Attractions and Places To See around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes, a commune nestled in the Côtes de Meuse region of France, offers a combination of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The area is situated within the Lorraine Regional Natural Park, providing scenic landscapes and preserving its natural heritage. Key attractions include a large lake, historical memorials, and significant religious buildings. The region provides opportunities to explore both natural environments and sites of historical importance.
Best attractions and places to see…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Lake Madine
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Butte de Montsec
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Trench of Thirst and Ailly Wood
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Redoutes Cross Memorial
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Saint-Mihiel Abbey Church
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It is one of the jewels of this small town.
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Very long front lines of trenches; today, the forest has grown back on the other side. During the war, not a single tree remained. It was very impressive how many kilometers of trenches there were in the forest, with shell holes every few meters.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Lac de Madine is an artificial lake of almost 10 km², created in the 1970s as a water reservoir for the city of Metz. It is located in the heart of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park and is part of the Natura 2000 network for its ecological value. The lake has two islands, 250 hectares of forest and 42 km of shoreline. In addition to its role in the drinking water supply, it is an important recreational area with two main sites: Nonsard-Lamarche and Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes. Visitors will find marinas, beaches, cycle and walking routes, restaurants and nature reserves.
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The path runs along trenches and past the remains of fortresses.😎
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Impressive monument, and well maintained, from there you also have a wonderful panoramic view, I can only recommend it to everyone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes?
The region is rich in natural beauty, being part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. A prominent feature is Lake Madine, an expansive artificial lake covering 1100 hectares, ideal for various water sports and surrounded by forests. You can also find scenic orchards, especially beautiful in spring, and the Hauts de Meuse plateau.
Are there historical sites to visit in the area?
Yes, Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes and its surroundings are steeped in history. Notable sites include the Montsec American Memorial, honoring American troops from World War I, and the Trench of Thirst and Ailly Wood, which offers a poignant glimpse into WWI battlefields. The Menhir de "Woinville" is a significant Neolithic monument, and the German Altar in the communal forest marks an open-air worship area used during WWI.
What activities are available for families with children?
Families will find plenty to do, especially around Lake Madine, which is an ideal leisure area offering nautical sports, swimming, and horseback riding. The Bux-Poney Equestrian Center provides pony activities. Additionally, the Saint-Mihiel Abbey Church is listed as family-friendly, and the Ecomusée d'Hannonville-sous-les-Côtes offers gardening workshops.
Where can I find panoramic views of the region?
For breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Montsec American Memorial, which overlooks the Lac de Madine and the Côtes de Meuse. The Chapelle des Bures, with its three-meter statue of Mary, also offers exceptional views of the Lac de Madine and the Woëvre plain from the Côte des Bures.
Are there opportunities for hiking or walking trails?
Absolutely. The region boasts over 250 kilometers of marked hiking trails. You can explore diverse landscapes from orchards and vineyards to panoramic viewpoints. Notable circuits include the "Circuit de la chapelle des Bures" and the "Circuit de la Damechonne." For more options, check out the Running Trails around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes guide, which includes routes like the "Lac de Madine — loop — running from Montsec."
What kind of outdoor sports can I do near these attractions?
Beyond hiking, Lake Madine is a hub for nautical sports. For cycling enthusiasts, there are dedicated guides for different disciplines. Explore the MTB Trails around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes or the Gravel biking around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes for routes like the "Montsec American Memorial – Lake Madine loop."
Are there any unique cultural experiences or local products to discover?
Yes, you can visit the Ecomusée d'Hannonville-sous-les-Côtes to learn about peasant-winegrower life in the 19th century. The Chèvrerie de Chaillon, a goat farm, welcomes visitors for tastings. Campo di Gosio in Buxières-sous-les-Côtes produces fruits from old varieties, transformed using artisanal methods.
When is the best time of year to visit Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes for outdoor activities?
The spring is particularly beautiful when the local orchards are in bloom, offering scenic walks. Summer is ideal for water activities at Lake Madine. The marked hiking trails are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, offering diverse landscapes.
Can I find any World War I memorials or sites in the vicinity?
The area is significant for its WWI history. Besides the prominent Montsec American Memorial and the Trench of Thirst and Ailly Wood, you can also visit the Redoutes Cross Memorial, located in the forest, which allows you to walk along preserved trenches. The German Altar also serves as a WWI historical site.
Is there an observatory nearby for stargazing?
Yes, the Observatoire des Côtes de Meuse is situated at the foot of the Côtes de Meuse. It houses one of Europe's largest telescopes open to the public, offering stargazing evenings and educational activities for those interested in astronomy.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Lorraine Regional Natural Park?
As part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park, the area around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes is committed to preserving its natural heritage. While specific wildlife sightings can vary, the diverse landscapes of forests, lakes, and plains provide habitats for various bird species, small mammals, and insects. Lake Madine, being part of the Natura 2000 network, is particularly important for its ecological value and aquatic wildlife.
Are there any religious buildings of note in the area?
The Saint-Mihiel Abbey Church is a significant religious and historical site, known for its beautiful stained glass windows and baroque organ. The Église Saint-Georges in Buxières-sous-les-Côtes is also a local point of interest, and the Chapelle des Bures offers a serene setting with panoramic views.
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