Explore Vaubecourt, Meuse, Lorraine

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.

The chapel of Jévaux (also spelled Gévaux) is located in a clearing in the middle of the Vieille Poirière forest, in the municipality of Jouy-sous-les-Côtes, which is where its name comes from. Indeed, before the construction of the chapel, there was the "Jouy Val farm", Jouy, of a Gallo-Romanic toponymic type "Godiacu", based on the Christian personal name Godius, so Jévaux means the "Val de la Joie". A first chapel was built in the 12th century by the Premonstratensian monks of the abbey of Rangéval (commune of Corniéville), near a spring reputed to be miraculous. In modern times (16th century), it was guarded by a hermit. It was destroyed during the Revolution (1791). The present chapel, in neo-Gothic style, was rebuilt on the site of the previous one and inaugurated in 1891. It is topped by a bell tower with a visible bell crowned by a small Celtic cross in stone. Every year a pilgrimage takes place, which traditionally took place on the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady on 8 September, with an open-air mass and procession in the clearing. For some years now, the pilgrimage has taken place on 15 August. Translated with www.deepl.com/translator (free version)

This trail is a chance to follow in the footsteps of Maurice Genevoix and his comrades in the first months of the First World War. As a young officer aged 24, he boarded the train at Châlons-en-Champagne station on 25 August 1914 with reinforcements for the 106th RI. At the time, they did not know where their train was taking them…the violence and horror of the fighting, but also the friendship and brotherhood between companions. He was discharged after being seriously injured on 25 April 1915. He would deliver a moving account of his part in the war in his major work, “Ceux de 14” (“Those of 14”).

Day 3 of the cycle route created by the Marne Tourism Board to reach the Lake Der-Chantecoq from the town of Dormans. This tourist itinerary alternates between the V52 cycle path and the small roads of the vineyards, in order to enrich the journey with cultural visits. This third and final stage of the journey starts in Châlons-en-Champagne and finishes at Lac du Der, passing through the town of Vitry-le-François. Two options are available at the start of the route: to reach Vitry-le-François by following the V52 or by taking the train. In the first case, it may be preferable to complete this final stage in two days instead of one.

Mean level - To see during your tip: Timber-frame churches of Bailly-le-Franc, Lentilles - Panoramic view of the lake Amance and its Marina in Dienville - Potteries in Amance - Bar sur Seine: the tower of clock, the vestiges of the feodal chateau - The Tourist Route of Champagne.

First of all, to park, there is quite a lot of space, and if the weather is nice, there are a few small streets perpendicular to the Grande Rue in Lucey that allow you to put the car in the shade. The circuit starts with a few paths going up behind the village towards the forest on 200-300 meters. Once you are in the forest, the principle is to zigzag up and wait for the plateau where the fort is located. The latter is covered by vegetation, and will only be very little visible. You will cross here and there some constructions annexed to the fort to brighten up the walk =) /! Watch out! The walk goes around the fort, but not inside. It is not advisable to try to venture inside, especially with small children or animals: there are many holes and not all parts inside are stable. And until the last news, it's not very legal ;-) The circuit layout will help you to find your way, but you can very well take the many small paths. You'll see them appear on the map (for example on the OSM / OCM map background, they're almost all there). Once you've done the lap, you just have to go back down to the village. Don't hesitate to leave a comment if you did it and you liked it.

Napoléon et les églises à pan de bois: 118 km / mean level. To see during your trip: Timber-frame churches of Lentilles, Bailly-le-Franc and Juzanvigny, the market hall of Chavanges, Soulaines Dhuys, the lakes of the Orient Forest, the hall of Dienville, theNapoleon and church treasures museum in Brienne-le-Chateau, Forêt d'Orient Ecomuseum in Brienne-la-Vieille, Chruches of Dienville, Epothémont, Hampigny, La Rothière, Chavanges and Maizières-les-Brienne.

