3rd July. A visit to the citadel town of Langres.

The citadel town of Langres lies on top of the hill, 150 metres above the canal.

Leaving The Puzzler quite early to avoid the heat of the day, we climbed on up to the town.

There is a walkway all around Langres on the ramparts.

This is the fantastic view which these houses have.

This Gallo-Roman arch was built 30 years after the conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar, in around 20 BC. It is the oldest preserved edifice in Langres, and was built so that the road coming from Reims led directly into the town.

St-Gengoulph's Tower, on a rocky outcrop, was the last artillery tower to be built at Langres in 1553. A military pigeon loft in medieval style was added in 1883, as pigeons were an unnoticed means of communication, flying 100 km in 80 minutes.

Further on are the Navarre and Orval towers. Built in 1512 – 1519, the Navarre tower, to the right, has a diameter of 28 metres and a height of 20 metres, having 20 openings for firing, spread over 4 levels. The Orval tower houses a spiral ramp to bring cannons up to the Navarre tower, safe from enemy fire. Behind these two towers is a modern campsite, with all facilities! What a place to camp!

We enjoyed looking down on the town from the ramparts. This is the rue de la Tournelle.

Langres is an attractive town.

St. Mammes Cathedral dominates the centre of town. Langres is on a major pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome.

Inside the cathedral is just as impressive.

My favourite was the carving of the raising of Lazarus, which was in great detail. It came from the Clairvaux Abbey, and is said to be a major piece of the “Langroise” statuary art.

Shannon was delighted to see us on our return, and celebrated with a swim on the slipway.