PRESS KIT Boucle de la Moselle France CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION: 3 CYCLING: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TOURISM WITH A DIFFERENCE page 3 TO FAMILY TOURISM

page 18 1 PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN At the crossroads of major routes... and practices A favourite family pursuit page 19 Project stakeholders page 6 The very first cycling packages page 20 A focus on cycling page 7 4 THE ULTIMATE PLEASURE CRUISING EXPERIENCE

2 LORRAINE AT ITS FINEST NANCY SAINT-GEORGES PORT: LIFE IN BLUE page 25 TOUL PORT: WELCOME TO NORTH-EASTERN FRANCE page 25 Exceptional architectural heritage LIVERDUN, A PLACE STEEPED IN HISTORY ON THE BANKS OF THE MOSELLE page 10 Boating... and so much more besides page 25 NANCY AND ITS ARCHITECTURAL JEWELS page 10 TOUL CATHEDRAL: GOTHIC AND FLAMBOYANT page 11 VILLEY-SAINT-ETIENNE, ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE VILLAGES IN LORRAINE page 11 5 MOTOR HOMES: A PEACEFUL DESTINATION... GUARANTEED page 28 Fortified towns: a common heritage VILLEY-LE-SEC, THE ARCHETYPAL DEFENSIVE VILLAGE page 12 6 WALKS IN THE CITY... AND IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Sumptuous cuisine page 29 VINS DU TOULOIS: RED, WHITE AND “GRIS“ WINES page 13 Overground... and underground MADELEINE DE LIVERDUN, A DELICACY THAT HARKS BACK TO ANCIENT TIMES page 13

A preserved natural environment A PROMISING FUTURE FOR LOCAL TOURISM page 30 FORÊT DE HAYE, THE GOODNESS OF GREENERY page 14 MARON, STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS page 14 CONTACT DETAILS page 31 Mining history page 15 TOURISM WITH A DIFFERENCE

The Boucle de la Moselle has been growing for 20 years. It is a destination with something for everyone, reflecting a new, dynamic approach to tourism in Lorraine driven by the ambition of all local stakeholders. This 95-km route passes through urban and rural areas, offering enjoyment and a chance to explore some of the very The new best sites in southern Meurthe-et-Moselle, and reflecting Boucle de la Moselle logo a brand new way to enjoy tourism. Its attractiveness is further boosted by its expansion into new, complementary With a decorative theme that areas (through cross-border and inter-regional collabora- represents north-eastern France and tions), as well as a diverse range of attractions and facilities the surrounding areas, the logo’s background features a bright colour, and access via multiple modes of transport. with a noticeably denser appearance The destination still has plenty more to offer, and a number in the foreground section. The word “Boucle“ appears in green, symbo- of major projects are underway (new communication mate- lising the natural environment, while rials, and the development of themed sections emphasising below, the river Moselle is naturally complementary practices). The Boucle de la Moselle has also represented in blue. In this logo, the circuit-based route is expressed by a developed a new visual identity, expressed in a logo that scroll – in a streamline loop shape – at alludes to the sheer richness of this area – an area that is the beginning of the “M“ in “Moselle“. becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. The final “e“ in the word is extended, evoking the continuity of the river towards Germany. Cathedral Saint-Etienne / TOUL Fort Aventure / BAINVILLE-SUR-MADON PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN

La collection DAUM / NANCY

Brasserie Excelsior / NANCY

Place Stanislas / NANCY Côtes de Toul wines 1 PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN Project stakeholders

With the tourism sector accounting for only 3% of jobs (compared with 4.4% across France as a whole), Lorraine still has extensive development potential in this area. The region boasts a multitude of attractions, and the Boucle de la Moselle project forms part of efforts to promote these to a wider audience. The project has several aims: to improve the area’s facilities, to promote what already exists (rich diversity if landscapes and environments, natural trails, family-friendly routes, etc.) and to introduce new initiatives. The overall ambition is to promote this highly attractive destination with its vast economy. Discounting the boat hire costs, a tourist taking a pleasure cruise spends an average of €31 per day per person, cycle tourists passing through the area, spend an average of €75 per day, while campers spend an average of €30 a day per person.

