4.4
(217)
1,291
hikers
81
hikes
Hiking around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes offers diverse landscapes within the Côtes de Meuse and Lorraine Regional Natural Park. The region is characterized by its "côtes" (ridges) that provide panoramic views, particularly over Lac de Madine. The terrain includes varied topography with plateaus, valleys, and distinct slopes, alongside extensive forests, orchards, and vineyards. These features create a rich environment for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
4.7
(68)
377
hikers
18.7km
04:54
140m
140m
Hike the moderate 11.6-mile Tour of Lake Madine Trail, a scenic loop around Lac de Madine with 454 feet of elevation gain.
4.7
(7)
20
hikers
11.7km
03:00
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
32
hikers
12.5km
03:14
70m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(2)
6
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Lac de Madine is an artificial lake of almost 10 km², created in the 1970s as a water reservoir for the city of Metz. It is located in the heart of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park and is part of the Natura 2000 network for its ecological value. The lake has two islands, 250 hectares of forest and 42 km of shoreline. In addition to its role in the drinking water supply, it is an important recreational area with two main sites: Nonsard-Lamarche and Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes. Visitors will find marinas, beaches, cycle and walking routes, restaurants and nature reserves.
8
0
The current church of Montsec was built in 1929, replacing an older church dating from 1723 that was badly damaged during the First World War. The original church had been restored in 1900, but was completely destroyed during the fighting around the Saint-Mihiel salient. The new church is dedicated to Saint Lucy, patron saint of light, and is a symbol of reconstruction in a village that was almost completely destroyed between 1914 and 1918.
6
0
Nonsard Beach offers a supervised swimming area, ideal for cooling off with friends or family. The beach benefits from the direct proximity of the aqua park, the beach bar, and the playgrounds. Access to the beach is free, and restrooms are available behind the playgrounds.
1
0
Lake Madine is the largest wintering site in Lorraine. This bird observatory offers an opportunity to observe numerous bird species through its two openings. It offers a beautiful view of the lake, the reed bed, and the Île Verte and Île du Bois Gérard. Inside, identification scrolls and friezes help you recognize the different species present in the nature reserve. This observation facility offers a breathtaking view of the lake, Île Verte, and Île du Bois Gérard. Two small openings on the side allow you to observe the bird activity in the reed bed. Identification scrolls and friezes help you learn to recognize the different species that live on the lake.
1
0
The route is easy to drive, but you have to share it with a lot of pedestrians 😒.
0
0
During the running lap, you could explore the lake and enjoy the view of the water with the changing landscape.
2
0
From here you could enjoy the lake and its surroundings .
2
1
The region around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 70 marked trails. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
Yes, Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes has plenty of options for easy hikes. There are 22 trails classified as easy, perfect for beginners or families with children. The region research mentions the 7-kilometer Circuit des trois villages, which is accessible to all and allows hikers to discover orchards and vineyards.
The terrain in Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes is quite diverse, characterized by the unique 'Côtes de Meuse' ridges. You'll encounter a varied topography of plateaus, valleys carved by Meuse tributaries, and distinct slopes. Expect a mix of open views, extensive forests, picturesque orchards, and vineyards, especially beautiful during spring blossoms.
Yes, many trails in Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes are circular. For example, the Circuit de la chapelle des Bures is a 6-kilometer loop offering panoramic views. You can also find several loops around Lac de Madine, such as the Lake Madine – Étang des Nouettes loop from Montsec or the Madine Lake Marina – Nonsard Beach loop from Montsec.
While specific regulations can vary, generally, dogs are welcome on most hiking trails in the Lorraine Regional Natural Park, provided they are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check local signage at trailheads for any specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves or protected areas.
Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for hiking in Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes. In spring, the orchards and vineyards are in full bloom, offering stunning scenery. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the forests and vineyards. Summer is also pleasant, though some trails might be more exposed to the sun. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially muddy conditions.
Absolutely. The Côtes de Meuse ridges provide exceptional panoramic views, especially from the 375-meter high promontory where the Chapel of Bures stands, overlooking Lac de Madine and the Woëvre plain. You can also visit the Pointe aux Chênes Bird Observatory near Lac de Madine for wildlife viewing.
The region is rich in history. You can visit the Neolithic Menhir de Woinville, a classified historical monument. The Montsec American Memorial and the Redoutes Cross Memorial are also significant sites in the vicinity, offering historical context to the landscape.
Many trails offer views of or pass directly by Lac de Madine, a major natural attraction. The Tour of Lake Madine Trail is a popular 18.7 km route that provides extensive views of the lake. Other options include the Beautiful view of Lac de Madine – Lake Madine Adventure Park loop from Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 160 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the stunning views from the 'côtes', and the peaceful atmosphere of the forests and lake areas. The well-maintained trails and variety of routes for all levels are also frequently highlighted.
Yes, the region around Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes offers a range of outdoor activities. Lac de Madine is a hub for water sports, horseback riding, and swimming. You can also find cycling routes, with bike rentals available nearby, and even hot air ballooning for a unique perspective of the Côtes de Meuse.
Public transport options directly to specific trailheads in Buxières-Sous-Les-Côtes may be limited, as is common in rural areas. It is generally recommended to travel by car to access the starting points of most hikes. However, some routes might be accessible from larger towns with bus services, so checking local transport schedules is advisable.
Parking is typically available at or near the main trailheads and popular attractions like Lac de Madine or the Butte de Montsec. Many villages also offer public parking areas. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended parking spots before you set out.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.