The sources in Haute-Marne

A land of water and forests, Haute-Marne is the birthplace of waterways, including three major rivers.

The source of the Marne

The Marne, which is some 500 km long, rises in the Marnotte Cirque, at Balesmes-sur-Marne. It flows into the Seine, after having run for a quarter of its total length through Haute-Marne and crossed five departments. This source is adjacent to another natural site: Sabinus Cave, named after a Gaulish chief, who took refuge in the cave after fighting the Romans. This legendary site offers a wonderful panorama, and foot paths lead from the rocks to the sources.

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The source of the Aube

The River Aube rises on Mont Armet, in Auberive Forest, 375 metres above sea level. The source of the Aube grows over several tens of kilometres to become the mighty river that flows into the Seine. It is the largest river in the department after the Marne. This source is a reference in terms of purity because its name comes from the Latin word "alba" which means "white." The Aube flows through several charming villages: Auberive, Bay-sur-Aube and Arbot, for example.

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The source of the Meuse

The Meuse, an international river (Agreement of 12 May 1863), rises at Pouilly en Bassigny, not far from the watershed between the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea drainage basins. It is 950 km long and travels 47 kilometres of this length through Haute-Marne, where it is increased in size by a dozen tributaries which all rise here or travel along quite some length through the department. On the Meuse, Saint Laurent's Fountain, also known as Saint Salaberge's Fountain, was said to cure certain ills.

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