The Boucle de la Moselle is a truly unifying THREE ORGANISATIONS WORKING DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC project involving sustained efforts from various institutions, including a number Tourism activities around the Boucle de la Moselle are coordinated by three key organisations, each of which of inter-communal authorities (Toulois, is responsible for providing public information about the various options available in the area. Moselle et Madon, Hazelle-en-Haye and Bassin de Pompey), as well as Nancy Metropole (supplementing the work done by the Meurthe-et-Moselle Departmental Council, the Regional Council, Voies A category 2 tourist office, the A category 1 tourist office, Nancy The tourist information point of the Navigables de France and local associa- Maison du tourisme en pays Tourisme et évènements promotes Bassin de Pompey is situated in the tions. Three organisations are technically Terres de Lorraine covers the area both leisure and business offers medieval town Liverdun and pro- South-West of Nancy and has in the 20 communes of Nancy motes the northern section of the responsible: the Maison du tourisme en two information points in Toul and Metropole. Boucle de la Moselle. pays Terres de Lorraine, Nancy Tourisme the Colline de Sion. et Evénements and the tourist information point of the Bassin de Pompey. lepredenancy.fr nancy-tourisme.fr tourisme.bassinpompey.fr

6 1 PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN A focus on cycling

Cycle tourism is a key priority in the tourism sector across France, as demonstrated by major investments made in this area throughout the country. In line with this growing trend, the Boucle de la Moselle has decided to focus its efforts on routes and services aimed at cyclists – who often indulge in their pursuit either alone or with family members.

Why this strategy?

1 First and foremost, France’s is the world’s leading destination for cycling tourism. Moreover, cycling is the second most popular holiday activity among French people. (TNS-SOFRES for the French Ministry of Tourism)

2 Looking beyond France’s borders, its neighbours in Germany and Holland are particularly fond of cycling tourism (with more than 50% of cycling tourists crossing the border from Germany coming to France for travelling cycling holidays).

3 In addition to its popularity, cycling also enjoys a “green“ image. This “eco- friendly attitude“ is also confirmed by recent studies conducted by Atout France, which indicate that the number of tour operators offering dedicated packages for cycling tourists is rising by an average of 15% each year.

atout-france.fr

7 Mine du Val de Fer / NEUVES-MAISONS Fort du vieux canton / VILLEY-LE-SEC

Collégiale Saint-Gengoult / TOUL

Cathedral Saint-Etienne / TOUL VILLEY-SAINT-ETIENNE LORRAINE

Place Stanislas / NANCY AT ITS FINEST

LIVERDUN

Madeleines de Liverdun

Côtes de Toul / BRULEY 2 LORRAINE AT ITS FINEST LIVERDUN, A PLACE STEEPED IN HISTORY Exceptional architectural heritage ON THE BANKS OF THE MOSELLE Liverdun, a former 12th-century mediaeval fortress, and an 18th-century bishops’ The Boucle de la Moselle has been home to a particularly rich diversity summer residence, is a place steeped in history, nestled in a loop of the Moselle. It of architectural heritage, from ancient times (the city of Affrique, boasts a rich variety of stunning attractions, the Gallo-Roman site of Ludres and the settlement of Aingeray) until including former vineyard-owners’ houses, the early 20th century, with remarkable sites dating from the mediaeval various Renaissance and Art Nouveau residences, and a château dating from the period, the Age of Enlightenment and the Art Nouveau period. 19th century. The town hosts a mediaeval festival in May each year. THE MOSELLE, THE “CAPTURED“ RIVER tourisme.bassinpompey.fr Thousands of years ago, the Moselle ran parallel to the Meurthe (to the east), and flowed into the Meuse. During the Quaternary period (which began 2.6 million years ago), a tributary of the Meurthe, the Terrouin, appeared, with its source to the west. The Moselle-Meuse was then “captured“ and diverted from its original path to join the Meurthe, located around 40 meters lower. The current Boucle de la Moselle is the NANCY name given to this diverted section, which surrounds the city of Nancy via the west. AND ITS ARCHITECTURAL JEWELS The Moselle and the Meurthe, both close together and now at a similar altitude, were connected by a canal in the late 19th century, which “completed the loop“. Nancy, a former dukes’ seat, is known for its exceptional heritage, including its vivrelespaysages.cg54.fr/les-paysages-et-l-eau,151.html 18th-century premises that are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (com- prising Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d’Alliance), its old mediaeval town and its new town (Renaissance and 17th century). Nancy was also the seat of the Art Nouveau movement in France and is home to stunning Ecole de Nancy buildings, especially in the Saurupt district.

