The best road cycling routes around Milly-Sur-Bradon

The museum offers a good insight into soldiers' lives during World War I. Using an augmented reality helmet, visitors can travel through the underground citadel. Admission is €16 per person (as of October 2025). However, for background information, it is recommended to visit the Verdun Memorial beforehand.

Over a period of 22 years, from 1926 to 1948, a completely new abbey was built based on a design by architect Henri Vaes. This was primarily the work of Ghent native Albert-Marie Van der Cruyssen, who became the first abbot in 1936. On August 20, 1929, the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Prince Leopold and Cardinal Van Roey. The new abbey was completed in 1948. On June 5, 1939, the abbey church was consecrated and elevated to Basilica Minor by Pope Pius XII. On September 8, 1948, the abbey church and the completed cloister were solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Micara, who served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium from 1923 to 1946 and subsequently became Prefect of the Congregation for Rites. To finance the major construction projects, which by then had already cost tens of millions of Belgian francs, various fundraising activities were initiated. For example, special postage stamps with a surcharge were issued by the Belgian government. The cheese factory (1931) and the brewery (1932) were established to generate the necessary funds, and laypeople were employed from the outset. After the construction work was completed, these proceeds were used for social and charitable purposes. (Wikipedia)

The beautiful and strikingly modern town hall of the Mezières district. The adjacent forecourt was traffic-calmed a few years ago. There's also a drinking water fountain in the southwest corner of the square.

Built in the 14th century, the Avioth Basilica is distinguished by its rich Gothic-style decorations. It is also called the Cathedral of the Fields because of its natural setting.

The Citadel of Verdun is a symbolic and strategic site of the Battle of Verdun, nestled in stone. It will be a visit like no other during which you will walk through the underground galleries thanks to augmented reality. This unmissable memorial site immerses us in the lives of the soldiers during the war, 16 meters under the rock. An unprecedented experience! Triggered? Click through to https://www.landofmemory.eu/nl/sites-historiques/ondergrondse-citadel/

Enjoyed the moment

The Hôtel de Ville de Mézières, was rebuilt after the bombings of November 1918 and construction was completed in 1930. The facade of the building contains elements of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The interior of the Town Hall reveals a neo-Baroque decoration. In 1966, the municipality of Charleville-Mézières was created by the merger of several municipalities, making the Hôtel de Ville de Mézières the town hall of Charleville-Mézières. The town hall is located on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, which was completely renovated and modernized between 2018 and 2020. It is an impressive building that reflects Charleville-Mézières' status as a department capital.

A visit to the abbey is worthwhile. You should allow yourself about an hour and a half. Not far away there is a brasserie where you can try the cheese and beer.