Discover Aboncourt, Moselle, Lorraine's charm

This walk invites you to discover the Haute Vallée de la Canner, a listed natural site, recognised for its landscape qualities and rich heritage. Starting from the village-street of Altroff, where the view extends over the valley, the route leads gradually into the forest to the fortified farm of Neudelange. There, you will take the GR5 path in the footsteps of the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela. When you arrive in Saint-Hubert, you will leave on your left the old marshy valley at the bottom of which the monks built the abbey of Villers-Bettnach, to go back up by the path of the dead which was formerly used to bring the dead of Saint-Hubert to the cemetery of Altroff.

In this land of legends, with its vast forests, hamlets and villages nestled in the middle of clearings, and abbey ruins, it is said that a spring gushed forth at the spot where Charlemagne’s horse struck the ground with its hoof during a hunting party.

This nature trail is an invitation to discover the unspoilt nature of the Villers-Bettnach state forest. Legend has it that Charlemagne caused a spring to gush forth from his horse's hoof, then built a chapel on the site of the present-day Rabas chapel. Don't miss the remains of the former Cistercian abbey, the monks' pond and the paths lined with strange sandstone outcrops at Saint-Hubert.

The monks of Villers-Bettnach Abbey have left their mark on this hilly landscape crisscrossed by a host of little brooks. Le Chêne des Moines (Monks’ Oak), La Forge (The Forge), and even Etang des Moines (Monks’ Pond) nearby are all place names that preserve the memory of this history-laden site. A brief visit of the traces of those who shaped these lands, forests, and ponds over more than 500 years is a must. An ideal family outing for an introduction to hiking or mountain biking in the depths of Villers forest, in the footsteps of the Cistercian monks.

The monks of Villers-Bettnach Abbey have left their mark on this hilly landscape crisscrossed by a host of little brooks. Le Chêne des Moines (Monks’ Oak), La Forge (The Forge), and even Etang des Moines (Monks’ Pond) nearby are all place names that preserve the memory of this history-laden site. A brief visit of the traces of those who shaped these lands, forests, and ponds over more than 500 years is a must. An ideal family outing for an introduction to hiking or mountain biking in the depths of Villers forest, in the footsteps of the Cistercian monks.

Fortresses, blockhouses and other works of the famous defence line accompany the hiker. The visit of the Michelsberg, a real underground city made up of five combat blocks, the fort with frescoes and the Huberbusch casemates are the highlights of the walk.

In this land of legends, with its vast forests, hamlets and villages nestled in the middle of clearings, and abbey ruins, it is said that a spring gushed forth at the spot where Charlemagne’s horse struck the ground with its hoof during a hunting party. A very pleasant route along the course of a former railway which was used to supply the Maginot Line forts to the east.

In this land of legends, with its vast forests, hamlets and villages nestled in the middle of clearings, and abbey ruins, it is said that a spring gushed forth at the spot where Charlemagne’s horse struck the ground with its hoof during a hunting party. A very pleasant route along the course of a former railway which was used to supply the Maginot Line forts to the east.

This link between the Rabas and Pré Guéret crossroads provides access to the "La Source de Charlemagne" and "Le Chemin de la Reine" circuits.

This route is a pleasant link through the state forest of Villlers-Befey between the routes "Le chemin des écoliers" and "La Source de Charlemagne".

