Discover Damloup, Meuse, Lorraine and its attractions

This tour allows you to discover the Left Bank and the beauty of the landscapes of the Meuse Valley along the canal. Dead man’s hill (Le Homme-mort) has suffered some of the most deadliest combats just as much as those on the right bank. Today, it is a pleasant wooded mound that you can enjoy visiting. This course is perfect for a first try of the electric bike. Easy and with little difference in altitude, it will be perfect for a nice stroll with family or friends ! Limited in supply and manpower, the Kronprinz army cannot attack simultaneously on both banks of the Meuse. In order to obtain better results on the right bank, C.Q.G. German prepared the second phase of its offensive whose main objective was to take control of the hills of Mort-Homme (Dead man’s hill) and the Côte 304. These two natural observatories regulated the fires of the French artillery; it is in fact a crucial stake for the offensive continuation. The fighting raged on there for weeks, destroying villages of Esnes-EN-ARGONNE and Chattancourt. Rapidly, the battle peaks became untenable volcanoes; suicidal assaults fade to move on to countless murderous gunshots . To protect themselves from bombing, both sides took refuge on the hillside, digging tunnels. On August 20, 1917, the generals Guillaumat and Pétain begin a to put victorious offensive which has the effect four German divisions attached to the sector Mort-Homme-cote 304 to flight. To the thousands of prisoners, material and armaments captured, must also be added more than twenty thousand victims whose units appear on the current monuments. In this inferno, the village of Cumières will disappear completely and will never be rebuilt.

This tour is the perfect way to discover Verdun for the first time. It invites cyclists to explore the city's history through the centuries, from the 10th century to the present day. You'll discover lively Verdun with its quays, medieval Verdun and contemporary Verdun with its art deco facades. Pedal to the rhythm of the Meuse on the Véloroute voie verte, enjoy the peace and quiet of the canal banks and explore Verdun's "Little Venice". The city boasts no fewer than five canals and twenty bridges. Originally, these canals were used by the many mills, tanneries and for navigation. Although some have been buried, you can still admire the Canal St-Airy, with its stone bridge and 16th-century house, the Canal du Puty, which runs alongside the ramparts, the Pont-écluse St-Amand and its Canal St-Vanne, and the discreet Canal de Minimes, which winds its way through the houses of Verdun.

This ride takes in some beautiful countryside in the Gaume region and leads at the summit of a gentle slope to the site of Montquintin, a veritable eagle’s nest overlooking the valley of the River Ton. Cheerful, charming villages such as Torgny, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia”, echo the mildness of the Gaume climate. Signposting: signposting of marker points: follow PN 49, 42, 41, 40, 11, 16, 23, 24, 50, 41, 42 and 49 Departure: At Place de Torgny (PN 49) Km: 20.8 km Time required: 1 hour 50 minutes Parking: at the entrance to the village of Torgny. Difficulty: medium Change in elevation: 235 metres Type of bike: road bike, E-bike Handy tips: make the time to take a stroll through Torgny to admire this beautiful village and meet the winegrowers.

Welcome to the municipality of Rouvroy where we invite you to stroll along the RAVeL route linking the villages of Rouvroy, Harnoncourt and Lamorteau. Here there is no crazy scramble to the tourist attractions and no schedules to keep to. Enjoy the tranquillity and discover all the wonders around you in your own time. For your comfort and better accessibility, there are 12 benches along the way, adapted for those with reduced mobility. Take a break every 150 metres, discover a unique part of the local heritage and share nice moments with the few passers-by that you may meet along your way. Start from the ROX in Rouvroy with an information board as you enter the RAVeL.

Through fields and forest, discover the small heritage of Lommerange. Stop at the Saint-Léger church and the Chapelle Sainte-Apolline. Take a break in front of the Monument of the shot men of the Conroy. Erected by the Souvenir Français, in memory of the ten Frenchmen shot by the Germans at the entrance to the Conroy valley in August 1914. Go in search of the washhouse known as the Fontaine du Conroy and the Source des anges.

Through fields and forest, discover the small heritage of Lommerange. Stop at the Saint-Léger church and the Chapelle Sainte-Apolline. Take a break in front of the Monument of the shot men of the Conroy. Erected by the Souvenir Français, in memory of the ten Frenchmen shot by the Germans at the entrance to the Conroy valley in August 1914. Go in search of the washhouse known as the Fontaine du Conroy and the Source des anges.

