A bike ride in Lorraine | Explore Grand Est

Cycling the heritage route of Lorraine

Whether it's a loop of just a few kilometres or a route along the Meuse, there are many ways to explore Lorraine's heritage by bike!

Set off on the Meuse à Vélo cycle route for a stage rich in history. Admire the picturesque landscapes of the Meuse as you cycle along the river, visit the Verdun Memorial and the Forts of Douaumont and Vaux. Along the way, why not stop for a craft beer tasting*? From small country roads to the underground passages of the citadel (which can be visited on foot this time!), wherever you start from, the Meuse à vélo invites you to travel back in time.

Would you rather discover the river heritage of the Moselle? In the Vallée des Éclusiers, near Sarrebourg, take a bucolic stroll along the Marne au Rhin canal, from lock to lock, all the way to the Plan Incliné de Saint-Louis-Arzviller, a real boat lift. Culture and nature are never far away in Lorraine!

Leaving from Longwy, some forty kilometres from Thionville, your electric bike will take you away from your worries for the duration of a recreational ride. Your guide will tell you all about the sights and sounds of the region, and you'll find plenty of surprises along the way! He'll know which route to take to enjoy the best views, help you discover the local gastronomy and give you a memorable day out discovering Lorraine's heritage.

Between Sierck-les-Bains and La Vôge-les-Bains, follow the Voie Bleue to discover all the facets of Lorraine. Passing through Metz, Pont-à-Mousson and Nancy, the cycle route crosses Lorraine from north to south, following old towpaths: ideal for a first cycling experience!

Cycling in Lorraine: a breath of fresh air!

If you want to immerse yourself in nature, cycling around Lorraine is the perfect solution. A circuit near Metz, a loop on the trails of the Vosges mountains... There's no shortage of routes to get you out and about!

Fancy exploring the Meuse countryside? From Douclon, you can hire your own two-wheeler! Whether you're on a mechanical or electric bike, you can discover the countryside of Lorraine at your own pace and to your heart's content!

For a ride that's as unusual as it is fun, head for the Metz area. Equipped with an electric recumbent bike, you'll be able to enjoy the Moselle panorama without any restrictions. Accompanied by a guide, you can explore Lorraine from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is enjoy!

Departing from Gérardmer, an outing in the verdant countryside of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park takes you back to basics. Your guide, a specialist in the local flora and fauna, will even teach you how to recognise birdsong and flowers. On a mountain bike or an electric bike, the choice is yours for this immersive ride through the natural world of Lorraine!

Domaine Lelièvre, vignoble des Côtes de Toul

In Lorraine, adventure means mountain biking!

Looking for a thrill? Lorraine has plenty of handlebars to give you a thrill!

In the hills around Toul, near Nancy, hire an electrically-assisted mountain bike and you're in for a challenging ride. Whatever your level and your desires, you'll always find a circuit to suit you. Starting out from the village of Lucey, you can explore the vineyards of Toul from the comfort of your mountain bike, either on gravel tracks or paths with a steep gradient!

In the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, picturesque roads and more complex trails are an essential part of an invigorating adventure. Equipped with your choice of bike or mountain bike, follow the route that suits you best. Loop around Lac de Longemer, stroll up to Haut du Tôt... For a few hours or a few days, immerse yourself in the Vosges countryside from Xonrupt-Longemer!

If you can't decide between cycling and mountain biking, Lorraine has the solution: opt for gravel biking! Halfway between the two disciplines, this hybrid bike lets you ride both roads and trails. Leaving from La Bresse, you'll go from forest to village, from plains to sightseeing. No performance, just the pleasure of pedalling!

: Lorraine is located in the north-east of France. This vast territory stretches between Champagne, Ardenne and Alsace. It comprises 4 départements: Moselle, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse and Vosges. A former administrative region, its capital was the city of Metz and its second main city is Nancy.

: With the Meuse à Vélo cycle route, the Voie Bleue, the route along the Marne au Rhin canal and the circuits in the Vosges mountains, Lorraine is the perfect destination for a cycling trip!

In the Meuse département, you can follow the route along the River Meuse between Stenay and Verdun for a historic escapade. Near Metz, in Moselle, admire the green countryside and surrounding villages on a ride that combines nature and culture. On the shores of Toul, just a few kilometres from Nancy, enjoy a gastronomic and challenging mountain bike ride, while a loop around Lac de Longemer immerses you in the relaxing atmosphere of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. History, nature, gastronomy and adventure, it's all possible by bike on the roads of Lorraine!

: With its diverse heritage and fascinating history, Lorraine has plenty of towns to explore on a cycling trip.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of Lorraine's towns and villages to include on your cycling itinerary:

- Metz, in Moselle, to visit the Centre Pompidou-Metz and the famous cathedral
- Nancy, in Meurthe-et-Moselle, to admire Place Stanislas, one of the most beautiful in France
- Verdun, on the Meuse cycle route, for an insight into French history
- Thionville, in Moselle, to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages
- Saint-Louis, also in Moselle, for a trip along the Marne-Rhine canal to the Saint-Louis-Arzviller Inclined Plan (the only one of its kind in France)
- La Bresse, in the Hautes-Vosges region, where you can explore the countryside on mountain bikes
- Gérardmer, also in the Vosges mountains, for a great loop around its lake

: Whether you'rean amateur cyclist or a complete novice, it doesn't matter what level you're at when you cycle in Lorraine! From the Meuse à Vélo route to the Vosges circuits, from the vineyards near Nancy to the routes near Metz, you're sure to find something to suit you.

For a leisurely ride that's not too strenuous, you might as well lie back! Near Metz, hire an electric recumbent bike for a relaxing, stable outing. If you prefer the classic position, a ride on a mechanical or electrically-assisted bike is also a great way to unwind. Are you a thrill-seeker? In the vineyards near Nancy or in the heart of the Vosges, mountain biking is the answer. With routes, slopes and gradients to choose from, you'll find plenty to challenge you in Lorraine!

: A destination as magnificent as it is delicious, Lorraine welcomes you for a sporting and gourmet holiday!

Here's a non-exhaustive list of Lorraine specialities to enjoy with a stage dinner or a roadside picnic:

- Mirabelle plum tart from Lorraine
- Meuse truffles
- Nancy macaroons
- Lorraine cheeses (Brie de Meaux, Munster géromé, carré de l'Est, etc.)
- Lorraine wines (Toulois, Meuse, Moselle)
- Verdun sugared almonds
- Madeleines from Commercy and Liverdun
- Brimbelle, the Vosges blueberry
- Lorraine quiche
- Lorraine potée
- Lorraine pâté
- Bergamot from Nancy
- Sweets from the Vosges