Lorraine, Gaume and Guttland Route (Metz – Chassepierre – Luxembourg)

Two borders, three countries, several castles, a river and winding streams punctuate this short cycle trip. The route often follows valleys, so the elevation gain is not very significant. It almost always follows dedicated routes, including smooth cycle paths, footpaths or shared roads with very little motor traffic. If all the cultural attractions appeal to you, you’ll need to allow an extra day or two – which is possible, for example, by camping in Inor (Meuse) and Hesperange (Luxembourg).

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   From the Metz conurbation (Lorry-lès-Metz) to Moirey (Ferme du Vallon)

   53.94 mi 1,706 ft 1,745 ft

   This first stage of the route takes us into the Meuse department via footpaths, tracks reserved for farm machinery or small country lanes. The detour into Meurthe-et-Moselle offers the chance to visit several castles. There are several spots along the route ideal for a picnic, including the Étang d’Amel within a nature reserve, provided you set off early to reach it before lunchtime.

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2. 2

   From Moirey (Ferme du Vallon) to Sedan (Camping du Lac de Douzy)

   60.76 mi 1,483 ft 1,762 ft

   Passing through woods, meadows and sites of First World War battles, we reach the River Meuse at Stenay, a small town in department 55. Our route crosses several meanders and enters the Ardennes via Mouzon, from where EuroVelo 19 takes us to Sedan. On the way, we’ll pitch our tent near Lake Douzy and return there in the evening.

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3. 3

   From Douzy (Camping du Lac) to Chassepierre

   14.70 mi 958 ft 551 ft

   From Lac de Douzy, after passing through the Forges de Brévilly industrial site – which was very active in the 19th century – we reach the nearby Belgian border (10 km) via a small road that turns into a track suitable for vehicles. From there, simply follow numbers 30, then 11, then 13 on the cycle network’s ‘points-nœuds’ system to reach the village of Chassepierre and the campsite on the banks of the Semois. Halfway along the route, after Muno, a short walk takes you to a remarkable geological feature.

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4. 4

   Chassepierre – Arlon Official Campsite

   47.67 mi 1,962 ft 1,634 ft

   Starting from Chassepierre, this route through the Gaume region allows time to visit remarkable cultural sites and another of the ‘most beautiful villages in Wallonia’. This involves a few detours, but fewer than those along the Semois, where the route cuts across several bends! The route description refers to the ‘nodes’ of the cycle network developed in Belgium. The route includes a loop through Arlon to the viewpoint at the top of Knippchen, which can be done in the evening or the following morning.

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5. E

   Arlon – Lorry-lès-Metz

   71.20 mi 2,037 ft 2,503 ft

   Our route to Metz takes us through the heavily urbanised areas of Luxembourg City and along the Moselle valley. Choosing to make the most of the increasingly extensive cycle paths, particularly those along the rivers, makes this route efficient, safe and picturesque.

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