Vitry-le-François / Saint-Dizier
Véloroute 53 between Vitry-le-François and Saint-Dizier reveals the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. In Vitry-le-François, a town nicknamed the Cité Rose (or Pink Town) because of certain façades built from ruddy Savonnières stone, visit the grand central square, Place d'Armes, Notre-Dame Church and the Musée de la Batellerie. Then you cross two charming villages, Orconte and Eurville-Bienville. Once at Saint-Dizier, the castle’s medieval ramparts and the historic centre where the town’s industrial past mixes with modern pieces of architecture and street art add interest for inquisitive cyclists.
The Route
The route leads cyclists very peacefully alongside the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne. You ride along, sometimes shaded by tall trees, sometimes through open countryside. After Orconte, a stretch shared with motorized traffic takes you on to the major Lac du Der, a lake some 8km away.
Link
At the level of Orconte, after the village, a cycle route leads you to the Lac du Der.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Don't miss
- Vitry le François: Musée de la Batellerie; the collegiate church; the château
- Saint-Dizier: Notre-Dame Church; the château ramparts; Muse, an immersive space
Find your accommodation on this stage
Trains et transport sur Vitry-le-François / Saint-Dizier
SNCF train station
- Gare de Vitry-le-François: with high-speed TGV train services from Paris or TER Fluo regional train services, with spaces for bikes (1hr 56mins journey time on average)
- Gare de St-Dizier: with high-speed TGV Inoui train services from Paris or TER Fluo regional train services, with spaces for bikes (2hr 36mins on average)