Zoo d'Amnéville walks

The V50 cycle route (Luxembourg - Lyon) crosses the Messine conurbation, running alongside the Moselle from La Maxe to Augny. Like the author, who set off from Lorry-lès-Metz, it is easy to join the route and follow it to Blénod-lès-Pont-à-Mousson, between ponds and wetlands, riding mostly on dedicated cycle paths. Then you cross "Little Lorraine Switzerland" on quiet roads to rejoin the Moselle at Liverdun, nestled in one of its beautiful meanders. Following the river along the V533 greenway, you soon come into view of Toul Cathedral, the first stop on the journey.

The village of Chassepierre is a little paradise on the banks of the Semois, very close to the French and Luxembourg borders, just 120 km from Metz.Our route takes 3 or 4 days: one and a half days to reach Chassepierre, half a day or one and a half days there to enjoy the surroundings, and one day for the return journey, part of which is by train. It is also possible, as the author of this route did, to attend the performances at the street arts festival, which takes place in the afternoons and evenings on the Saturday and Sunday following 15 August. The first long stage (over 90 km) takes us beyond the Chiers and the Ton via a very direct route through France. The following morning, it’s just a 30 km cycle, plus an optional visit to Orval Abbey. The return journey to Metz follows the Semois upstream before heading into Luxembourg to catch the train.

For this first stage, the route seems very direct but stays well away from the main roads. It follows country lanes, tracks reserved for farm machinery, forest paths and cycle paths!