Museum Gaspar is housed in the residence of the middle-class family Gaspar from Arlon who had set up in this house (1893) that was built in 1842. It was renovated in 2004. The two most famous members of this family are animal sculptor Jean-Marie Gaspar (1861-1931) and Charles Gaspar (1971-1950) who was a photographer and a sponsor. He gave his house to the town of Arlon on the condition they make a museum of it, dedicated to his brother's work and that put into honour the history and the heritage of Arlon. At the first floor, theree are two restored salons identical to a middle-class salon from the early 20th century that show Jean-Marie Gaspar's sculptures. and the art and picture collection of Charles Gaspar. The rest of the first floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions of the museum that alternates artv and history. A religion room shows collections about the abbey of Orval and to the people's devotion at the 18th century, and also relics from the ancient Saint-Martin church. But the Masterpiece is the famous altarpiece Retable de Fisenne - a 16th century masterpiece from the Antwerp school. Guided tours only on request by phone 063.600.654 or musee.gaspar@skynet.be (Original text by MT du Pays d?Arlon)This beautiful house was a bank at the origin. It was bought in 1893 by a middle-class family from Arlon, the family Gaspar. Jean Gaspar (1861-1931) was a sculptor. He was trained by the Antwerp sculptor Jef Lambeaux. His works are in bronze and in plaster and they are exhibited in the salons that have been restorated as they were in his house. His brother Charles (1871-1950) was a photographer, a collector and a sponsor. He gave this house to the town of Arlon. It hosts the library of the Archaeological Institute of the Belgian Province of Luxembourg and its secretary office since 1954. A wide part of the museum is also dedicated to temporary exhibitions about art and history of Arlon.

Rich in the Gallo-Roman past of Arlon, the museum houses an impressive collection that bears witness to the daily life of this period.One of the peculiarities of the museum is its imposing and rich lapidary collection, composed of several dozen fragments of ancient funerary monuments.These blocks and the objects from Roman craftsmanship will teach you more about daily life at that time.

In 1132, Henry of Carinthia, Cistercian abbot of Morimond, arrived in a small, quiet valley, surrounded by majestic forests and crossed by the Canner, a small stream whose source is nearby. He was accompanied by monks and convers, laborers, stonecutters and blacksmiths. On land donated by the Duke of Lorraine and other generous donors, they founded the Abbey of Villers-Bettnach, a place conducive to meditation and work. After the revolutionary turmoil and the departure of the last monks, the buildings were sold as national property and demolished as quarries. The abbey church was less than a century old. Visitors to the site will discover the Chapelle des Humbles, restored by the Association, the portal of Monseigneur Coislin, the gable of the Chapelle Sainte Catherine, the ruins and, some distance away, the pond, the monastery's water reserve.

Chapel: pilgrimage site in the Messin region, founded around 800 AD.

Michelsberg was one of the Maginot Line’s large artillery forts and it is now open to the public. It still contains its original equipment and a tour reveals the underground world of the Maginot Line, since the fort lies at a depth of 30 metres below the ground. There are hundreds of metres of galleries along which a train ran. There is also an ultra modern kitchen and a power plant with its original diesel engines still in working order. Visitors are shown the command post, the barracks and a battle garrison containing the largest type of turret, weighing 265 tonnes.

There are several hypotheses as to the erection of this cross: at the time of the great plagues, the survivors would have planted this cross in gratitude, a child would have been struck by lightning. The cross was renovated in 1976.

Claire, a young dynamic and cheerful woman, recently settled in Dalstein, offers you pony rides and baptism, animations on the animals of the farm or even birthdays for children! On the program: discovery of its animals (rabbits, hens, geese, goats, sheep but also Lola, its llama!) but also of its vegetable garden. Moreover, Pony Ranch can also come to parties organized by works councils, town halls, associations or summer camps... A nice and original idea for a day in the open air!

The center, located 20 min from Metz and 25 min from Thionville in an unspoilt natural setting, can accommodate groups of up to 250 people. Its unique facilities in the Moselle region (rooms, large-capacity group accommodation, gymnasium) and its catering offer can accommodate all types of events and stays: meetings, general assemblies, training courses, seminars, vacations...

