Discover Lachalade, Meuse, Lorraine

In 1920 the Government decided to create a Red Zone at Verdun, to mark the soil rendered sterile by shell fragments and polluting chemicals. Ten years later, it received its first covering of some 10 million black pines, sent from Austria. The nine destroyed villages included in this Red Zone will never again see the light of day, but the Prefect of the Meuse assures they will be maintained as memorials, by continuing to nominate a mayor to each one. Starting from the Tourism Office, join the Green Way Cycle Path in the Parc Japiot opposite. 4.5 miles. Continue straight on, as far as the Canal Lock at BRAS-SUR-MEUSE. Cross the bridge to reach the opposite bank and follow the canal as far as the next bridge. Leave the Cycle Path, join the road and turn left, to reach the Stop sign opposite the Boulangerie. Turn right onto the main road, then left opposite the restaurant 8.2 miles. Follow the main road and climb up to the Tranchée des Baïonnettes. 8.75 miles. Continue to climb, then after passing the restaurant, turn right and arrive at the Ossuaire de Douaumont. If you climb on foot the 204 steps inside the tower, you will have a 360 degree panoramic view of the entire battlefield 9.25 miles. Retrace your route to the Stop sign. To visit the disappeared village of Douaumont, go left and then immediately right and take the dead-end road to the disappeared village of Douaumont, then return to the main road. Alternatively, to go direct to the Fort de Douaumont, at the Stop sign turn right and descend to the next turning. At the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, turn left, towards the Fort de Douaumont. 9.7 miles. On the road to the Fort de Douaumont, you will cross over the Boyau de Londres. 10 miles. On reaching the Fort de Douaumont, dismount and climb on foot onto the roof of the Fort, where you will have a panorama view of the horizon which in 1916 marked the German frontier. You can also take the path on the left between the shell craters, which in 300 yards leads you to the lookout point. 10.3 miles. Return back to the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and turn left. On your left you will pass Abri (Shelter) 320 and on your right the National Cemetery. 11.8 miles. At the crossroads, turn left and pedal as far as the disappeared village of Fleury-devant-Douaumont. 12.2 miles. Continue straight on and pass the Mémorial de Verdun, dedicated to the Great War 1914-1918. 12.4 miles. Carry on to the Souville Lion, the monument which marks the nearest point to Verdun reached by the Germans in 1916, and where they were finally stopped. 12.75 miles. At the crossroads turn right and descend towards Verdun. You can visit the Souville fortified plateau by taking the small path on the left. There you can visit the unique Bussière twin turret, the Pamart machine gun casemates, and the ammunition shelters. 12.9 miles. On the road descending to Verdun, stop to admire the Maginot Monument on the left. A little further along there is a picnic area in the forest where you can rest. 15.3 miles. After crossing the railway bridge, at the Stop sign, cross over and pass by the Faubourg Cemetery. At the next Stop sign turn right, then immediately left, and pass the Braquier Dragée factory. At the roundabout, turn right and pass the Parc de Londres. Then at the next roundabout, turn left towards the Tourism Office.

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.

On this tour, discover the destroyed villages of the Verdun Red Zone. Nine villages located in the “Red Zone” were completely wiped off the map during the Battle of Verdun, swept away by the turmoil of battle: Beaumont-en-Verdunois, Bezonvaux, Cumières-le-Mort-Homme, Douaumont, Fleury-devant-Douaumont, Haumont-près-Samogneux, Louvemont-Côte-du-Poivre, Ornes, and Vaux-devant-Damloup. All that remains are the ruins, where the locations of houses and public places are marked. They serve as reminders of the trades and activities of these former village communities. They were never rebuilt. These ghost villages, which died for France, offer a moving reminder of the past through the chapels and memorials erected after the war.

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 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.

Along the spectacular valley of the Meuse, the greenway path Trans' Ardennes offers an easy route of 120 km between Sedan, Charleville-Mezieres and Givet, where it connects to the Belgian Ravel. 

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.

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.

