VERDUN THROUGH THE WATER : CANAls & locks

Pedal through the rhythm of the river meuse on our green long distance cycling route to enjoy the peace of the canal and discover the «Little Venice» of Verdun no fewer than 5 canals and 20 bridges exist here in the city. Originally used by many windmills, tanneries and for navigation, some canals were buried. Today, we can admire the St-Airy canal, with its stone bridge and 16th century house, the Puty canal along the ramparts,the St-Amand bridge lock and its St-Vanne canal and the Minimes canal. discreet, making his way through the dwellings of Verdun.

From the Tourist Office, cross the road and walk in the Parc Japiot, the green lung of the city center. Return to the Tourist Office along the Meuse. Take the road «Quai de la République» and take the Chaussée bridge on your left.

1 km • On the other side of the bridge is Porte Chaussée, official entrance of the city in the 14th century, and defensive element of the Grand Rempart.

Turn right to take Avenue des Frères Boulhaut, then in the middle of the buildings, in the center, take the lane to reach the City Center. Continue straight on Mazel Street and look up. Contemplate the architecture and decorative arts.

2,16 km • Walk to the covered Market and turn left. Pass the Vanne Canal and then turn right.

2,75 km • Pedal to the Pré l’Evêque leisure center and turn right to pass the St-Amand Lock Bridge. It belongs to the three lock bridges designed by Marshal Vauban at the end of the 17th century to reinforce the defense of the south-east front of the city. The bridge allowed flooding of the upstream sector to keep the city out of reach of enemy cannons. Completed in 1687, it is the only one to have resisted the events related to the history of the city. Very well preserved, its maneuvering building is still in working order.

3.3 km • Turn right into Covered Market (marché Couvert) and Mazel street. Facing the do not enter, take the bridge Fernand Legay on the right.

A stunning view opens up to you, on one side the Quai de Londres and its marina, and on the other side, the junction of the canal St-Vanne and the river Meuse. Go straight ahead, pass in front of the Town Hall on the left and turn right. Before the bridge, turn left. Further on, get close to the right and walk along La Digue Park.



4,25 km • Then join the banks of the river Meuse and go to the Tunnel de l’écluse.

4,66 km • Pass the tunnel and ride on the cycling path. Further on, you will see on your right, the « Grand Gueulard »,
spillway that divides the course of the river into two branches.

7,31 km • Pedal to l’écluse de Belleray, turn left and climb the the road. At the top, at the roundabout continue straight ahead to reach 2 roundabouts next to each other.

9,81 km • Turn left and go down the St-Sauveur road to come out on the St-Airy canal. It enters the lower town by passing under the lock bridge of St-Airy (on right), one of the 3 lock bridges designed by Vauban to ensure the defense of the place by upstream floodings. The House located at 12 rue des Remparts, half-timbered with stucco is probably and is the oldest in Verdun (15th or 16th century).
Turn right, walk along the St-Airy canal and pass the lock bridge. At the Tour des Champs Gate roundabout, take the road of the left and then turn right

10,37 km • Walk along the Puty Canal (canal du Puty) and its ramparts. Pass the Tour de l’Islot (Islot Tower), an integral part of the ancient walls of the city, dating back to the 13th century.

10,5 km • At the end of the road, gaze at the Tour des Plaids (Plaids Tower) Built in the 14th century. In the shape of horseshoe, it is also known as the Puty Tower. The name of «Plaids» comes from the judicial hearings held there in the Middle Ages.

10,65 km • Cross the road and go straight. Pass the Canal des Minimes, place of the old tanneries and return to the Quai de la République. Before the roundabout, turn right and walk along the Puty Canal. Turn left and left again to find the Tourist Office.