nancy-tourisme.fr

10 TOUL CATHEDRAL: GOTHIC AND FLAMBOYANT

Work began on Toul Cathedral in 1221, and the building was finally completed just before 1500. With its Romanesque layout and Gothic construction, it boasts a truly flamboyant façade. Its cloisters – among the largest in France – were built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Saint-Etienne de Toul, to give it its full name, was recently restored and is one of two cathedrals in the diocese, along with Nancy. The top of the building is home to magnificent gargoyles, enhanced by a spectacular sound and light show each summer.

lepredenancy.fr

VILLEY-SAINT-ETIENNE, ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE VILLAGES IN LORRAINE

Villey-Saint-Etienne is a member of the “most attractive villages in Lorraine“ association, which works to promote the region’s heritage. The village stands at the confluence of the Terrouin and its cousin, the Moselle. It features a number of themed walks and trails, as well as various routes that showcase the local, little-known mili- tary heritage built in the surrounding forests in 1887 and 1914. The village also includes a stunning view point from its Renaissance gardens.

lepredenancy.fr

11 2 LORRAINE AT ITS FINEST Fortified towns: a common heritage

As we celebrate the centenary of the First World War, fortified towns are a common feature of all areas of the Boucle de la Moselle and the ideal place to honour the me- mory of those who gave their lives for the cause. Tourists can visit a number of sites that date from this area, including Toul (the main hub that supplied the surrounding strongholds), the forts of Villey-le-Sec, Pont-Saint-Vincent and Villey-Saint-Etienne (Vieux Canton fort) and the Eperon battery in Frouard. Not far from the Boucle de la Moselle is the area of Grand Couronné near Nancy (which saw some of the very first battles in 1914), where there is a memorial on Léomont hill.

POMPEY VILLEY-LE-SEC, LIVERDUN FROUARD THE ARCHETYPAL DEFENSIVE VILLAGE

CHAMPIGNEULLES The fort of Villey-le-Sec formed an integral VILLEY- ST-ETIENNE part of the Séré de Rivières defensive system (built along the French border after 1870). NANCY It forms part of one of the largest systems of VILLEY-LE-SEC fortifications ever built. Designed to protect TOUL the stronghold of Toul, it features fortifications MARON PIERRE-LA-TREICHE that surround the village’s homes. As the SEXEY- NEUVES-MAISONS AUX-FORGES only fortified village dating from the late 19th PONT-ST-VINCENT RICHARDMÉNIL century, its gun turrets are still operational. A miniature train takes visitors on a tour of the site.

lepredenancy.fr

12 2 LORRAINE AT ITS FINEST POMPEY LIVERDUN FROUARD

Sumptuous cuisine CHAMPIGNEULLES VILLEY- ST-ETIENNE

Lorraine is particularly popular among food lovers, with local cuisine NANCY VILLEY-LE-SEC that delights the taste buds. It is a reputation that the Boucle de la TOUL MARON Moselle is proud to honour. The region is famous for its bergamot sweets, PIERRE-LA-TREICHE SEXEY- NEUVES-MAISONS macarons and mirabelle plums, as well as its wines and madeleines. AUX-FORGES RICHARDMÉNIL

VINS DU TOULOIS: MADELEINE DE LIVERDUN, A DELICACY RED, WHITE AND “GRIS“ WINES THAT HARKS BACK TO ANCIENT TIMES

Les Côtes de Toul wines were particularly Madeleines de Liverdun – the delicacy made popular among the Dukes of Lorraine and the famous by Marcel Proust and a mainstay of Bishops of Toul, and have been in constant Lorraine’s heritage – are, according to legend, production, since ancient times. However, the shaped in homage to the pilgrims of Santiago vineyard enjoyed its heyday in the 19th century, de Compostela. Today, they perpetuate a before it fell victim to a devastating phylloxera biscuit-making tradition that dates back to the infestation and the ravages of the First World early 20th century, and are made to a unique War. The appellation recovered its former glory recipe invented by baker Joseph Rouvenacht, thanks to the tireless work of local producers. with the help of his assistant Marcel Chenel. The area covers eight villages to the west of Back then, this sumptuous shell-shaped Toul, producing “gris“, red and white wines delicacy was all the rage among residents of using the Gamay, Pinot Noir and Auxerrois Nancy taking their holidays on the banks of the grape varieties. Moselle. The production method, perpetuated by the Chenel family, remains the same to this lepredenancy.fr day. The only difference has been the appear- ance of a mirabelle plum version.

