Xon signpost – Ruins of the hamlet of Norroy

A walk from the church at Lesménils to the Signal du Xon, where fierce fighting took place from 13 to 18 February 1915. The cross at the Signal du Xon was unveiled in October 1922.

Details

75533
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.07 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 466 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 466 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,171 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 689 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Starting from the Place de l’Église, Rue Saint-Denis in Lesménils.

(S/E) Head up the road to the right from the square, as far as the Xon farm.

(1) Pass the small road on the left leading to Mousson and turn right onto the road that climbs through the fields to the Xon signpost and the cross.

(2) Walk back down the small tarmac road for 300 m and take the path on the left, then, 100 m further on, turn right (take care in wet weather, as this path is muddy and slippery). The path winds through orchards and meadows to reach a junction where the left-hand path will take you to Bouxières-sous-Froidmont.

(3) At this junction, you will immediately see the ‘Pochard’ fountain on your left, at the side of the path – a 14th-century relic of which, sadly, very little remains.
So carry on straight ahead at the junction mentioned above to pass through the ruins of the hamlet of Norroy.

(4) The village was destroyed in February 1915. At the end of the track, take the road down to the right, which passes a fountain (on the right) that was once used by the hamlet’s inhabitants.

(5) At the bottom of the road, turn right at the small square, and then left at the end. 50 metres further on, turn left again and head back towards the starting point, passing behind the church (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 705 ft - Lesménil Church. Head up the road
  2. 1 : mi 0.89 - alt. 899 ft - Turn right after the Route de Mousson
  3. 2 : mi 1.61 - alt. 1,171 ft - Signal de Xon
  4. 3 : mi 2.39 - alt. 840 ft - Pochard Fountain
  5. 4 : mi 2.52 - alt. 820 ft - Ruins of the hamlet of Norroy on the right
  6. 5 : mi 2.76 - alt. 689 ft - Turn right at the Niceau de la Placette
  7. S/E : mi 3.07 - alt. 705 ft - Lesménil Church

Notes

Worth a visit

Outside the winter months, there are water points on the church square, at the playground near the football pitch and near the school in Lesménils.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
3.8 / 5
gazok54
gazok54 ★

Hello, Noelle Martin
Thank you for going on the two walks I described.
If you’re interested in the historical side of the area, do give this one a go:

https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-xon-...

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noelle martin
noelle martin

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk with lovely views from the Xon signal. Discovering places of remembrance.
We combined this walk with the one from Lesménils to Bouxières-sous-Froidmont to make a day’s hike.
Thank you.

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Nkm
Nkm
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

The start of the route is a bit of a let-down, especially as the current roadworks mean we have to walk on the carriageway rather than the hard shoulder. I wouldn’t recommend this walk with young children.
The route improves from waypoint no. 1, where the historical trail begins, featuring informative signs and plenty of visual displays. The view is lovely and the walk through the orchards is very pleasant. In short, it’s almost better to do the round trip to the hill on the other side.

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painmaison
painmaison

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A nice little walk for a family outing, despite a rather dreary start as you have to walk along the road; after that, there’s a lovely view from the Signal du Xon and a pleasant walk downhill towards the ruins and then the village of Lesménils. The walk is in the sun for almost the entire route (make sure you bring water in fine weather).

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gazok54
gazok54 ★

Thank you, balland, for your comment.
I’ve taken on board your entirely valid point about the muddy section of the path and have added a note to the description.
Kind regards

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balland
balland

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 16, 2014
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Despite a rather muddy section (due to the time of year and the weather), it was a pleasant walk around this ‘historic’ site.

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