The Meuse cycle route

You'll be setting off from Langres, Europe's largest fortified city with its 8 km of walls. After leaving the hometown of philosopher Diderot, you'll be cycling along the "Entre Champagne et Bourgogne" canal. You then arrive at Lac de La Liez, before continuing your journey towards Andilly-en-Bassigny and its Gallo-Roman archaeological site, along the peaceful but hilly roads of the Haut-Marne. Be sure to sample Langres cheese in Saulxures!

In Montigny-le-Roi, discover the wash houses and fountains before arriving at the Source of the Meuse in Pouilly-en-Bassigny, where you'll really be starting your journey along the Meuse, a 950 km European river. A monument displays its route. A former fortified town situated on a cuesta, Bourmont overlooks the upper Meuse valley. Enjoy a stroll through its ancient narrow streets with their rich and exciting history. And through the Parc des Roches and its Promenade du Côna, listed as "Jardins Remarquables" (Outstanding gardens).

Vosges, here we come! Along the way you'll come across some charming villages and you'll almost certainly love Circourt-sur-Mouzon. Once there, you can admire its hillsides and discover one of the special characteristics of the western Vosges: the calcareous grasslands with their decidedly Southern atmosphere including orchids and butterflies. Next, head for Neufchâteau, holder of the 100 Plus Beaux Détours de France label (100 Most beautiful corners of France), whose heritage sites are a living showcase for 1000 years of history. Don't miss the Renaissance staircase at the Hôtel de Houdreville!

En route for Joan of Arc's home region! You'll be discovering Domremy-la-Pucelle, the home village of this young girl destined for great things. Two must-see sites: the basilica of Saint Jeanne d’Arc, with an outstanding view over the meandering river Meuse, and her home, located in the centre of the village where you can discover the Middle Ages at first hand. Finally, your journey will take you to Vaucouleurs, the town which gave arms to Joan and where her saga began. While here, you can also discover the fascinating museum dedicated to her.

You have now reached the town of Vaucouleurs, a town associated with Joan of Arc. Vaucouleurs was founded in Gallo-Roman times, when it was known as Vallis Colorum (latin for the "Valley of Colours"). Heading on to Commercy, the home of the madeleine (sponge finger cake), take the time to stroll through the picturesque streets winding their way along the Meuse before a short uphill section between St-Germain-sur Meuse and Void-Vacon. Commercy is also known for its Castle Stanislas, listed as a historical monument.

Don't forget to stop at the truffle and truffle-farming centre in Boncourt-sur-Meuse before continuing on to Saint-Mihiel, a Renaissance town and birthplace of sculptor Ligier Richier, born around 1500. Mécrin, Brasseitte and Han-sur-Meuse can be found in the Lorraine regional nature park, which offers a wide variety of natural environments including forests, 200 forest or meadow ponds and 340 pools. All perfect for the outstanding fauna and flora.

The Meuse today has one of the world's most extensive collection of great war heritage sites. This historical commemorative heritage is extremely authentic, including artillery batteries and concrete entrenchments, trenches, communication trenches, shell holes, tunnels, galleries, monuments, graves and headstones dotted across the landscape, with these sites covering tens of thousands of hectares throughout the département. Verdun is the ultimate symbol of the great war.

En route for Dun-sur-Meuse, birthplace of Jean Robert Ipoustéguy, famous international 20th sculptor. A keen traveller, he produced 600 sculptures, hundreds of watercolours, drawings and paintings. His works can be admired worldwide, in the largest public collections and capitals like Tokyo, Washington, Paris, Berlin and London.

During this stage, you can stop along the way to discover the church of Mont-devant-Sassey, an impressive 11th century Romanesque church. Then learn all about the history of brewing at the Stenay Beer Museum, where 2500 square meters of exhibits await you! The visit ends with a trip to the tavern, where you can enjoy a local beer or sample a slice of delicious Orval cheese on bread.

Travelling through the gently sloping landscapes, this stage of La Meuse à Vélo winds its way leisurely along the the river. The Trans'Ardennes green route crosses huge flowery meadows and pastel landscapes; like something out of a dream. Head south towards Stenay.

From the seat of the Princes to Gonzaga's town, this stage of La Meuse à Vélo continues on its way alongside the river, enabling you to catch a glimpse of the Ardennes range on the horizon. On your way, you can stop off in Donchery, or where the Canal des Ardennes branches off in Dom-le-Mesnil.

Little by little, the surrounding terrain becomes increasingly demanding, as the meadows give way to dense forests rich in legends. The river Meuse edges towards the Ardennes range, taking the cyclist with it. The highpoint of this tortuous route is in Monthermé where, after a little effort to reach the Roche à Sept Heures viewpoint, the sheer perfection of the loop in the Meuse can be admired in all its glory.

This stage of La Meuse à Vélo passes through the steepest section of the Ardennes range. Here, the forest-covered slopes sweep down steeply towards the Meuse. Here and there, you'll spot outcrops of schist peeking through: a stone used extensively in local architecture. The landscapes have inspired local myths like Les Dames de Meuse (the Ladies of the Meuse).

The Meuse Valley gradually opens up as you approach Givet. Along the green route you can admire the local architecture, with its impressive, castle-like buildings. Perched on a rocky spur, the Charlemont fortress greets cyclists as they arrive in Givet, the perfect place to stop off on one of the many terraces alongside the river Meuse. Continue north towards Belgium, in the direction of Dinant and the RAVel network.