Fabulous Vegan and gluten free B&B in the gorgeous countryside of the Champagne-Ardennes. All 5 rooms are fully equipped and furnished to a high standard with private en suite with shower, basin and WC. A homemade vegan and gluten free breakfast is included in the price, as well as tourist tax. The Rose room and Garden room are suitable to bring a dog, The Flamingo room and Leaf room are suitable for families and have space for a children's cot. On request you can join us every day for a three course meal, depending on availability. If you would like a picnic please ask about the options at the moment of booking. The property can also be rented as a self-catering holiday home per weekend, midweek or week.

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.

A 25 m swimming pool and a paddling pool with games for children. A fitness area (cardio training, muscle strengthening: rowers, elliptical bicycles, treadmills, classic bicycles, bicycles with back support). A wellness area with sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi.

Learn how to make your own cosmetics and household products during workshops (workshops can be done at home, on request) and how to take care of yourself through energy treatments with Karine (Natural creator). In turn, Barbara offers you the opportunity to discover laughter yoga and her individual and group meditation workshops. Registration and appointment required: Barbara 06 42 70 54 88 & Karine 06 75 81 60 53 Instagram @lesmeditationsdalisea @crea_au_naturel

Amidst the village, this beautifully restored farmhouse has been converted into a self-catering accommodation furnished to a high and comfortable standard. On the ground floor, vast living-room (fireplace, TV, hi-fi, juke-box). Open plan kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave oven, freezer. 1 bedroom (double bed, 2 single beds) ensuite bathroom. Toilets. On the first floor: lounge, TV, mezzanine with 2 single beds, 2 bedrooms (2 single beds). Bathroom, toilets, 1 bedroom (1 double bed + 2 single beds in a mezzanine) ensuite bathroom and toilet. Terrace equipped with garden furniture and BBQ. Enclosed garden 2500m². Garage. Ping-Pong. Basketball. Swing. Bakery, newspaper store nearby. Shops in Vouziers, 15km away.

Fill up on oxygen all year round with the Bairon Nautic Club! Holiday courses, sailing lessons or competition sailing, the club welcomes you and offers you lessons in catamarans, dinghies, windsurfers or small habitable boats. To discover, practice or improve your skills, the instructors will accompany you for one or more sessions, according to your wishes. For all these activities, you will be supervised by qualified professionals. Sailing school : From April to October, the club welcomes you and offers courses in catamarans, dinghies, windsurfers or small habitable boats. The rental point is open to the public: From 3 July to 15 August - 7 days a week - from 1pm to 7pm (last departure at 6pm) From 16 August, by reservation only. To do so, please call on the same day from 11:00 am Closed in case of bad weather conditions.

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.

3 km away from the Belgium border (Orval Abbey) and 35 km away from the fortress in Sedan, a house with character (1828) with modern comfort and authentic decoration in a very quiet village. 3 bedrooms (2 bedrooms with twin beds and 1 bedroom with a double bed), 2 separated toilets, 1 bathroom (bath and shower), dining-room (wood stove, baker's oven), large lounge with TV, patio with garden furniture and barbecue set, fully-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, ancient sink). Housekeeping and sheets may be provided. Taxes and heating included (350 KW/week maxi and 350 KW/week end maxi). Shops and activities 5 km away.

This majestic historic building is one of the finest Flamboyant Gothic churches in Southern Meuse. Its entrance is a typical example of early Renaissance architecture in the Bar area.

