The best cycling routes around Sampigny

Very beautiful place in the forest. Numerous gravel paths ranging from smooth white paths to rougher trails.

The Meuse Canal is not perfectly straight like many French canals from the 19th century.

Magnificent church and a good bakery on the square.

We particularly enjoyed the history of the town, situated on the Meuse River. The beautiful town hall was built in 1847/48 on the site of a monastery in the Italian Renaissance style. In front of the town hall stands the gigantic equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, revered by the French. This cast-iron monument weighs 2.5 tons. Joan is said to have conquered the city. There is also a Joan of Arc Museum in the town.

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 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.

The current church of Montsec was built in 1929, replacing an older church dating from 1723 that was badly damaged during the First World War. The original church had been restored in 1900, but was completely destroyed during the fighting around the Saint-Mihiel salient. The new church is dedicated to Saint Lucy, patron saint of light, and is a symbol of reconstruction in a village that was almost completely destroyed between 1914 and 1918.

Saint-Mihiel is picturesquely situated on the Meuse, on the edge of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park. The town grew around a Benedictine abbey, founded in the 8th century, and flourished during the Renaissance. Visit the abbey with its impressive library, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the Saint-Michel church. Wander the charming streets, admire the sculptures of Ligier Richier, and taste local specialities such as the “croquets” and “rochers de Saint-Mihiel”. A town full of history, culture and character.