The best walks and hikes in Forêt Domaniale De Vau

We particularly enjoyed the history of the town, situated on the Meuse River. The beautiful town hall was built in 1847/48 on the site of a monastery in the Italian Renaissance style. In front of the town hall stands the gigantic equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, revered by the French. This cast-iron monument weighs 2.5 tons. Joan is said to have conquered the city. There is also a Joan of Arc Museum in the town.

Picnic tables and benches

At this location is currently the grouping of three statues facing the current village: the Virgin, Sainte-Marguerite and Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc. It was in the 17th century that the old village was destroyed like many other villages in Lorraine. France and the Holy Roman Empire had entered into the 30 Years' War (1618-1648) and were competing for the independent Duchy of Lorraine.

The Bermont chapel was probably founded in the 12th century by the Benedictine abbey of Bourgueil, near Angers. In the 13th century, it was attached to the Gerbonvaux hospice and served as a hermitage. According to tradition, Joan of Arc went almost every Saturday to the Notre-Dame de Bermont chapel. During the Revolution, the chapel threatened to fall into ruin and the hermits' accommodation was largely destroyed. Since 1992, the Notre-Dame de Bermont Association has been restoring the site. In 1998, wall frescoes dating from the Johannine era (15th century) were discovered in the chapel. The chapel has been included in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments "as a testimony to the Johannine epic".

Vaucouleurs plays an important role in the story of Joan of Arc. It is the place where, in 1429, Joan of Arc convinced Robert de Baudricourt, commander of the garrison, to send her with an escort to Chinon to meet the Dauphin Charles (later King Charles VII of France). . This encounter was crucial in beginning their mission to liberate France during the Hundred Years' War. In Vaucouleurs there are several historical sites linked to Joan of Arc, including the Porte de France, through which she passed on her way to Chinon, as well as a museum dedicated to her.

The Chapelle Sainte-Anne de Broyes is a small chapel dating from the 19th century, nestled in the woods near Epiez-sur-Meuse. It was built on the site of an ancient hermitage and is dedicated to Saint Anne, the patroness of mothers and grandmothers. Every year, on July 26, a pilgrimage is organized in his honor. The chapel is surrounded by a natural spring which is said to have healing properties. You can enjoy the tranquility of this place and admire the neo-Gothic architecture. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the valley.

The Porte de France in Vaucouleurs is a medieval gate that marks the departure of Joan of Arc from the Château de Vaucouleurs in 1429. You can admire the architecture of the gate and the chapel, as well as the statue of Joan of Arc and the old lime tree that, according to legend, his horse would have nibbled. You can also explore the remains of the castle and the museum dedicated to the heroine.

Vaucouleurs takes its name from this part of the Meuse river, called Val des Couleurs. This Joan of Arc town (dedicated to Joan of Arc) was located a few kilometers from the front during the First World War. Today, it is a charming village with many streams and beautiful forests.