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Travel to Meuse in Lorraine a Ressource Guide for Professionals • 2020 •

Travel to Meuse in Lorraine a Ressource Guide for Professionals • 2020 •

Travel to in A ressource guide for professionals • 2020 •

www.meusetourism.com Destination Meuse Reasons to visit Meuse - Authentic - Only a short trip away from and international airports : a 1 hour’s journey from : • Paris - Gare de l’Est station by train • CDG airport by train • by car. - A still uncovered multi-faceted destination. - Offers good value for money. - Hosts a shared history and conveys universal values.

The Meuse area in Lorraine is this secret part of Eastern France between the vineyards of and the that offers a charming countryside scenery just an hour’s journey from Paris by TGV high speed train. Ideal destination to go biking or hiking, discover famous specialties like the madeleines, mirabelle plums or dragées, follow the steps of American soldiers involved in WWI, and appreciate a stay at a beautiful chateau or a welcoming guesthouse...

As a border area with , Luxemburg and the earlier , the strategic location of the Meuse explains in part why many defining events in European history have been played out in this relatively small and beautiful area which has provided a rich cultural and architectural heritage: imprint of antiquity and the , wonderful Renaissance style and the grand style of the Dukes of Lorraine, fortifications designed by Vauban…

The best known historic events connected with the area include : • Treaty of in 843 AM which divided up ’s empire • ’s call to arms at • The Arrest of King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in Varennes-en-Argonne • WWI – The

Meuse ID - Surface area : 6,211km² - Prefecture : Bar-le-Duc - Hiking : over 4,500km (2796 miles) of protected trails, 800km (497 miles) of which are waymarked - Forests : covering over 30% of the region - Canals and navigable waterways : 250km (155 miles) - Largest expanse of water : Madine Lake (1,110 hectares) - The department of Meuse is irrigated from north to south (approx. 200km = 124 miles) by the Meuse, a European river measuring 950km long (590 miles).

The Meuse Department Tourist Committee has taken the greatest possible care in producing this document. The practical information contained in this guide has been obtained from each place, or gathered in collaboration with the Tourist Information Offices who are partners in the databases of the regional tourist information network. The Meuse Department Tourist Committee accepts no responsibility for any possible errors and omissions in the text, nor for any changes or closures which might have taken place during or after the production of this document. This non-exhaustive list has been compiled from information received by the Meuse Department Tourist Committee in august 2019. Photo credits : Jan VETTER - CDDM - Kris DAVIDSON - Thierry SUZAN - Bergère de France - Michel PETIT - Marine CALAMAI - Archives Départementales de la Meuse - Guillaume RAMON - CDT Meuse - Denis BAUDRY - Dominique ONFRAY - Gil GIUGLIO - Fort de - Villa Motel - Musée 14/18 - Camp Marguerre - Château des monthairons - Connaissance de la Meuse - GUITTOT - Patrick DIEUDONNÉ. Editor : CDT Meuse Conception : CDT Meuse

2 Nous connaître Joan of Arc and religious heritage

The history of Joan of Arc. Visit Domrémy (in the ) 1412 : Birth of Joan of Arc in Domrémy in the Vosges. The village and Vaucouleurs ! was then part of the duchy of Bar. The gate (Porte de France), the chapel and the crypt where Joan of 1424 : Joan of Arc heard “voices”. These voices from heaven Arc used to pray, the museum that is devoted to the images of Joan of Arc reportedly told her to bring back the Dauphin Charles to the throne throughout history. and free France from the English. Contact : -Void-Vaucouleurs Tourist office - +33 (0)3 29 89 51 82 May 1428 : Joan of Arc went to find Robert de at [email protected] - www.tourisme-vaucouleurs.fr/en Vaucouleurs to ask him to take her to Chinon to see Charles VII. 13 may 1428 : Joan of Arc entered the castle gates for the first time, to request an escort for her trip to Chinon. Baudricourt only agreed Discover the religious heritage through the net of the after the third time of asking. open churches : http://openchurches.be July 1428 : English troops attacked Vaucouleurs. Joan and her family left Domrémy and took refuge in Neufchâteau, because the The church : a reference point in the landscape; a common area was not safe. The main square in Vaucouleurs withstood the resource for the people of the town; a space opened for attack. everybody to not only discover a heritage, but also a peaceful 23 february 1429 : Joan left for Chinon. The people of Vaucouleurs place to pray and meditate. made her a sword that Baudricourt presented to her, with an The foundation aims to create a network of “open churches” authorisation letter to hand the Dauphin when she arrived. undertaking joint actions in order to create a warm and 4 march 1429 : Joan of Arc arrived in Chinon, to meet the future King peaceful atmosphere. Charles VII. The Meuse Department Tourist Committee has taken the greatest possible care in producing this document. The practical information 23 may 1430 : Joan was captured in Compiègne by Jean II de contained in this guide has been obtained from each place, or gathered in collaboration with the Tourist Information Offices who are partners Luxembourg-Ligny, Seigneur de Beaurevoir, and an ally of the A new cultural route in Meuse in the databases of the regional tourist information network. The Meuse Department Tourist Committee accepts no responsibility for any English and Burgundians. He did not hand her over immediately to possible errors and omissions in the text, nor for any changes or closures which might have taken place during or after the production of this Donzelli, heritage of the reconstruction after WWI. document. This non-exhaustive list has been compiled from information received by the Meuse Department Tourist Committee in august 2019. the English, as his aunt, Jeanne de Luxembourg, and godmother to Charles VII, was against the idea. Admirable paintings and monuments have been created by the Italian artist Photo credits : Jan VETTER - CDDM - Kris DAVIDSON - Thierry SUZAN - Bergère de France - Michel PETIT - Marine CALAMAI - Archives Départementales Duilio Donzelli during the fifteen years he has spent in the Meuse vicinity de la Meuse - Guillaume RAMON - CDT Meuse - Denis BAUDRY - Dominique ONFRAY - Gil GIUGLIO - Fort de Troyon - Villa Motel - Musée 14/18 - Camp End of 1430 : Upon his aunt’s death, Jean II de Luxembourg just after the First World War. Marguerre - Château des monthairons - Connaissance de la Meuse - GUITTOT - Patrick DIEUDONNÉ. sacrificed Joan in return for a ransom and inherited the county of A new itinerary has been created including 26 sites to discover this precious Editor : CDT Meuse Ligny. cultural heritage in the churches and villages of Meuse. Conception : CDT Meuse May 1431 : Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in . Infos : https://musees-meuse.fr/ 3 www.meusetourism.com Vauban Fortifications

