Uncover Local Treasures at Camping du Brouzel

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 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.

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

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

Here you are in the heart of Provence… in Belgium! Torgny is one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia and enjoys a microclimate that is good for growing grapevines. As you wander the sloping streets you will find a listed heritage site, 3 vineyards and also magnificent landscapes. Want more? Find this walk in our folder “ The Bucolic Walks” to be discovered in our GaumeShop!

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

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

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.

Green leisure park with acrobatic tree courses, barefoot and sensory trails. Conquer the forest! Activities on offer: - acrobatic tree course (with continuous lifeline), with numerous workshops, monkey bridge, log walkways, nets, stirrups, snowboard, giant swings and 500 m of zip lines - Barefoot and sensory courses: it stings, it's soft, it tickles, it's cold, it's rough... - Quickflight jump - Outdoor laser-game - Escape Game - Night-time fun in July and August. Practical info : - sports shoes or walking shoes required. - guides present on all courses for advice and supervision. - on site: play area and picnic area for packed lunches, panoramic terrace, drinks, snacks, ice creams, cakes, sweets... - access via D964, intersection Vilosnes and Haraumont. Prices available on the website Reservations strongly recommended. Outside opening hours: groups by prior arrangement only.

In 1860, Murvaux had 100 hectares of vines, making it the largest vineyard in the north Meuse region. Today it has almost completely disappeared. Now, to recreate the past, a vineyard labourer's house from the 19th century has been opened to the public. It contains a self-guided exhibition of vine-growing and agricultural tools with information notes on the exhibits. There is also a reconstruction of a school room from the early 20th century. Small shop with vine-related products, special events. Guided tours for groups can also be booked throughout the year.

Before it was even a village, Haumont near Samogneux was first a site of Gallic celebration of the Sun God through an altar erected in the 1st century AD on its heights. Later, the Roman army established a fortified camp there. Towards the end of the Thirty Years' War, which pitted Catholics against Protestants, the village was completely ruined by the incessant passage of troops who ransomed and even tortured the inhabitants unable to satisfy them. From 300 inhabitants in 1850, its population dropped to 139 in 1914. The population was evacuated shortly after the start of the war, due to its location in the far north, too close to the front which had stabilized a few kilometers away, thanks to the success of the Battle of the Marne. However, it suffered a first bombardment on February 7, 1915, which damaged part of its church. But this was nothing compared to what it would endure a year later, on February 20, 1916, at the very beginning of the great German offensive on Verdun. On February 22, 1916, the valiant defense of the village by the 362nd Infantry Regiment forced the German assault troops to retreat... This brief respite for the soldiers resulted in a deluge of iron and fire unleashed by the powerful German artillery. During this violent bombardment, the village literally collapsed, burying 80 brave soldiers under its stones and rubble. The German advance on the French lines moved the village away from the intense fighting taking place further south until October 1918, when the French army's offensive push returned to the area. Its ruins were indeed recaptured on October 8, 1918, by the 67th Infantry Regiment and the 66th and 68th Senegalese Tirailleurs Battalions, a little over a month before the end of hostilities. Between the two wars, Haumont near Samogneux was declared a "destroyed village" in 1919, a unique status shared by eight other villages in the Meuse. On March 15, 1921, it was cited in the army's order to mark the Nation's recognition for the supreme sacrifice of the commune. On August 28, 1928, its war memorial was inaugurated, and in 1932, its Saint Nicolas shelter chapel was built, then furnished and decorated in 1933, proving the determination of its former inhabitants, the "Sachots," to make it a respected place of remembrance. In 1940, the beginning of the Second World War saw new battles on its territory, during the inevitable push of the German army overwhelming the few remaining valiant French troops desperately trying to stop them. The occupation of the country that followed led to the effective abandonment of the maintenance of this place of remembrance, from 1940 until 1968. Nature reclaimed its rights, and the chapel was even swallowed by vegetation... But in 1971, under the impetus of its mayor, Charles Renversez, extensive cleaning and restoration work was undertaken. And now, Haumont near Samogneux and the "Sachots" continue this essential work of remembrance every year, so necessary for future generations. To see: The Saint-Nicolas chapel (triptych painting by Lucien Lantier, representing the village in 1914, 1915, and 1916); The war memorial; Remnants of the village.

Located along the old D964 road, close to the village of Samogneux in the Meuse department, this picnic area offers a peaceful, rural setting, ideal for a break in the heart of nature. It has three tables set up on flat ground, with an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside. The place is quiet and uncrowded, and easily accessible from Verdun; however, in the other direction, it is advisable to turn around at the cemetery located a little further on. Parking is free and available all year round, but there are no toilets, children's playgrounds, or significant shaded areas—so it is best to come prepared, especially in hot weather. Although simple, this area is a pleasant place to stop in the heart of the Meuse, especially for travelers seeking tranquility or those who enjoy memorial walks around Verdun.

