La Meuse à vélo EuroVelo 19 - Etape 10

Sale, maintenance and repair of bicycles.

This fortified gatehouse served as the official entry to the city ever since its construction in the 14th Century, as part of the Grand Rampart which surrounded Verdun in the Middle Ages. The gatehouse was offered to the city by Wautrec, a rich citizen who was an alderman. It symbolised the new status of Verdun which was made an “imperial free city” in 1374. By this the city was obliged to maintain its own ramparts and to look to its own defence in the case of an attack. See also : The defensive features of a medieval rampart, the portcullis, arrow-slits and the drawbridge mechanism, the decorative and useful features of a medieval building such as the gargoyles.

Located in the former guardhouse just opposite the Citadelle Souterraine in Verdun, visitors discover a museography that bears witness to the soldiers' daily lives, following the careers of Michel Dupré, a Mayenne draughtsman who joined the army in August 1914, and Pierre Brancher, a photographer in the same regiment. Camille Tridon's private collection of drawings, photographs, objects and costumes by Poilus is on display. On-site militaria store and restaurant La Cantine des Poilus.

This magnificent site, enhanced by a hiking trail linking Belleray to Dugny, is an invitation to stroll and jog. One of the main attractions of the caves is that they have been occupied by man, almost continuously, from the Neolithic period to the modern era. Located 800 meters from the village of Belleray, the site of the Falouse caves is remarkable, highly picturesque and particularly steeped in history. This name, derived from the word "falaise", refers to a long limestone wall - once quarried - whose foot, at the dawn of time, bordered the Meuse river, where natural caves were dug and underground streams converged. This wall, sometimes 9 to 10 toises high, provides a natural setting for an almost untouched wilderness. Overlooking the Meuse River, this alternation of rock and sloping woodland is traversed by a shady, pastoral path that offers a remarkable view of the Meuse and its valley along the way.

On the banks of the River Meuse, between the Lorraine regional country park and the town of Verdun, and just 16 km from the Meuse TGV high-speed train station, lies the little village of Le petit Monthairon where the hotel and restaurant called Le Château des Monthairons invites guests to enjoy good, traditional food made with local produce. This beautiful family residence dating from the 19th century has retained all its elegance thanks to subtle styling that combines antique and modern furniture and a peaceful ambiance. The Thouvenin family gives guests a warm welcome to the 25 spacious, well-appointed rooms. For their well-being, guests can also visit the "Nature and Spa" complex with its steam room, jacuzzi and sauna. At dinner time, head for the huge dining room in the winter or the al fresco dining area on the banks of the Meuse in the summer. The Chef, Benoît Thouvenin, and the Pastrycook, Hervé Pierret, make it a point of honour to use regional produce in their culinary creations, producing a menu steeped in tradition and flavour. The Thouvenin family offers several different packages to help you explore the region and meet the people who keep its heritage and culture alive.

As you stroll across the 14-hectare walled estate set within a wide meander of the Meuse on the west side, note its remarkable trees (a red oak, a copper beech etc.) and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the water and the birdsong. The estate contains two chapels and a heronry in which the birds nest in spring. As you walk among the trees, you might be lucky enough to spot kingfishers searching for fish. And, from the end of the estate, there is a wonderful view of the house! No guided tours.

Marque nationale Accueil VéloBienvenue à Dieue-sur-Meuse ! Nous vous invitons à nous rendre visite à l'office de tourisme Val de Meuse Voie Sacrée situé le long du canal, pour découvrir les différents guides touristiques. Vous y trouverez les principaux points d'intérêts d'une région où il y a beaucoup à découvrir : patrimoine, monuments, promenades, gastronomie, festivals, sports et loisirs. Départ de nombreuses randonnées VTT, et 24 sentiers pédestres. Le Domaine de Sommedieue (pêche à la mouche), Château des Monthairons, Grottes de la Falouse, Pelouse calcaire de Génicourt, Églises Romane de Dugny-sur-Meuse et de Génicourt (Ligier Richier), Ouvrage de la Falouse... Nous demeurons à votre disposition pour vous guider ou vous aidez à établir votre programme, selon vos besoins, touristes, scolaires, rallye, événements familiaux,...