a base for exploring historical sites and natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Culmont
- The most popular attractions is Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres, a religious building that is a national monument dating from the 12th century. It features a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical styles, with a roof adorned with colorful tiles and an interior housing remarkable tapestries.
- Another must-see spot is Porte des Terreaux, a historic gate in Langres. This gateway, built in the early 13th century, is part of the city's fortifications and allowed military convoys to bypass the city center.
- Visitors also love Langres Rack Railway, a man-made monument that was the first rack railway built in France. Though closed in 1971, traces of its tracks and stations are still visible, offering views of the fortified city.
- Culmont is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and natural landscapes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient fortifications to scenic lake beaches.
- The attractions around Culmont are appreciated by the komoot community, with 104 upvotes and 132 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres
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The city was destroyed by the Vandals around 407 and then rebuilt much smaller. In 731 the city was destroyed, this time by the Saracens.
In 1284, Langres, along with all of Champagne, became part of the French kingdom. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Langres was expanded into a powerful fortress.
It's easy to take a walk along the four-kilometer-long city wall with its twelve towers and seven gates. There is also a small tourist “train” that runs here.
Also worth seeing is the St-Mammès Cathedral, built in the Burgundian-Romanesque style with a touch of Gothic. They were built in two phases around 1160 and 1220.
We have made a stopover in Langres for the third time with our motorhome, up in the citadel with a wonderful view of the landscape, and we are happy to come back.
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Porte des Terreaux
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Langres Rack Railway
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Source of the Marne
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Until the mid-19th century, the remains of a Gallo-Roman arch, which marked the northern city limit, were still visible. After being integrated into the fortifications at the end of the 3rd century and becoming a city gate, this structure owes its name either to its length or to a legendary king named Longo, whose effigy was mounted on a corbel overlooking the city. Around 1538, a barbican was built in front of the gate to prevent a frontal assault.
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Nice hike with parking and picnic area nearby. The path leading to the spring is a bit steep and can be slippery if it rains. The Sabinus cave is worth the detour, watch out for children when going there.
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This is the cathedral of Langres.
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Imposing cathedral of a small town steeped in history! Worth seeing from the outside and inside
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The Longe-Porte still has its 17th century guardhouse intact. The barbican of the “Longe-Porte” gate, projecting from the ramparts, allowed for increased control of access to the town of Langres.
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The Train à crémaillère in Langres was the first rack railway in France, connecting the Gare de Langres with the town of Langres, which is situated on a hill. The railway was 1.475 km long and had a maximum gradient of 172 ‰. The railway opened in 1887 with steam traction and was electrified in 1935. The railway was closed in 1971 due to obsolescence. One of the old electric trains has been restored and stands on the Promenade Jules Verne in Langres. The other has been taken to the Musée français du chemin de fer in Mulhouse. The railway was a major attraction for the residents and visitors of Langres, who could enjoy the views over the town and its surroundings.
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Langres Cathedral is dedicated to the 3rd century martyr Mammes of Caesarea. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Langres and is a national monument. The cathedral dates from the 12th century and has a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Classical styles. The roof is decorated with colourful tiles and the façade has many details. The cathedral has some remarkable tapestries that are worth seeing. The cathedral is also a place of pilgrimage, as it houses the holy relic of the head of Saint Mammes. The cathedral is 94m long and 23m high. The façade was destroyed by fire and replaced in the 18th century by a three-storey classical façade.
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The Marne (Latin Matrona) is a river in France. It rises on the plateau of Langres, in the municipality of Balesmes-sur-Marne, at an altitude of about 420 meters. It initially drains to the northwest, later turns to the west and southwest and flows into the Seine as a right tributary after about 514 kilometers between Charenton-le-Pont and Ivry-sur-Seine, just southeast of Paris. Several French departments are named after the Marne, namely Haute-Marne, Marne, Seine-et-Marne and Val-de-Marne.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore near Culmont?
The area around Culmont is rich in history, particularly the nearby fortified city of Langres. You can visit the impressive Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres, a national monument with Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical styles. Langres also boasts extensive fortifications, including the historic Porte des Terreaux and the Porte de l'Hotêl de ville. You can walk along the four-kilometer-long city walls, which feature twelve towers and seven gates.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Culmont?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Liez Lake Beach near Langres is a great option, offering swimming, a solarium, volleyball court, playground, and picnic area during the summer months. Historical sites like the Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres and the remains of the Langres Rack Railway also offer engaging experiences for all ages.
What natural features and wildlife can I observe near Culmont?
Culmont is nestled in a valley surrounded by forests, providing ample opportunities for nature observation. Hiking trails, including a segment of the Via Francigena, pass through these forests, where you might spot local wildlife such as deer, stags, and wild boars. The agricultural landscape also features a large farm where you can see hundreds of milking cows and their young in the meadows during summer. Additionally, the Liez Lake Beach offers beautiful views of the lake and dam.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and running. For cycling, consider routes like the 'Lake Liez – Diderot Square loop from Peigney' or the 'Pouilly-en-Bassigny – View of Langres loop from Peigney'. Running enthusiasts can explore trails such as the 'Running loop from Torcenay' or the 'Étang de Noribaud loop from Culmont - Chalindrey'. For more detailed routes, you can explore the Cycling around Culmont, Running Trails around Culmont, and Gravel biking around Culmont guides.
Are there any easy hikes or walks around Culmont?
Yes, the forests surrounding Culmont offer many opportunities for walking. While specific 'easy hikes with parking' are not detailed, the general area is conducive to walks. The ramparts of Langres also provide an easy four-kilometer walk with scenic views. For more structured routes, you can check the running guides which often include shorter, accessible loops.
What is the best time of year to visit Culmont and its surroundings?
The summer months, particularly June to September, are ideal for visiting, especially if you plan to enjoy activities like swimming at Liez Lake Beach. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant for exploring historical sites, walking through forests, and observing the agricultural landscape with cows in the meadows. Markets and local events are also more frequent in warmer months.
What are some unique historical facts about the area's railway system?
The Culmont-Chalindrey area has been an important railway crossroads since the mid-19th century. It features tunnels like Culmont-Saint-Maurice and Torcenay-Chaudenay. Notably, Langres was home to the first rack railway built in France, the Langres Rack Railway. Although closed in 1971, traces of its tracks and stations are still visible, offering a glimpse into this engineering marvel.
Can I find markets or local events in Culmont or nearby towns?
While Culmont itself is a small village, nearby towns like Langres host markets. Langres, for example, has a market on Fridays. Local events such as flea markets and markets by producers and artisans are occasionally held in Culmont and its surrounding communities, offering a chance to experience local culture and products.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Culmont?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The fortified city of Langres, with its impressive cathedral and walkable ramparts, is a major draw for its historical significance and panoramic views. The tranquility of the surrounding forests and the recreational opportunities at Liez Lake Beach are also highly valued by those seeking relaxation and outdoor activities.
Is there a castle in Culmont?
Yes, Culmont is home to the Château de Culmont, a charming 19th-century castle set within a large landscaped park. While it is not open for public tours, it is visible from the exterior and adds to the village's historical character.
Are there any viewpoints to enjoy scenic landscapes?
Absolutely. The ramparts of Langres offer excellent panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the area around the former Langres Rack Railway provides scenic vistas of the fortified city. The Liez Lake Beach also provides beautiful views of the lake and its dam.
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