The best walks and hikes around Écrouves

For the meditative contemplation of the faithful during the prayer of the Rosary, there are several text variants. According to ancient tradition, the Church knows three versions – referred to as "Mysteries" (from the Greek "Mysterion", which in theology means the revelation of something that would not be accessible to us humans without God's help"): the 'Joyful Mysteries' / the 'Sorrowful Mysteries' / the 'Glorious Mysteries'. His Holiness Pope John Paul II supplemented them in October 2002 with the Apostolic Letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae" by adding the 'Luminous Mysteries'. Furthermore, it is not at all uncommon for a Rosary devotion in various parishes or groups to be expanded with formulations. A special variant, which I once found on a prayer sheet and would like to present here, is the "Peace Rosary", in which the five mysteries are as follows: + Jesus, at whose birth angels announced peace (cf. Lk 2:8-14) + Jesus, who directs our steps on the path of peace (cf. Lk 1:67-79) + Jesus, who has blessed those who peacemake (cf. Mt 5:3-12a) + Jesus, who sent his disciples to bring peace (cf. Mt 10:7-13) + Jesus, who has left us his peace (cf. Jn 14:23-27)

do not fall

The Ecrouves plateau is part of the Natura 2000 site (protected natural area) of the lawns of Toulois, identical to the Côte Barine and the Domgermain plateau. Located on the coasts of Toul, these dry meadows on limestone, on a hillside or plateau, were formerly used for sheep grazing. This extensive use has allowed many species to find refuge there: orchids, butterflies, lizards, amphibians, bats, some of which are protected in France and Europe.

The final plan for the construction of this church took shape in 1895 under the leadership of Mr. LOEVENBRUCK, the new parish priest. The location was chosen so as to be included in the whole: old church, presbytery, grotto and Rosary chapel while opening onto the main street of the village. The style chosen was that of the Gothic radiant from the churches of the Middle Ages and recalls in particular the Saint Étienne cathedral and the Saint Gengoult collegiate church of Toul. https://www.bruley.mairie54.fr/fr/l-eglise-neo-gothique.html

The cult of the Virgin is ancient in Lorraine, particularly on the Hill of Sion. The apparitions of Lourdes after those of La Salette mark the souls of a very Christianized population in the countryside. Pilgrimages to Lourdes gained momentum in the 1880s. In 1883, there were 1,600 pilgrims from Lorraine. The momentum was given. The idea naturally came to evoke or reproduce the Massabielle cave. https://www.bruley.mairie54.fr/fr/la-replique-de-la-grotte-de-lourdes.html

From there you have a beautiful view towards the south and south-east, for example over Toul. A sign indicates the direction to different landmarks.

The church dates from the 12th century, but is believed to have been built on pre-existing buildings from earlier periods. It was probably transformed into a fortified church during the conflict between Burgundy and Lorraine. It has been classified as a historic monument since the end of the 19th century.

The general plan of the Rosary Chapel is reminiscent of the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes. It was built from 1892 to 1894 to the plans of the architect Jacquemin at the initiative of Canon Demange and then his brother. The chapel has three alveoli for the three mysteries: joyful mystery, painful mystery, glorious mystery. Each cell has five windows and five tables. The entire esplanade and the Rosary chapel were listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments in July 2005. https://www.bruley.mairie54.fr/fr/la-chapelle-du-rosaire.html