The imposing Montmédy citadel on the Why not combining with : border with Belgium a discovery of the religious heritage in the area as the Flamboyant Gothic style basilica of ? Built during the reign of Charles V in 1545, redesigned by Vauban in the 17th century and then by Séré de Rivières, who incorporated a number of pillboxes, it now houses the fortifications museum and the gallery dedicated to the artist Jules Bastien-Lepage, a realist portrait artist, born in in the 19th century just a few miles from Montmédy. The fortification museum illustrates the various defensive systems used through the ages. You’ll be able to better understand the attacking and defensive strategies, as well as the terms bastion, ravelin, curtain wall, counterguard, covered way, etc. The Jules Bastien-Lepage museum contains landscapes and scenes from rural life of this Realist portrait artist, friend Discover the fortifications of Verdun ! of Auguste Rodin. His paintings are hosted in the most Panoramic guided tour with your coach to explore the principal monuments famous museums all around the world: Paris, London, New showing the system of defence and fortification of the stronghold of Verdun. York, Moscow, Melbourne, Philadelphia… Chaussée Tower : Its architecture developed from its dual function as a door and a fortification – twin imposing, round towers are joined together by a gate, and together they provide an entrance and defensive features. Visit to the Montmédy Citadel ! Les Plaids Tower : Located on the Puty Canal, the Les Plaids Tower, probably built around 1380, stood beside the Chaussée Tower and formed Contact : Pays de Montmédy tourist office - +33 (0)3 29 80 15 90 an important part of the «Grand Rempart» (Rampart) which protected the [email protected] - www.lorraine-gaumaise.com/en town. And also the Saint Paul Bastion, the Maréchaux Crossroads, and much more. Don’t forget to visit the Underground Citadel of Verdun ! info on page 16.

Contact : Grand Verdun Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 86 14 18 [email protected] - https://en.tourisme-verdun.com/

4 Vauban Fortifications The Renaissance

Why not combining with : Heritage of the 15th to 16th century, Guided tour of Bar-le-Duc : a discovery of the religious heritage in the area as the Flamboyant originating in Italy. The upper town of Bar-Le-Duc is one of the most precious examples of Gothic style basilica of Avioth ? Renaissance architecture in France ! Bar-le-Duc is one of the Lorraine to be officially recognised as a , and is also one of Don’t miss : the Pressoir Seigneurial (wine press), the lookout at Les "ville d’art et d’histoire" Grangettes, St Etienne Church, with its elegant and flamboyant gothic the «plus beaux détours de France» (well worth a detour). architecture and its hidden treasures: Calvary (le Calvaire) and The Corpse Stretching along the river, the town was the capital of (le Transi) by Ligier Richier. the powerful and independent duchy of Bar for a long time. Contact : Nelly at Meuse Grand Sud Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 79 11 13 Its remarkable Renaissance district makes the upper town [email protected] - www.tourisme-barleducetbarrois.com a veritable beacon across the surrounding area. A stone’s throw from the Lorraine Regional Country Park, intersected by the Meuse river, St Mihiel enjoys the nickname CHILDREN’S ALSO POSSIBLE ! of Petite Florence Lorraine, in a nod to its artistic pedigree during the Renaissance. From March to September, Monday to Saturday. To satisfy culture enthusiasts, why not explore the rich heritage of St Mihiel, In the north of the department, Marville boasts a large with a visit to the Sacred Art museum and a tour of the town’s Renaissance Discover the fortifications of Verdun ! number of listed monuments and protected objects. architecture, the Benedictine library and the works of the artist Ligier Richier ? th Then head off to discover part of the St Mihiel Salient and visit the trenches. Panoramic guided tour with your coach to explore the principal monuments Marville experienced its Renaissance climax in the 16 th A French trench, 30 metres from the German concrete trench, gives visitors showing the system of defence and fortification of the stronghold of Verdun. and 17 centuries. It contains rare examples of the Spanish an idea of what life was like for the soldiers. Chaussée Tower : Its architecture developed from its dual function as a Renaissance in Gaume, with its beautiful facades that door and a fortification – twin imposing, round towers are joined together date back to the settlement of noble, bourgeois or trading Contact : Cœur de Lorraine Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 89 06 47 by a gate, and together they provide an entrance and defensive features. families, who were attracted by the prosperous era of the [email protected] - www.coeurdelorraine-tourisme.fr Les Plaids Tower : Located on the Puty Canal, the Les Plaids Tower, 16th century. Today, the streets are still testament to this probably built around 1380, stood beside the Chaussée Tower and formed lavish period. The village has one of just a handful of listed an important part of the «Grand Rempart» (Rampart) which protected the cemeteries, by virtue of the exceptional condition in which it town. has been preserved and the diversity of its tombs. And also the Saint Paul Bastion, the Maréchaux Crossroads, and much more. www.meusetourism.com Don’t forget to visit the Underground Citadel of Verdun ! info on page 16.

Contact : Grand Verdun Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 86 14 18 [email protected] - https://en.tourisme-verdun.com/

5 Industry tours

Go behind the scenes of Meuse’s wealth of expertise and Bergère de France enterprise. Created in 1946, Bergère de France is the country’s leading knitting wool From the textile industry to the country’s only 100% French manufacturer. It coordinates the entire wool production chain, right through toys and dolls factory, there’s something for everyone. You’ll to its distribution. The business operates from premises spanning 40,000m2. get a chance to meet the professionals : people who have The guided tour takes visitors around the various workshops, from where the raw materials arrive to the ball packaging stage and the order picking succeeded in preserving traditional values and passing on chain. their knowhow in a range of creative fields, such as wood, stone, iron, glass, jewellery and weaving. Tour not open to under 18s.

Contact : Nelly at Meuse Grand Sud Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 79 11 13 [email protected] - www.tourisme-barleducetbarrois.com

Last remaining doll factory in France - PETITCOLLIN Petitcollin invites you on a journey through France’s last remaining factory producing swimmer-dolls, baby dolls and traditional dolls. Immerse yourself in the history of this iconic company and discover the secrets of this century-old production facility.

Contact : Centre culturel et touristique d’Etain - +33 (0)3 29 87 20 80 [email protected] - www.petitcollin.com

Ferme du Rouvau Visit a typical farm. Watch the cows being fed and milked. Learn about the story of this farm located in a natural preserved area.

Contact : Ferme du Rouvau 6 +33(0)3 29 89 50 29 - [email protected] Industry tours Brewing

