The best road cycling routes around Lacroix-Sur-Meuse

It's wonderful to cycle with the racing bike

Nice road for cycling and avoiding busy roads.

On the hill of Montsec in France stands this impressive memorial, erected by the United States in honor of the American troops who broke through the German St. Mihiel salient in September 1918. The monument, a classical colonnade with a bronze relief map in the center, offers a panoramic view of the former battlefield. It symbolizes the cooperation between the French and American armies and commemorates the more than 550,000 American soldiers who took part in this first major, independently led American offensive operation of World War I.

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.

The monument was created in 1930 by the sculptor Duilio Donzelli, originally from Lacroix-sur-Meuse. Like many French villages after the Great War, Bonzée erected this monument to pay tribute to the local soldiers who gave their lives for France. The names of the fallen are listed on the monument, often with inscriptions such as "Mort pour la France" or "Tué à l'ennemi". What makes it extra special is that Bonzée is located in an area that was badly affected during the war, near the infamous ridge of Les Éparges. The monument is therefore not only a symbol of mourning, but also of the deep scars that the conflict has left in this region.

The Saint-Laurent church in Bonzée, originally from the 18th century, destroyed in 1914, rebuilt in 1927.

The simple yet poignant structure of the "MONUMENT AUX MORTS," perched high on the hill, can be seen from afar. At the same time, the location offers visitors a sweeping view of the landscape around Montsec, including the Lac de Madine. But this panorama is only a side effect. The memorial was not erected for edifying purposes; rather, it has the dual function of keeping the memory of the victims of war and tyranny alive, and thus also serves as a constant reminder to maintain peace. The architecture of the complex, with its wide staircase and the rectangular columns forming a circle at the top, may well evoke memories of buildings from classical antiquity, but it dates back to the 20th century.