ITINÉRAIRE CYCLOTOURISTIQUE : ITINÉRAIRE PATRIMOINE N°5 - À L'ASSAUT DE VUES IMPRENABLES

Along an itinerary that dominates the entire Moselle valley, offering remarkable panoramas, discover exceptional heritage such as the fortress of Châtel-sur-Moselle, which was one of the largest in Europe, or the church of Girmont. Distance : 25 km | Level : easy. Itinerary marked out by the department: follow the signs "itinerary heritage n°5". Starting point : Châtel-sur-Moselle, crossroads D6 / bicycle route. 1) In the immediate vicinity of your starting point is a milestone of the Voie de la 2è DB. This road retraces the route followed by the 2nd Armored Division of General Leclerc, during the Liberation of France in 1944-1945. This milestone in Châtel bears witness to the fighting that took place to cross the Moselle in September 1944. 2) The fortress of Châtel-sur-Moselle dominates the area from the top of its rocky spur. Founded in the 11th and 12th centuries, it was improved and enlarged during the 12th century to resist artillery. Defeated by the troops of Louis XIV, it was dismantled in 1671. The ruins are developed since 1972 and visits are regularly organized. 3) The Saint-Laurent church. Built in the 15th century in a flamboyant gothic style. Partially destroyed in June 1940, some parts were rebuilt after the war 4) When you arrive in Vaxoncourt, the tour takes you over a stone bridge dating from 1804. In the past, it was the only way to cross between Châtel-sur-Moselle and Epinal. Just after this bridge, on the left, is La Boutonnerie, an old mill converted in 1900 into the manufacture of mother-of-pearl buttons. In the heart of the village, you will find the church of Saint-Martin, built in 1868, in neo-gothic style. 5) In Girmont, take a few moments to discover the church of the Nativity of Our Lady, one of the most beautiful churches in the area. A first church was built in the 12th century, as evidenced by the original Romanesque bell tower. At the end of the 15th century, great works were undertaken to give the building its current appearance. Its flamboyant portal, the corner tower of the bell tower as well as the windows of the aisles are particularly remarkable. 6) In Domèvre-sur-Durbion, discover the church of Saint-Maurice dating from the XVth-XVIth centuries, as well as the remarkable cross of the Saints Cavaliers, dating from 1772, located on the left side of the road, shortly after the church. A little further on, you will discover the portal of the old castle. Built by the Lord of Haraucourt in the 16th century, this Renaissance castle was destroyed shortly after the First World War. Only the entrance gate remains. All along this walk, especially in the sectors of Pallegney and Zincourt, enjoy a panoramic view on the valley of the Moselle, before returning to Châtel-sur-Moselle to join your starting point.