On July 10, 1940, when the defeat of the French armies was complete, only eighty members of parliament gathered in Vichy refused to grant Marshal Pétain, the "victor of Verdun", full constituent powers. Among them was Gaston Thiébaut, born in Samogneux and deputy mayor of Verdun. Gaston Thiébaut is buried in the Samogneux cemetery. In his honor, a street and a square bear his name. In the village, by the side of the departmental road, you can see the statue of Père Barnabé, a character created by Henri Frémont in 1917. Père Barnabé is the archetypal Meuse peasant, uprooted and a refugee during the First World War.

A table at the top of Rue du Vieux Château and 1 bench.

A table at the Porte de Milly on the chemin de ronde, entrance to the upper town.

Located within the fortifications built in the 10th century high above the town, this massive church was commissioned in 1346 by the Lords of Apremont. After centuries of warfare, it is now the only historic building left in the upper town. It is a gem of Gothic architecture and it has been listed as a historic monument. Its organ and ornate furnishings date from the 18th century. It also has two huge sculptures by the modern artist, Ipoustéguy, entitled "The Death of Bishop Neumann" and "Christ".

The Ipoustéguy arts centre is a multipurpose facility designed for every form of cultural expression. Since 2001, it has housed the world's largest collection of works (bronzes, marble sculptures, watercolours and charcoals) by Jean Robert Ipoustéguy, an internationally famous sculptor and artist who was born in Dun-sur-Meuse in 1920. He was a workaholic, creating 600 sculptures and hundreds of watercolours, drawings and paintings. His works can be seen all over the world, in the largest public collections and in cities known for their connections with the Arts e.g. Tokyo, Washington, Paris, Berlin, London etc.

In 2023, this 200 m² space will host an exceptional documentary exhibition on Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers, produced by the Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Déportation. There will also be an exhibition on the Algerian War and the Marine Commandos. There are also numerous documents (archives, photos...), war memorabilia, a historical fresco... A documentation area with computer and Internet connection is available for those wishing to carry out historical research. A leaflet on the military monuments of the Val Dunois, in four languages, is available on site.

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.

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

Fast food: burger, American, fries, meat skewers... on site or to take away.

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

Le Brouzel is a very quiet, lush campsite with 50 pitches on the banks of the Meuse Canal and just 600 metres from the Meuse River. Numerous amenities - picnic tables, bike shed, shop, children's playground, hire of fully equipped chalets.... Wide range of activities nearby.

Spacious and charming gîte, located in Sivry sur Meuse, where you can enjoy the countryside while being close to amenities and historical and leisure sites. Open all year round.

House in Meuse valley, 60 square meters in the heart of nature, barbecue terrace. Fully equipped kitchen, coffee machine, filter coffee maker, raclette set, microwave, kettle, toaster, oven, dishwasher, bathroom, washing machine, iron, living room/TV. Pergola and garden furniture.

Situated on the banks of the Meuse, the Vilosnes campsite invites you to discover this charming village, built amphitheatrically on the river. An ideal site for fishing, close to the Station Verte de Dun-sur-Meuse (leisure center, boat hire, museums...), the accrobranche (tree climbing) park at Sivry-sur-Meuse and the Battlefield of Verdun.

Five-person apartment. Fully equipped kitchen, bright and spacious living/dining room. Two double bedrooms and one single bedroom with baby facilities. Washing machine and ironing facilities. Outside: terrace, garden, barbecue, children's play area... Information and reservations by phone.

Accommodation for 2 people which includes a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area opening onto the living room with bedroom area, a shower room and separate toilet. Ironing facilities. Outside, terrace with garden furniture, children's games, barbecue. Laundry room with washing machine and ironing facilities. Information and reservation by phone.

140 square meters house in a small Meuse village. Close to Verdun and Belgium. The accommodation is very well equipped, with a large living room, study, spacious bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen. Free on-site parking, WiFi, TV, storage for bikes, strollers, etc. Bed linen and towels provided.

Verdun 18 km. 3 rooms in a large imposing house. Ground floor: 1 x 2/3-pers. bedroom, en-suite facilities. Upstairs: 1 x 2/3-pers. bedroom, private (not en-suite) facilities. 1 x 2-pers bedroom with en-suite facilities. TV, terrace, garden furniture. Summer kitchen available for guests.

The Terrasses de Brieulles campsite overlooks the Meuse valley, and thanks to its terraced layout, every pitch has a breathtaking view of the river. Popular with fishing enthusiasts, the site's facilities are in perfect condition. Chalets for rent on site. Grocery shop in the village.

Gîte de la Saux is ideally located between Argonne and Verdun. The house has been completely renovated. It offers a living area opening onto a terrace and the garden, as well as 3 bedrooms.