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Bar-le-Duc ville haute

Bar-le-Duc

In the heart of the Meuse, surrounded by forests and crossed by the Ornain river, the small town of Bar-le-Duc boasts a sumptuous Renaissance heritage.

Your stay in Bar-le Duc

    Église Saint-Étienne de Bar-le-Duc
    Festival RenaissanceS Quartier Renaissance 2016

    Discover Bar-le-Duc

    Bar-le-Duc, which has been awarded the "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" and "Plus Beaux Détours de France" labels, is a must for lovers of architecture and history... but also for gourmets!

    Surrounded by greenery, Bar-le-Duc is a veritable open-air museum! This festive town in the Meuse region comes alive every summer with RenaissanceS, a festival dedicated to the street arts. Let yourself be charmed by its tranquillity and unsuspected treasures!

    Bar-le-Duc ville haute
    Transi Église Saint-Étienne de Bar-le-Duc

    Explore the upper town and the Renaissance quarter

    Bar-le-Duc's discreet charm can be discovered as you wander through its ochre-tinted streets. Look up and admire the elegant stone facades of the town houses. Sculpted pediments, fluted pilasters and overhanging gargoyles are just some of the curiosities that recall the town's prestigious past. A precious testimony to 16th-century architecture, the Ville Haute district is one of the most remarkable Renaissance urban ensembles in France.

    Sculpture takes pride of place in the church of Saint-Étienne, home to "Le Transi" by Lorraine artist Ligier Richier. The journey back in time continues to the Middle Ages: the Romanesque tower and the clock tower are the only remains of the town's ancient ramparts.

    Festival RenaissanceS Quartier Renaissance

    Marvel at the RenaissanceS Festival

    For over 25 years, the RenaissanceS festival has been combining live entertainment and heritage. Every year in early July, a host of French and international companies take to the streets of Bar-le-Duc town centre for 3 days of wonder and entertainment. A festive family event, RenaissanceS offers an ever-changing and varied artistic programme!

    Musée barrois
    Musée Barrois

    Visit the Musée Barrois

    Located in the heart of the historic district of Bar-le-Duc, the Musée Barrois showcases the history of the region. Housed in the remains of the former castle of the Dukes of Bar and Lorraine, it features archaeological objects, artistic productions from all periods and contemporary works of art.

    The works of local artists are given pride of place. These include works by the Sammiellan Renaissance sculptor Ligier Richier, and the sculptor Jean Robert, known as Ipoustéguy.

    petit garçon / madeleine

    A gourmet break in Bar-le-Duc

    The only one of its kind in the world, the gooseberry jam made with a quill pen is the pride of the small town of Bar le Duc. A luxury product nicknamed "Bar caviar", this traditional speciality has been emulated the world over. It is said that Alfred Hitchcock even ate it for breakfast!

    Not far from Bar-le-Duc, in Commercy, it's a biscuit that has made the town's reputation. Recognisable by its domed shape and golden colour, the madeleine de Commercy is a favourite with gourmets. This little cake is said to have been invented at the court of King Stanislas by a young servant who gave it her name!

    Musée Jeanne d_Arc

    Discover French History at Vaucouleurs

    Not far from Bar-le-Duc, another local personality who became an emblematic figure in French history is being honoured: Joan of Arc. The museum that bears her name tells the story of Joan of Arc's epic journey through Vaucouleurs.

    Dedicated to representations of the young warrior, it brings together nearly 300 drawings, models, bronzes and posters bearing her effigy. This impressive collection bears witness to the wealth of Johannine imagery from the 16th century to the present day.

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