Moussey (Moselle) walks

The footwear manufacturer Thomas Bata founded Bataville in 1931 (the factory closed in 2001). This is the rather unusual starting point for this route. It is an attraction in its own right. The route also invites us to discover the magnificent Hellocourt estate and Romécourt Castle. The Saulnois is a land of ponds, and our journey also takes in the two superb ponds at Laxière and Le Moulin. We also follow some very beautiful forest paths through the Bois de Chabosses.

This circuit will introduce you to an industrial and urban area of Lorraine that has been recognised as a historic monument and protected heritage site since 2014. You will also follow the Marne-Rhine Canal and six of its former locks, now replaced by a single lock known as "la grande écluse" (the big lock). A bucolic walk that combines wooded and aquatic environments.

The Réchicourt-le-Château Lake occupies a rather unusual position. The Marne-Rhine Canal has crossed it since 1965. In fact, it was decided at that time to build the “Grand Écluse”, which made it possible to bypass nearly six locks on the old canal. As a result, a section of the route is a path flanked on either side by part of the lake. Another major attraction is the Grand Écluse itself, which features numerous facilities for tourists.

Blue round markings, picnic areas, tables and benches throughout the route. This route allows you to discover a few curiosities: the Black Madonna, the Kronprinz shelter (command bunker of the Prince of Bavaria) during the First World War.

Route of hiking in the Sarrebourg region's lake district: discover the Gondrexange Lake.

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.

Easy hike along the edge of the Étang du Stock (750 ha) starting from the picturesque little tourist village of Rhodes (Moselle). Passing through the reeds and beautiful oak forests of the Pays des Étangs, you can see the sailboats and motorboats criss-crossing the lake on fine summer days.

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.

This walk takes us to the village of Parroy along field paths, then to Xures via the cycle path running alongside the Marne–Rhine Canal, before finishing in the village of Mouacourt via the Parroy Wood.

This short walk has two highlights: the Étang de Parroy and the Marne-Rhine Canal. The site is superb and offers some lovely views as you climb the hills after leaving the lake. During the tourist season, you can see sailing boats from the water sports centre and numerous boats belonging to river tourism enthusiasts. We are in the Sânon region, right in the heart of the countryside, and the peace and quiet of the area is much appreciated.

Circular route between the Étang de Parroy and Réchicourt-la-Petite, returning via Bures. Views of the Étang de Parroy from near and far. In Réchicourt-la-Petite, a line of seven blockhouses from the 1914–1918 period and a Météo-France weather station. On the way back, pass by the memorial to the first three Americans killed in 1917. Throughout the route, 360° views across the plain and the Vosges mountains.

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.

An easy walk around the Étang de Parroy and the surrounding villages.

This route around one of the largest ponds in the Moselle department (750 hectares) will allow you to discover the freshwater flora and fauna around the Étang du Stock.

This is a 7.5 km route that alternates between forest paths, canal walks, pondside walks and even an urban section. The elevation gain is very low, and the paths are well maintained and passable even in rainy weather. There are also picnic areas and benches where you can rest. This short hike is ideal for families and presents no difficulty.

A circular walk starting from the village of Hénaménil towards Bathelémont, passing by the Marne-Rhine Canal and Parroy Pond, returning via Bauzemont with its castle and the canal. The route follows mainly cycle paths and minor roads, except for the section leading to the Parroy Leisure Centre.

A circular route between Bébing, Imling and Rinting in the Sarrebourg area, suitable for everyone.

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.

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.

An easy and very quiet hike, mostly through the woods. A few viewpoints over the surrounding forests and the sandstone rocks shaped by erosion: Roche des Druides, Roches du Corbet and Roches d'Achiffet.

A pleasant walk in the Mondon National Forest with no significant elevation gain and on wide paths (except near the Grand Étang). The route is made easy by clear landmarks. Stop at the Grand Étang to watch the birds.

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).

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.

A lovely, easy circular walk that takes you successively to the Roches de la Xaveure, the rugged shores of Lac de Pierre Percée and the Roche des Corbeaux with its beautiful viewpoint. The return journey follows part of the same route to Les Roches Bataillons, ending at the starting point at Les Trois Sapins.

Fraimbois circular via Gerbéviller, combining plains and forest.

From the Col de la Vierge Clarisse, where you leave your vehicle, you will hike between the weathered rocks and then follow a steep path that will take you to La Menelle before climbing back up to the village of Pierre Percée and finally following the peaceful banks of its lake.

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.

A circular route following the border with Germany between 1870 and 1918 and the German and French fortifications from the First World War between Bionville and the Col de la Chapelotte.Walk along the ridge, between the rocky outcrops, blockhouses and trenches, following the Sentier de Mémoire (Memory Trail) between Roches Ganaux and Col de la Chapelotte.