For a stay in Bourg, two distinct perspectives are worth exploring: landscape views and local history. The Promenade du belvédère combines views over the surrounding countryside with a south-facing terrace; the Croix de Bourg is a cross dating from 1808 with panoramic views over the valley. Whether you would like to focus your stay on views or on historic buildings and places of remembrance, Bourg offers specific points of interest for both.
Park, views and former castle grounds
The Promenade du belvédère is a picturesque park offering views over the surrounding countryside and a south-facing terrace. It is located on the grounds of a former castle belonging to the bishops of Langres, which was destroyed in the early 15th century. The grounds include a manor house, terraces and numerous dry-stone walls built in the 18th century. The dates reflect different historical periods: the castle’s history goes back to its destruction in the early 15th century, while the dry-stone walls date from the 18th century. In contrast to the Croix de Bourg, the park and former castle grounds shape the views here; at the Croix, the dated cross and the view over the valley take centre stage.
Building history and archaeological traces
The Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception de Bourg was rebuilt in the centre of the village in the Neo-Gothic style from 1894 onwards. The Chapelle Saint Nicolas that can be seen today dates from the 18th century. These are two different historical references: for the church, the start of the reconstruction is dated; for the chapel, the age of the present-day structure is given. Excavations at the Les Chenots field site uncovered the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa in 1932. This find adds an archaeological perspective to the history of the village. The dates refer to different events: 1808 dates the cross, 1894 marks the start of the reconstruction, 1932 the discovery of the villa, and August 1918 the deployment at the front for which the training camp prepared its troops. This makes it possible to distinguish the dates of the building, archaeological and military histories.
The 1918 training camp
Training Camp No. 302 was used to train American light tank troops before their deployment at the front in August 1918. The facility included a purpose-built railway line, buildings, water and electricity supplies, roads with pavements, telegraph and telephone services, as well as a mess hall, a kitchen, a restaurant and a cinema. These facilities identify the camp as a purpose-built training site, rather than just a single building. The facilities mentioned belong to the camp’s history before the troops were deployed at the front; they should not be understood as visitor facilities available today.
Place of remembrance and access restrictions
A monument at the Croix d'Arles commemorates General Patton. The Ouvrage de la Croix d'Arles is a small infantry fortification carved into the plateau rock. It is currently located within the grounds of the private Croix d'Arles campsite; access to the grounds is strictly prohibited. Check the current conditions before approaching the site.
Discover more destinations: Ceffonds, Thonnance Les Moulins, Bayard-sur-Marne, Le Val-D'esnoms, Foulain, Coublanc, Verseilles-le-Bas, Laferté-sur-Aube
Return to the regional travel overview: Haute-Marne.