Bergère de France Meuse has had a rich industrial past with its brewing Guided tour of the Beer Museum industry, numbering 40 producers in the mid-19th century. Created in 1946, Bergère de France is the country’s leading knitting wool From the 1870s, competition and industrial mergers brought and tutored tasting session featuring 3 manufacturer. It coordinates the entire wool production chain, right through to its distribution. The business operates from premises spanning 40,000m2. about the closure of a number of sites. After the First World local beers. War, just 10 breweries were still in existence, including the The guided tour takes visitors around the various workshops, from where Boasting a collection like no other in France, the Beer Museum retraces the raw materials arrive to the ball packaging stage and the order picking biggest: La Meuse and La Croix de Lorraine breweries in the entire history of the brewing industry and its traditions, brought to life chain. Bar-le-Duc. The legendary La Meuse adverts made a long- through a combination of audio and olfactory ambiances. Tasting of three specially selected delicious beers, in the authentic Tour not open to under 18s. lasting impression on the nation for almost a century and their renown spread across the world. surroundings of the old malthouse tower. Contact : Nelly at Meuse Grand Sud Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 79 11 13 From this illustrious history came the Beer Museum in Stenay [email protected] - www.tourisme-barleducetbarrois.com Contact : Beer Museum - +33 (0)3 29 80 68 78 in 1986. It took over a former provisions depot in Stenay [email protected] - www.museedelabiere.com Citadel, built in 1609 and converted into a malthouse in 1879. This museum is the largest in Europe in terms of the history Last remaining doll factory in France - of brewing arts and traditions, spanning their origins (12,000 Why not combining with : PETITCOLLIN years ago) to present day, with an exhibition space of over 2,500m². Orval Abbey in Belgium ! Petitcollin invites you on a journey through France’s last remaining factory producing swimmer-dolls, baby dolls and traditional dolls. Immerse Orval Abbey is one of the most impressive Cistercian abbeys in Belgium. yourself in the history of this iconic company and discover the secrets of It is still inhabited by a community of monks, who make the famous Orval this century-old production facility. DID YOU KNOW ? beer. There are only seven Trappist breweries in the world, including this one. The museum divulges the secrets of the abbey’s brewing know- Contact : Centre culturel et touristique d’Etain - +33 (0)3 29 87 20 80 Six micro-breweries continue the Meuse brewing tradition. how. Also on offer to enhance your visit are an audiovisual display on the [email protected] - www.petitcollin.com Many artisans use this beer in the production of regional monastery’s history and the lives of the monks, the traditional pharmacy specialities (chocolates, pastries, cured meats and more). museum and the medicinal herb garden. (Guided tour suitable for people with impaired vision.) www.meusetourism.com Contact : Pays de Montmédy Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 80 15 90 [email protected] - www.lorraine-gaumaise.com/en

7 A taste of Meuse

GASTRONOMY draws on a long culinary and dining tradition Learn about the “Caviar de Bar” that has always been highly imaginative and creative. The Dutriez firm, which makes and sells traditional Was it not a certain who inspired Proust? And Lorraine-style redcurrants jam, gives you a chance to didn’t Colbert delight in Verdun’s sugared almonds and sample its unseeded preserve with a goose feather - a Alfred Hitchcock in the jam made from redcurrants de- thoroughly unique experience ! seeded using a goose feather? Now there’s something to Then take a teaspoon to taste this dark ruby hued treat, get your tastebuds excited ! and discover the secrets behind the de-seeding process. Contact : Nelly at Meuse Grand Sud Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 79 11 13 The catering industry does its utmost to amaze and delight [email protected] - www.groseille.com the palates of the most demanding foodies. But Meuse isn’t just about eating – it loves to get together over a drink, too! This wine-producing region contributes considerable expertise through its grower-distillers. Meuse is also a Tour of the Madeleines factory longstanding brewing area, and harbours several stunning Find out how madeleines are traditionally made, before locations where these traditions continue, with large dose tasting them! Madeleine was born in Commercy – it’s a of creativity. A visit to a microbrewery is always an exciting fact ! Contact : Commercy-Void-Vaucouleurs Tourist Office addition to the festive atmosphere of a trip to Meuse, which +33 (0)3 29 89 51 82 - [email protected] – when it comes to cuisine – never fails to open the doors to another world... . Truffles, Mirabelle plums and other river and lake-dwelling fish had better watch out! The “dragée” (sugared almond) was born DID YOU KNOW ? in Verdun ! Lorraine is the only region in the world to have such a high Yellow, green, blue, violet or even pink – the Verdun density of Mirabelle plum trees. dragée sports as many colours as there are in a 27 villages are involved in growing Mirabelle plums, covering rainbow ! This confectionery, an integral part of French an area of approximately 650 hectares. gastronomic heritage and a world-renowned emblem of the town, was created in 1220. www.meusetourism.com Contact : Grand Verdun Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 86 14 18 [email protected] - https://dragees-braquier.fr/en/

8 A taste of Meuse Festivities & events !

Learn about the “Caviar de Bar” There’s always something going on in Meuse: shows, Azannes, Les Vieux Métiers (Traditional festivals, concerts, café theatre, exhibitions and much more! The Dutriez firm, which makes and sells traditional Enjoy a trip or a stay in Meuse and experience the stunning trades) Lorraine-style redcurrants jam, gives you a chance to Discover a village entirely recreated as in olden days, by 400 volunteer ar- sample its unseeded preserve with a goose feather - a St Nicolas parades, the Festival des Crèches (crib festival) tisans and craftspeople, who will plunge you into an exciting slice of his- thoroughly unique experience ! in and the Poupées d’Or du folklore in Etain. Or you might just come across an unexpected exhibition! Browse tory from Lorraine with their demonstrations of more than 80 occupations Then take a teaspoon to taste this dark ruby hued treat, from yesteryear, such as washerwomen, blacksmiths, pitsawyers and ba- and discover the secrets behind the de-seeding process. the many flea markets and fairs, wander around markets kers. In this unique village, rural traditions rule! You’ll be able to watch a Contact : Nelly at Meuse Grand Sud Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 79 11 13 selling local produce and soak up the atmosphere of the horse-powered threshing machine, and nimble-fingered lace-makers, who [email protected] - www.groseille.com «Vieux Métiers» (traditional trades) in Azannes. There’s also use spindles and hooks to produce magnificent lace, as well as taking in the «Des flammes...à la lumière» sound and light show in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the miller’s cottage. Verdun, guaranteed to take you on an unforgettable journey Contact : Association des Vieux Métiers - +33 (0)3 29 85 60 62 Tour of the Madeleines factory through time, exploring the history of Meuse during the war [email protected] - www.vieuxmetiers.com (see page 14). Find out how madeleines are traditionally made, before tasting them! Madeleine was born in Commercy – it’s a fact ! Contact : Commercy-Void-Vaucouleurs Tourist Office +33 (0)3 29 89 51 82 - [email protected] “Des Flammes … à la Lumière” sound and light show Every Friday and Saturday from end of June to end of July : 19, 20, 26, 27 The “dragée” (sugared almond) was born June; 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 July 2020 ! Europe’s biggest Sound and Light show about the Great War is a poignant in Verdun ! tribute to the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who lost their lives fighting a tragic battle in Meuse. Featuring 250 actors, 900 costumes and 1,000 Yellow, green, blue, violet or even pink – the Verdun lights, it is a magnificent fresco set against the unique backdrop of Verdun. dragée sports as many colours as there are in a The show starts once it goes dark (the audience is advised to arrive for rainbow ! This confectionery, an integral part of French 10pm). gastronomic heritage and a world-renowned emblem of the town, was created in 1220. Simultaneous interpretation in English, German and Dutch (via headphones). Seats should be booked no later than one month in advance. Contact : Grand Verdun Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 86 14 18 [email protected] - https://dragees-braquier.fr/en/ Option to dine in a marquee; by prior reservation only.

Contact : Carrières d’ - 55100 Verdun +33 (0)3 29 84 50 00 - [email protected] Original sound track : www.spectacle-verdun.com 9 The outdoorsoutdoors & activities !!