Stages 9 to 13 of the circuit "In the footsteps of Ceux de 14". The monument on the battlefield of Vaux-Marie bears witness to the battles which took place in the territory of Rembercourt-Sommaisne from September 7 to 10, 1914. These battles were part of the first battle of the Marne, during which the 5th German army, commanded by the Imperial Kronprinz, seeks to surround the stronghold of Verdun. Maurice Genevoix, French side, and Erwin Rommel, German side, participated. After having conquered Sommaisne and Vaubécourt, the Germans wanted to seize Rembercourt-aux-Pots, but were never able to reach this village. They therefore tried everything by launching a major offensive on the night of September 9 to 10. Under a stormy rain and in almost total darkness, French and German soldiers fought, sometimes hand-to-hand, on this front. The battle was fierce and the losses heavy on both sides. Despite the withdrawal of several units, the French troops contributed, through their resistance, to defeating this German attack which forced the army of the Kronprinz to retreat towards the Argonne. The monument of the battlefield of Vaux-Marie is the work of a survivor of these fights: Pol Jolibois. He fought in the ranks of the 29th BCP and was wounded in the night attack. If he was able to survive, his battalion lost half of its troops at Vaux-Marie. Refusing that the battle of Vaux-Marie and the sacrifice of his brothers in arms of the 29th BCP fell into oblivion, he wrote a first book, "The valley of the Ezrule", of which the this profit enabled him to finance the commemorative plaque, inaugurated in 1927 and reinstalled in 1950 on a stele made of stones collected on the battlefield. This site is not an ordinary place, it is a battlefield, it deserves your respect.

Beautifully flowered, the village of Beaulieu in Argonne is located on a promontory offering a beautiful view of the Meuse and the forests of the Argonne massif. Houses with exposed wooden frames bear witness to a typical architectural identity of the Argonese region. Originally from the village of Beaulieu-en-Argonne, the 11th century abbey is perceptible by its heritage traces left by time. Houses made of ashlar from the demolition of the abbey in 1790, retaining walls of the abbey plateau are all visible traces. Installed in a brick building, an impressive 13th century oak press, classified as a historical monument, was used to press the reason for the vineyard located on the surrounding slopes. Made from a tree trunk and a counterweight, the whole weighs nearly 30 tons and could once crush up to 3000kg of reason. The Beaulieu press remained in operation until the end of the 19th century. Hiking enthusiasts can continue the visit by accessing the Saint-Rouin chapel via a signposted path starting from the village of Beaulieu. The site is also accessible by road. It is a contemporary chapel made of cubic and irregular concrete blocks resting on stilts. Built by Father Rayssiguier, a disciple of Le Corbusier and a collaborator of Matisse in Vence. The stained glass windows were designed by a young Japanese artist, Kimié Bando.

Set in a brick building, the abbey's press was operational until the end of the 19th century. The well-exposed south - southwest facing slope used to be covered with wines; disappeared with phylloxera epidemic at the start of the 20th century. The press is a protected historical monuments thanks to the personal intervention of President Poincaré in 1926. It comprises a shaft and a counterbalance weighing almost 30 tons with was able to process 3000 kg of grapes.

This modern chapel is an irregular cube of grey concrete standing on piles, blending seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. It was built by Father Rayssiguier, a follower of Le Corbusier. He also worked with Matisse on the chapel in the village of Vence in Southern France. The stained-glass windows were designed by a young Japanese artist, Kimie Bando. The pilgrims' hall provides seating for 60 people at mealtimes.

Fortified church equipped with turrets, presence of archers and firing windows in accordance with the defensive role of the sanctuary. Open building on request.

The estate remembers its monastic past in its name. Dotted with ponds, a lake and a stream, the park has some beautiful statues, a rocky grotto, a beehive, angling grounds, a wash-house built in a style typical of the Argonne and a wine cellar with an old wine press and grape grinder in the old Champagne-style outbuildings. The park also has a number of rare trees and numerous hydrangeas. Outside the summer period, tours can be arranged for groups with advance booking.

Benoîte-Vaux is a popular pilgrimage destination that has been known for a very long time in Lorraine. A former priory, built in the 12th century, the church built in the 18th century is richly decorated and has some lovely stalls. Not to be missed, near the fountain, the Way of the Cross with its fourteen stations carved in a block of stone. The Benoîte-Vaux Reception Centre has three accommodation facilities with a variety of amenities and a dining room.

