The best walks and hikes around Charmes
4.5
(309)
1,642
hikers
94
hikes
Hiking around Charmes offers a diverse landscape characterized by tranquil lakes, gentle hills, and historical sites. The region features a network of trails that often follow the shores of bodies of water like Lac de Charmes and Lake Liez. Elevation changes are generally moderate, providing accessible routes alongside paths with slightly more ascent.
Best hiking trails around Charmes
- The most popular hiking route is Lac de Charmes — loop from Bannes, a 5.6 miles (9.0 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 18 minutes to complete. This route offers views of the lake and surrounding natural areas.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Notre Dame de Mont-Vangé — loop from Changey, an easy 4.5 miles (7.3 km) path. This trail leads through varied terrain, including a hill that provides elevated perspectives.
- Local hikers also love the Fort de la pointe de Diamant — loop from Humes, a 10.9 miles (17.6 km) trail leading through forested areas and past historical points of interest, often completed in about 4 hours 42 minutes.
- Hiking around Charmes is defined by its lakes, gentle hills, and historical landmarks. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy family friendly hikes to more challenging long distance hiking trails.
- The routes in Charmes are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 270 reviews. More than 1300 hikers have used komoot to explore Charmes's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 18, 2026
2.0
(1)
25
hikers
8.95km
02:18
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
15
hikers
7.31km
01:59
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
17.6km
04:42
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(28)
159
hikers
27.3km
07:04
160m
160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
6
hikers
15.7km
04:14
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A very beautiful circular route around Lac de la Liez, whether on foot or by bike.
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Leaving the Bouchot Woods, the path crosses the Suane River and then opens onto a rural setting. You can enjoy the refreshing shade of the trees during the afternoon.
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easy place to walk, nice view mixed with nature
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Originally, Lake Liez was called “Lecey dyke”. This is linked to the digging of the Marne-Saône canal. The Liez dam is 490 meters long and 16 meters high. It is the largest of the four feeding lakes of the upper reach of the canal between Champagne and Burgundy.
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This is a forest area that covers part of the Mont Vengé plateau, a limestone formation that rises above the surrounding plains. The forest is composed mainly of oaks and hornbeams on the plateau and a mixed oak and beech forest on the slope. The forest is home to various species of birds, mammals, insects and plants, some of which are rare or protected. For example, there are the green woodpecker, the red-backed shrike, the hazel dormouse, the horseshoe bat and the swallow-tailed butterfly. The Bois de la Montagne forest in Changey is a magnificent and varied place to explore and enjoy.
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The Mont Vengé plateau is a place where you can admire the statue of the Virgin Mary and benefit from panoramic views of the Marne valley and the town of Langres. Along the way, you will also pass two fortifications which highlight the military heritage of Langres in the 19th century. Depending on the season, you can also admire beautiful flowers and orchids on the dry lawns of Changey.
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The Diamond Point Fort is a 19th century fortification which was part of the city's defensive system. The fort is located on a hill overlooking the Mouche and Bonnelle valleys, offering panoramic views of the countryside. You can explore the casemates, barracks, powder magazine and ramparts of the fort, and learn about its history and role in the Franco-Prussian War and the First World War. The fort also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, such as concerts, markets and festivals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Charmes?
Charmes offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with nearly 100 routes available. These trails cater to different skill levels, including 36 easy, 57 moderate, and 6 difficult options.
Are there any family-friendly hiking trails in Charmes?
Yes, Charmes has several family-friendly options. Many of the 36 easy routes are suitable for families. A good example is the Notre Dame de Mont-Vangé — loop from Changey, an easy 7.3 km path that leads through varied terrain.
What are the options for circular walks around Charmes?
Many trails in Charmes are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular choices include the Lac de Charmes — loop from Bannes, which offers scenic lake views, and the longer Fort de la pointe de Diamant — loop from Humes through forested areas.
Are there any challenging long-distance hiking trails near Charmes?
For those seeking a challenge, Charmes offers a few difficult routes. The Lake Liez – Liez Lake Dam loop from Champigny-lès-Langres is a difficult 27.2 km trail that provides a substantial long-distance hiking experience.
What kind of scenery can I expect on hikes around Charmes?
Hiking around Charmes is characterized by diverse scenery, including tranquil lakes like Lac de Charmes and Lake Liez, gentle rolling hills, and historical sites. Many trails follow the shores of these bodies of water, offering picturesque views.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Charmes?
The hiking trails in Charmes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 270 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's diverse landscape, which combines serene lake views with historical points of interest and varied terrain.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the hiking trails?
Yes, the Charmes region is rich in landmarks. You can explore historical sites such as the Saint-Mammès Cathedral of Langres or the Porte des Terreaux. The Langres Rack Railway is another unique point of interest. Many routes also feature beautiful lake views, such as those around Lac de Charmes.
What is the typical duration for hikes in Charmes?
Hike durations vary significantly. Easy trails like the Notre Dame de Mont-Vangé — loop from Changey can be completed in about 2 hours. Moderate routes, such as the Lac de Charmes — loop from Bannes, typically take around 2 hours 18 minutes. Longer, more difficult trails can extend to 7 hours or more.
Are there any hikes that feature lake views or access to beaches?
Absolutely. The region is known for its lakes. The Lac de Charmes — loop from Bannes offers continuous views of the lake. You can also find routes that lead to spots like Liez Lake Beach, perfect for a break by the water.
What is the elevation gain like on trails around Charmes?
Elevation changes in Charmes are generally moderate, making many routes accessible. For instance, the Lac de Charmes — loop from Bannes has an elevation gain of around 42 meters. Even longer trails like the Fort de la pointe de Diamant — loop from Humes have a manageable gain of about 195 meters.
Are there any less crowded hiking options in Charmes?
While some popular routes can see more foot traffic, Charmes offers nearly 100 trails, providing ample opportunity to find quieter paths. Exploring some of the lesser-known moderate or difficult routes, or hiking during off-peak hours, can lead to a more solitary experience.
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