This house is located in a quiet village in the South of the Ardennes, nearby historical sites (WWI and WW2) of the Argonne. Garden, swimming pool, games for children. 4 bedrooms (1 double bed, 4 single beds, 2 double beds). 2 shower rooms (1 is equiped with a washing machine), toilets. Fully equiped kitchen (ceramic hob, microwave oven, dish washer), large living room, TV, DVD player, hi-fi system, telephone, 2 single sofa beds. Terrace with BBQ and garden furniture.

At the heart of a garden, a quaint cottage opens its doors: "Au Balcon du Bonheur": a carefully decorated and furnished double room (with additional sleeping mezzanine) offers sweeping views over this natural setting. A setting that combines massive charm, unusual unearthed objects, atypical rest corners, beautiful ponds and a view of the castle Yvois... The hospitality of the owner will guarantee you a moment of happiness in this scenery and atmosphere. The location means you can enjoy the local heritage and tourist sites in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

INFORMATION: In order to improve the comfort of your visit, Fort Vaux is closed for renovation. In the meantime, the Verdun Memorial and Fort Douaumont will remain open every day. The fort was one of series of fortifications constructed after the Franco-Prussian war by the French military engineer, Raymond Séré de Rivière. It fell after 7 days of intense bombardment on all sides by the German artillery, leaving the besieged garrison without food, supplies and ammunition. Eventually taken by German troops in June 1916, French courage and remarkable resistance were honoured by the German command on the 7th June 1916. Its name is a byword for French heroism during the 1916 battle, evoking the valour of Commandant Raynal and his last carrier pigeon. Sites to visit include the Commander’s post, the medical centre, telecommunications post, a pigeon loft and the Bourges casemate (bunker) holding two 75mm guns.

Magnificent views - to the south, a juxtaposition of spruce stands, shrubbery and deciduous vegetation; to the north, stands of black pine. To the west, in the distance, the hillock of Fort Souville.

Vaux-devant-Damloup is a unique destroyed village since, being at the edge of the "red zone," it has managed to gradually rebuild a new small village close to the old destroyed village, which shares the same characteristics as its eight unfortunate companions. Belonging to the Chapter of Verdun before the Revolution, it has always been a prosperous village throughout its history. The presence of Fort Vaux nearby has always somewhat disrupted the village's history. Indeed, from its construction between 1881 and 1884, the village was heavily involved in accommodating the numerous workers rotating through; similarly during the significant reinforcement works undertaken on the Fort from 1888 to 1912. In 1915, the decision by the general staff to partially disarm all the forts transferred the defensive effort particularly to the villages. Thus, Vaux, located to the north of its Fort and in contact with the Woëvre plain, naturally became an important point in the defense system of the Verdun entrenched camp. During the great German offensive launched at the end of February 1916, it became one of the major German objectives after the capture of Douaumont, which fell on March 2, and before the capture of Fort Vaux. After fierce fighting within its walls, the village fell into German hands on March 31, 1916. The French bombardments of April then followed the German bombardments of March, only intensifying the complete annihilation of the village. After the village fell, the 50th German division hastened to seize Fort Vaux, which heroically resisted from June 2 to 7, 1916, under the command of Commander Raynal. This tragic episode became a forever famous feat of arms, as the garrison, running out of drinking water and fighting in the fort's galleries for days, eventually surrendered to the Germans, who, admiring the bravery of the surviving soldiers, decided to grant them military honors upon their exit from the Fort. In 1918, the village of Vaux-devant-Damloup found itself within the limits of the infamous "red zone," prohibiting any reconstruction. In 1919, it was also listed among the destroyed villages and, during the interwar period, its war memorial and the Saint Philippe and Saint Jacques shelter chapel were built, similar to the other eight destroyed villages. However, its location at the edge of the zone and the presence of the Eastern Railway Company's railway, which obtained permission to house its ten service agents on the site of Vaux-devant-Damloup, allowed the village to gradually regain new life over the years, starting from the interwar period. It now has a very active life oriented towards the future, especially the Internet, while not denying the tragic past of the old destroyed village, still present at its doorstep and in the memory of its 70 inhabitants. To see: The Saint Philippe and Saint Jacques shelter chapel; The war memorial in honor of the soldiers who died in Vaux (it bears the inscription: "They shall not pass"); Fort Vaux; The Vaux pond; The war memorial of the 1st Battalion of Foot Chasseurs near the pond; The memorial stone for the aviator Dussumier-Latour, shot down on June 2, 1916, on the pond's dam.

