Where nature and heritage meet

Saint-Dizier, gateway to Der

Metallurgy
Lake Der
Muse
Archaeology

A Merovingian site, a royal stronghold and the birthplace of cast iron, Saint-Dizier's history has left it with a heritage that is still very much alive. Visit the town and its museums to find out more. The Bragards, the inhabitants of Saint-Dizier, are people with heart.
Explore the surrounding area by the river or in the shade of the forest. Cycle paths and footpaths invite you to do so. Discover Protestant Wassy, the stud farms of Montier-en-Der or the shores of Lac du Der.
In the heart of this unspoilt region, where nature and heritage come together and where each season has its own festival, shows, events and cultural activities take place all year round. Come and enjoy! The Bragards will be delighted to welcome you.

Discover the historic heritage of Saint-Dizier

Explore the city freely or join a guided tour.

The history of Saint-Dizier goes back 2,000 years, as attested by the Merovingian treasure discovered during recent archaeological digs.

The town as it exists today developed under the impetus of the de Dampierre family around the castle - now the sub-prefecture - and the church of Notre-Dame. The towers, curtain walls and gates that you will discover during your visit are listed historic monuments.

Saint-Dizier's theatre, built more recently, is housed in a former corn market. The Lac du Der tourist office organises guided tours. In this pretty Italian-style theatre, you can admire the sets from the 1920s. The cast-iron sculptures come from the Saint-Dizier foundries.

Photo, © tourmiko_saintdizier-Agence d'attractivité de la Haute-Marne

During your visit to the city centre, you're sure to spot the Miko tower.
It dates back to the 1930s. This former ice cream production site now houses a multiplex cinema.

Follow the guide! During aperitif tours, themed tours or on your own with the Idvizit app.

Visit Saint-Dizier through its museums

Take your discovery of the town a step further by visiting two museums that are well worth a visit.

The town museum

Built on the ancient ramparts, the town museum has four main themes:

Archaeology and the Treasure of the Three Frankish Chieftains’ Tombs
Ornithology, with over 200 birds on display
Cast iron art, with the 2nd largest collection of Guimard cast iron in the world.
The Fine Arts

MUSE Saint-Dizier

More contemporary, the MUSE Saint-Dizier has two exhibition spaces on offer from the town of Saint-Dizier and the Réunion des musées nationaux-Grand Palais:

MUSE immersif, a 200 m² projection area combining video, interactive tables and sound, renewed every six months.
MUSE découverte, an 18-stage tour based on reproductions of masterpieces from the history of art, in high definition or 3D, accompanied by educational and fun tools.

Photo, © Muse - Eric Colin - Ville Saint-Dizier

Photo, © Musée Saint-Dizier - Nathalie Jakubowski

Photo, © Musée-Saint-Dizier-E-Colin-Ville-St-Dizier

Walks around Saint-Dizier

A number of themed routes await you along the Marne valley and Lac du Der

Take a tour of Saint-Dizier along the water, from the banks of the Marne to the banks of the Canal between Champagne and Burgundy. 7 km of signposted paths accessible to all, on foot or by bike.
Follow the route of timber-framed churches by car or by bike and immerse yourself in a religious and architectural heritage that is unique in France.
Rediscover the history of cast iron on an itinerary that takes you from Saint-Dizier, the birthplace of cast iron, to the Metallurgy Museum at Dommartin-le-Franc: Metallurgic Park.
Visit the Montier-en-Der stud farm, a major breeding centre, whose buildings, part of the former Benedictine abbey of Montier-en-Der, are listed as historic monuments.

Nature activities to get you out and about

With Lac du Der just a few kilometres away, Saint-Dizier is the starting point for a number of cycle paths and walking and cycling routes. These include :

Reach Lac du Der via the feeder canal (12 km) or via the Val forest (9 km). If you're in good shape, you can add the 36km tour of the lake or take part in birdwatching activities.
Head for the ancient fortified town of Wassy (17 km) on a route through the woods. Le Der is just 14km away.
Follow the courses of the Marne and Ornel rivers on an 18km circuit along the banks of the river. A 7km variant follows the canal around Saint-Dizier.

Photo, © Lac du Der - Nos coeurs voyageurs

Events all year round

A festival for every season!

Start the year with the Saint-Dizier Spring Archaeology Festival. Celebrate summer in town with the Musical Summer festival, or at the water's edge with Moovoder, the water sports festival.
In autumn, visit the Montier en Der wildlife and nature photography festival.
Throughout the year, take advantage of the cultural programme offered by the " Les 3 scènes " network, which includes Les Fuseaux, the Théâtre de Saint-Dizier and the Forgerie de Wassy.
Exchange ideas, projects and initiatives at Le Petit Paris, a non-profit cultural bar whose earthenware and floral decor inspires creativity.

Organise your getaway

Where to sleep, where to eat, what to do?

From the must-sees to the best walks, we'll point you in the direction of our favourite activities. Visiting for several days? Discover our accommodation and restaurants: in the heart of nature, by the water or in the heart of a historic town, all you have to do is choose.