Meuse is a rural area, 30% of which is covered by forests, Sport and History breaks offer sporting and criss-crossed by many rivers, including its eponymous activities river that winds through meadows and orchards for almost 200km (124 miles). There’s also a 1,100 hectare lake, (bikes, recumbent bikes, paddle sports, horse riding, golf, sailing, fishing, mini-train and mini-golf, tennis, and more) and exciting high-rope adventures several ponds much loved by migrating birds in the heart whilst also offering the opportunity to learn about the battle of Saint-Mihiel of the Lorraine Regional Country Park, and many officially (see page 15), with a number of remembrance sites being located within 5 protected «Natura 2000» sites. to 30 km of the lake shore. These activities and historic visits are co-ordinated with facilitators from the Everywhere you look in Meuse, there is open space: ABMC, the Thiaucourt military costume museum , the ALHIMIC, the Cœur the horizons are never-ending, the forests vast, the hills de Lorraine tourist office and the conservation association for the fortof imposing, the valleys wide and scattered with ponds, Liouville. waterways and lakes, including the Madine lake. Travelling by bike is also an option ! Ideal for recharging those batteries with some fresh air, Option for tailor-made visits on request.

visitors can roam free, enjoy a bike ride, go walking or Contact : Syndicat Mixte du Lac de Madine - +33 (0)3 29 89 32 50 indulge in other outdoor activities. [email protected] - www.coeurdelorraine-tourisme.fr Madine : IDEAL PLACE FOR TEAM COHESION ! www.meusetourism.com Guided walking tour Do you enjoy fishing ? Tour avaible on the WW1’s sites : - The Hilltop of les Eparges Then why not visit the Meuse national fishing site for a fishing workshop – by - Battlefields of Verdun a river or a lake ! - In the footsteps of Alain Fournier With its natural waterways and canals, Meuse has everything to offer the - Hill (major site of mine warfare in Argonne) keen angler, with its varied and untapped fish populations! - The Monument and ossuary of la Haute-Chevauchée Like many other waterways, the Meuse bed features a number of dams and Duration : from 3 to 4 hrs. weirs designed to regular the intensity of the river at high tide. There are Rates : On request. some excellent, regulation-compliant fishing spots nearby, promising big catches, particularly pike. Would your group like to learn to fish and try their hand at line fishing – Contact : PierreAlines Voyages +33 (0)3 29 87 88 14 - [email protected] regardless of age and ability ? Well, now they can! (from 15 to 50 people).

Contact : +33 (0)3 29 86 15 70 - www.peche55.fr Accomodation : Domaine de : +33 (0)3 29 85 78 70 - http://fly-in-sommedieue.com/uk/ 10 The outdoors & activities !

Sport and History breaks offer sporting VENT DES FORÊTS (Forests’Wind) “Du Piou Piou au Poilu” activities an open-air contemporary art centre in the forests and fields of the Educational activity for school groups Meuse vicinity. (bikes, recumbent bikes, paddle sports, horse riding, golf, sailing, fishing, Educational activity that gives participants a taste of life in the trenches on mini-train and mini-golf, tennis, and more) and exciting high-rope adventures Every year, during the first two weeks of July, for almost the past 20 years, the front line in the St Mihiel Salient. Over the course of the day, students whilst also offering the opportunity to learn about the battle of Saint-Mihiel a dozen artists from many different countries are invited by the association get to don French and German military uniforms, create a firing post in a (see page 15), with a number of remembrance sites being located within 5 “Vent des Forêts” to create new works of art in the area. Immersed in rural German trench and a rack in a French trench, and learn about life in the to 30 km of the lake shore. life and the natural environment, the artists erect temporary or permanent trenches. These activities and historic visits are co-ordinated with facilitators from the works that blend into the forest, assisted by a large number of volunteers ABMC, the Thiaucourt military costume museum , the ALHIMIC, the Cœur and local artisans willing to lend their barns or their tools, donate materials, Contact : Cœur de Lorraine Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 89 06 47 [email protected] - www.coeurdelorraine-tourisme.fr de Lorraine tourist office and the conservation association for the fortof help with transport etc. Liouville. One can even spend a night in the middle of the forest in a “Maison Travelling by bike is also an option ! Sylvestre”, a structure made of wood, stone and iron created by the famous designer Matali Crasset. Option for tailor-made visits on request. There are now more than 100 works of art over an area of 5,000 hectares, beside 45 kilometres of signposted footpath divided into 7 walking or cycling The Meuse cycle route Contact : Syndicat Mixte du Lac de Madine - +33 (0)3 29 89 32 50 trails. All along the trails, the visitors suddenly come across a sculpture or [email protected] - www.coeurdelorraine-tourisme.fr installation in a clearing, on the edge of a cornfield, right in the middle of In 2019, the Meuse cycle route became the latest long-distance cycle route an orchard…These trails are freely accessible to walkers, hikers, horse riders to join the EuroVelo family ! at all times except in the hunting season between September and March. Vent des Forêts receives almost 25,000 visitors every year – families, The EuroVelo 19 Meuse Cycle Route – La Meuse à Velo – goes from the Guided walking tour walking groups, school, art lovers… Meuse River’s source in Pouilly-en-Bassigny, France to its mouth at the Tour avaible on the WW1’s sites : Hook of Holland in Nederlands. - The Hilltop of les Eparges Contact : + 33 (0)3 29 71 01 95 - [email protected] - Battlefields of Verdun www.ventdesforets.com - www.maisons-sylvestres.fr - #VentdesForets Distance : The full signposted international route runs 1152 kilometres - In the footsteps of Alain Fournier through France, Belgium and Holland. Through France you’re looking at - Vauquois Hill (major site of mine warfare in Argonne) around 403km from Pouilly-en-Bassigny to the Belgian border just north - The Monument and ossuary of la Haute-Chevauchée of Givet, a wonderful traverse through the Champagne- region River trips on board the “Mosa” boat and including the delightful Ardennes bike path, and Verdun, in Meuse Duration : from 3 to 4 hrs. Enjoy a cruise on the Meuse from the comfort of Mosa cruise boat. An original department, which his famous battlefields. Rates : On request. way to see Verdun, with some unique views of the city’s monuments. Dinner cruises are also available. La Meuse à vélo route alternates between walking and cycling paths and Contact : PierreAlines Voyages narrow country road with little traffic. +33 (0)3 29 87 88 14 - [email protected] Contact : FluviaTour : +33 (0)6 31 48 63 92 [email protected] - www.fluviatours.fr Contact : Elodie GIANNINI +33 (0)3 29 45 78 40 - [email protected]

11 First World War in Meuse

12 Exhibition

“Saint-Mihiel 1914-1918, “The Great War in 3D” from the occupation to liberation” At the beginning of the twentieth century, stereoscopic A new exhibition honouring the memory of the Americans, at images, which were very much in fashion at the time, already the Benedictine abbey in Saint-Mihiel. provided three-dimensional views as an attempt at producing To mark the centenary of the liberation, the Meuse a realistic representation that brought the viewer as close to Departmental Council, in collaboration with Saint-Mihiel Town the event as possible. Council, wanted to inaugurate a new exhibition area dedicated The on-situ Society has restored and digitised a thousand to the history of the Saint-Mihiel Salient during the Great War. stereo slides from the collections of the Nicéphore Niépce After the occupation began in , the town of Museum in order to share this account of the First World War Saint-Mihiel and the sector of the salient were subject to the as it was viewed in 1914. Although the process only allowed laws laid down by the German Kommandantur. Besides the images to be viewed individually in small format at the time, restrictions and requisitioning, the civilian population also had digitisation of these glass slides now enables us to discover to endure daily bombardments from the French army, which these images in a collective and immersive way. tried relentlessly to retake the town of Saint-Mihiel and push the German army out of the region, whose border was only Contact : Musée d’Argonne - 2 Rue Louis XVI - 55270 Varennes-en-Argonne about fifty kilometres away at the time. Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 80 71 14 - [email protected] Displayed in the town’s former courthouse, the design of the exhibition takes advantage of the building’s former purpose. About 200 items have been loaned by private collectors within the Saint-Mihiel region, while others come from the collection of Meuse Departmental Council. Systems, in the form of screens and projections onto various media, were created with archive films from ECPAD, NARA and the Gaumont Pathé American Archives and photographs from the Fonds Valois, the Cour d’Or Museum in and postcards borrowed from private collections. This long-term exhibition will be open to the public until 2023. Audio guide in English.