Small pond near the destroyed village of Vaux in front of Damloup, at the confluence of the ravines of the False Coast, Bazil and Fountains.Il is the heart of the fighting in March and April 1916. nearby, a monument in memory at the aviator Guy Dussumier-Latour, shot on June 2, 1916

Discover a historic monument marking the extreme advance and defeat of German troops during the Battle of Verdun. This site commemorates the crucial moments of 1916: the occupation of Fort Douaumont on February 25 and Fort de Vaux on June 7, followed by the German attempt to break through the French defensive curtain and reach Verdun. On July 12, German forces launched an attack on Fort Souville, the last rampart of the fortified line surrounding the town, but were repulsed by a valiant French garrison. Inaugurated on October 1, 1922, this monument pays tribute to the 130th Infantry Division. Created by animal sculptor René Paris (1881-1970), a member of this unit, the monument evokes the heroic resistance to the enemy attacks of June 23, 1916. It symbolizes the defeat of the German troops and honors the courage of the French soldiers. Come and explore this place steeped in history and emotion, a poignant testimony to the bravery and sacrifice of the defenders of Verdun.

Panoramic view of the entire fort and the Verdun national forest

The keystone and an integral part of the Verdun defences, Fort Douaumont was taken by surprise just 4 days after the start of the Battle of Verdun. It was occupied for 8 months by the German army who used it as a protective shelter for its men and a major operational base for offensive operations. Despite multiple attempts to recapture the fort, this did not take place until the 24th October 1916. With the aid of multimedia supports, visitors can watch films and see photographs from the period, listen to contemporary commentary and testimony, plus archival documentation about this vitally important fort. Visit barracks, the 155mm turreted gun and the German necropolis, resting place to more than 600 German soldiers.

Due to ash dieback, some trees and branches in the Verdun Forêt d’Exception® are weakened and pose a risk of falling. As a safety measure, several areas are now closed or should be avoided. For more information: www.tourisme-verdun.com Essentially rural, with a population of 149 inhabitants in 1913, mainly farmers, beekeepers, or small shopkeepers, the village of Bezonvaux still had a château at the outbreak of war in 1914. The German advance to the Meuse in 1914 initially led the population to desert the village. However, as the front stabilized further north, they returned at the end of 1914 and in 1915, despite some sporadic German shelling from Ornes. They were joined by numerous military personnel passing through or stationed there, such as Sergeant André Maginot, the famous Minister of War appointed in 1922 and again in 1929, who set up his patrols there. The villagers had to leave definitively shortly before the Battle of Verdun. After the massive German attack launched on February 21, 1916, the French troops fighting in Ornes retreated to Bezonvaux on February 24. The next day, on February 25, the 4th Battalion of Chasseurs à Pied and the 44th Infantry Regiment, tasked with its defense, desperately buckled under the violent assaults of German artillery and then infantry, which took possession of the devastated village while the French soldiers retreated to Fleury. The village remained under German control until mid-December 1916. Indeed, on December 15, 1916, a French attack by the 2nd and 3rd Zouaves and the 3rd Algerian Tirailleurs, advancing from the east of Fort Douaumont, assaulted Bezonvaux, where the front stabilized for the last two years of the war. The village continued to suffer from more or less intense bombardments during this final period, which saw the destruction of both its imposing château and its modest houses. In 1918, classified as a "red zone," it no longer allowed the reconstruction its inhabitants might have dreamed of after the war. Its specific status as a destroyed village, decreed in 1919, enabled a new beginning solely dedicated to memorial work, notably with the construction of its Saint Gilles shelter-chapel and its war memorial. During World War II, it once again witnessed violent battles on June 14, 1940, in its area where the 132nd RIF managed to halt the German invader's advance for a few hours, inflicting heavy losses. Today, the memorial work conducted there has established a very interesting historical trail presenting the village's life in the past. To see: The Saint Gilles shelter-chapel (commemorative stained glass windows by Gruber, immortalizing the liberation of Bezonvaux by the chasseurs of the 102nd BCP, later nicknamed "the glaziers of Bezonvaux," on December 16, 1916, and a fresco by painter Lucien Lantier) The destroyed village monument (obelisk engraved with the citation awarded to the martyred village. Bas-relief showing the village's main street before the war) The helmeted marker on the roadside through the village, marking the front line until the Armistice on November 11, 1918 The Maginot patrollers monument Historical trail showing the locations of old houses and past activities.

