The best road cycling routes around Etang De Belval

On the site of an old fountain, a monument erected in 1894 by public subscription honors the memory of Barisiens Pierre and Ernest Michaux, inventors and promoters of the pedal velocipede. This monument also marks the entrance to the Bourg district. A chubby child representing the genius of the bicycle, placed in front of a velocipede, extols the invention of the pedal by the Michaux family in 1861, thus allowing the cycle to evolve from the balance bike to the velocipede. Source: https://www.tourisme-barleducsudmeuse.fr/page,fiche-sitlor,produit,754005864

The monument commemorates to Pierre and Ernest Michaux, the inventors of the velocipede.

A bicycle pioneer and democrat

The Hermitage of Saint-Rouin is a modern chapel built on the site of an ancient hermitage where Saint-Rouin, founder of the Beaulieu-en-Argonne abbey, lived in the 7th century. The chapel, designed by the architect and Dominican friar L.-B. Rayssiguier, is a striking example of concrete architecture with geometric shapes and colorful stained glass windows. You can admire the minimalist interior and the altar made of sandstone blocks, as well as the 17th century altarpiece of the Assumption located in the enclosure. The Hermitage of Saint-Rouin is a place of pilgrimage and celebration every year on September 17, the feast day of Saint-Rouin. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forest and the panoramic views from the hilltop. The Hermitage of Saint-Rouin is a hidden gem that will inspire you with its history and art.

The Forester Cemetery is dedicated to soldiers who died during the First World War. Located in the heart of the Argonne forest, this cemetery is home to 2,000 tombs, including ten of Garibaldians. The particularity of this place is that each grave is decorated with a hydrangea bush, creating a colorful contrast with the greenery of the forest. You can also explore the nearby sites of Haute Chevauchée, such as the Ossuary Monument, the Génie Ravine and the Kaiser Tunnel, where you can learn more about the battles that took place in the region. A hike in the surrounding area is sure to immerse you in the history and beauty of Argonne.

Built between 1954 and 1961, the Saint-Rouin hermitage was erected in the heart of the Argonne forest according to plans drawn up by Father Rayssiguier, Dominican, disciple of Le Corbusier and co-author of the Vence chapel. For further information, contact the Association "Les Amis de Saint-Rouin".

Main locality in the Argonne natural region. Located in the far east of the Marne and bordering the Meuse

The Argonne forest, which straddles the departments of Marne, Ardennes, Meuse and the east of the Paris basin, was the scene of numerous battles, particularly during the First World War, of which it still retains many relics.