Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Bar-sur-Aube to Chaumont: Art, Atmosphere, and Unexpected Beauty

Another great day — perfect weather. I left for Bar-sur-Aube this morning after a peaceful night’s stay. The town had a calm, welcoming energy and the people were just as warm. It was one of those places where I could have easily lingered a bit longer. But the journey continues, and today I’m heading toward Chaumont. Not on the original plan but oh well! 

As I move closer to the Jura mountain range, the landscape is starting to change. The flat roads are giving way to more dramatic, rolling hills. There’s a clear shift — not just visually, but in how the region feels. The terrain is growing more dynamic, and there’s a sense that something new is just around the bend.

To give my feet a bit of a break, I decided to stay for a few days in the next town. It’s a great way to explore some of the lesser-known paths I’d otherwise miss. First stop: Chaumont.

Chaumont: A Hilltop City of Art and History. Chaumont sits confidently atop a hill, a small with a big creative soul. On the surface, it looks like many other French towns — winding streets, historical buildings, and a sense of quiet charm. But just beneath that is a vibrant, artistic current that makes it something special.

The city is internationally known for its connection to graphic design and poster art. It even hosts the International Poster and Graphic Design Festival, attracting creatives from around the world. You don’t need to wait for the festival to experience it, though — the artistic energy is everywhere. Public spaces display creative poster installations, and local galleries are full of both global and regional work.

I visited Le Signe – National Graphic Design Center, a sleek, modern venue dedicated to visual culture. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to find in a major city, not tucked into a quiet hilltop town. Inside, I met a young local woman working at the gallery. We struck up a conversation, and to my delight, she offered to show me around Chaumont.

What followed was a truly special experience — a personal tour of the city from someone who clearly loved and understood its artistic and historical depth. She guided me through quiet streets, pointed out hidden architectural gems, and shared stories of the town’s past. We ended near the Chaumont Viaduct, an impressive structure that rises above the valley — a perfect blend of engineering and beauty. Not unlike the one in Stockport!!!!

A Quiet Surprise: Chaumont surprised me. It’s not just a scenic stopover; it’s a place where history and modern creativity meet — quietly, confidently, and without pretension. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just passing through, it’s worth pausing here and letting the atmosphere soak in.

I ended the day with a cold beer in the town square, watching the evening settle over the hilltop rooftops. It felt easy, unhurried — natural in a way that only comes when a place truly welcomes you in. Sometimes, that’s the best part of travel: discovering not just where you are, but how effortlessly you can feel at home there.