enpassantparlalorraine.fr

13 2 LORRAINE AT ITS FINEST

A preserved natural environment POMPEY LIVERDUN FROUARD The Boucle de la Moselle abounds with unspoilt natural environments, many of which are classified as “na- CHAMPIGNEULLES VILLEY- ST-ETIENNE tural zones of ecological, fauna and flora interest“ (ZNIEFF). Examples include various areas of the Haye FORÊT DE HAYE plateau (see below), the Terrouin meadows in Villey-Saint-Etienne (famous for its orchids), bat roosts in NANCY 2000 Pierre-la-Treiche and Villey-le-Sec, and the chalk grasslands in Sexey-aux-Forges (listed as a Natura VILLEY-LE-SEC TOUL site, along with the Bellefontaine valley in Champigneulles). There are also four registered or listed natu- MARON PIERRE-LA-TREICHE ral spaces. These are located in Liverdun (remarkable landscapes), Fléville-devant-Nancy (the château, SEXEY- NEUVES-MAISONS FLÉVILLE AUX-FORGES its grounds and the northern valley), Varangéville (the Roanne valley and its former salt mines) and RICHARDMÉNIL Champigneulles (the lower château and part of its grounds).

FORÊT DE HAYE, MARON, THE GOODNESS OF GREENERY STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS

The Forêt de Haye is located Located in an open section of the to the west of Nancy and covers Moselle valley, the village of Maron 8,000 hectares. It is home to is home to ancient vineyard-owners’ a leisure park covering 200 homes and a restored former Lor- hectares, featuring sports and raine farm dating from the 18th century. relaxation facilities. Attractions Close by is the former quarry of Grande include an equestrian centre, Goutte, which is now a well-known rock- playgrounds, tennis, paintball, climbing site. Maron is a typical Lorraine restaurants and walking routes... village, with plenty of attractions, inclu- The possibilities are endless. ding walks in the forest and along the A green way takes you from the banks of the Moselle towards Sexey- Moselle river at Aingeray to the aux-Forges, and cycling along the river heart of the forest (Forêt de Haye) to Pierre-la-Treiche with its caves formed and its leisure park. by the river…

parcdeloisirs-haye.com cc-mosellemadon.fr Details of protected areas at www.carmen.naturalfrance.fr 14 2 LORRAINE AT ITS FINEST Mining history THREE THEMED ROUTES The Val-de-Fer mine, with its entrances at Neuves-Maisons, is now a museum dedicated One of the attractive features of the area is the additional to mining heritage. It offers an unspoilt view over the Sion Hill. The visit includes an out- themed routes that complement the Boucle de la Moselle. 1930 crop overlooking the Moselle valley, a mineral accumulator plant dating from the s, The most well-known of these is the Art Nouveau route, which and a gallery/museum that showcases the working conditions in the late 19th century. takes visitors on a voyage of discovery through the treasures Visitors can explore the site unguided with the help of view point tables, or can take a of the Ecole de Nancy: Villa Majorelle, CCI de Meurthe-et-Moselle, guided tour conducted by retired miners (available to groups only, requests must be sub- brasserie Excelsior, villa Bergeret, Musée de l’Ecole de Nancy, etc. mitted to the Maison du Tourisme en Pays Terres de Lorraine. nancy-tourisme.info/art-nouveau lepredenancy.fr

In Toul, wine dominates the landscape. Visitors can explore the Côtes de Toul tourist trail, where they can discover the local AOC “gris“, red and white wines. lepredenancy.fr/nous-decouvrir/ la-route-touristique-des-cotes-de-toul.html