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A unique experience can be discovered in the Hobling forest (commune of Chémery-les-Deux, 10 minutes from Bouzonville). The footsteps of the French soldiers can still be heard in the heart of these casemates of the Maginot Line. The enthusiastic members of the association have faithfully and meticulously reconstructed the trenches that linked the two casemates of the Huberbusch. With free access, you can see at any time, during a walk in the forest for example (a hiking trail runs nearby), the living conditions of the French soldier of 1940. The Huberbusch casemates, which have been undergoing restoration since 2011, can be visited all year round, by appointment: living conditions, equipment and historical anecdotes will be told to you with passion by the young volunteers of the association. But there is one particular occasion, when you must discover this piece of French history : that is during the historical re-enactment days. You will be surrounded by French, German and English soldiers, but also civilians, installed in bivouacs, with their equipment (war and civilian), vehicles of all types... Authenticity guaranteed!

The small structure in Bois de Bousse, better known as the "Fort aux Fresques", takes its name from the numerous drawings (of Mickey on the Maginot Line), maxims, orders of the day, galleries with the names of famous men, and above all from its fresco designed by Daniel Derveaux, an artist from Saint-Malo, created during the phoney war (September 1939-June 1940). This underground dive will allow you to discover the infrastructure, the functioning, the living conditions of 149 men and a dog "Betty".

Whether you're on your own, with your family, friends or at a summer camp... if you're feeling adventurous... then Vigy's plant maze is for you. Three themes are available for adults, and three levels are reserved for children: a great game for the whole family. Conceived as an original form of entertainment, the labyrinth is for everyone, young and old, groups or individuals: everyone can go at their own pace.

Located in the heart of the Lorraine region, in the heart of the countryside, La Porcherie restaurant, a specialist in group dining, is an authentic, simple and friendly place with a pastoral and bucolic atmosphere. For over 40 years, this former pigsty has been welcoming you to spend a good time with your family, friends and children, celebrating your special events: birthdays, weddings, company meals, parties with friends, communions, end-of-year meals, christenings, surprise birthdays, family reunions, wedding anniversaries, works councils...

Le sympathique café-restaurant du village de Gomelange.

Traditional Italian cuisine. Summer terrace, private parking.

Traditional cuisine, meat and offal specialities, tartar prepared in front of the customer.

The Charolais Grill restaurant welcomes you in a warm and friendly setting. In the air-conditioned dining room in all seasons, but also on the terrace during the summer, you can enjoy traditional cuisine. Come and enjoy our speciality, grilled meats (Charolais origin) selected by our chef. Our team is happy to welcome you every day for your meals, on all family, friendly or work occasions. We can organise your group meals on reservation.

Local and market cuisine.

Elisabeth Lambert welcomes you to her restaurant Babeth in a design and warm atmosphere. The black, red and grey colours blend perfectly with energy and delicacy, the tables are nicely laid and covered with tablecloths and are well spaced out, respecting your privacy... Very nice terrace in the quiet and on the garden. The restaurant in Hagondange is located near the Municipal Park and the Music Conservatory of the city, accessible from the A31 motorway, exit n°36 near the Walygator amusement park and the Amnéville leisure area.

Italian restaurant offering a very varied menu (homemade pasta, pizzas, fish, meat and salads), in a renovated setting in the centre of Hagondange.

From the street already, the charm of this beautiful and authentic Lorraine house with green shutters surely operates. And this is only the beginning! Because once inside, you understand right away that you are going to spend a good, even a delicious moment: Jean-Paul and Nicole's welcome is smiling and warm, the restaurant room is decorated and furnished with taste, a good smell of cooking flatters your nostrils, it's done, you are trapped! And what a trap, my friends! Nothing but good and tasty in this establishment which honors the Lorraine cuisine, by sublimating the typical products of the soil: sweetbreads with morels, dandelion salad, frog legs, beef tournedos, "bouchée à la reine", without forgetting the delicious Lorraine delicatessen... And for the fish lovers, it is impossible not to fall for the famous "salade océane" composed of salmon, perch, red mullet, gambas and fresh scallops! Do you have a little room left? Good! Because the dessert menu is to die for, with notably, a faisselle from the Ferme de la Ceriseraie de Hunting, melting and light in the mouth... a real delight! To have a clear conscience, before succumbing to the charm of this address, we can only advise you to go on the "Abbey and chapels" hiking tour which passes right in front of it, or after having discovered the meanders of the Nied river in a kayak, thanks to the Nautic Club Bouzonville!