Contact : Cœur de Lorraine Tourist Office - +33 (0)3 29 89 06 47 [email protected] - www.coeurdelorraine-tourisme.fr 13 The American Offensive in the Meuse - Lorraine Saint-Mihiel Salient ans Meuse Argonne

1915 Americans also contributed greatly to the reconstruction effort in the Meuse. Many Volunteer ambulances corps helped Town Halls, hospitals, schools and water transport the wounded “poilus” and a year towers were rebuilt with the financial aid of later, the famous Lafayette Squadron could benefactors and American institutions. be seen in the skies above Verdun. There are several historical 1917 20,000 men of the 1st Infantry Division links with the Meuse offensive landed in Saint-Nazaire and by the end to be seen today in the area. of the following month were in position at Gondrecourt-le-Chateau in the south east The American Cemetery of Saint Mihiel of the Meuse. The French had to provide (Thiaucourt, -et- ) shelters canons, machine guns, rifles and munitions 4153 graves. At Romagne-sous-Montfaucon as well as the training for at that time, the in the Argonne, the cemetery covers 52 American army consisted of 200,000 poorly hectares (130 acres) and with 14246 graves, equipped soldiers. The Expeditionary Force’s is the largest burial site from both World numbers increased after the Conscription Wars in Europe. Impressive Memorials have Law was passed – 77,000 by the beginning been built by the Americans at Montsec and of November and 335,000 just 5 months Montfaucon d’Argonne and the States of later ! Pennsylvania and Missouri, many institutions and regiments were responsible for monuments at Argonne, and other By the end of March places. Several statues, steles and obelisks 1918, pay tribute to the vital role played by the US American units were seeing action in forces in the Meuse more than 100 years ago. the Meuse suffering losses. In July, Marshall Foch ordered the 1st American Army, under American’s sightseeing in the command of General Pershing to recapture the Saint-Mihiel salient which had Meuse : been under German control since September 1914. The attack commenced on 12th September with 500,000 well equipped soldiers (both American and French) and General Pershing together with General Petain crossed the salient within 24 hours. The second part of the offensive centred on the land between the Meuse river and Argonne in the north west of the department, heavily fortified by the Germans. The combat commenced on 26th September and was met with considerably more resistance this time. Among the US soldiers engaged in the offensive were a G. Patton, G. Marshall and H. S Truman. The US forces eventually overcame the resistance to recapture the Butte de Montfaucon and forcing the remaining German troops into a small area to the north.

The final offensive was halted a couple of weeks later by the Armistice, at which point the 3 armies including 42 divisions of US troops numbered 1, 894,000 men ! Their arrival accelerated the end of the War and the Meuse was actually the first battle for the US Army on foreign soil. The Americans left a profound impression on life in the Meuse where the population discovered jazz and 14 baseball. Suggestion of a WWI remembrance tour in Meuse

4 days Visit Saint-Mihiel, the birthplace of Ligier Richier, Lorraine’s greatest Americans also contributed greatly to the Renaissance artist, many of whose works can be found in Meuse, notably in Saint-Mihiel. The town also has a museum of religious reconstruction effort in the Meuse. Many art and we will have a guided tour of the Benedictine library dating Town Halls, hospitals, schools and water DAY 1 from the 18th Century. towers were rebuilt with the financial aid of ARRIVAL IN MEUSE benefactors and American institutions. Depending on the hour of your arrival: EXHIBITION The town of Verdun: guided tour of the Braquier sugared almonds Visit the new exhibition “Saint-Mihiel 1914-1918, from the There are several historical factory, a ride in a small wagon to explore the life of soldiers during the war, and the cross of the unknown soldier in the underground occupation to liberation” honoring the memory of the Americans, links with the Meuse offensive tunnels of the Citadel… at the Benedictine abbey in Saint-Mihiel. (see page 13) to be seen today in the area. The American Cemetery of Saint Mihiel DAY 2 DAY 4 (Thiaucourt, Meurthe-et- Moselle) shelters THE BATTLEFIELD OF VERDUN 4153 graves. At Romagne-sous-Montfaucon MEUSE ARGONNE in the Argonne, the cemetery covers 52 Verdun 1916, 300 days, 300 nights of fighting... The symbolic battle of the In September 1914 the first combats broke out in the Argonne Forest. hectares (130 acres) and with 14246 graves, First World War This fixed-position war lasted until 1918, with the huge Franco is the largest burial site from both World More than any other city, Verdun became symbolic of the Great War American offensive launched towards Sedan. It was in the Meuse Wars in Europe. Impressive Memorials have due to the intensity and duration of the fighting there, which led to that the American Army was engaged autonomously in Europe for the first time in its history. American remembrance is strongly been built by the Americans at Montsec and 700,000 casualties, many European, but also African and American. Today, people of all generations come here to remember and to try present in the Meuse especially through the Meuse Argonne Montfaucon d’Argonne and the States of to understand the First World War and the terrible chain of events American Cemetery and the very imposing monuments with their Pennsylvania and Missouri, many institutions that pushed humanity into this tragedy. classical workmanship. and regiments were responsible for Among the most important monuments and sites to see there: monuments at Argonne, Nantillois and other , Great War museum, Fort, Séré de places. Several statues, steles and obelisks Rivières fortification. Eye witness accounts of battles and skirmishes between French FURTHER ALONG THE WWI WESTERN pay tribute to the vital role played by the US and German soldiers. forces in the Meuse more than 100 years ago. , a commemorative monument dedicated to FRONT the victims of the First World War in Verdun in 1916, and the national American’s sightseeing in cemetery, with over 15,000 graves. METZ IN LORRAINE When the First World War broke out Metz had been annexed to Meuse : since 1870. A tour will take you through the new town, DAY 3 built to show the wealth of the under Kaiser Wilhelm II, and on towards the historic centre built to French tastes, MEUSE HILLS AND THE SAINT-MIHIEL SALIENT in beautiful yellow stone. Gardens and riverside walks take you towards St Etienne’s cathedral, its Gothic architecture enhanced See authentic Trenches of WWI at Apremont-la-Forêt and the by an outstanding 6,500 m² of stained glass, including 20th century Montsec Memorial built by the American government in memory highly coloured works by Jacques Villon, Roger Bissière and Marc of the battle and to symbolize the friendship and the cooperation Chagall. of both American and French armies. The Village of Hattonchatel is worth a detour : perched on a Contact : Mirabelle Tours - Guillaume Moizan hill overlooking Côtes de Meuse, and offering a beautiful view +33 (0)7 70 06 66 61 - [email protected] over the plains, this medieval village was rebuilt after the WW1 by a rich American benefactress Belle Skinner. Certainly one of the last More about the major Great War sites in North East France : medieval fantasies built in France with war reparations. http://bit.ly/usfrance

15 Memorial sites in Meuse The battlefield of Verdun 300 days and 300 nights of unbroken fighting. More than 300,000 dead and missing, 400,000 French and German wounded. The Battle of Verdun in 1916 was the most deadly head-on clash between France and Germany in history. The struggle to totally destroy men and defences by means of an unprecedented artillery battle symbolises and summarises industrial warfare. PLEASE NOTE : Visitors are prohibited from searching for objects on the battlefield by themselves.

