The best cycling routes around Hablainville

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.

"The Mairie de Badonviller was originally built in 1811, during the Napoleonic era, and served as the administrative centre of the young municipality. After being badly damaged during the First World War, the building was rebuilt in 1924. "Located on the edge of the Vosges in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, Badonviller is a village with a turbulent history. In the 19th century, it became a local centre thanks to the flourishing faience industry. But it was during the First World War that Badonviller became known nationwide. On 12 August 1914, the village was one of the first French municipalities to be occupied and pillaged by Bavarian troops. This event was widely reported in the French press and made Badonviller a symbol of German brutality. The village was badly damaged during the fighting and later partially rebuilt. Today, monuments, the necropolis and the townscape bear witness to this turbulent period. Badonviller is part of the 'sentiers de mémoire' — memorial routes that keep the history of the war in the Vosges alive."

"The giant Monument aux Morts de Badonviller, located next to the Église Saint-Martin, is an impressive memorial commemorating the village's inhabitants who died or went missing during the Great War (1914–1918), the Second World War, and the conflicts in Indochina (1946–1954) and Algeria (1954–1962).

"The Église Saint-Martin in Badonviller is a rare example of religious architecture in the Louis XVI style (1788). Although it is of Romanesque origin, its elegant façade is particularly striking, which is one of the few remaining examples of this style in the Lorraine region. Together with the Chapel of the Visitation in Nancy, this church forms a unique duo. The church was badly damaged during the First World War and partially rebuilt afterwards.

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.

Lunéville Castle, also known as the Versailles of Lorraine, is a magnificent castle built by the Dukes of Lorraine in the 18th century. It features splendid architecture, gardens and exhibitions. You can explore the castle and its surroundings by following a guided tour or a virtual museum. The Château de Lunéville is an ideal destination for lovers of history and beauty.