Best attractions and places to see around Lavernoy, a small commune in the Haute-Marne department of north-eastern France, serve as a tranquil base for exploring the wider region. The area is characterized by its natural features, including the source of the Meuse River, and historical sites. Visitors can discover a mix of cultural heritage and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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The source of the Meuse River is located in Pouilly-en-Bassigny (409 m), about 32 km by bike from Langres. Information boards have been set up here, and a lovely rest area has been created. The waters flow gently, almost sleepily, from the source of the Meuse and wind their way through stunning landscapes from the Vosges Mountains through Belgium's Ardennes to the flatlands of the Netherlands, 1,000 km to Rotterdam. Breathtaking nature, historic towns, and, above all, a magnificent cycle path.
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As you wander through the alleyways of Montigny-le-Roi, discover the 19th century fountains and wash houses, witnesses to daily life in times gone by.
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Provenchères-sur-Meuse is a small village whose Saint-Èvre church is listed as a Historic Monument. It has a single nave with a polygonal apse and two side chapels.
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The source of the Meuse is beautifully framed and a special place.
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Source of the Meuse, a must during the first stage of EuroVelo 19 ✅
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5 km from the village, surrounded by woods, Notre-Dame-de-Presles is a homogeneous Gothic chapel from the beginning of the 14th century, which would have been built by the cathedral chapter of Langres, largely a beneficiary of the income from the lands of Marcilly. Made up of three bays and with a flat apse, the building has the particularity of having under its choir a crypt with a broken barrel vault, where a spring springs out. A very busy pilgrimage once took place in this place. People came from far away to venerate the statuette and the source reputed to be miraculous. But the interest of the chapel lies above all in its wall paintings, also dating from the 14th century. On the vaults, graceful angels, with peaceful smiles, carry the shield of the King of France and the Bishop of Langres. In the choir, Christ seated on a rainbow is accompanied by Saint John and certainly the Virgin (erased). At their side, trumpet-blowing angels seem to announce the last judgment. Other paintings, unfortunately erased, can still be seen in places: geometric friezes, characters... A legend tells of its origin... In distant times, a shepherd who regularly went to lead his herd into the Presles valley, noticed that one of his oxen was constantly eating in the same place and that the grass there however grew back very quickly. Intrigued, he began digging and discovered a statue of the Blessed Virgin carrying the Child Jesus. Transported to the village church, she disappeared and found herself three times at the place of her discovery. It was then understood that the saint wanted to be honored in this isolated place; this is why the chapel was built and a pilgrimage was organized. This pilgrimage is said to be favorable to spouses wishing to have a child. Quelle: https://www.tourisme-langres.com/fr/CHAPELLE-MARCILLY-EN-BASSIGNY-01_chapelle-notre-dame-de-presles-a-marcilly-en-bassigny
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This is the town where the Meuse has its source. A sign to the south-east of the village shows you the way to take. In fact, you can't go wrong, it's Rue de la Source.
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The region around Lavernoy offers several natural highlights. You can visit Pouilly-en-Bassigny, which is home to the source of the Meuse River, a beautifully framed and special place. Another significant natural feature is Lac de la Liez, where you can enjoy various water sports, swimming, fishing, and trails for hiking and cycling.
Yes, the area is rich in history. Don't miss the Notre-Dame de Presles Chapel, a 14th-century Gothic chapel known for its wall paintings and a crypt with a spring, once a busy pilgrimage destination. You can also explore Montigny-le-Roi, a settlement featuring 19th-century fountains and wash houses that offer a glimpse into past daily life. Additionally, the village of Provenchères-sur-Meuse is home to the Saint-Èvre church, listed as a Historic Monument.
For families, the Parc de Loisirs de Charmeval offers a nature-based leisure park with activities like pedal boats, mini-golf, and a small train. The Wildlife park The Banished in Bourbonne-les-Bains is another option for animal lovers. The source of the Meuse River at Pouilly-en-Bassigny also provides a pleasant rest area and is part of a cycle path, suitable for family outings.
There are several hiking opportunities around Lavernoy. You can find routes like the 'Chapel loop from Vicq' (7.1 km, moderate) or the 'Curious lamas – Tiny Blue Trailer Campsite loop from Arbigny-sous-Varennes' (11.8 km, moderate). For more options, explore the full guide to Hiking around Lavernoy.
Yes, the region is great for cycling. The source of the Meuse River at Pouilly-en-Bassigny is part of a magnificent cycle path, and the Lac de la Liez also has trails suitable for cycling. You can find various routes, including the 'Melay Washhouse – Bourbonne les Bains loop from Laneuvelle' (43.8 km, difficult). Discover more cycling options in the Cycling around Lavernoy guide.
Lac de la Liez is the primary spot for water activities. You can enjoy non-motorized options such as sailing, canoeing, and paddleboarding, or more exhilarating activities like water skiing and wakeboarding. The lake also features supervised swimming areas in summer and facilities for pedal boat rentals.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area, especially the source of the Meuse River at Pouilly-en-Bassigny, which is described as a special place with a lovely rest area. The historical charm of sites like the Notre-Dame de Presles Chapel and the 19th-century fountains in Montigny-le-Roi are also highly valued for their glimpse into the past.
Yes, Valvital - Thermes de Bourbonne-les-Bains is a significant thermal spa known for its curative waters. It offers medicalized thermal cures, wellness stays, and relaxation treatments, leveraging hyperthermal waters that have been used for therapeutic purposes for approximately 2000 years.
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. Examples include a 'Running loop from Damrémont' (9.5 km, moderate) and a 'Running loop from Poiseul' (12.5 km, moderate). You can find more detailed information and routes in the Running Trails around Lavernoy guide.
While not extensively detailed, the Notre-Dame de Presles Chapel, nestled in the woods 5 km from the village, with its ancient wall paintings and miraculous spring, offers a unique and less-traveled historical experience. The 19th-century fountains and wash houses of Montigny-le-Roi also provide a charming, authentic glimpse into local heritage.
While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided, the presence of water sports at Lac de la Liez and supervised swimming areas suggests that the summer months are ideal for enjoying outdoor and water-based activities. Spring and autumn would be pleasant for hiking and cycling, with milder temperatures and beautiful natural scenery.


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