Charming cottage for eco holidays in the Ardennes countryside. Restored with environment friendly materials, La Marquise enchants with its timeless charm... ground floor: fully equipped kitchen (freezer, dishwasher, glass plate), living room, lounge with TV and games for children, laundry (washing machine) WC ind. First floor, 3 bedrooms (1 king bed + 2 super single beds + 2 single beds + 1 baby bed), bathroom with shower and bath, WC. Enclosed garden with two terraces, one covered. Riders with their horses welcome.

*COVID-19 Special measures*The measures above cancel and replace the usual informations- The museum is closed on mornings and opened on afternoons on appointment.- Visit of 10 people maximum - Mandatory mask - Guided tour and signposted route in the museum - Open bistro with social distancing - Installation of tables in the garden (for bistro) - Setting up the rental of the rosalies (by reservation only) for the Interpretation Trail. ------------------------------------------ Verlaine traveled a lot, yet, of all the places he frequented, very few are still standing. Among those few buildings, only one is still intact and accessible to the public: the Auberge du Lion d'Or (the Golden Lion's Inn) in Juniville. Located in front of the house Verlaine used to rent, not far from his farm, the inn has become the Verlaine Museum today. In this accommodation "for walkers and riders", the furniture has not moved: time has stopped and the soul remained intact.  More than just a simple reminder of the poet, this 1500m² place will make you revisit his life and work thanks to a unique iconographic collection, a quality commented visit, the provision of his complete works (prose, poetry and letters) and, of course, the particular atmosphere we can feel as we walk in.  After your visit, you'll still have to discover the 1000m² old garden, the temporary exhibitions and the pub. From 1st November to 31st March, Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm or the morning on appointment From 1st April to 31st October, Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm or the morning on appointment  Commented visits: Individuals 6 €, Groups 4 € (10 people), Schools 2€ educational booklets on request). INTERPRETATION TRAIL Departing from the Verlaine Museum, the Juniville interpretation trail invites you to discover the heritage of Juniville by walking in the footsteps of Paul Verlaine while retracing the life and work of the poet. 9 viewpoints have been created in the village, each of them with informative consoles, silhouettes, informative slides or poems whisperers. To go further in your stroll, your knowledge of Verlaine or simply have fun with your family, ask for the booklet "Fair day in Juniville with Verlaine" at the museum. Through its riddles, illustrations and anecdotes, you will learn more about the beautiful heritage of Juniville! Booklet available for free at the Verlaine Museum RIMBAUD-VERLAINE ROUTE Juniville is the first stop on the 300-kilometer Rimbaud-Verlaine tourist route that leads to Belgium and offers a true poetic pilgrimage, evoking the wanderings of these great names of the French literature. The landscapes along this route are in perfect harmony with these unusual characters.

Former Cistercian abbey founded in the early 12th century. Magnificent rose window from St. Vannes' Abbey in Verdun. Open by arrangement.

Located on the road to La Haute Chevauchée, the Ravin du Génie is like an open-air museum, as well as a reminder of the First World War. A 1.2 km trail shows visitors where the soldiers lived and where they stored their equipment. There are information panels all along the path.

Discover the history of glass in Argonne, from Antiquity to the present day, created and run by the association of the Friends of Argonne Glass in Les Islettes, located 6 km from Clermont-en-Argonne and 9 km from Sainte-Ménehould. The association is based on more than 50 years of excavations and research, a collection of documents and objects that testify to the importance of this local industry that spread far beyond the country. Videos produced by the association, some in 3D without glasses, enliven the visit.

Housed in a modern building opened in 1973, the museum has three displays linked to local history - the arrest of the royal family; popular arts, crafts and traditions; and the First World War with fighting in the Argonne area (including mine warfare). The "Marie-Antoinette" room has 9 paintings showing the queen at various ages and a relief map of Varennes in 1791. Temporary exhibition: "In honour of the local people who have brought Varennes back to life from 1919 to the present day". Allow 1 hr for the visit. Open all year with advance booking for groups of 30+. No charge for driver and courier.