Mémorial de Verdun Fort de Vaux 1 Avenue du Corps Européen - 55100 FLEURY-DEVANT-DOUAUMONT 55400 VAUX-DEVANT- Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 87 47 24 Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 88 32 88 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected] www.memorial-verdun.fr/en/ www.verdun-meuse.fr One of the few museums built on a former battlefield. It explains the battle Besieged by the German army, the fort only fell after seven days of heroic focusing with many eyewitness accounts on the soldiers, whether German resistance. The defending force, by then exhausted and with no hope of being or French. Extended and redesigned, it now enjoys an additional 1,900m2, rescued, were given military honours by the Germans when they eventually lending it an even greater impact. The updated original monument has been surrendered on 7th . aesthetically enhanced, renovated and re-staged, while a third floor now Historical walk : open air trail, public access from the car park looks out over the surrounding landscape, offering an incredible panoramic view of the actual battlefield. Les villages détruits Ossuaire de Douaumont Beaumont, , Cumières, Douaumont, Fleury, Haumont, Louvemont, Ornes and Vaux. 55100 DOUAUMONT Nine villages in the “Red Zone” were totally razed to the ground during Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 84 54 81 the Battle of Verdun, swept away by the fearsome might of the battle. All Email : [email protected] that remain are markers symbolising the outlines of the houses and public www.verdun-douaumont.com buildings. They serve as a reminder of the trades and work of these old The monument that has become a symbol of the battlefield contains village communities and have never been rebuilt. They are ghost villages, some 130,000 bodies of unidentified French and German soldiers. Tour of villages that laid down their lives for France, and they are a moving memorial the crypt, the chapel and the tower. Educational film (with simultaneous thanks to the chapels and commemorative monuments erected after the interpretation head phones in English, German, Dutch, Russian, Chinese). end of the war.

La Tranchée des Baïonnettes Citadelle Souterraine 55100 DOUAUMONT Avenue du soldat inconnu - 55100 VERDUN Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 84 84 42 This monument, built by an American sponsor, is a reminder of a legend Email : [email protected] – the legend of French soldiers buried upright in their trench by fierce www.citadelle-souterraine-verdun.fr bombardments. It has remained in popular memory as a symbolic site on the Verdun battlefield. The underground citadel was the logistics centre during the Battle of Verdun and it was here that the Unknown Soldier was selected before being placed beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on 11th November 1920, to mark the sacrifice of all the French soldiers who were unidentified or who disappeared. A small train takes visitors through the citadel’s galleries. Fort de Douaumont Audiovisual presentations and reconstitutions illustrate the everyday of the 55100 DOUAUMONT soldiers. Inside temperature 7°C. Tel.: +33 (0)3 29 84 41 91 Email : [email protected] www.verdun-meuse.fr Douaumont, the keystone of Verdun’s system of fortifications, was captured Centre Mondial de la Paix, by the German Army at the start of the battle. It was not retaken for another des Libertés et des Droits de l’Homme eight months, after particularly bitter fighting. Today, the French and German flags fly side by side on the fort as a reminder of the tragedy and the death Palais Episcopal - Place Monseigneur Ginisty - 55100 VERDUN of soldiers from both armies in this place. Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 86 55 00 Email : [email protected] - [email protected] www.cmpaix.eu Housed in the Bishop’s Palace in Verdun, an 18th-century building that is a historic monument in its own right, the World Centre for Peace has an annual programme of exhibitions, talks and conferences on contemporary global problems. The centre runs special educational tours for school 16 groups right throughout the year. Saint-Mihiel Salient

The German push in September 1914 to encircle the fortress that was Verdun was contained by the resistance of Fort Troyon but it led to the capture of Saint-Mihiel. The salient, 20km behind the French front line, was attacked unsuccessfully by the French Army in 1915. It was not liberated until 1918, as a result of a Franco-American offensive.

300 days and 300 nights of unbroken fighting. More than 300,000 dead and missing, 400,000 French and German wounded. The Battle of Verdun in 1916 was the most deadly head-on clash between France and Germany in history. Saint-Mihiel Salient sites Les Eparges On the D907 between St Mihiel and Apremont-la-Forêt. The struggle to totally destroy men and defences by means of an unprecedented artillery battle symbolises and 55160 LES EPARGES summarises industrial warfare. Cœur de Lorraine Tourist Office Les Eparges, a hilltop overlooking the Woëvre Plain that opens out Rue du Palais de Justice - 55300 SAINT-MIHIEL towards Metz, still harbours memories of dreadful fighting, especially PLEASE NOTE : Visitors are prohibited from searching for objects on the battlefield by themselves. Tél./Fax : + 33 (0)3 29 89 06 47 in 1915. With its shell craters, the hilltop still bears the scars of mine Email : [email protected] warfare. The area is dotted with monuments. The sector was the tragic www.coeurdelorraine-tourisme.fr location where the war caught up with writers who had been called up Fort de Vaux to fight e.g. Alain Fournier and Louis Pergaud, both of whom were killed in 1914, Jean Giono, Ernst Jünger and , member of 55400 VAUX-DEVANT-DAMLOUP The St Mihiel Salient, formed in 1914, was the scene of several violent combats, the backdrop to which still remains today. The land is criss-crossed the French Academy and author of the monumental testimonial work Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 88 32 88 entitled, “The Men of 14”. with trenches, some of which are concreted, and which can be seen from Historical walk : 7km route starting from the village of Les Eparges Email : [email protected] specially constructed platforms. www.verdun-meuse.fr Besieged by the German army, the fort only fell after seven days of heroic resistance. The defending force, by then exhausted and with no hope of being rescued, were given military honours by the Germans when they eventually surrendered on 7th June 1916. Historical walk : open air trail, public access from the car park