St. Remy’s is an outstanding Flamboyant Gothic church with ornate hanging keystones, richly carved pinnacles and gargoyles and a carved, painted and gilded altarscreen with shutters depicting scenes from Christ’s Passion.

Once part of the Duchy of Bar and Upper Lorraine, Bar-le-Duc is steeped in culture and history. Come wander through upper town area,one of the most outstanding Renaissance urban ensembles in France. Part of the "Towns and countries of art and history" network. Bar-le-Duc reveals treasures of 17th century architecture - sculpted pediments, fluted pilasters or overhanging gargoyles and other must-sees remind us of the town prestigious past.

Hotel restaurant, located in the centre of the village of Chaumont-sur-Aire, on the edge of the Voie Sacrée, 14 km from the Meuse TGV station.

In a 3-hectare walled estate outside the village of Chaumont-sur-Aire stands an 18th-century watermill, surrounded by centuries-old trees. The setting is one of peace and serenity, an unusual place that feels local yet carries you to far-distant horizons. A collection of butterflies and other insects can be visited as part of various packages.

Welcome to a haven of peace and tranquillity - our family home, a house with character that delights nature lovers. Open Friday lunchtime to Sunday evening and on public holidays. Open other days with advance booking (for groups of 8+).

A fine menu and seasonal selections are to be found in the three elegant dining rooms. Located off the famous Voie Sacrée, where the Meuse TGV high-speed train station is situated.

Le Carré Gourmand welcomes guests in a convivial family atmosphere. Simplicity and generosity are the keywords here. So stop for a while and taste traditional fare from days gone by.

Fast food, alpine specialities, pizzas. Chef's special on weekdays.

Located on the outskirts of Bar-le-Duc, the Auberge du Val d'Ornain offers pleasant, rural surroundings in which to enjoy dishes with a Spanish flavour.

Next to the bowling alley. Plancha grill and rotisserie. Wood-fired pizzas.

Wine cellar, wine bar, delicatessen and restaurant. All the food served in the restaurant is made on the premises. List of 500 wines, champagne, whisky and spirits. Gift boxes, hampers etc. Tasting sessions.

Doudou is a bistro in Bar-le-Duc where you can have a meal or just a drink. 100% vegetarian home-made food, with the accent on local, organic and seasonal produce.

Sonia and Pierre welcome guests looking for an environmentally responsible holiday in quiet surroundings close to nature. The gîte has a woodburner and is powered by renewable electricity. Waste is reduced to a minimum. In fact, our gîte has been designed to limit its environmental footprint. The gîte, which has been completely renovated, is an old ashlar-built farmhouse that was rebuilt after the First World War. It has a large enclosed private garden with trees and a spacious patio where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of our small Meuse village. If you wish to, you can also take advantage of the family vegetable plot and chicken coop! Inside, in addition to the usual amenities, you'll find a billiard table and piano for some evening entertainment. There is a TV in the lounge and in each bedroom, if need be. Last but not least, since we live just next door, we can recommend things to see and do in our delightful little village. Looks like it's going to be a great holiday!

Bar-le-Duc 15km - Verdun 30km - Metz 80km - Nancy 100km. This unique, unspoilt place is charged with history. It has been closed to the public up to now, jealously guarded by its owners, but now they have opened it up to you! The Chateau de Condé stands in a rural setting, right by the La Chée stream, and enjoys peaceful, green surroundings not far from the Argonne forest. It is located around fifteen kilometres from Bar-le-Duc and the Meuse TGV (high-speed train) station, and easy to get to. The "Fleur de Lys" bedroom: the decor is in keeping with the historical character of the place. The walls are covered with oak panelling, and the sections are coated and waxed in traditional style. Bedroom with double bed, also bathroom (with spa bath) and adjoining toilet. The flooring is composed of red, hexagonal terracotta tiles. Bathrobes and towels are provided for you. For your comfort, the bedroom is equipped with a flat-screen television and wifi internet access. Full breakfast service, made up exclusively of local produce, is included.

