Coordinates: 47°51′48″N 5°20′02″E / 47.8633333333°N 5.33388888889°E / 47.8633333333; 5.33388888889
Langres is a commune in north-eastern France. It is a subprefecture of the Haute-Marne département in the Champagne-Ardenne region.
[edit] History
As the capital of the Romanized Gallic tribe the Lingones, it was called Andematunnum, then Lingones, and now Langres.
The town is built on a limestone promontory of the same name. This stronghold was originally occupied by the Gauls, and, at a later date the Romans fortified the town belonging to the Celtic tribe the Lingones; Andemantunum the strategic cross-roads of twelve Roman roads.[citation needed] The 1st century Triumphal Gate and the many artefacts exhibited in the museums are witnesses to the Gallo-Roman town.
After the period of invasions, the town prospered in the Middle Ages due, in part, to the growing political influence of its bishops. The diocese covered Champagne, the Duchy of Burgundy and Franche-Comté, and the bishops gained the right to coin money in the 9th century and to name the military governor of the city in 927. The Bishop of Langres was a duke and peer of France. The troubled 14th and 15th centuries were reason enough for the town to strengthen its fortifications, which still give the old part of the city its fortified character, and Langres entered a period of royal tutelage. The Renaissance, which returned prosperty to the town, saw the construction of numerous fine civil, religious and military buildings that still stand today. In the 19th century, a "Vauban" citadel was added.
[edit] Main sights
Today Langres is a historical town with numerous art treasures within the ancient defensive walls surrounding the old city (3.5 km), including a dozen towers and seven gates.
The cathedral of Saint-Mammès is a late 12th-century structure dedicated to Mammes of Caesarea, a 3rd century martyr.
[edit] Culture
Langres is home to producers of an AOC-protected cheese of the same name. It is a soft, pungent cow's milk cheese that is known for its rind, which is washed with champagne.
[edit] Notable people
Langres was the birthplace of:
[edit] See also
[edit] Twin towns
Langres is twinned with:
[edit] External links
[edit] Gallery
Road sign announcing improvements to the Citadel of Langres | | | | |
Saint-Mammès Cathedral Cloister | Saint-Mammès Cathedral Cloister | Bas relief at Saint-Mammès Cathedral | | |
| | | | | Navarre and d'Orval Tower |
Navarre and d'Orval Tower | Navarre and d'Orval Tower ceiling framework | Navarre and d'Orval Tower torch holder | Navarre and d'Orval Tower torch holder | Navarre and d'Orval Tower gargoyle |
Navarre and d'Orval Tower | Navarre and d'Orval Tower | Navarre and d'Orval Tower | Navarre and d'Orval Tower well | Navarre and d'Orval Tower vaulted arch |
| | | | | Renaissance period mansion |
Renaissance period mansion | | |