Dominating the entire Argonne eastern region, Vauquois was considered by the Staff Headquarters on both sides as an exceptional observation point and a strategic barrier. On 24th September 1914, the Germans occupied this hill and made it into a genuine fortress. On 4th March 1915, after several offensives, the French took hold of the hill. The war of pposition was about to start. The soldiers went underground and dug out miles of galleries and ramifications in order to infiltrate the enemy's network and to cause a maximum amount of loss using tons of explosives. Vauquois hill thus became a real anthill composed of several underground installations spread over several levels (more than 17kms of shafts, galleries and ramifications). One of the most significant places of mine warfare (an inventory was made indicating 519 explosives : 199 German and 320 French), Vauquois was freed on 26th September 1918 by the Americans. Still intact fron the Great War, Vauquois hill has been listed as a Historic Monument.

Welcome to La Hardonnerie Farm! Visit a beautiful natural setting steeped in history and see farm animals unlike any others. Is the hen a bird brain? Are the pigs good at computer games? Follow the signposted path to find out more about the animals' behaviour and the various farming methods used. You'll see chickens, ducks, geese, pigs etc. It's a great outing for the family. Picnic area on site.

The church dedicated to St. Didier was built in the 16th century in a style that was half-Gothic and half-Renaissance. During the First World War, it was set on fire by soldiers from Württemberg. It was rebuilt in 1919. Inside is a statue of the Entombment of Christ, a group sculpture with six statues including the "Holy Woman in a Bonnet" attributed to Ligier Richier.

South of Fléville and Exermont, the municipality of Apremont has a German cemetery with 111 individual graves. This cemetery, created in November 1915 for those killed in the Argonne forest, is the only one to keep a large part of the burial sites in their original state. You will see in particular the grave and tombstone of Baron Von Müllenheim-Rechberg, commander of the 5th fighter battalion, killed in the Haute-Chevauchée on 8 April 1916. In the cemetery is the monument of the 27th Landwher Regiment.  Did you know? Being located behind the front, on the German side, our territory has more German cemeteries on its soil than French.

Alvin York (1887-1964) was one of the most famous Americans of the Great War (328th RI-82nd DI US). On the heights of Châtel-Chéhéry, at the head of about ten soldiers, he destroyed more than ten batteries of German machine guns that defended the "Hindenburg" railway line, used to supply German troops. Repelling a bayonet attack, he took 132 prisoners and brought them back to the village. His exploits saved his battalion from defeat on October 8, 1918. Walk in Sergeant York's footsteps along a historic trail that will take you to the battle sites (starting from the village - 3km route).

The abbey Notre Dame of Chéhéry is an old Cistercian abbey built in the 12th century. During the religious wars, theabbey was subjected to numerous plundering and was partially destroyed. It wasrebuilt in the middle of the 18th century in a classical style by the architectNicolas Joseph. The abbey is a private property and visits areby appointment only.

Located in a rural setting. Easy to find. Just opposite the church.

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+).

Lunch and dinner menus at €16 starter, main course and dessert until Friday lunchtime. Suggestions from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime. Home-made ice cream and cakes. Breakfast available from 9am, During the summer season, for cyclists and walkers, fast food (Croque monsieur, hot dog, panini, sandwich, soup as well as crepes and waffles) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Wednesdays.

Heaven for nature lovers.

During the tourist season, Roland and his team offer fast food in the heart of the Lac Vert Plage leisure park, with its terrace and glassed-in dining room offering a breathtaking view over the 6-hectare lake. Breakfast from 7 a.m. with bread delivery. Dish of the day. Spit-roasted pig every Sunday lunchtime. American, pizza, burger, etc.

Facing Lac Vert, the restaurant offers a mix of Togolese and Italian specialties, a blend of flavors and colors on your plate. Pizzas on site or to take away. Wine cellar. Reservations by phone.

In the center of Dun-sur-Meuse, this restaurant-snack bar offers fast food, mainly Turkish specialties, but also classic snacks, to take away or enjoy on the spot with friends or family. Catering on site or to take away.

Fast-food restaurant in Dun-sur-Meuse. On-site and takeaway sales. French fries, sandwiches, hamburgers, snacks... Order by phone

Florian welcomes you in a warm, contemporary setting to offer semi-gastronomic cuisine, with many local products. Covered terrace. Private parking. Groups welcome. An address not to be missed in Northern Meuse! Takeaway on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm: reservations by phone.

