The best walks and hikes around Rouvrois-Sur-Meuse

Founded around 708 by Count Wulfoalde, this Benedictine abbey became an important religious and cultural centre in Lorraine. The abbey was under the protection of Charlemagne and flourished under Abbot Smaragdus in the 9th century. Today, you can still visit the abbey church of Saint-Michel, home to the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by Ligier Richier. The 18th-century monastery library houses thousands of ancient works and is one of the most beautiful in the region.

This former abbey church forms the historic heart of Saint-Mihiel. Originally built in the 9th century, it took on its current form during major renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, you can admire a magnificent baroque organ (1679–1681), colourful stained glass windows and the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by sculptor Ligier Richier. A place where art, history and spirituality come together.

Saint-Mihiel is picturesquely situated on the Meuse, on the edge of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park. The town grew around a Benedictine abbey, founded in the 8th century, and flourished during the Renaissance. Visit the abbey with its impressive library, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the Saint-Michel church. Wander the charming streets, admire the sculptures of Ligier Richier, and taste local specialities such as the “croquets” and “rochers de Saint-Mihiel”. A town full of history, culture and character.

Saint-Mihiel is one of those towns in the Meuse with a unique charm. You'll discover beautiful Renaissance facades there. Don't miss a detour to the Saint-Étienne church to see its superb Entombment, as well as the former Benedictine abbey, which reveals an impressive 18th-century library.

One of the highlights of the Louvent circuit is the Belladonna-Phoenix artwork by Amandine Guruceaga1. It is a copper, steel and brass sculpture that resembles a phoenix rising from the ashes. The metal flames are flexible and sensitive to wind, creating a sound that reverberates through the forest. The sculpture is located between a cherry tree and a beech tree, and reflects the sunlight with this brilliant plane.

One of the highlights of the Circuit du Louvent is the work of art called Keep warm by Jean-Pierre Brazs. This sculpture consists of a colossal iron mask that hides a secret: a fireplace inside that can be lit by visitors. If you want to stay warm while hiking in the cold, you can stop by this artwork and enjoy the cozy fire. Just make sure you have some matches or a lighter with you, and don’t forget to put out the fire when you leave. You can find more information about this artwork and the trail here.

very nice church with great stained glass windows

It was in La Maison Vent des Forêts, at the end of the 90s, that the project to create a recognized art center in a rural environment was born. For more than 26 years in the village of Lahaymeix, many creations have emerged and incredible artistic experiments have taken place all around the village and in the surrounding municipalities. The place welcomes the walker or the cyclist before his hike and makes him discover the many works that dot the paths and the woods. Each year over more than 45 kilometers, new works are exhibited on eight different circuits.