COMMUNE DE BAR LE DUC

Prefecture of the Meuse, Bar-le-Duc is located in the south of the department and counts about 16000 inhabitants called the barisiens. Surrounded by forests, Bar-le-Duc is crossed by the river Ornain and served by the railroad lines (Paris-Strasbourg and Paris-Metz) and the canal from the Marne to the Rhine. Bar-le-Duc invites you to a discreet discovery of the upper town district, which constitutes one of the most remarkable Renaissance urban ensembles in France. Labelled as a "City of Art and History", Bar-le-Duc hides precious testimonies of the 16th century architecture, of which the private mansions of the Place Saint Pierre and of the Rue des Ducs de Bar reveal the most beautiful secrets. Sculpted pediments, fluted pilasters and overhanging gargoyles are all curiosities that remind us how prestigious the past was in these places. The history goes back to the 10th century when the Counts of Bar built a castle and a fortified city to ensure the defense of their territory against the Kingdom of France. The Romanesque Gate and the Clock Tower dominating this high perched district are the last vestiges of this tormented period. The medieval castle gave way to the Neuf Castel dating from the 16th century and now housing the collections of the Barrois Museum. From there, a walk around the ramparts offers an unusual visit between the upper and lower town? Bar-le-Duc opens the doors of its secret garden to you!