A teaching restaurant. Warm, personal welcome. Excellent value for money. Traditional cuisine. Lunch only during the week. Closed in August and during part of the school holidays. Located near the Saint Victor Bastion (Vauban fortifications), a 10-minute walk from Verdun town centre.

Varennes en Argonne 4km - Ste Menehould 20km - Clermont en Argonne 9km - Verdun 32km. 80m² gite located on the edge of the village. A single storey, it adjoins the farm but is entirely separate, with a view of the forest, in the heart of the Argonne region. 1 bdrm with 1 double bed and 1 single bed and 1 bdrm with 1 double bed. Fitted American-style kitchen. Sitting room, dining room with bar, exposed beams. Bathroom, WC. Electric heating. 1000 m² courtyard. Large enclosed garden. Terrace with garden furniture, barbecue, children’s games. Sheets and cleaning available. Small fishing lake. From the 3rd consecutive week, reduction of 10% on subsequent weeks. No big dogs.

Varennes-en-Argonne 4km - Sainte Menehould 20km - Clermont en Argonne 9km - Verdun 32km. Gite with all mod cons, located in countryside in the heart of the Argonne region. Fully-equipped, fitted American-style kitchen, dining room, sitting room, Lorraine fireplace with glass-fronted wood-burning stove, bathroom. 1 bedroom (1 double bed and 1 single bed), 1 bedroom (1 double bed). Electric and wood-fired heating. Enclosed garden. Small fishing lake available 500m away. Expenses not included. No big dogs.

Located in the centre of Varennes en Argonne, the hotel has 6 simple, unpretentious rooms on the upper floors. After breakfast, you can explore the small town made famous by the arrest of King Louis XVI and his family. Follow the history trail with its 7 information panels and end your tour with a visit to the Argonne Museum to find out more about the history of this part of Meuse.

Le Paquis in Varennes-en-Argonne is a municipal campsite with 80 pitches. Electricity provided. Secure, enclosed site on the banks of the river. It has 9 showers and 9 WCs. The council also hires out 1 mobile home and 3 fully-equipped caravans.

It is in Vauquois in Argonne, close to the main First World War site, that Lieve and Johan welcome guests to their B&B with table d'hôtes. The five guest bedrooms are named after the fruit trees in the orchard, a real delight for the eyes in spring. In autumn, it also becomes a delight for your tastebuds. Cherries, mirabelle plums, damsons, walnuts, apples and pears grow here in abundance. Delicious home-made jam is available at breakfast. In the evening, you can dine with your hosts if you wish.

Varennes en Argonne 5km - Clermont en Argonne 14km - Verdun 32km. In a charming village full of flowers, near a forest, a detached 80m2 gite for 4 persons where you will be woken by the birds and perhaps be visited by a little fox. First floor: 2 bedrooms (1 double bed-2 single beds-1 child's bed). Mezzanine sitting room (exposed beams), TV point. Ground floor: fully-equipped kitchen with fridge-freezer, oven, microwave, cooker hood. Bathroom, separate WC. Washing machine. Dining room with heating stove. Large terrace, Partly-enclosed garden, parking. Garden furniture and barbecue. Electric and wood-fired heating. Pets on request.

Seasonal rental located in the Argonne countryside. It is surrounded by a vast landscaped park. Ideal for a family holiday, between relaxation, walks and historical sites.

Guest accommodation in an old, renovated woodman's cabin. On the ground floor is a lounge and kitchenette. Above is the attic room with double bed, shower room and toilet. Breakfast is served in the owners' dining room, a few yards from the guest accommodation.

Located 9.5 km from Clermont-en-Argonne, the Camping Pierre Cochenet in Futeau is a municipal campsite with 25 pitches with electricity.

Les Islettes 3.6km - Clermont en Argonne 10km - Verdun 38 km. This gite, in a former presbytery, is set in a green landscape. Get off the beaten track, and explore the charm of the Argonne region, with all its typical little villages. Village gite, adjoining another gite and comprising: kitchen/dining room/lounge with TV. 3 bedrooms (1 double bed and 4 single beds), cot available. Bathroom, 2 separate WCs. Gas central heating. Non-enclosed garden. Prices include all expenses. All year round + weekends.