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Start near the church in Richardménil, at the top of Rue de Laval or in the alleyway on the left towards the church. You can also start this route from the industrial estate in Ludres (5).
(S/E) Head towards Saint-Georges Church and enter the surrounding cemetery to enjoy the view over the Moselle valley.
(1) Return to the starting point and go down Rue de Laval (steep section) on the left. Turn slightly right onto the main road, which crosses a diversion canal from the Moselle that feeds into the Canal de Jonction (see "Things to see"), then head towards the boat stop and the Mangin footbridge (a recent structure that replaces the original footbridge built in 1878).
(2) Use this footbridge to cross the Canal des Vosges (originally called the Canal de l'Est, a name that still appears on maps) and turn right to follow it north-northwest, staying on the old towpath. You can also use the Voie Verte slightly below. This is a vast area of ponds and former sand pits, which now constitute the drinking water reserve for the Greater Nancy Metropolitan Area. At some point, you will have to take the Voie Verte.
(3) At lock 46 in Méréville, you can make a round trip on the new bridge over the Moselle to see the river, the hydroelectric plant and the valley. Alternatively, cross the bridge on the right and continue along the canal on the right to bypass the Méréville pumping station; cross the D115B (Richardménil - Messein link road).
(4) You will then be at a place called "Les Turbines", located at the junction of the Canal des Vosges and the Canal de Jonction. (See "Things to see" section). Follow the latter on the south bank, which corresponds to the "Boucle de la Moselle" circular greenway towards Ludres. At the intersection with the D570 (Ludres - Richarménil road), take the bridge on the left and continue along the path (originally a towpath) running along the north bank of the Canal de Jonction. 400 metres after passing under the A330, you can either continue along the towpath, which has a few quiet sections, or take a parallel path a little further north. The two routes meet at a road in the industrial zone.
(5) Take the path on the right and cross the Canal de Jonction via a disused railway bridge, then continue straight ahead into Impasse Bernard Palissy. After passing a transformer and a ditch, turn right onto a partly gravel path and continue until you reach a road. Continue along the path opposite, which is an old railway line.
(6) When you reach a footbridge, take the path on the right to cross it. You will then cross the Neuves-Maisons - Blainville-Damelevières railway line, which has been reduced to a single track. At the exit, take the path on the left and then turn right at the first intersection (at an altitude of 255). After a long straight stretch through the Chauvémont woods, you will arrive at Richardménil, on a road. Take this road on the left, then turn right to cross the A330 motorway. Continue straight ahead to reach the main street of the town (Rue de Nancy; former Nationale 57). Turn left towards the church, crossing at the pharmacy (there is no protected crossing further on). Return to the starting point (S/E).
Visorando member
Very difficult 
Easy 
