Bar-le-Duc

Former capital of the Duchy of Bar, Bar-le-Duc has one of the finest Renaissance ensembles in France: its hilltop Ville-Haute (upper town) is lined with mansions and sculpted façades.

Getting there

By train: Bar-le-Duc station (Paris–Nancy line). By car: A4 then D1916.

History

Place Saint-Pierre and Ligier Richier's famous “Transi” (The Skeleton) in the Church of Saint-Étienne bear witness to the brilliant court of the Dukes of Bar.

Culture & stories

The listed Ville-Haute, the RenaissanceS festival, and the famous redcurrant jam deseeded by hand with a goose quill.

Location