NANCY NEUVES-MAISONS BRULEY Finally, the “Chemin des Traces“ offers a chance to follow the footsteps of former miners in the Neuves-Maisons area. POMPEY cc-mosellemadon.fr/page/l-histoire-du-fer LIVERDUN FROUARD

CHAMPIGNEULLES VILLEY- ST-ETIENNE

NANCY BRULEY VILLEY-LE-SEC TOUL MARON PIERRE-LA-TREICHE SEXEY- NEUVES-MAISONS AUX-FORGES 15 RICHARDMÉNIL Place Stanislas / NANCY CYCLING AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO FAMILY TOURISM

MARON 3 CYCLING: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO FAMILY TOURISM At the crossroads of major routes... and practices With its strong transport links (train, road network and river), the Boucle de la Moselle Exploring stunning landscapes while enjoying the benefits of cycling is also ideal for combining multiple forms of – the ultimate “green“, cheap and energising form of transport... this transport, as well as mixing leisure cycling is fast becoming an “ideal“ form of tourism and is rapidly gaining (preferred to racing cycling by 90% of people) with other land and water-based activities. popularity. It is now something open to everyone who comes to stay at With circular cycling trails of between 30 and the Boucle de la Moselle. 60 km, it is both the ideal place to stop off on a longer journey (local trains in Lorraine take THE VÉLOROUTE bicycles free of charge) and a great opportu- CHARLES LE TÉMÉRAIRE nity to enjoy a Sunday ride along the water’s The Boucle de la Moselle stands at the cross- edge. For those less accustomed to cycling, roads of a number of major regional and This cross-border cycling route connects you can hire a bike locally from the Maison du European routes and enjoys a central Flanders with Burgundy, following the Vélo or at certain campsites (see box). geographic location. It is therefore a natural footsteps of the famous Duke Charles destination for long-range cycling tourism, the Bold, who was defeated by René with many enthusiasts of this practice II, Duke of Lorraine at Nancy in 1477. coming to the area. On a north/south THE MAISON DU VÉLO axis, it crosses the Véloroute Charles le It passes through Wallonia, Luxembourg, Lorraine, Franche-Comté and along the Téméraire cycling route (see box), as well The Maison du Vélo is a public facility banks of the Saône and the Moselle, and as the Amsterdam-Rome and Amsterdam- run by Grand Nancy (an official “cycling Barcelona routes. Meanwhile, on an east/ features a variety of dedicated facilities tourism friendly city and region“). Its west axis, it crosses the Marne-Rhine canal and amenities for cyclists. purpose is to promote cycling, and it cycling route (260 km route linked to the offers a substantial collection of bicycles Paris-Strasbourg and Paris-Prague routes). veloroute-charles-le-temeraire.fr for hire, including electrically assisted bicycles. It also organises a number of events, has a documentation centre, an exhibition room, a repair workshop, a washing and tyre inflating facility, etc.

grand-nancy.org/MaisonduVelo

18 3 CYCLING: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO FAMILY TOURISM A favourite family pursuit

As well as supplementing Europe’s major cycling routes, the Boucle de la Moselle also supports POMPEY family-friendly, universally accessible cycling. Since the route runs along the river’s edge, it also LIVERDUN FROUARD

benefits from flat, safe paths, a loop circuit with no logistical concerns, etc. The banks feature CHAMPIGNEULLES VILLEY- a range of facilities and amenities designed to facilitate cycling, such as overpasses, a densely ST-ETIENNE packed network of cycle trails, dedicated signage, etc. The circular routes are also accredited with the “Accueil Vélos“ (cyclists welcome) label (see box), which guarantees that local service providers NANCY VILLEY-LE-SEC offer dedicated facilities for cycling tourists. The network features a range of regular events, such TOUL 20 MARON as the “Vélo Gourmand“, an innovative concept combining a km trail ride (between Villey-Saint- PIERRE-LA-TREICHE SEXEY- NEUVES-MAISONS Etienne fort, Vieux Canton fort and Terrouin nature park) and stop-offs to sample local produce AUX-FORGES RICHARDMÉNIL (June). BAINVILLE

