Bar Le Duc (Meuse)

Bar le Duc Clock Tower

Bar Le Duc (Meuse) mini guide

Bar-le-Duc lies on the Rhine-Marne Canal and the river Ornain, with the upper town reaching the slopes above the valley. It is surrounded by woods and is served by railways (Paris/Strasbourg, Paris/Metz) and by the canal Marne/Rhine.

The ‘Sacred Road’ of First World War fame, started in Bar-le-Duc and crossed the region up to the north and provided much needed supplies to Verdun. In 2002, Bar-le-Duc was given the title ‘Ville d’art et d’histoire’ (City and Region of Art and History).

The Town Hall Park covers a landscaped area of 2 hectare. It was created in 1805 in order to embellish the residence of Marshal Oudinot. Planted out in a method known as ‘nouveau fleurissement’ this innovative style uses shapes, colours, textures and fragrances to help develop the parks true tradition. Several elements still remain from the original park, one such item is the panoramic viewpoint on the hillside. The colourful atmosphere makes it pleasant to walk in the shade of great old trees.

The Ville Haute, which is reached by staircases and steep narrow thoroughfares, is intersected by a long, quiet street, bordered by houses of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. In this quarter are the remains (16th century) of the chateau of the dukes of Bar, the old clock-tower, and the college, built in the latter half of the 16th century.

The Ducal Castle was almost entirely destroyed in 1670. It was a large building surrounded by high walls and not only used as dwelling. It also included the Collegiate Church of Saint Maxe, the ducal necropolis, canonical buildings, gardens and outhouses.  The “Neuf Castel” and the “Salle du Trésor des Chartes,” was built under the reigns of René II and Charles III and now house Bar-le-Duc’s Museum.

Medieval jousting tournaments are held in the elongated shape of Saint Peter’s square. The ‘Rue des Ducs de Bar’ the main street, runs along the square where many old houses (16th-18th) are located.

The Church of Saint Etienne is dedicated to Saint Peter, hence the name of the adjacent square (Saint Peter’s square). The church is an example of the flamboyant gothic style found in Lorraine and was built between 1440 and 1537. Today Saint Etienne houses works of art such as le Squelette (The skeleton) and le Calvaire (The calvary), both painted by Ligier Richier.  

Bar-le-Duc has rediscovers its rich heritage with much pride, more particularly the upper city, which became listed in 1973.