A major "first generation" fort built after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, Souville only received concrete protection for its powder magazine, with the rest of the structure being masonry covered with earth, making it terribly vulnerable to large German shells. Although Souville never received Bourges Casemates for flanking fire, it was reinforced in 1890 with the installation of the prototype Bussières retractable turret, armed with two long 155 mm cannons. Unfortunately, the explosion of one of them in April 1916 meant that the turret served only as an observation and command post for the rest of the battle. While possession of the fort was crucial for the French, its capture would also allow the forces of the Crown Prince to take advantage of a final opportunity to advance unopposed into the city. The center of Verdun. On the morning of July 11, the 3rd Company of the 7th Infantry Regiment, commanded by Second Lieutenant Dupuy, entered the fort and found the survivors of the garrison practically incapacitated. The arrival of fresh troops revived the spirits of those who had not been wounded, and the defenses were put back in order. On the slope outside the fort, other elements of the 7th Infantry Regiment gave way under the fierce assault of the Germans, but fortunately, the enemy did not make significant progress before being stopped by the machine guns of the 7th, firing from the roof of the fort. The next day, Souville remained under harassing fire from German artillery, but the crisis had passed and the defenders of Verdun were able to catch their breath. Accessible by gravel paths, the fortified site of Souville today allows visitors to examine remnants such as the Batterie de l'Hôpital, the Pamart Casemates, and the roof of the fort, not to mention the unique Bussières turret. More than just a fort, Souville corresponds to a true fortified massif comprising several elements: Fort: An organic garrison (2 infantry companies and 2 artillery sections) Shelter-cave for 300 men A retractable turret for two 155 mm cannons A terraced fortress battery of 155 mm, located 100 meters from the retractable turret Communication network via trenches. Practical Information: Pedestrian access to the fort Entry into the fort is prohibited

Located in the heart of the battlefield, the museum is designed to explain the Battle of Verdun and pass its history on to future generations. The Visitors Trail in the new museum focuses on those who fought in Verdun, whether French or German. 2,000 items and collections, a multitude of photos (many of them never before displayed), eyewitness accounts from French and German soldiers and outstanding audiovisual systems combine to recreate something of the battle experience of men who came from all over the world to fight here.

Right on the Battlefield of Verdun, L'abri des Pèlerins is situated between the Bayonet Trench and the Douaumont Ossuary. The fully-renovated restaurant can accommodate 60 diners. A private room is available for groups of up to 100.

Restaurant in "Les Orchidées", a hotel on the road to the Verdun battlefield, 3 km from the town centre and 18 km from Etain.

A restaurant open every lunchtime. Wide selection of dishes to eat in or take away. Booking required on the previous day. Couscous, tajines, pastilla, chicken and cakes / pastries.

Located in the Faubourg Pavé district 700 metres from the town centre and 700 metres from the Braquier sugared almond factory and the war graves in the Faubourg Pavé cemetery. Car park opposite the restaurant.

The restaurant at the Étoile Loisirs play complex offers you an open, flexible space in a warm and welcoming setting. Sit back and enjoy traditional, seasonal cuisine specially adapted to families, groups and business meals. Open Wednesday to Sunday lunchtime. L'Étoile Loisirs has a 10-lane bowling alley, a laser game and lots of games!

10-lane bowling alley, bar, restaurant, laser skirmish, children's play area, billiards, traditional palets, driving simulators and a meeting room. In all, 2,000 sq. metres of multi-activity space. We can organise birthday parties, seminars and theme evenings.

Themed restaurant: "a la plancha" dishes.

A restaurant and grillroom 4 km from the town centre, in the Actipole shopping mall on the road to Nancy and Metz. Close to the quarry in Haudainville (summer spectacular "From Flames... to Light"). Enjoy the convivial decor and the French cuisine with the accent on local and traditional produce. All-you-can-eat buffet.

Bread, cakes, snacks, dish of the day and tearoom. In the Actipole shopping centre on the Nancy and Metz road. Hotel nearby.

Just a stone's throw from Verdun, discover a warm and festive cabaret in the heart of the Meuse countryside! Live singing, dancing, comedy, and drag performances come together in a colorful show worthy of the greatest Parisian stages. Enjoy a gourmet dinner show (3 options to choose from) in a friendly and refined atmosphere. Open on weekends + reservations available on weekdays for groups. An unforgettable experience to enjoy as a couple, with family, or with friends!