“ACCUEIL VÉLO“: Families can also enjoy access to two sports A DEDICATED LABEL FOR CYCLISTS complexes: Fort Aventure, a former 19th-century fort and commando training facility that has been The “Accueil Vélo“ (cyclists welcome) label is instantly converted into a leisure centre offering bungee recognisable via its logo, which features a white cyclist jumping, zip wire and an obstacle course (inclu- on a green background. This national label is awarded ding a dedicated course for children), and France to providers that offer dedicated services and facilities Aventures in Pompey, with six high-wire courses. along cycling routes, such as a secure bicycle shelter, fort-aventure.fr repair kits, luggage transfer, clothes washing and drying france-aventures.com/fr/nos-parc-fr/ facilities, bicycle and accessory hire, etc. nancy In partnership with the Conseil Départemental/ Meurthe-et-Moselle Tourisme

19 3 CYCLING: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO FAMILY TOURISM The very first cycling packages

The Boucle de la Moselle has introduced a range of «cycling» packages in conjunction with other partners. These packages, the very first of their type, combine accommodation, breakfast, luggage transport, a tour of the Côtes de Toul vineyards and a chance to explore Nancy’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. For custom packages, contact the Maison du Tourisme en Pays Terres de Lorraine or Nancy Tourisme et Evènements.

Cycling Cycling Cycling Camping Break Bed&Breakfast Hotel Break 3 days / 2 nights €69 3 days / 2 nights €99 3 days / 2 nights €109

The proposed tarif includes: • Overnight stay with Bed&Breakfast • Côte de Toul winetasting • Madeleines tasting in Liverdun • Guided audiotour in Nancy Optional: luggage transport, bike rental

20 21 La Moselle à Liverdun

VILLEY-SAINT-ETIENNE

Port de France / TOUL Port St Georges / NANCY THE ULTIMATE PLEASURE CRUISING

Port St Georges / NANCY EXPERIENCE

Port St Georges / NANCY

Halte nautique / MARON

Port de France / TOUL 4 THE ULTIMATE PLEASURE CRUISING EXPERIENCE

The Boucle de la Moselle features a number of stop-off points that are ideal for river tourism, as well as dedicated services. The nature of the route also means that pleasure cruisers do not have to retrace their steps and visit the same points on the outbound and inbound legs of the journey.

With the area famous for its barge and circuit (navigfrance.com). The area is also canal boat building past, river transport is an home to three river ports – with water and inherent part of local history. The sector turned electricity services – located in Nancy, Toul to tourism the early 1960s, and this activity (which handles 5,000 overnight stays each began to flourish from 1980 onwards. Today, year) and Richardménil. It also boasts stop-offs the Boucle de la Moselle plays host to around in Pompey, Champigneulles, Frouard, Liverdun, THE “BLUE FLAG“ LABEL 300,000 pleasure boaters each year (around Villey-Saint-Etienne and Maron. Toul and two thirds of whom come from abroad, espe- Nancy ports have been awarded the The “Blue Flag“ label was created by the French cially due to the area’s close proximity to the “Blue Flag“ label (see box) and provide direct office of the Foundation for Environmental southern section of the Meuse, which is par- access to the city centre, with all associated Education in 1985. The label is awarded to ticularly popular with Dutch pleasure boaters). services (restaurants, etc. towns and marinas that implement an on- The Moselle department alone features six going sustainable tourism development policy. companies and eight boat hire locations, includ- navigfrance.com The “Blue Flag“ label is now present in 48 ing Navig’France (based in Lagarde), which countries worldwide, acting as a guarantee rents out around 700 boats without a licence of high environmental quality. Marinas that each year and offers week-long packages, receive the label are notable for their emphasis enabling customers to travel up and down on protection of the environment and marine the Moselle including the Boucle de la Moselle ecosystems. Pleasure boaters have access to environmentally friendly careening areas, boat wastewater recovery systems, as well as hazardous waste recovery facilities, etc.

