The best road cycling routes around Mattexey

Its choir, dating from the 13th century, is the oldest part and reflects Cistercian influence with its two bays vaulted with ogival ribs and its flat chevet. The ogives, typical of the Gothic art of the time, are reinforced by wall ribs, while a blind arcade adorns the walls. This choir, devoid of a transept, follows the Cistercian tradition where the monks' choir is integrated directly into the nave. The nave and the portal, rebuilt in the 18th century, contrast with the old structure with their more sober and less remarkable style. The high altar, adorned with four Corinthian columns in black marble, bears witness to a later Baroque addition. This mixture of styles illustrates the architectural and liturgical evolutions the building has undergone over the centuries. The history of the church is linked to that of the village, whose lord in the 13th century was the abbey of Saint-Denis de Reims. A notable figure, Jean Mabillon, was born there in the 17th century and was baptized in this church. Classified as a historic monument in 1926, it now embodies a major religious and architectural heritage of the Ardennes, preserved for its medieval choir and its liturgical furnishings. Historical sources also mention bibliographical references, such as the works of Jean Leflon on Jean Mabillon or the studies of Hubert Collin on Ardennes churches. These works highlight the local importance of the building, both spiritually and architecturally, in a region marked by the influence of abbeys and monastic orders in the Middle Ages.

It is located on the left bank of the Meurthe, at number 14 rue Denfert-Rochereau. The Saint-Georges church is the church of La Neuveville-lès-Raon, which merged with Raon-l'Etape in 1947. It was built between 1835 and 1838 according to the plans of the district architect Boucher de Saint-Dié. The church was fitted out in 1894. In 1905 the dome was rebuilt. From 1973 to 1978, major restoration work was carried out, both interior and exterior. Inside, among other things, there is an old statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, a painting of Saint Nicholas, who is also the patron saint of wood-floaters, a painted wooden Christ, and a memorial chapel (1922).

The baroque castle of the Dukes of Lorraine is the largest in Eastern France and is considered the "Lorraine Versailles". It was severely damaged by a fire in 2003 and restored in the 2010s after high-profile fundraising campaigns. The castle and park are worth seeing.

Nice little ride with the Saffais hill at the end...

just before the donon

beau château

The castle courtyard and the park are freely accessible 👍

The Château de Moyen is a 15th century fortress also known as the Château de Qui-qu'en-grogne. It was built by Conrad Bayer de Boppart, bishop of Metz, to defend his possessions against the Dukes of Lorraine. The castle was besieged and dismantled several times. Today it is partly restored and partly in ruins. You can explore the remains of the castle, such as the stately home, towers, walls and moat, and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to visitors from April to October, and you can also take part in guided tours or restoration workshops organized by a local association.