Culmont brings together several specific themes for a discovery trip: the Via Francigena reaches the village after following the route along Lac de la Liez, while the Le diable du Foultot hiking trail runs through the forests of Culmont and two other municipalities. Also worth exploring are the Eglise Saint-Georges, the Mares des Marchats and a horse-riding facility. You can therefore tailor your stay to your interests in hiking, architecture, nature or horses.
Hiking: two different route settings
The Via Francigena follows the GR145 route along Lac de la Liez before reaching Culmont. The sequence of lakeshore followed by arrival in the village is a distinctive feature of this pilgrimage route. The Le diable du Foultot hiking trail (PR No. 87) runs through the forests of Chalindrey, Culmont and Torcenay. Its forest route therefore covers a different area, spanning three municipalities. If you are choosing between these two hiking options, consider whether the pilgrimage route or the forest setting of the PR trail matters more to you.
Architecture at the Eglise Saint-Georges
The Eglise Saint-Georges de Culmont adds an architectural theme to the routes and landscapes. It has a single-nave layout with three bays, covered by a false pendentive vault. “Single-nave” refers to a church space with one nave; three bays divide it into sections. The portal tower also has its own historical context: its plans and sections were drawn up in 1858. For visitors, the church is freely accessible from the outside all year round; a separate confirmation may be needed to visit the interior.
The ponds of the Mares des Marchats
The Mares des Marchats add a distinct focus on nature to your trip planning. They include five ponds in Culmont and are part of a group of around a hundred ponds, often peat-filled, on the clay-and-sandstone plateau of Bassigny. The ponds provide feeding grounds for dragonflies, amphibians and various birds. For nature lovers, this connection is a particular reason to appreciate the Mares as a natural area. They have no visitor facilities, and access is reserved for knowledgeable and respectful visitors. Since access conditions may change due to local conservation measures, please check local guidance before your visit.
Horse riding as a distinct focus
The Centre Equestre Le Val Arbin offers another clearly defined reason to visit. Beginners are accepted from the age of five. Riding sessions are available by the hour or for half a day; direct access to the forest makes horseback rides easier. Choosing between the formats helps you decide how much time to set aside. Offer details may change, so check in advance if you are planning to ride.
Planning access and time
Visitor conditions differ considerably when planning your trip: the Eglise Saint-Georges is freely accessible from the outside all year round, while the Mares des Marchats have no visitor facilities and access is reserved for knowledgeable and respectful visitors. For horse riding, the time commitment is specified: sessions are available by the hour or for half a day. This comparison helps you assess access and time requirements for each activity.
Discover more destinations: Montsaugeon, Jagee, Champigny-sous-Varennes, Vignes-La-Côté, Éclaron-Braucourt-Sainte-Livière, Pisseloup, Langres, Euffigneix.
For the wider travel overview: Haute-Marne.
