Lac du Der has become an increasingly popular destination for families and groups looking to have a little fun either in the water, hiking in the woods or participating in any number of events and sports offered nearby. Fishing is a fun activity that you will find many families partaking in while there are some incredibly picturesque hikes around the lake that make a great activity. For the more adventurous family, there are options of horseback riding, jet skiing, sailing, and biking. The bird migration here has also become quite a spectacle and is beloved by bird watchers and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Sculpted by Ligier Richier, in the year 1547, Transi de René de Chalon was built to honor the Prince of Orange. However, the sculpture is far from your regular memorials. A near-skeletal figure with torn skin and muscles, holding its heart in his hand, hardly looks like the 25 year old René de Chalon. But it was built to look like a decomposing corpse, as per specific instructions from the royal family. The reason behind this isn't clear, though some say it is to symbolize doing right by God even in death. Whatever the reasons, Transi de René de Chalon, which literally means "transforming René de Chalon", is a unique work of art and is often visited by art lovers from around the world.
Salle Dumas at the center of Bar-le-Duc is a famous venue for cultural events. Here, you can find stellar performances by local artists and groups in concerts, opera, drama and comedy shows. Equipped with adequate sound and light technologies and amazing acoustics, a visit to one of the events at Salle Dumas is highly recommended.
The church's primary attraction is the tomb of René de Châlon, Prince of Orange.The tomb bears the skeleton sculpture by Ligier Richier.
Located in the beautiful French town of Joinville, Château du Grand Jardin is a stunning historical mansion and park which sees a large number of tourist footfalls every year with its rich history, colorful cultural events and picturesque manicured gardens. Originally constructed in the 16th Century as a grand banquet house for the noble family of Guise, it was restored to its former glory in the 1980s and is today owned and maintained by the General Council of Haute-Marne. One can see many statues, flower beds, exotic plants, fruit trees along with the remarkable architecture and interiors of the castle. Live music concerts, theatrical performances, circuses, exhibitions and art installations are regularly hosted here along with guided tours, the details of which can be checked on the official website.
Trois-Fontaines Abbey was formerly a renowned Cistercian abbey situated in the very heart of the commune of Trois-Fontaines-l'Abbaye in France. It was established in 1118 by Bernard of Clairvaux - a French abbot known for his contributions towards the reformation of the Cistercian Order. This abbey suffered from significant damage during a fire which set off in 1703. It was eventually rebuilt by Pierre-Paul Guérin de Tencin, who was an esteemed French ecclesiastic. At present, the edifice is in ruins, and one of its outbuildings is being used to house a bicycle museum.
Chateau de Commercy is a French Baroque gem in Commercy town. The mansion was funded by Prince of Vaudémont, Charles Henri de Lorraine and built in the year 1708. It was built to the designs of Germain Boffrand who is also credited with the design of Haroué and Lunéville castles. In the later years, the chateau became home to Élisabeth Charlotte d'Orléans.