Very close to Verdun and the Remembrance sites, 45 mins from the Benelux countries and 45mins form Metz, at the foot of the Côtes de Meuse hills, 2 unusual guest rooms in a dome-house made entirely of wood, bioclimatic and ecological. Entirely built by the owner, it is made of non-treated wood from sustainable forests and insulated with cork. It’s light and warm – come and get away from it all with us and enjoy a completely new concept, unique in the region! Our bedrooms are ideally situated on the first floor. Each has a double bed and an en-suite bathroom (shower, washbasin, wc). On request: child’s bedroom on the ground floor, free travel cot. The very comfortable mattresses are made of bamboo fibre and natural silk, the quilts and pillows are made of cotton and aloe vera, with greenfirst treatment, and the bedclothes are made of organic cotton. Breakfasts are also “natural”: home-made jams, home-made pastries, home-made yogurts and organic apple juice that we produce. Parking available on the property.

Attractive modern outbuilding close to the sites of Verdun, in a quiet location, with swimming pool access at an additional cost in summer (€20/day). It features a bedroom, sofa bed, kitchenette, terrace, pétanque court and all the comforts you need for a pleasant stay.

Etain 11km - Verdun 15km - Battlefields 12km - Metz 45km - near Luxembourg. One-storey gite on ground floor, next to the garage, located in a peaceful, green little village on the edge of the Côtes de Meuse area and the Woëvre plain, where you can gather mushrooms in the nearby forest. 2 bedrooms (1 double bed-2 single beds), including one with a lounge area (TV point). Kitchen: fridge-freezer, microwave, cooker hood. Bathroom, WC, washing machine. Oil-fired central heating. Garage, terrace, barbecue, garden furniture, partially-enclosed garden. Heating not included. Pets on request.

Pretty little ground-floor apartment in the annex of the family farmhouse, in a quiet village. You'll find a fully-equipped living room/kitchen and a lovely, bright bedroom with a 140x190cm bed and an 80x200cm bed (4th bed available on request). The bathroom has a walk-in shower. Pets welcome on request. Les Vieux Métiers d'Azannes is 9 km away (Sundays in May and some dates in July), and the Flammes à la Lumière show is 17 km away (weekends in June and July). World War 1 sites (Verdun Battlefield, Douaumont, Verdun Memorial, etc.) are 8 km away.

Gîte in an old farmhouse, combining comfort and modernity, in the heart of the Meuse countryside, for a 'nature' holiday.

Located at the foot of the Meuse Hills between mirabelle plum orchards and the Woëvre Plain, the campsite at Les Etangs de Mandre offers its guests a breath of fresh air. People come here to camp, fish or have a picnic with their family beside the lake. Ideal for caravans and tents. On this well-equipped site, amenities include wash blocks (showers and WC), running water and electricity. Open all year for motorhomes. 2.8 hectare lake.

Your stay in the heart of the Meuse, in the heart of history... The Logis Hôtel Les Orchidées is set in 2 hectares of beautiful wooded parkland, 2 km from Verdun town center and 4 km from the battlefields. This family-run hotel offers a refreshing change of scene and a warm welcome. There's no shortage of space or activities here! Whether you're on vacation or on an evening stopover, you'll be spoilt for choice: relax on one of our terraces or in our large, secure swimming pool, heated from June to August, enjoy our pétanque court or play a game of tennis. Younger guests will have plenty of time to let off steam in our large garden and play area with trampoline and swing.

Just a few metres from the fly fishing grounds in Sommedieue is the holiday apartment (sleeps 3 to 5) rented out by Benoît Haros, in the heart of the village of Sommedieue.

Verdun battlefield 10 km - Metz 50 km. Old house with character, situated amongst orchards, close to the Côtes de Meuse, at the entry to the Lorraine regional nature reserve. Close to the sports and recreation parks of Colvert and of the lake of Madine. 3 spacious rooms each with private facilities welcome you into their individual ambiences: music bedroom (twin beds), garden bedroom (1 double + 1 single bed), culture bedroom (1 double bed) with sofa bed (extra pers.). Lounge with fireplace and bookshelf. Dining room with view over the wooded floral park. Garden furniture available to guests. Table d’hôte (booking required).

Verdun and Battlefields 12km - Madine Lake 25km - Metz 50km. 130m² gite. Detached house in grounds with flowers and trees, surrounded by orchards and Mirabelle plum trees. On ground floor: 1 bdrm. (1 double bed) with bathroom and separate WC séparé. Fully-equipped, fitted kitchen with exposed beams and old bread oven. First floor: 1 bdrm. (1 double bed and 2 single beds) with retro-style bathroom and separate WC. Sitting room with settee, bureau and TV. Electric + wood-fired heating. South-facing terrace with garden furniture and view over grounds with children’s play equipment. The beds are made up for your arrival. On request: end-stay-cleaning: €50. Seasonal fruit available here. Marked nature trails nearby. Expenses not included.