Les villages détruits Beaumont, Bezonvaux, Cumières, Douaumont, Fleury, Haumont, Louvemont, Ornes and Vaux. Nine villages in the “Red Zone” were totally razed to the ground during the Battle of Verdun, swept away by the fearsome might of the battle. All that remain are markers symbolising the outlines of the houses and public buildings. They serve as a reminder of the trades and work of these old village communities and have never been rebuilt. They are ghost villages, Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery Montsec American Memorial villages that laid down their lives for France, and they are a moving memorial at Thiaucourt 55300 MONTSEC thanks to the chapels and commemorative monuments erected after the end of the war. Route de Verdun Tél. : +33 (0)3 83 80 01 01 54470 THIAUCOURT Email : [email protected] Tél. : +33 (0)3 83 80 01 01 The memorial was built by the of America on the top of a Email : [email protected] hill used by the Germans as an observation post. It commemorates the offensive by the 1st US Army in September 1918 and the battles fought until Citadelle Souterraine It contains the graves of 4,153 of US military dead. The majority of these died November 1918. A huge flight of steps leads up to the memorial consisting in the offensive that resulted in the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient that Avenue du soldat inconnu - 55100 VERDUN of columns topped by a rotunda. Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 84 84 42 threatened Paris. Email : [email protected] www.citadelle-souterraine-verdun.fr The underground citadel was the logistics centre during the Battle of Verdun and it was here that the Unknown Soldier was selected before being placed beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on 11th November 1920, to mark the sacrifice of all the French soldiers who were unidentified or who disappeared. A small train takes visitors through the citadel’s galleries. Audiovisual presentations and reconstitutions illustrate the everyday of the soldiers. Inside temperature 7°C.

Centre Mondial de la Paix, des Libertés et des Droits de l’Homme Fort de Troyon Palais Episcopal - Place Monseigneur Ginisty - 55100 VERDUN 55300 LACROIX-SUR-MEUSE Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 86 55 00 Tél. : +33 (0)7 89 84 64 08 Email : [email protected] - [email protected] Email : [email protected] www.cmpaix.eu www.fort-de-troyon.com Housed in the Bishop’s Palace in Verdun, an 18th-century building that is This Séré de Rivières fort was built entirely out of stone, with no concrete, and successfully held up against the heavy bombardment of September a historic monument in its own right, the World Centre for Peace has an 1914 and the repeated attacks from the German army, saving Verdun from annual programme of exhibitions, talks and conferences on contemporary being surrounded, thereby protecting French rear-line troops who were global problems. The centre runs special educational tours for school fighting in the battle of the . It also served as rear basis, first aid and 17 groups right throughout the year. yard for American soldiers. Argonne

Sitting astride three “counties” (Ardennes, Marne and Meuse), Argonne and its vast forests form a natural rampart criss-crossed on the surface with an impressive network of trenches. Underground there are miles of galleries, some of them accessible. They provided shelter for combatants and were used in mine warfare. The countless reminders of the bitter fighting in 1915 and 1916 are displayed in an absolutely breathtaking condition. Argonne is also a focus for American memorials in Europe. In 1918, General Pershing’s Army launched a decisive offensive to liberate Meuse and lead on to an Allied victory.

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery Vauquois Hill 55110 ROMAGNE-SOUS-MONTFAUCON Association Les Amis de Vauquois - 55270 VAUQUOIS Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 85 14 18 Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 80 73 15 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected] www.butte-vauquois.fr With its 14,246 crosses, the Romagne cemetery is the largest American military cemetery in Europe, the final resting-place of American soldiers Major site of mine warfare in Argonne. This is the best example of who fell during the fighting to liberate the Meuse-Argonne area. Its layout underground passages used as “living quarters”. The work done to enhance and architecture make this a “must see”, to understand what Americans and maintain this site makes it one of the major places to visit in Meuse. The mean by their Duty of Remembrance. guided tours, which are of particularly high quality, give an excellent insight into the fighting that occurred here.

Montfaucon American Monument Romagne 14-18 55270 MONTFAUCON D’ARGONNE 2 Rue de l’Andon - 55110 ROMAGNE-SOUS-MONTFAUCON Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 85 14 18 Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 85 10 14 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected] www.romagne14-18.com Reaching a total height of 60 metres, it is surmounted by a statue symbolising Liberty; this faces the front line of the American First Army on the morning «Romagne 14-18» is an informal First World War museum that sets out to of 26th September 1918, at the beginning of the offensive. Visitors can climb reveal what daily life was like for the average soldier. Each item tells its own to the observation platform from where they can enjoy a magnificent view. personal story. It was Jean-Paul de Vries’ passion for the subject that led to the creation of this vast collection. Tranchée de 8 rue de Baley - 55100 CHATTANCOURT Tél. : +33 (0)6 76 22 12 26 Email : [email protected] www.tranchee-verdun.com More than 100 meters of original trench and shelters have been dug and built exactly as it was during WW1 thanks to original maps and documents, photographs and the accounts of the soldiers who served here.

18 French rear echelon German rear echelon

Sitting astride three “counties” (Ardennes, Marne and Meuse), Argonne and its vast forests form a natural rampart After serving as a battlefield during the Marne offensives Like the French rear echelon, the German rear echelon criss-crossed on the surface with an impressive network of trenches. Underground there are miles of galleries, in 1914, it was from this section of the French rear echelon was the point from which men and equipment were some of them accessible. They provided shelter for combatants and were used in mine warfare. The countless that, in 1916, French troops engaged in the Battle sent as efficiently as possible up to the Front. of Verdun received their commands, organisational reminders of the bitter fighting in 1915 and 1916 are displayed in an absolutely breathtaking condition. The German presence to the north and north-east Argonne is also a focus for American memorials in Europe. In 1918, General Pershing’s Army launched a decisive instructions and supplies. This intermediate area of Verdun left deep scars on the Meuse landscape, offensive to liberate Meuse and lead on to an Allied victory. between the militarised zone and the civilian world was unusually densely populated. Frenchmen from France particularly in the form of the Marguerre Camp, the and its overseas colonies were followed by American battery (now a Historic Monument), or the camp troops. In fact, millions of soldiers stayed here before on Romagne Hill in Azannes. and after fighting at the Front. The region was a logistical centre used for the transport and garrisoning of French and American troops. As German rear bases in the canton of such, it was dotted with airfields, munitions stores and medical infrastructures (surgical ambulances, triage stations for the wounded and field hospitals). It was Pays de Spincourt also a centre of civilian and military governance. Place Louis Bertrand - 55230 SPINCOURT Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 85 95 44 Email : [email protected] La Voie Sacrée www.tourisme-spincourt.com www.voie-sacree.com Marguerre Camp consisting of concrete barracks, was built under the orders of Captain Hans “The Sacred Way” was the road between the Front at Verdun and the Marguerre, and featured a concrete factory where experiments using this rear. Along it travelled almost 2,400,000 men and thousands of tonnes material were carried out. of munitions and equipment day and night for ten months. A memorial stone marks each kilometre on this road. Sacred Way Monument at Moulin-Brûlé, south-west of Verdun

Musée de la Voie Sacrée The Duzey battery was a long-range naval gun weighing 20 tonnes, used to fire at Verdun and 22 Voie Sacrée - 55220 its forts. The concreted infrastructures are still impressive today. A naval gun Tél. : +33 (0)6 75 82 81 29 has been installed on the Duzey site in 2014, in order to create an idea of just Email : [email protected] how big the artillery was during the battle of Verdun. www.voie-sacree.com HQ of General Pétain, and Generals Guillaumat, Nivelle, and Hirschauer. General Pershing’s 1918 HQ. History of the Sacred Way between Bar-le-Duc and Verdun. Memorabilia from 1914-1918.

