The best road cycling routes around Bénaménil

Its choir, dating from the 13th century, is the oldest part and reflects Cistercian influence with its two bays vaulted with ogival ribs and its flat chevet. The ogives, typical of the Gothic art of the time, are reinforced by wall ribs, while a blind arcade adorns the walls. This choir, devoid of a transept, follows the Cistercian tradition where the monks' choir is integrated directly into the nave. The nave and the portal, rebuilt in the 18th century, contrast with the old structure with their more sober and less remarkable style. The high altar, adorned with four Corinthian columns in black marble, bears witness to a later Baroque addition. This mixture of styles illustrates the architectural and liturgical evolutions the building has undergone over the centuries. The history of the church is linked to that of the village, whose lord in the 13th century was the abbey of Saint-Denis de Reims. A notable figure, Jean Mabillon, was born there in the 17th century and was baptized in this church. Classified as a historic monument in 1926, it now embodies a major religious and architectural heritage of the Ardennes, preserved for its medieval choir and its liturgical furnishings. Historical sources also mention bibliographical references, such as the works of Jean Leflon on Jean Mabillon or the studies of Hubert Collin on Ardennes churches. These works highlight the local importance of the building, both spiritually and architecturally, in a region marked by the influence of abbeys and monastic orders in the Middle Ages.

The Château de Moyen is a 15th century fortress also known as the Château de Qui-qu'en-grogne. It was built by Conrad Bayer de Boppart, bishop of Metz, to defend his possessions against the Dukes of Lorraine. The castle was besieged and dismantled several times. Today it is partly restored and partly in ruins. You can explore the remains of the castle, such as the stately home, towers, walls and moat, and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to visitors from April to October, and you can also take part in guided tours or restoration workshops organized by a local association.

Far from any urbanization, Amenoncourt is a rural town with a low population density. This is what makes all the charm of its landscapes.

More than the shelter itself, it is its location and its history that make it a special place. Beneath its modest appearance, the construction reminds us that Abbé Grégoire, icon of the French Revolution, certainly took this path to go to school in his childhood. Dating from the 1990s, the building was built in this location to take advantage of the site's point of view. The blue line of the Vosges is even visible there. If you are hiking for several days, this is the ideal place to sleep. The shelter being rudimentary, a tarp is however necessary to protect yourself as best as possible from possible bad weather.

As in many municipalities, the church is in the center. In addition to its four-storey tower and its gilded wooden altarpiece, it is distinguished by its pretty little fountain in Vosges sandstone. The ideal place for a stopover and to cool off in summer.

The beautiful Parc de Baccarat is located directly below the bridge behind the town hall. The benches invite you to take a break.

Just a nice shelter with a wooden roof, a picnic table and a great view with the Vosges in the background. The photo is on a sunny day but the shelter looked inspiring and I think it is worth mentionning if you travel on a rainy day and look for a place to rest. If you have a 'stand-up' tent (that can hold without pegs), there is enough place to pitch it inside the shelter and the surrounding walls can stop the wind. The road leading to the shelter (the "Voie de l'abbé Grégoire") is worth a ride too. Beautiful countryside and not too many cars.

If you like old medieval castles, this is worth a look if you ride by it.