Verdun 30km - Bar-le-Duc 30km - Nancy 95km - Metz 100km - Reims 100km - Meuse TGV (high-speed train) station 3km. This 130m2 gite is a restored old Lorraine house, nestling in the hollow of a wooded valley. It is located on the edge of an authentic little village in the Aire valley. You can enjoy great walks and mountain bike rides in the forest, gather mushrooms, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Ground floor: large lounge with Lorraine hearth and wood-burning stove, exposed beams. Well-equipped kitchen. French windows from lounge and kitchen open onto the terrace. Linen room. WC. First floor: 1 bedroom (1 double bed), 1 bedroom (1 double bed and 1 single bed). Bathroom and separate WC. Electric and wood-fired heating. Private garden with terrace, garage.

Located in the centre of the village of Chaumont-sur-Aire, on the edge of the Voie Sacrée, 14 km from the Meuse TGV station, the hotel "La Vallée de l'Aire" offers 4 rooms.

Ideally located between Bar-le-Duc and Verdun, on a 3-hectare estate with an 18th-century watermill, the Hôtel Chantoiseau (Logis de France classification is pending) offers elegant accommodation with free WiFi connection, a restaurant and a patio. Guests can also enjoy a spot of angling in the private lake. Overlooking the garden or river, the air-conditioned rooms all have an en-suite. American and continental breakfasts are served every morning in the dining room. Room service is also available if required. The hotel’s restaurant specialises in traditional fare. You can also relax in the lounge and read the newspapers supplied daily. Meuse high-speed train station (TGV) 7 km. A4 motorway 21 km.

A delightful gîte in the heart of the Argonne Forest. Peaceful surroundings in the outbuildings of an abbey now used as a cultural centre. Aromatherapy-reflexology: relaxation and well-being.

Seuil d'Argonne 7km - Clermont-en-Argonne 9km - Verdun 38km. 100m2 gite, for 4. In a “4-flower” village. First floor: 2 bedrooms (1 double bed - 2 single beds), bathroom, WC. Ground floor: kitchen with fridge, cooker hood, washing machine. Large lounge, exposed beams, hearth, coin salon, TV, electric and wood-fired heating. Terrace with view over the lakes. Expenses not included.

Seuil d'Argonne 7km - Clermont-en-Argonne 9km - Verdun 38km. 100 m2 gite, for 4 persons. In a “4-flower" village. First floor: 2 bedrooms (1 double bed - 2 single beds), bathroom, WC. Ground floor: kitchen with fridge, cooker hood, washing machine. Large lounge, exposed beams, hearth, lounge area, TV, oil and wood-fired heating. Terrace with view of the lakes. Expenses not included.

Reims 80km - Bar-le-Duc 25km. A stone’s throw from the Argonne forest, furnished ground floor of a detached house with courtyard and enclosed garden, away from the busy main street, peace and quiet assured. The village is sheltered by a huge forest with marked trails. Well-equipped kitchen, sitting room with TV with foreign programmes, library. 1 bdrm. (1 160 bed), 1 bdrm. (2 90 beds). Bathroom, separate wc. For baby: travel cot, high chair, changing table, bath. Sheet hire €8.50 per person. Pets on request. All year round.

This small château welcomes you to the heart of the village of Laimont, 12 km from Bar-le-Duc, near Revigny-sur-Ornain. You'll be warmly welcomed by Steve and Maurice in the 4 harmoniously decorated rooms and suites. Each has a private bathroom and TV. 2 rooms are on the first floor, 1 room and the suite are upstairs. A relaxation area is at your disposal. For food and beverage, you can count on the Bistro du Château, also available by reservation. There's also a lovely garden where you can enjoy lunch in fine weather. The château is also available for parties, receptions and events.