Ouvrage de la Falouse Le plat d’Houillon 55100 DUGNY-SUR-MEUSE Tél. : +33 (0)6 83 27 13 34 Email : [email protected] Site web : www.ouvragedelafalouse.fr A fully restored and intact fortification reinstated by an association of Great War enthusiasts. Experience the daily life of a soldier behind the frontline. Indoor and outdoor tours: trenches, communication trenches and quarters, shelters, barracks, latrines and soldiers’ living spaces. 19 Accomodation

The Jardins du Mess **** in Verdun 22 Quai de la République 55100 VERDUN Tél. +33 (0)3 29 80 14 18 Email : [email protected] www.lesjardinsdumess.fr A 4* hotel-restaurant in the very heart of Verdun, this establishment opened in May 2016 in the former Officers’ mess, an elegant building from the late 19 Century on the banks of the River Meuse. It offers 40 rooms, including 7 suites, seminar rooms, a spa and a bistro style gastronomic restaurant that makes the most of ingredients from the local area. Capacity : 103 persons - 40 rooms.

Château des Monthairons **** near Verdun 26 Route de Verdun - Le Petit Monthairon 55320 Tél. : +33(0)3 29 87 78 55 Email : [email protected] www.chateaudesmonthairons.fr Enjoy a stay in a real life French Château dating from the 19th century. It is a 25 bedroom family run hotel with excellent food. Romantic and relaxing parc along the Meuse river. It had been used as a hospital for American soldiers during WWI. Capacity : 75 persons - 25 rooms.

Château d’Hattonchâtel *** at Hattonchâtel in the Meuse area near Saint-Mihiel 3 Bis rue du Château 55210 Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel Tél. : +33(0)3 29 89 31 79 Email : [email protected] www.hattonchatelchateau.fr A medieval and romantic château that had been destroyed during WWI and then rebuilt thanks to the American benefactress Belle Skinner from Holyoke, Massachussets. Capacity : 28 persons - 12 rooms.

Orchidées *** Z.I de Tavannes Rue Robert Schumann 55100 VERDUN Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 86 46 46 Email : [email protected] www.orchidees-hotel.com Ideal for families and groups, it is only hotel that offers a swimming pool in Meuse. Capacity : 86 persons - 40 rooms.

20 Hôtel-restaurant du Lac de Madine *** 22 Rue Charles de Gaulle 55210 HEUDICOURT-SOUS-LES-COTES Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 89 34 80 Email : [email protected] www.hotel-lac-madine.com “In the heart of the Lorraine Natural Park, between Metz and Nancy, our 3 star Logis Hotel has fashioned a style that is both elegant and warm, reflecting the family spirit in which it was created in 1969 by our parents. A simple and attentive welcome, a contemporary style, a generosity and a friendly atmosphere that my sister and I are committed to maintaining for the pleasure of welcoming you, whether you are visiting our region or as a regular”. Christelle DRAPIER Capacity : 78 persons - 39 rooms.

Hôtel-restaurant Villa Motel *** ZAC les Cailloux - 55700 STENAY Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 80 32 42 Email : [email protected] www.villamotel.fr “Our hotel-restaurant located in Stenay, city of -Meusien (only 45 km from Verdun, 65 km from Luxembourg and 20 km from Belgium) welcomes you every day. We prepare quality French cuisine made on site using fresh produce See you soon". Régis & Nathalie Capacity : 50 persons - 24 rooms.

Lodge Hôtel *** du Domaine de Sommedieue 9-17 rue du Parc - 55320 SOMMEDIEUE Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 85 78 70 / +33 (0)6 22 61 17 40 Email : [email protected] [email protected] "Here we cultivate the art of living in the Meuse through the fly fishing and the good table. The Domaine de Sommedieue offers 6 comfortable rooms of 35 to50 m2 in full nature with a relaxing view. Imagine the majesty of the site: a succession of lakes linked by a river and fed from crystal clear springs. No need to know or practice fly fishing to appreciate the spot!” Bruno Capacity : 18 persons - 6 rooms.

More accomodations : www.meusetourism.com

21 Incoming Agencies

Verdun Tourisme PierrAline Voyages Place de la Nation 87 Rue de Rû 55106 VERDUN 55100 VERDUN Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 86 14 18 Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 87 88 14 [email protected] [email protected] www.verdun-tourisme.com www.pierralinevoyages.com

Office de Tourisme Meuse Grand Connaissance de la Meuse Sud Carrières d’Haudainville 7 rue Jeanne d’Arc 55100 VERDUN 55000 BAR-LE-DUC Tél. : + 33 (0)3 29 84 50 00 Tél. : + 33 (0)3 29 79 11 13 Contact groupe : Hélène Contact groupe : Nelly [email protected] [email protected] www.spectacle-verdun.com www.tourisme-barleducetbarrois.com

Mirabelle Tours Incoming agency located in the Lorraine region, operating in the east of France, we offer tours and visits flexible and focused on each guest and group. We work as supplier Guillaume MOIZAN and ground operator in France. With an experience of 6 years working as a professional 4 Route de Verdun freelance guide, Guillaume, the founder has an interesting experience and knowledge 55320 LES MONTHAIRONS about this part of France, from the must-see to the remote off-road sites. We take care of our guests with professionalism and passion and organize private tours on request, always Tél. : + 33 (0)7 70 06 66 61 flexible and suitable. We work for families, friends groups and larger groups, on all kinds of [email protected] topics: historical battlefield tours, wine tours, gourmandize or city tours. www.verduntours.com You can also find him on Facebook : @verduntours. www.mirabelletours.com Tour guides « We want to offer the best services to our guests, that is why our professional tour-guide association does exist. All together we offer a large range of tours and visits, suitable and flexible. Our complementary features will fit for all your groups. » Certified tour guides for a and professional experience in the Lorraine Champagne-Ardenne region and battlefields tours. Carole, Florence, Ingrid and Guillaume. Association « Les Guides Associés », certified freelance guides. Our contact : [email protected]

22 Notes

...... PierrAline Voyages 87 Rue de Rû ......

55100 VERDUN ...... Tél. : +33 (0)3 29 87 88 14 [email protected] ...... www.pierralinevoyages.com ......

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...... « We want to offer the best services to our guests, that is why our professional tour-guide association does exist. All together we offer a large range of tours and visits, suitable and flexible. Our complementary features will fit for all your groups. » ...... Certified tour guides for a nice and professional experience in the Lorraine Champagne-Ardenne region and battlefields tours...... Carole, Florence, Ingrid and Guillaume.

...... Association « Les Guides Associés », certified freelance guides. Our contact : [email protected] ......

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...... 23 CONTACT Christel RIGOLOT & Élodie GIANNINI [email protected] - [email protected]

Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Meuse 28 Rue des Romains - BP 40038 F-55001 BAR-LE-DUC CEDEX +33 (0)3 29 45 78 40 www.meusetourism.com

Informations about Lorraine : Tél. : +33 (0)3 83 80 01 80 Site : www.tourism-lorraine.com

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