Bar-le-Duc (about 15,000 inhabitants) is the capital of the Meuse department. The modest economic influence of its urban center has long earned it the nickname of sleeping beauty. Positioned on the LGV East European line for more than 10 years, it has since capitalized on its fabulous historical heritage, built by the powerful Duchy of Bar and developed during the Renaissance. Holidaymakers will appreciate this city labeled Art and History interspersed with water, the Ornain and the Marne-Rhine canal, which is ideal for strolling. You can stroll on foot or by bike through the ages, a little further on in the middle of the green and the pretty hamlets...City of the county and then of the duchy. Capital of the county then duchy of Bar, Bar-le-Duc is in the 14th century one of the main Lorraine citadels. It developed richly at the bottom of the valley, along the Ornain river and in the hills, around the old medieval castle. At the end of the 15th century, associated with the Duchy of Lorraine, the city experienced a long period of prosperity. The anti-French positions of its duke pushed the monarch Louis XIV to strip it of part of its fortifications (1670) and its castle. The long decline began - the duchy was attached to the kingdom of France in 1766, precipitated by the deviation of the royal highway Paris-Nancy through Saint-Dizier.14-18, the Sacred Way. Bar-le-Duc was relatively spared during the Great War. It first escaped enemy occupation, thanks to a detour by German troops in 1914. Until 1918, it was not affected by mass bombings. Some buildings of the lower city were however seriously damaged. Thanks to its position behind the front lines, Bar-le-Duc played the role of a supply base. In 1916, it became the starting point of the famous "Voie Sacrée", where thousands of vehicles drove night and day to supply Verdun, located 60 km away.Renaissance destination. Bar-le-Duc stands out from other Lorraine cities for its very well preserved Renaissance architectural heritage. In the upper town, you can admire the view and then go down to the Place Saint-Pierre. Your stroll will be punctuated by refined historical monuments and works of art, such as the Transi, a masterpiece attributed to Ligier Richier (Saint-Etienne church). Go in search of its famous gooseberry jam, developed in the 14th century. Finally, in July, enjoy the RenaissanceS festival with 40,000 spectators.

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La vieille ville de Bar-le-Duc vue depuis la côte Sainte-Catherine Olivier FRIMAT
Le musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Barrois à Bar-le-Duc ERWAN LE PRUNNEC - ICONOTEC

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