The best cycling routes around Courcelles-En-Barrois

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.

The former German military cemetery of Altenweiher was located near Saint-Mihiel in the Meuse department, a region that was badly affected during the First World War. The cemetery was built by the German troops to bury their fallen soldiers in the area, often near field hospitals or strategic positions. After the war, many of these smaller cemeteries, including Altenweiher, were cleared and the remains transferred to larger collective cemeteries such as those at Consenvoye or Andilly, as part of a wider regrouping of German war graves by the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge. Today, little remains of Altenweiher, but it stands as a quiet reminder of the scale of human loss in this region.

A beautiful late 16th century mansion located in the heart of Saint-Mihiel. Once owned by the noble Gondrecourt family, this building was later modified in the 18th century. The Renaissance-style facade and U-shaped courtyard are evidence of the wealth of the time. 🕰️ Historical fact: In 1424, Duke René I of Anjou and Isabella of Lorraine stayed here. Duke Leopold of Lorraine also stayed there in 1698. 📍 Location: 16 rue Larzillière-Beudant, Saint-Mihiel 🏷️ Status: Private property, but the exterior is visible from the street. Occasionally accessible during European Heritage Days.

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 monumental pediment is the remains of the former Colson-Blaise cavalry barracks, built from 1777 and extended in 1842. The pediment, with its sculpted motifs, once adorned the main façade of the complex. Since 1929, it has been protected as a historical monument. Today, the pediment lies loose on the ground, as a silent witness to the military history of Saint-Mihiel.

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.

2 rue Notre-Dame 55300 Saint-Mihiel One of the oldest civil buildings in the Meuse, built around 1350 and bought in 1428 by René I, Duke of Bar, later known as “Le bon Roi René”. This stately home with four wings around a courtyard served as a residence and courthouse. The facade is a beautiful example of late medieval architecture. Today it is privately owned, but the exterior can be freely admired.

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.