On the banks of the Aisne, Rethel warmly welcomes you to the gateway of the Ardennes region. Between its green hills, calming waterway heritage, and gentle way of life, this first stopover sets the scene for an authentic and gourmet journey. Take the time to stroll along the water to begin your loop in the Grand Est with total serenity.

To discover:

• Banks of the Aisne Promenade: Stroll along the canal and the river to enjoy a lush, restful setting.

• Saint-Nicolas Church of Rethel: Admire this remarkable church with two stacked naves, a witness to the town's eventful history.

• Museum of Rethelois and Porcien: Immerse yourself in local traditions, craftwork, and popular heritage of the region.

Rethel White Pudding: An essential jewel of Ardennes gastronomy. Made exclusively with high-quality pork meat, milk, and eggs, it is enjoyed pan-grilled with a touch of apple compote.

At the heart of the Ardennes, where the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud meets the imposing military history of the region, the Meuse valley reveals its finest treasures. From the majesty of the Ducal Square to the impressive stature of Europe's largest fortified castle, let yourself be transported by a unique atmosphere blending art, legends, and memory. A captivating stopover along the water to experience the beating heart of the Ardennes region.

To discover:

• Ducal Square and Arthur Rimbaud Museum in Charleville-Mézières: Stroll through this 17th-century architectural jewel with harmonious arcades before diving into the poetic world of the local son.

• Fortified Castle of Sedan: Explore this 35,000 m² stone giant for a fascinating journey back to the era of princes and medieval fortifications.

• The Great Puppeteer and Market Square: Admire the spectacle of the automaton clock coming to life every hour and stroll through the shopping lanes of the historical centre.

The Ardennes Salad & "Bare-Bottom" Cacasse: Comfort yourself after your visits with an authentic Ardennes salad, topped with warm bacon lardons and sautéed potatoes, or discover the famous "bare-bottom" cacasse, this traditional slow-cooked dish made with potatoes, onions, and roux, historically served without meat.

Built on a rocky spur, the Citadel of Montmédy proudly dominates the rolling landscapes of the Meuse. This jewel of military architecture, fortified by Charles V and later redesigned by Vauban, invites you on a journey through time across its majestic ramparts and exceptional panoramas.

To discover:

• The Ramparts of the Citadel of Montmédy: Take the ramparts path to enjoy an unobstructed viewpoint over the Meuse countryside.

• Museum of Fortification and Jules Bastien-Lepage Museum: Immerse yourself in the military memory of the region and discover the works of the local naturalistic painter.

• Our Lady of Avioth Basilica: A few kilometres away, contemplate this "cathedral of the fields", a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic famous for its Recevresse.

Commercy Madeleines & Lorraine Mirabelle Plum: Savour the sweetness of a soft, pure butter Madeleine, baked to a golden perfection, accompanied by a few sun-drenched Lorraine mirabelle plums, as fresh fruit or artisanal jam.

At the heart of the Moselle basin, this stage harmoniously blends the fascinating memory of the industrial past with the tranquility of wooded spaces. Between the proud mining heritage of Petite-Rosselle and the heritage elegance of Saint-Avold, experience an authentic immersion in the Lorraine region.

To discover:

• Explor Wendel Park in Petite-Rosselle: Descend into the reconstructed mine to understand the moving daily life of the coal miners.

• Miner's House and Barrois Quarry Nature Reserve: Explore this impressive renatured canyon, a former extraction site turned into a spectacular ecological sanctuary at the gates of Petite-Rosselle.

• Our Lady of Good Succour Basilica in Saint-Avold: Admire the majestic 18th-century architecture and the magnificent stained-glass windows of this renowned sanctuary.

• Épinal-Saint-Avold American Cemetery: Pay your respects in the largest American military cemetery of the Second World War in Europe.

The Lorraine Quiche & Moselle Spritz: Taste the authentic Lorraine Quiche, served warm, soft, and generous with smoked bacon lardons without any cheese, followed by a traditional Spritz shortbread perfect for coffee time.

Nestled at the heart of a large forest massif, Amnéville is a true hub of entertainment and relaxation. It is the ideal stopover for a rejuvenating break, to marvel with the family, or to enjoy the benefits of thermal waters in a lush green setting.

To discover:

• Amnéville Zoo: Meet hundreds of animal species in one of Europe's finest zoological parks.

• Thermapolis Thermal Centre and Villa Pompéi: Treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation in the warm thermal water pools and spas.

• Leisure and Forest City: Stroll along shaded paths or enjoy the resort's many recreational facilities.

The Lorraine Pie: Enjoy a slice of Lorraine pie, a crispy puff pastry pie filled with a savoury stuffing of pork and veal marinated in white wine and aromatic herbs.

Set on the banks of the Meuse, the peaceful village of Charny-sur-Meuse provides a favoured gateway to the Verdun Battlefield. Between lush green nature and major sites of universal remembrance, this stopover invites reflection, emotion, and calm.

To discover:

• Douaumont Ossuary and Verdun Memorial: Explore these poignant and major sites of remembrance dedicated to History and Peace.

• Underground Citadel of Verdun: Board electric carriages to discover the life of soldiers in the galleries of the citadel.

• Promenade along the Meuse Canal: Enjoy the gentleness of the towpath for a contemplative stroll along the water.

Verdun Sugared Almonds: Crunch into the famous Verdun sugared almond, the oldest confectionery in France created in 1200, renowned for its crunchy almond coated in a thin layer of smooth sugar.

To bring this loop in the Grand Est to a magnificent close, the commune of Chouilly opens the doors to the Champagne vineyards. Classified as Grand Cru, this renowned wine-growing village offers magnificent landscapes of hillsides sculpted by vines, just a stone's throw from Épernay and its prestigious avenue.

To discover:

• Champagne Avenue in Épernay: Stroll along this legendary avenue lined with the greatest Champagne Houses and their magnificent private mansions.

• Walk in the Grand Cru Vineyards of Chouilly: Stroll along the winegrower trails offering spectacular panoramas over the Marne Valley.

• Traditional Champagne Cellars: Enter the cool chalk cellars to understand the passionate work of the winegrowers.

Grand Cru Champagne & Reims Pink Biscuit: Celebrate the end of the trip with a flute of fine, sparkling Blanc de Blancs Champagne, accompanied by the famous Reims Pink Biscuit, delicately dipped so as not to melt.