Marsal walks

A walk that allows you to enjoy Marsal, its history and its panoramic views. Please note the comments left in the ‘Reviews and Discussion’ section on Saturday 9 November 2019. ==> The orientation table is located on private land, but access is permitted to enjoy the view. However, please ensure you close the access gates properly to prevent the grazing sheep from escaping.

This route is truly ideal in very hot weather. It runs entirely in the shade along wide, lovely paths. The starting point is certainly of interest: it is a picturesque picnic area right in the heart of the woods. There are no significant difficulties, no steep climbs – an ideal outing for the whole family.

This is the most historically significant spot in the Saulnois region. You’ll be following in the footsteps of Attila and the Huns, who once camped here. From the orientation table at the summit, you’ll enjoy a superb panoramic view of the Saulnois region. Imagine the Hun leader stationed at this very spot, keeping watch over the surrounding area. Legend has it that he beheaded Saint Livier, after whom the chapel on your route is named. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to bump into the hermit monk who lives here.

This walk, which presents no particular difficulty, will allow you to enjoy some magnificent panoramic views. The orientation table at the top of Mont St-Jean, the St-Livier Chapel and the former Salival Abbey – now a farm – are points of interest that will enhance your walk. You’ll finish with a long straight stretch along one of the banks of the Salival Stream, which is so idyllic. If, like me, you do the walk in winter, you may be lucky enough to spot the famous sheep affectionately known by the locals as ‘Dédé de St-Livier’. He’s very well known because he stubbornly refuses to return to the sheepfold during the winter. I was lucky enough to photograph him at the end of January (see photo).

A circular walk through the rolling plains of the Saulnois between the villages of Xanrey, Lezey and Bezange-la-Petite, with beautiful views. A walk along quiet country lanes and field paths.

This is a circular walk starting in one of the jewels of the Saulnois region: Vic-sur-Seille. This walk will take you past some superb panoramic views. It is ideal in fine weather, offering a variety of routes along paths, as well as sections of gravel or tarmac.

A loop in the Saulnois between Vic-sur-Seille and Moyenvic, passing through the Bezange la Grande National Forest. Walk along field paths and woodland trails with beautiful views from the highest points.

The “Gros Max” is an SK-LK/45-type gun installed by the Germans between 1916 and 1917 in the “Le Chaumont” woods, near Hampont. This site has been all but forgotten today. Finding a passable route was no easy task. The location is impressive. Please note that the surrounding area may be dangerous for children or pets. There are cavities in the vicinity caused by countless underground tunnels and other structures.

This walk, in the heart of the Saulnois region, will allow us to discover the King’s Oak. Louis XIV is said to have camped near this oak, which is estimated to be four centuries old. It is situated in the woods opposite Château-Voué, a village steeped in history. It is no longer so easy to find today, and I invite you to join me in discovering and admiring it. You will also have the opportunity to visit Château-Voué (the castle ruins and fortified house), as well as to walk along the beautiful Étang de Wuisse.

The Saulnois region is often described as the “Land of Salt and Ponds”. This description is well-deserved, and this route features nearly six ponds. Apart from the Étang des Essarts, which has been developed, the others are managed by the Lorraine Nature Conservancy and are completely unspoilt. Here you’ll discover a rich variety of wildlife, vegetation and colours that bear witness to a protected environment. The picnic area by the side of the main road is halfway along the route and can prove very useful.

Much of the route runs through woodland along very pleasant paths. The Tarquimpol peninsula offers the chance to really immerse yourself in the Lindre Pond. Of particular note is the beauty of the Étang des Essarts, which has been very well developed by the municipality of Dieuze. Here you’ll find a fitness trail and very well-organised picnic areas. During the route, the section along the route of the old railway line is particularly picturesque.

This walk will introduce you to one of the jewels of the Saulnois region: Vic-sur-Seille. The route offers a leisurely stroll through the village. You’ll also be able to enjoy exceptional panoramic views, particularly from the Chemin du Haut de Phara.

A circular walk through the Saulnois plain to visit the villages of Moncourt, Ley and Bezange-la-Petite, with 360° views from all the high points along the walk. This is an area where you can find remnants of the two world wars: 1914–18 and 1940–44.

This route takes you to the Majurin valley from Château-Salins. The Majurin is a stream that flows through a plain surrounded by small woods. The valley is very close to Coutures and Château-Salins, yet you feel as though you are in the heart of the countryside, far from it all. The walk offers some beautiful panoramic views. It alternates pleasantly between sections deep in the forest and out in the open. As it presents no difficulties, this circular walk is ideal for a family outing.

This walk around Château-Salins will offer you some superb panoramic views of the Saulnois region. Two-thirds of the route takes place in the forest. You’ll have the great honour of walking along the Chemin de la Reine, so named because it was trodden (after being restored) in 1725 by the new Queen of France, Marie Leszczynska. She was travelling with her entire entourage to join Louis XV. It’s worth noting that one section of this path is a particularly impressive tunnel of greenery.

A circular route through the Saulnois plain, passing through the villages of Juvrecourt, Xanrey and Réchicourt-la-Petite. The first 500 metres are on a busy road, the rest on quiet country lanes and wide field paths. This walk passes an American memorial to the First World War, situated in open countryside in the commune of Réchicourt-la-Petite.

A loop between Arracourt and Bezange-la-Grande, starting in the plain, mainly on small roads, and returning through the Bezange State Forest. At the start of the hike, you will pass the tank commemorating one of the largest tank battles of the Second World War.

A circular route, along paths and small country roads, between the villages of Coincourt, Xures and Moncourt. Along the way, a bit of history in the Bois de Champcourt, with a visit to a site featuring five German blockhouses from the 1814–1918 period.

Circular route between the villages of Athienville and Arracourt, returning via the Bois de Bénamont. Beautiful views at the start along the path on the edge of the Bois les Jumelles. A shaded walk through the Bois de Bénamont. Best undertaken with a GPS as, at the start in the Bois de Bénamont, the paths are difficult to see in places and the IGN map is out of date.