Between Saarland and Lorraine

Day 1: Saarland and the Viezstraße

The Moselle is a natural border separating Luxembourg from Germany. It is only between Remich and Nennig that you enter Saarland. After a left and a right turn, you will already be passing through Sudlingen – a very pleasant way to get from the Wine Route to the Viezstraße (the ‘Cider Route’), as the route is very enjoyable to drive. Tourists are very welcome here. Even the signs inviting you to take the L132 national road are translated into several languages. Why did we choose the Viezstraße? We want to introduce you to regional products, raise awareness of bird protection and promote sustainable tourism that preserves orchards and opens up additional sources of income for the population. Our route first takes you to Freudenburg. Then it’s back to the Saar, which winds its way through the countryside for a few kilometres to Saarhölzbach. In Losheim am See, you can enjoy a snack before continuing on towards Sankt Wendel. The surroundings of this beautiful village invite you to take short detours: for example, to Lake Bostal, the Schaumberg region or the Benedictine Abbey of Tholey. Founded in 634, it is the oldest monastery in Germany. You now have 75 kilometres of very winding roads ahead of you – just what we like. You then cross the French border near Zweibrücken airfield.

The forgotten region of France

The small scattered villages make a sleepy impression, and the petanque court on the edge of the first small village shows you unequivocally that you are now on French soil. After a short time, you will reach Bitche – the capital of the region of the same name with its imposing citadel built on a sandstone peak. The small community of 5,000 souls is nestled in a very hilly landscape. Upon arrival, you will notice the 12th-century military architecture from afar, which was modernised in 1681 by the French fortress builder Vauban. The route continues through the forest to Saverne. After 50 kilometres, you will arrive in Abreschviller. There – more precisely at the Hotel Les Cigognes – you should check into your first accommodation.

Day 2: The Virgin and the Amphitheatre

As Abreschwiller is very close to the Col du Donon, our second day begins with a lot of winding roads. Once you have reached the Vosges plain again, head for Baccarat. After passing the famous crystal glass town, you will cover another 100 kilometres. You will pass through Haroué, Praye, Removille and Fruze before arriving in the Lorraine village of Domrémy-la-Pucelle, where the Maid of Orléans was born in 1412. Here you can stop for lunch in front of the birthplace of the ‘Pucelle’ (the Maid) at the restaurant ‘Au Pays de Jeanne’.

The Forest of Orient

East of the city of Troyes, in the department of Aube and 80 kilometres after your last stop, you will reach this 80,000-hectare regional park. In addition to the 2,500-hectare Lake Orient, the region is also home to Lake Temple (1,800 hectares) and Lake Amance (500 hectares). The region is perfect for exploring nature. Stop off at the Le Domaine de la Forêt d’Orient hotel to rest and recharge your batteries for the final stage of your journey, which awaits you on the third day. A short tour via Ménil-Saint-Père is also highly recommended. There you will have an exceptional panoramic view of the park’s largest body of water, which serves, among other things, as a water reserve for Paris. In this picturesque village you will find parking spaces, a restaurant and a jetty… everything you need for a coffee break or a short stopover.

Day 3: Der-Chantecoq, Madine and Verdun

On the third and final day of your motorbike tour, you will head to Lac du Der, where the village museum invites you to pay a short visit. This journey through time will immerse you in the incredible history of the three submerged villages, including the half-timbered church of Nuisement-aux-Bois. You now have 257 kilometres to go to get back to the ACL in Bartringen. You will drive around the eastern side of Lake Madine, from where you can see the American monument on Montsec Hill.

For lunch, the restaurant ‘Chez Mamie’ is the ideal biker’s inn. Even if you arrive late, the restaurant owner is usually flexible as long as you notify him in good time. The last 96 kilometres take you to Etain, Piennes and Audun-le-Tiche before you cross the Luxembourg border to Bartringen.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable journey on your bike!

Addresses

Hôtel Les Cigognes: 74, rue Jordy | 57560 Abreschwiller |
tel.: +33 87 03 70 09

Restaurant Au Pays de Jeanne: Domrémy-la-Pucelle |
tel.: +33 3 29 06 48 61

Hôtel Le domaine de la Forêt d’Orient:
https://domaine-foret-orient.com/

Restaurant Chez Mamie: 52, av. de la 42ème Division | 55100 Verdun |
tel.: +33 3 29 86 45 50

Jean-Luc VANQUIN