Discover Berzieux, jewel of the Marne Champagne

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.

Famous for the Battle which took place in 1916, the history of the city of Verdun goes back 30 centuries. Verdun has preserved for us many traces of its part in history. It is worth taking the time to stroll round the historic heart of the city and discover what it has to offer.

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.

This tour is perfect for a first trip uncovering of Verdun city. This route invites cyclists to discover over the many centuries, from 10th to today; the lively city of Verdun with its docks; Medieval period but also the late modern period of Verdun with its facades and its Art deco. An episcopal city, Verdun has a rich religious heritage since the 16th century, it forms with the cities of TOUL and METZ the province of the «Trois Évêchés» (Three Bishops). From the St-Baptiste Church or St-Victor via the St Nicolas chapel, simply walk the streets of the upper town and stroll along the river Meuse to be convinced. Verdun has an episcopal palace (now the World Peace Center), a cathedral, two old abbeys, seven churches and chapels ... 200 m • From the Tourist Office, take the direction of the Pont chaussée. Before the bridge on the right you can see the Children’s Monument. On the other side is the Porte Chaussée, official entrance of the city in the 14th century, and defensive element of the Grand Rempart. 300 m • Go to the right and follow the road to the roundabout. You will pass in front of the « Défense de Rodin » (19th century) the « Monument to women of the rural world » (monument aux femme du monde rural) 650 m • Turn left and pass in front of the subprefecture and Porte St-Paul (19th century). 1 km • Continue on Mazel Street. You can raise to eyes and contemplate the architecture and Art deco of this street (20th century) 1,3 km • At the end of the street, turn left on the bridge, and take the roundabout and the exit on the right to the City Hall then take the first street on the right (17th century). 4.1 km • Continue your tour to Pré l’Evêque Leisure Center. Enjoy this green area to go around the water. You’ll appreciate the calm and the tranquility. Exit the leisure center and take to the left the Pont Ecluse St-Amand (17th century). It allowed the upstream flooding that keep the city out of reach of enemy cannons then head yourself towards your the left to the Underground Citadel. 6,2 km • At the end, stop yourself at the Carrefour des Maréchaux (16 statutes that represent Generals and Marshals of the First and Second Empire). Go around the ramparts of the Underground Citadel and climb the hill to the right to reach the place de l’étoile. Turn left to reach Porte Châtel, the oldest gate of Verdun (18th century). 6,8 km • Go down to the Monument de la Victoire (Victory Monument) to enjoy the view. Retrace your steps and pedal to Notre-Dame of Verdun Cathedral (10th century) and the World Center For Peace (Centre mondiale de la paix), the former episcopal palace (18th century). 7,4 km • Follow the road and go down to the city center. Pass the Princerie Museum (14th century), then turn right to face 200m lower, the Chapelle Buvignier (Buvignier Chapel, 18th century), place of many exhibitions. Continue straight on the sidewalk and pass the Tour chaussée (Pavement Tower) to reach the Tourist Office.

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.

The enchanting landscape, misty rivers and endless forest of the Ardennes have inspired many poets in the past and continue to inspire them today. The towns of Charleville-Mézières, Juniville, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Bouillon were visited by two of the most famous enfants terribles of nineteenth-century French poetry, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, who shared the rebellious and defiant character of the Ardennes. They were two poetic geniuses who were complete opposites: Verlaine, the academic, formal poet and Rimbaud the instinctive, social-commentator poet. What a magnificent combination! They would shake up poetry for ever. This trail takes you through places where they sought refuge, places where they recharged their batteries, and places that inspired them.

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.

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.

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.

*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.

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.

House of 215 m² for 14 people. Independant kitchen. Hifi, TV, Coffee maker, Microwave, Refrigerator, Freezer, Combined-freezing, Dishwasher, Internet. Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 160cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm. Terrace, Park, Garden, Garden, Private, Shading, Closed, Barbecue. Parking is private.

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

Monument in memory of the soldiers of the 369th RIUS and the 15th regiment of the coloured troops (93rd DI) who fought in the sector of Ripont, Mont-Cuvelet and Séchault from 26 September to 1 October 1918 as indicated on the monument.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

The Castle of Cornay is a castle that has kept its Renaissance style over the centuries. This style can be recognized by its mullioned windows, neo-Gothic curves and bas-relief shells. The facades are built with a local stone called gaize. The exterior is freely accessible from July to September. For the most curious, it is possible to visit the interior of the castle by appointment (Monday to Saturday).

In the Middle Ages, the abbeys of Chéhéry and Montiers-en-Argonne (Marne) and of Lachalade (Meuse) were established in Argonne Forest: the monks’ task was to overpower the devilish forces and Celtic beliefs that haunted the region. To do this, they cleared the land – to excess. Razed in 1657, Chéhéry Abbey was to be rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. The classical, harmonious façade is a fine illustration of the Cistercian order. Today a substantial edifice of bricks and stone still remains, the former abode of priors and monks. The courtyard is flanked by two pavilions (outbuildings and shed).

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.

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.

Heaven for nature lovers.

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.

Didier and Nathalie make plain and fruit yoghurts, cheeses, plain and ashy tommes, soft cheeses, cœur d'Argonne, plain and herb fresh cheeses, raw whole milk. They are present at the Vouziers market on Saturday mornings, Christmas markets, the Ecordal organic collective and the small baskets of Stenay.

Sales to order at the farm and on the markets of Reims. Mara des Bois strawberries from May to September.

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.

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). Bathroom/WC and separate WC. Gas central heating. Non-enclosed garden. Prices include all expenses. Pets on request.

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.