In Meuse, fortifications, underground galleries and historic sites tell stories of the past. At the same time, forests, wetlands and opportunities to observe nature shape the region. Seasonal activities on the water at Lac de Madine offer another way to experience the landscape and enjoy a stay.
Forest landscapes and history
The state forests of Verdun and Mort-Homme were largely created by planting trees on former First World War battlefields. Their origins link today’s forest landscape with the area’s wartime history. The forests also provide habitats for the yellow-bellied toad and the great crested newt; both amphibians are considered species of Community interest.
In the Natura 2000 site Corridor de la Meuse, historic structures also play an ecological role: forts, concrete shelters, tunnels and saps can provide roosts for bats during hibernation and breeding. Military structures and habitats meet here, and the significance of these buildings extends beyond their history.
Discover nature at Lac de Madine
Lac de Madine is a 1,100-hectare wetland, a Natura 2000 site and a national hunting and wildlife reserve. A nature trail and an observation point invite visitors to discover nature. Those interested in the landscape can also experience different perspectives at the lake: looking at habitats, observing nature and enjoying activities at the leisure centre.
From the 377-metre-high Butte de Montsec, panoramic views extend across the surrounding area and towards Lac de Madine. During the warmer months, swimming, fishing and water sports are available at the Madine leisure centre. Golf and mountain-bike rentals are also offered at the visitor centre. The seasonal availability of water activities is important to bear in mind when planning a trip.
Cultural sites and their stories
The Ligier Richier Route connects heritage sites from Bar-le-Duc via Clermont-en-Argonne, Étain, Génicourt-sur-Meuse and Hattonchâtel to Saint-Mihiel. It thus passes through a series of named heritage sites. Near Verdun, Fort de Douaumont is regarded as the strongest fortification in the Verdun fortress. The Citadelle souterraine is one of the 25 key stops on Verdun’s discovery route; visitors can explore its underground galleries on an augmented-reality tour in a guided rail car.
The Centre Mondial de la Paix is located in the former Bishop’s Palace in Verdun. The library of Abbaye Saint-Michel offers a different perspective on cultural history: it preserves 70 manuscripts and 9,000 printed books. At Ouvrage de la Falouse, wartime gun turrets and an infantry blockhouse remain intact. A 150-metre-long trench there recreates life behind the front lines.
Walk or cycle around Lac de Madine
The full loop around Lac de Madine and its shores is more than 18 kilometres long and can be completed on foot or by bike. As a mountain-bike route, the Lac de Madine tour is officially Loop No. 15 among the 22 routes listed in Meuse. Two bike-rental shops on the loop are Madine Cycles and Divotourbiking. You can take the length of the full lake circuit and the designated mountain-bike route into account when deciding between walking and cycling.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Avillers-Sainte-Croix, Forges Sur Meuse, Sommeilles, Woel, Watronville, Beaufort En Argonne, Verdun-Sur-Meuse, Pagny-Sur-Meuse, Heudicourt-Sous-Les-Côtes, Vaucouleurs, Les Monthairons, Stenay, Amel-Sur-L'etang, Ville-Sur-Saulx, Bislée, Landrecourt-Lempire, Damvillers, Saint-Maurice-Sous-Les-Côtes, Foucaucourt-Sur-Thabas, Saint-Mihiel, Vigneulles-Lès-Hattonchâtel, Dun-Sur-Meuse, Futeau, Trémont-Sur-Saulx, Val-D'ornain, Bar-Le-Duc, Inor, Marville, Lacroix-Sur-Meuse, Étain, Gercourt-Et-Drillancourt, Cléry-Le-Grand, Juvigny-Sur-Loison, Geville, Beausite, Commercy, Ligny-En-Barrois, Mécrin, Saint-Aubin-Sur-Aire, Clermont-En-Argonne, Les Trois-Domaines, Rarécourt, Hannonville-Sous-Les-Côtes, Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes, Azannes-Et-Soumazannes, Pareid, Chaumont-Sur-Aire, Lahayville, Vacherauville, Montmédy, Chaillon, Revigny-Sur-Ornain, Aubréville, Écouviez, Nonsard-Lamarche, Velosnes, Ménil-La-Horgne, Romagne-Sous-Montfaucon, Quincy-Landzécourt, Thillombois, Fresnes-Au-Mont, Lachaussée, Cousances-Les-Forges, Beaulieu-En-Argonne, Brandeville, Seigneulles, Mauvages, Fresnes-en-Woëvre, Gondrecourt-le-Château, Moirey-Flabas-Crépion, Bras-sur-Meuse, Les Hauts-de-Chée, Le Neufour, Nettancourt, Dugny-sur-Meuse, Haironville, Vignot, Chonville-Malaumont, Courouvre, Houdelaincourt, Sampigny, Marre, Mogeville, Varennes-en-Argonne, Vauquois, Laheycourt, Vaux-devant-Damloup, Naix-aux-Forges, Bonnet, Horville-en-Ornois
To the broader travel overview: Lorraine.
