The best traffic-free bike rides around Rarécourt

Freely accessible and located along the Route de la Haute Chevauchée. Climb the stairs for an impressive view and to admire the monument up close. Behind the monument is the entrance to the ossuary and a cross of reconciliation.

A silent tribute in the heart of the Argonne Inaugurated in 1922, this impressive monument commemorates the thousands of fallen soldiers of the Argonne during WWI. The ossuary contains the remains of approximately 10,000 unknown soldiers of various nationalities. The obelisk-shaped structure, topped with a soldier's head and sword, is a powerful symbol of sacrifice. In 2023, the monument was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ravin du Génie: Located in the woods of Lachalade, less than 1.2 km from the front line, this ravine was an important logistical camp for the French engineers during WWI. Soldiers found rest there, and equipment was stored for mine warfare in the Argonne. Today it is an open-air museum with the remains of barracks, warehouses and trenches – a tangible reminder of daily life behind the front. Free access with information panels.

This concrete bunker was built in 1915 to protect the strategic crossroads Croix de Pierre. It is named after Lieutenant Robert de Courson de la Villeneuve, who was killed in the Argonne in 1914. The shelter is a silent witness to the fierce fighting in this wooded front area during WWI. The bunker is located near the road and is freely accessible.

Downwards until the road

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.

In the 7th century, Beaulieu-en-Argonne already had an abbey, founded by a Scottish monk, Saint-Rouin, who gave his name to the village church. Part of the abbey still remains, including an old oak press from the 13th century, of impressive dimensions: it is one of the largest in Europe and weighs 30 tonnes! Next to it, a fresco represents the village as it was in 1789. Outside, there are some traces of the ancient walls of the abbey.

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".