3.0
(2)
42
riders
6
rides
Gravel biking around Nonsard-Lamarche offers routes through diverse landscapes, centered around the expansive Lac de Madine. The region is characterized by rolling hills of the Côtes de Meuse, extensive forests, and wetlands within the Lorraine Regional Nature Park and Lachaussée Regional Nature Reserve. These natural features provide a network of paths and tracks suitable for no traffic gravel bike trails, combining varied surfaces for exploration.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
16
riders
72.3km
04:52
720m
720m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
9
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
2
riders
20.5km
01:37
240m
240m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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very nice route, sometimes gravel but also doable with cycling.
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Beautifully situated at Foxycamp campsite. The campsite is simple but wonderfully peaceful (we were there in early September) and run by very friendly owners. Virtually no mobile phone reception also ensures peace and quiet.
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A very beautiful lake, well worth a visit. I first visited it in 1993 on a tour of Lorraine. Mirabelle plums are grown everywhere nearby, and they also produce very good mirabelle plum schnapps.
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On the hill of Montsec in France stands this impressive memorial, erected by the United States in honor of the American troops who broke through the German St. Mihiel salient in September 1918. The monument, a classical colonnade with a bronze relief map in the center, offers a panoramic view of the former battlefield. It symbolizes the cooperation between the French and American armies and commemorates the more than 550,000 American soldiers who took part in this first major, independently led American offensive operation of World War I.
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Founded around 708 by Count Wulfoalde, this Benedictine abbey became an important religious and cultural centre in Lorraine. The abbey was under the protection of Charlemagne and flourished under Abbot Smaragdus in the 9th century. Today, you can still visit the abbey church of Saint-Michel, home to the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by Ligier Richier. The 18th-century monastery library houses thousands of ancient works and is one of the most beautiful in the region.
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This former abbey church forms the historic heart of Saint-Mihiel. Originally built in the 9th century, it took on its current form during major renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, you can admire a magnificent baroque organ (1679–1681), colourful stained glass windows and the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by sculptor Ligier Richier. A place where art, history and spirituality come together.
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2 rue Notre-Dame 55300 Saint-Mihiel One of the oldest civil buildings in the Meuse, built around 1350 and bought in 1428 by René I, Duke of Bar, later known as “Le bon Roi René”. This stately home with four wings around a courtyard served as a residence and courthouse. The facade is a beautiful example of late medieval architecture. Today it is privately owned, but the exterior can be freely admired.
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The simple yet poignant structure of the "MONUMENT AUX MORTS," perched high on the hill, can be seen from afar. At the same time, the location offers visitors a sweeping view of the landscape around Montsec, including the Lac de Madine. But this panorama is only a side effect. The memorial was not erected for edifying purposes; rather, it has the dual function of keeping the memory of the victims of war and tyranny alive, and thus also serves as a constant reminder to maintain peace. The architecture of the complex, with its wide staircase and the rectangular columns forming a circle at the top, may well evoke memories of buildings from classical antiquity, but it dates back to the 20th century.
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This guide features 6 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Nonsard-Lamarche. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult challenges, perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty away from cars.
The gravel bike trails in Nonsard-Lamarche traverse a diverse landscape. You'll encounter paths around the expansive Lac de Madine, forest roads within the surrounding 250 hectares of woodland, and tracks through the wetlands and meadows of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park. Expect a mix of gravel, compacted earth, and some paved sections, ideal for gravel bikes.
While many routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult due to their length and elevation, the area around Lac de Madine generally offers flatter, less technical sections that can be adapted for families. For a shorter, moderate option, consider the La grange des toiles. – La Tour Veloffel loop from Jaulny, which is just over 20 km.
Experienced gravel bikers will find several challenging routes. The Montsec American Memorial – Lake Madine loop from Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel is a demanding 73 km ride with significant elevation gain. Another excellent option is the Old Washhouse of Hattonchâtel – Longeau Ponds loop from Saint-Maurice-sous-les-Côtes, covering 66 km with varied terrain.
Many natural areas in France, including those within the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, are generally dog-friendly, especially on trails. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash, especially near wildlife or livestock, and to check specific local regulations for nature reserves like the Lachaussée Regional Nature Reserve. Always carry water for your dog and clean up after them.
The routes offer stunning views of Lac de Madine and its surrounding forests. You can also visit the historic Montsec American Memorial, which provides panoramic views of the region. The Lachaussée Pond and the Lachaussée Regional Nature Reserve are also prominent natural attractions along some trails, offering rich biodiversity.
Yes, all the gravel bike routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This makes planning your ride and parking much more convenient. For example, the Beautiful view of Lac de Madine – Lake Madine loop from Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes offers a scenic loop around the lake.
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. Temperatures are mild, and the natural landscapes are vibrant with spring blooms or autumn colors. Summer can be warm, especially around the open areas of Lac de Madine, while winter rides are possible but may involve colder temperatures and potentially muddy conditions on unpaved sections.
While the trails themselves are designed to be traffic-free and often pass through natural areas, the leisure parks around Lac de Madine (at Nonsard-Lamarche and Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes) offer various facilities, including cafes and restaurants. It's advisable to plan your stops or carry sufficient provisions, especially on longer routes like the Beautiful view of Lac de Madine – Étang des Nouettes loop from Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel.
The komoot community rates the gravel biking experience in Nonsard-Lamarche highly, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the stunning views of Lac de Madine, and the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park away from traffic.
Given that many routes start and end near popular attractions or villages, you can typically find parking at designated areas around Lac de Madine, particularly at the leisure parks in Nonsard-Lamarche or Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes. For routes starting from other villages like Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel or Saint-Maurice-sous-les-Côtes, look for public parking options within the village centers.


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