pavillonbleu.org

24 4 THE ULTIMATE PLEASURE CRUISING EXPERIENCE

NANCY SAINT-GEORGES PORT: TOUL PORT: LIFE IN BLUE WELCOME TO NORTH-EASTERN FRANCE

Nancy Saint-Georges Port is a marina that The “Port de France“ in Toul is a marina that plays host to around 1,500 boats each year. offers the ideal starting point to explore the It has held the “Blue Flag“ label for the last region. It provides easy access to the major 10 years, and also won the Escale award conurbations of eastern France, such as (in recognition of the effort and investment Strasbourg and Metz, as well as links with made) in 2013. It features a number of ame- local pedestrian and cycling routes (including nities and facilities and offers direct access to the Toul “green belt“) and the surrounding the city. There are various services available monuments and religious buildings. The port nearby, including bicycle hire, swimming pool, is a stunning location situated among the Internet café, trails, motor home pitches, etc. fortifications designed by Vauban.

nancy-tourisme.fr/decouvrir/ toul.fr tourisme-fluvial/

POMPEY LIVERDUN FROUARD Boating... and so much more besides CHAMPIGNEULLES VILLEY- ST-ETIENNE

As well as being the ideal destination for pleasure boating, the Boucle de la Moselle offers a NANCY

wide range of other water-based activities, both on the Moselle river and on the local canals. VILLEY-LE-SEC Examples include the Toul and Nancy-Tomblaine canoeing/kayaking clubs (membership TOUL MARON required), as well as similar clubs in Neuves-Maisons and Frouard (where visitors can take to PIERRE-LA-TREICHE SEXEY- NEUVES-MAISONS AUX-FORGES the water without supervision, subject to booking). Messein boasts a leisure complex located in RICHARDMÉNIL a former gravel quarry that has now been converted into a lake, where visitors can enjoy sailing, cycling, fishing, pedalo boating and a variety of daytime sports entertainment and events.

25 Canoeing / PONT-ST-VINCENT MOTOR HOMES A PEACEFUL DESTINATION... GUARANTEED 5 MOTOR HOMES: A PEACEFUL DESTINATION... GUARANTEED

According to a 2008 report by France’s National Tourism Council, there are an estimated 200,000 motor homes in France – one third of the total number in Europe. The French, Germans and Italians are the most avid motor home enthusiasts in Europe (accounting for three quarters of the European market). The Boucle de la Moselle offers a range of services designed with the needs of this specific type of tourist in mind.

These facilities include six dedicated sites, spread POMPEY MILLERY evenly along the route, at a distance of approximately LIVERDUN FROUARD 15 km between each site: CHAMPIGNEULLES VILLEY- Nancy: 21 pitches ST-ETIENNE Liverdun: 5 pitches Toul: 9 pitches NANCY

Villey-le-Sec: camping VILLEY-LE-SEC Millery: 10 pitches TOUL Richardménil: 5 pitches MARON PIERRE-LA-TREICHE SEXEY- NEUVES-MAISONS The Liverdun and Villey-le-Sec sites are attached AUX-FORGES RICHARDMÉNIL to campsites. Only the Toul and Nancy sites are open all year round. The Boucle de la Moselle also features a number of unique stop-off points for motor homes, including the Ambroisie estate, with 7 hectares of vineyards, and which holds the “France Passion“ label. Another example is THE “FRANCE PASSION“ LABEL the village of Bruley, in which part of the estate is located. “France Passion“ is a label covering 1,850 wine-producing sites, including farms, small-scale producers and farms with accommodation. These sites offer a stop-off point for motor home tourists, avoiding the need to spend the night parked out in the countryside.

