Attractions and Places To See around Charmes - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Charmes include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features a fortified city with ancient walls, gates, and a cathedral, reflecting centuries of history. Visitors can explore architectural landmarks and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. The area also offers a lake with a beach for recreational activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Charmes
- The most popular attractions is Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres, a religious building that…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres
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The city was destroyed by the Vandals …
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Porte des Terreaux
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Langres Rack Railway
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Porte de l'Hotêl de ville
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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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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 Porte de l’Hotêl de ville or Porte Gallo-Romaine, in Langres is one of the seven gates around the fortified town of Langres, whose origins date back to Gallo-Roman times. The gate was built in 1592, was given a barbican in 1620 and was rebuilt in 1750. The gate gave direct access to the markets and was an important passage for trade. The gate has an impressive frieze with gargoyles and a coat of arms with the fleur-de-lys. The gate is a national monument and one of the 20 most beautiful sights around 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 Porte des Terreaux is a historic gate in Langres. It is one of the gateways to the fortified city, which is surrounded by a 3.5 km wall. The gate was built in the early 13th century to allow military convoys to bypass the city center. The gate had a double drawbridge and a barbican, a defense structure that was later demolished. The gate also has a mâchicoulis cornice (extension above the entrance), a medieval architectural element.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Charmes?
The region around Charmes is rich in history, particularly in Langres. You can visit the impressive Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres, a religious building with Burgundian-Romanesque and Gothic elements. Explore the fortified city's ancient defenses, including the Porte des Terreaux, a historic gate from the early 13th century, and the Porte de l'Hotêl de ville, which dates back to Gallo-Roman times.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Charmes area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres offers an interesting historical experience. The Langres Rack Railway, France's first rack railway, provides a unique historical perspective and views. For outdoor fun, the Liez Lake Beach is a great option with swimming, a playground, and picnic areas.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially around the lakes. You can find numerous routes for jogging, mountain biking, and hiking. For example, there are running trails like the 'Tour of Lac de Charmes' and 'Notre Dame de Mont-Vangé Loop'. Mountain bikers can explore routes such as 'Lac de la Liez peninsula – Saint-Mammès Cathedral loop'. Hikers can enjoy trails like 'Lac de Charmes — loop from Bannes' or 'Fort de la pointe de Diamant — loop from Humes'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Charmes, MTB Trails around Charmes, and Hiking around Charmes guides.
Can I go swimming near Charmes?
Yes, the Liez Lake Beach is a popular spot for swimming. It's a sandy beach with a beautiful view of the lake and dam. Swimming is permitted when the green flag is raised, indicating good water quality and safety. The beach also features a solarium, volleyball court, playground, and picnic area.
Are there easy walking trails or beginner hikes around Charmes?
Yes, there are several easy walking and beginner-friendly hiking options. For instance, the 'Notre Dame de Mont-Vangé — loop from Changey' is an easy hiking route. Many of the trails around Lac de Charmes and Lac de la Liez offer moderate difficulty, making them accessible for most walkers. You can find more details in the Hiking around Charmes guide.
What is the best time to visit attractions around Charmes?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For swimming and lake activities at Liez Lake Beach, the beach is open from June to September. Historical sites like the cathedral and city gates in Langres can be visited year-round, though spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the fortified city walls.
Are there any unique man-made monuments or architectural highlights?
Absolutely. The Langres Rack Railway is a notable man-made monument, being France's first rack railway. While no longer operational, traces remain, and a restored train can be seen. The fortified city of Langres itself, with its 3.5 km wall, twelve towers, and seven gates like the Porte des Terreaux and Porte de l'Hotêl de ville, is an architectural marvel.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Charmes?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in Langres. The opportunity to walk along the four-kilometer-long city wall, explore ancient gates, and visit the impressive Saint-Mammès Cathedral are often highlighted. The scenic views of the surrounding landscape from the fortified city and the recreational opportunities at Liez Lake Beach are also popular.
Are there places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, for example, Liez Lake Beach is noted to have a pub and restaurant facilities. In the historic city of Langres, you can expect to find various cafes and restaurants, especially around the market square near the cathedral, offering options for dining and refreshments.
Is parking available at the main attractions in Langres?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, visitors have mentioned parking motorhomes up in the citadel of Langres with wonderful views. When visiting the fortified city, you can find parking options to explore the city walls, gates, and cathedral.
Are there any circular walks around the lakes near Charmes?
Yes, there are several circular routes around the local lakes. For example, you can find the 'Tour of Lac de Charmes' for running, or the 'Lac de Charmes — loop from Bannes' for hiking. Another option is the 'Liez Lake Dam – Liez Lake Beach loop from Langres' for running, or the 'Liez Lake Dam – Liez Lake Beach loop from Peigney' for mountain biking. These offer scenic paths around the water bodies.
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