Le claon, Meuse, Lorraine

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.

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.

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 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.

From the Tourist Office, join the walking and cycling path by Japiot Parc. 2 km • Go in the direction of BELLEVILLE-SUR-MEUSE. Arrived on the square, turn right after the Community youth club and arts Center (MJC for french people) to reach the main road. Take the road opposite and go past the pizzeria. 2,52 km • Take the direction of Commandant Drouot and go up to the street of the quarry to reach the cemetery. Going up the quarry path, you will begin to see the city of Verdun. Further, at the roundabout, turn right towards rue du fort. The very steep coast can be climbed easily with an electric bike. It’s a real pleasure. 4,4 km • You arrive in front of Fort Belleville, one of the first works built in Verdun. It was used to observe the road coming from Montmédy. It was considered a redoubt but quickly took the name of Fort because it becomes a second line work since it is placed too close to the central core. 4,65 km • At the end of the dirt road, you can enjoy an overview of VERDUN. Take the opportunity to do a landscape reading ! You will recognize certain monuments : in the center, the upper town and the 2 towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral, just to the right the very verdurous Citadel, then even more to the right, you will see the modern bell tower of the Jeanne D’Arc church. 6,65 km • Continue your visit and enter the National Forest of Verdun. At the intersection, turn left and continue until Fort St-Michel. It allowed to watch the means of communication coming from Metz and to protect the intervals with the works of Belrupt, Souville and Belleville. Access to this fort is restricted to the military men. 9,07 km • Take the path on the right and stay on the dirt road to the path of the Valtoline (D112), turn left on the road and change direction on the right on «path of Souville» to discover the fortified Massif of Souville. Take the opportunity to visit, you‘ll find a gun-turret, unique in France: the turret «Bussière». Follow your path to D913 where you will turn right in a few meters and join another path on your right 120 meters further. Once on the road, keep right along the railway. At the cobbled bridge, continue straight ahead to Verdun. At the crossroads, take in front. 15,51 km • At the bottom of the cemetery, turn right and then left, Commandant Raynal Street. You will then pass in front of the BRAQUIER Dragées factory, a gourmet specialty of Verdun. Verdun has been making this delicacy since 1783, knowing that the Dragee was born in this city in 1220. Always go straight and at the first roundabout take on your right. On the left is the Park of London. At the roundabout turn left to join the tourist office.

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.

Take to the skies during a hot air balloon flight over Reims and its surroundings!  You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. TAKE TO THE SKIES DURING A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER REIMS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS! You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. Upon your arrival, attend the inflation of the balloon before climbing into the basket and leaving Taissy behind for an escapade in the skies above Reims. Rising with the wind, you will fly over Reims at high altitude to gaze down on its renowned architectural heritage from the sky. You'll then be treated to spectacular views of the iconic vineyards and hillsides of Champagne as you fly over the Champagne Tourist Route or the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park. Once you return to solid ground, you’ll share a traditional balloonists toast to celebrate your adventure. A charming interlude in the airs of Reims to discover the landscapes of Champagne.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This modern chapel is an irregular cube of grey concrete standing on piles, blending seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. It was built by Father Rayssiguier, a follower of Le Corbusier. He also worked with Matisse on the chapel in the village of Vence in Southern France. The stained-glass windows were designed by a young Japanese artist, Kimie Bando. The pilgrims' hall provides seating for 60 people at mealtimes.

Beautifully flowered, the village of Beaulieu in Argonne is located on a promontory offering a beautiful view of the Meuse and the forests of the Argonne massif. Houses with exposed wooden frames bear witness to a typical architectural identity of the Argonese region. Originally from the village of Beaulieu-en-Argonne, the 11th century abbey is perceptible by its heritage traces left by time. Houses made of ashlar from the demolition of the abbey in 1790, retaining walls of the abbey plateau are all visible traces. Installed in a brick building, an impressive 13th century oak press, classified as a historical monument, was used to press the reason for the vineyard located on the surrounding slopes. Made from a tree trunk and a counterweight, the whole weighs nearly 30 tons and could once crush up to 3000kg of reason. The Beaulieu press remained in operation until the end of the 19th century. Hiking enthusiasts can continue the visit by accessing the Saint-Rouin chapel via a signposted path starting from the village of Beaulieu. The site is also accessible by road. It is a contemporary chapel made of cubic and irregular concrete blocks resting on stilts. Built by Father Rayssiguier, a disciple of Le Corbusier and a collaborator of Matisse in Vence. The stained glass windows were designed by a young Japanese artist, Kimié Bando.

Set in a brick building, the abbey's press was operational until the end of the 19th century. The well-exposed south - southwest facing slope used to be covered with wines; disappeared with phylloxera epidemic at the start of the 20th century. The press is a protected historical monuments thanks to the personal intervention of President Poincaré in 1926. It comprises a shaft and a counterbalance weighing almost 30 tons with was able to process 3000 kg of grapes.

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.

Restaurant specialising in food from the Alps and traditional cuisine. Mouthwatering and full of flavour. Pizzas to eat in, take away or have delivered to your home.

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.

A pub restaurant in magnificent surroundings on the river bank, near the underground citadel. There's something for everybody: salads, flammekueches, burgers, pizzas, mussels, meat etc. Several menus available.

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.

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.

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