Opposite the station, in a building that has been part of the Hagondange landscape since 1910, the Quai des Saveurs restaurant welcomes you in a modern, warm and elegant setting. The chef invites you to discover or rediscover fine dishes, a cuisine based on products and seasons, full of flavours and scents. Discover also our selection of 900 wines from the greatest domains.

In the center of the small village of Saint-Hubert, surrounded by forest, our house opens its doors to you. Our whole family welcomes you to "La Campagne", in the middle of this large garden where silence still leaves a little room for the song of the wind, the birds and the stream. Here, all is calm and pleasure. Soft colors, materials and lighting for these two rooms, one of which is a family room with private bathroom, accessible to people with reduced mobility and able to accommodate 5 people. The second room, on the garden level, sleeps 3. Television, telephone, terrace, garage for cars and bikes are all at your disposal. We also offer the possibility of cooking on site.

Welcome to Clos Saint-Hubert for a stay with family or friends. We welcome you to a pretty little 140m² furnished holiday home, with a fully-equipped kitchen for home-style meals and a living room on the first floor. The sleeping area is upstairs, with 3 spacious 12m² bedrooms, each with its own bathroom (shower and WC) in a bright, modern style.

La Croix du Bois Sacker offers peace and relaxation in a pleasant setting and friendly atmosphere. Access forbidden to walkers, picnickers and bathers. Fishing is available for enthusiasts. Numerous hiking trails around the campsite. All activities are reserved for campers only.

La Croix du Bois Sacker offers peace and relaxation in a pleasant setting and friendly atmosphere. Access forbidden to walkers, picnickers and bathers. Fishing is available for enthusiasts. All activities are reserved for campers only.

Calm, comfort, relaxation and nature are the key words of this welcoming and spacious gîte 25km from Metz, the Three Borders and Thionville. Independent house in a Lorraine village. The gîte has a surface area of 130m². On the ground floor: the kitchen opens onto a large garden and terrace, living room, bedroom, bathroom and separate toilet. Upstairs: 2 bedrooms and a small reading room. Shops nearby.

A former pilgrim's hut transformed into a vacation chalet for up to 30 people, the hut belongs to the parish of Vigy, Moselle. Rentals are reserved for youth movements, associations, groups and individuals.

In an unspoilt park 20 min from Metz and 25 min from Thionville, the site offers 4 independent gîtes, from 27 to 59 beds, in single, double and triple rooms. Accommodation is equipped with a kitchenette, a common room and private and shared sanitary facilities. It also offers self-service and catered meals. The site is ideal for hosting associative, family and professional events: training courses, workshops, weddings, cousinades, team building, conferences...

In the attic of an old outbuilding of the 18th century property, the gîte has been entirely renovated in the spirit of the other Coq à l'Âne accommodation. Natural materials (parquet floors, Hainaut stone), modern comfort (underfloor heating), tonic and personalised decoration by the owner. The gîte can accommodate 7 to 9 people.

On the first floor of an old outbuilding of the 18th century property, the gîte has been entirely renovated in the spirit of the other Coq à l'Âne accommodation. Natural materials (parquet floors, Hainaut stone), modern comfort (underfloor heating), tonic and personalised decoration by the owner. The gîte can accommodate 4 to 6 people.

A small, cosy gîte has been created in the former bakery and henhouse of this magical 18th century house. The former stable houses another rural gîte, the owners' house and 4 cosy guest rooms. You will find in this space, ideal for 2 or 4 people, all the authenticity of the lime coatings, the water stone, the bread oven and the period floor tiles, as well as the modern comfort for a real change of scenery.