Haute-Marne, Administrative department in Grand Est, France
Haute-Marne is an administrative territory in northeastern France, sitting between Champagne and Burgundy across rolling hills and forested plateaus. The prefecture of Chaumont and the two sub-prefectures of Langres and Saint-Dizier serve as administrative centers for the surrounding communes and hamlets.
The National Assembly created the territory in March 1790 as part of the territorial reorganization following the overthrow of the monarchy. Later adjustments added communes from neighboring regions to shape the current boundaries.
The name refers to the upper course of the Marne river, which flows through the territory and shapes its valleys. Craftsmen still produce traditional cutlery and metalwork in small workshops scattered across the countryside, selling their pieces at weekly town fairs.
Travel is easiest via train stations in the larger towns, from which buses reach smaller villages. Visitors planning to explore rural areas should rent a car, as many hamlets have infrequent public connections.
Truffles grow in the woodlands, hunted by locals with specially trained dogs. Some villages hold small autumn markets where foragers sell their finds directly to buyers.
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