Langres is a city and commune of eastern France. It is a sous-préfecture of the Haute-Marne département, in the Champagne-Ardenne région. Population (1999): 9,586.

History

As the capital of the Romanized Celtic 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 Romans roads. The 1st century Triumphal Gate and the many artefacts exhibited in the museums are witnesses to 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 troubled 14th and 15th centuries were reason enough for the town to strengthen its fortifications 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.

Highlights

Today Langres is a unique historical town with numerous art treasures. Sights include the Saint-Mammès cathedral and the ancient defensive walls surrounding the old city (3.5 km), including 7 towers and 6 gates.

Miscellaneous

Births

Langres was the birthplace of:

• Jeanne Mance (1606-1673), the co-founder of Montréal
• Claude Gillot (1673-1722), painter
• Denis Diderot (1713-1784), the philosopher of the Age of Enlightement, and the editor-in-chief of the Encyclopédie.

Twin towns

Langres is twinned with:

• Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England - since 1995
• Ellwangen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany - since 1964
• Abbiategrasso , Lombardy, Italy

External links

• http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08789c.htm
• http://www.langres.fr