A region rich in history
Historic towns, châteaux and amphitheatres
The Haute Marne is an area with a rich vein of history running through it. Many of the most famous figures in France have spent some of their life here, and there are monuments and museums marking these events all within easy reach of the campsite.
One of the focal points of the region, ‘Colombey les Deux Eglises’ marks the burial place of Charles De Gaulle. The monument can be seen for miles around, a sign of the respect paid towards him by the French people.
Grand, just a few kilometres from the site, is home to a 1st century Roman Amphitheatre. Only uncovered in 1963, an exact replica has been recreated over the original for its own protection, without losing any of its ancient feel. The mosaic, also in Grand, is considered the greatest of its kind known in Europe. A ‘must see’ on a visit to the area.
Domrémy-la-Pucelle, in the neighbouring department of the Vosges, is the birthplace of Joan of Arc, and as such has many monuments and museums in her memory. Among them stands the Basilica, which, when illuminated, towers majestically above the valley of the Meuse.
Cirey-sur-Blaise was once the home of the 18th century writer Voltaire, and a trip to the château will give you a great insight into his rather eccentric life.
Fort de Bourlemont, built in the 19th century, is well worth a visit. It has been left in its original state, and guided tours take you on an historical journey around the many parapets, moats and shooting platforms of the fort.
The Auditoire in Joinville is an old court built in 1561, which has preserved, amongst other things, its jail cells and solitary confinements. Guided tours are available and themed shows and events are staged regularly throughout the summer.
Verdun was a major fighting ground during World War 1. The many military cemeteries show the scale of what happened, and the museums tell the story. About a 90-minute drive from the site.
In the 18th century, Napoleon Bonaparte spent 5 years at a french military school in Brienne le Château. A tour of the school, now a museum, will take you back to the time of Napoleon’s stay.