28 6 WALKS IN THE CITY... AND IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Overground... and underground There are numerous ways to explore the Boucle de la Moselle on foot, such as maps, GPS navigation, and so-called “topoguides“ (walking There are multiple walking routes along the Boucle de la Moselle andin guides featuring all the facilities and routes in a particular area), the surrounding area. As a result, there are around half a dozen hiking clubs including a “topoguide“ designed by the inter-communal authority of Moselle and Madon in conjunction with local associations. There is in the Pays Terres de Lorraine alone: Sentiers de la mirabelle, Sentiers de also a dedicated “topoguide“ for the Toul region, where the emphasis la Linotte, Sentiers des Deuilles, Randonneurs du Saintois, Randonnées is on the local vineyards. The Nancy version is resolutely more urban touloises and Regroupement des associations de randonneurs de la CCMM in nature, featuring guided and unguided tours through the city’s architectural jewels and heritage. Highlights include Art Nouveau (inter-communal authority of Moselle and Madon). In Grand Nancy, and Art Deco sites, the old town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, meanwhile, there are also a number of organisations such as Club alpin and numerous parks and gardens, to name but a few. The town of français de Nancy, Air pas, Sac au dos and Lorraine rando. The Bassin Pierre-la-Treiche, meanwhile, boasts a number of cave exploration de Pompey is home to Randonnées pédestres liverdunoises, an active hiking routes, with a total of 39 caves, which can be accessed with the permission of the Meurthe-et-Moselle Departmental Caves Com- centre covering the region that features a number of major routes around mittee. Members of the public can also explore the underground Champigneulles, Frouard and Liverdun. world by taking a tour of the Val de Fer mine (groups only). The site also offers a number of signposted overground routes. THE BOUCLE DE LA MOSELLE ON THE PILGRIMAGE ROUTE FROM GERMANY TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Four of Europe’s nine pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela pass through France, joining to form a single trail in Spain. One of the routes, which begins in Poland and winds through Germany, happens to pass through Toul, Villey-Saint-Etienne and Liverdun. The route is popular with pilgrims from Alsace (via Saint-Nicolas-de-Port) wishing to make their pilgrimage through Burgundy. Toul’s hospitable local residents are always ready to show off the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral. Place Stanislas / NANCY Val de Fer Mine / NEUVES-MAISONS

29 A PROMISING FUTURE FOR LOCAL TOURISM

The Boucle de la Moselle boasts a wide array de Toul appellation has made significant progress of attractions and options for visitors, and is a in recent years and has laid the foundations to fast-growing tourist destination. Although cycling become a destination in its own right. In time, tourism is the main (although not the only) packages and programmes could also be extended emphasis at present, there are now concerted to include the Côtes de Moselle appellation, which efforts to pool resources and actions and build produces equally good vintages. While many on the motivation and enthusiasm of local wine (and mirabelle plum brandy) activities and professionals. For example, Navig-France has products are already available to tourists (themed joined forces with tourist offices to improve the routes, packages, etc.), the intention is to develop services offered to pleasure boaters, while local more in the future. campsites are investing in bicycle hire and tents In the longer term, there are also plans to enhance for cycling tourists. the river banks by installing a new signage system, Looking to the future, current developments creating more cycle paths and developing an are focusing in particular on wine tourism – an additional stop-off point for pleasure boaters in activity that is becoming increasingly successful the Bassin de Pompey. These additional assets (100% of cycling tourism packages in France form part of plans for ever closer cooperation include this element). Our region is particularly between Grand Nancy and the southern rural areas well-placed to capitalise on this trend. Although of Meurthe-et-Moselle, which are expected to take the local wines do not have the same reputation shape in 2016. and mystique as Bordeaux or Burgundy, the Côtes Boucle de la Moselle / LIVERDUN CONTACT DETAILS

www.boucledelamoselle.fr

TOURIST INFORMATION

MAISON DU TOURISME EN PAYS TERRES DE LORRAINE NANCY TOURISME ET ÉVÈNEMENTS POINT D’ACCUEIL TOURISTIQUE Tourisme dans le Toulois et le Saintois Nancy Tourist Office DU BASSIN DE POMPEY Antenne de Toul-Cathédrale Place Stanislas 1 place d’Armes 1 place Charles de Gaulle 54000 Nancy 54460 Liverdun (mediaeval city) 54200 Toul Tel. +33 (0)3 83 35 22 41 Getting here: A31 motorway, junction 22 (Frouard) Tel. +33 (0)3 83 64 90 64 Line 1: Le Sit – Chapelle Bel Amour stop lepredenancy.fr nancy-tourisme.fr Tel. +33 (0)3 83 24 40 40 nancy-tourisme.info tourisme.bassinpompey.fr SG Organisation / Villey-St-Etienne / CC Bassin de Pompey Maison du tourisme en pays terres de Lorraine / Commune / Crédits photos : © Rédaction Base nautique de Messein / L’Europe vue du ciel / Nancy tourisme et événements / Ville de Nancy / Régine Datin Ville de Nancy tourisme et événements / vue du ciel / Nancy Base nautique de Messein / L’Europe .fr .fr .bailly-creations .bailly-creations www www