3.0
(4)
49
riders
4
rides
Gravel biking around Etang De Lachaussée offers routes through a landscape characterized by a large lake, surrounding woodlands, and gently rolling terrain. The region features a mix of paved and unpaved paths, suitable for gravel bikes, including rustic roads, cart tracks, and forest paths. Elevation changes are present, with some routes including climbs up to several hundred meters, and the area provides varied surfaces from compacted earth to gravel tracks.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
18
riders
72.3km
04:51
720m
720m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4
riders
Moderate gravel ride. 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.
4
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.
0
0
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.
2
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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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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.
3
1
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
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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.
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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.
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Impressive monument, and well maintained, from there you also have a wonderful panoramic view, I can only recommend it to everyone.
2
0
There are 6 gravel bike routes available around Etang De Lachaussée. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult options, catering to various skill levels.
While the region features mostly moderate to difficult routes, some sections of the moderate trails can be suitable for beginners looking for a challenge. For example, the La grange des toiles. – La Tour Veloffel loop from Jaulny is a moderate 20.5 km route with manageable elevation, offering a good introduction to gravel biking here.
Gravel bike trails in this area vary significantly in length and duration. You'll find routes ranging from about 20 kilometers, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, up to longer excursions like the Montsec American Memorial – Lake Madine loop from Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel, which is 73.3 kilometers and can take nearly 6 hours to complete.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Etang De Lachaussée are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A great example is the Lake Madine – Lake Madine Tour loop from Nonsard-Lamarche, which circles Lake Madine.
The terrain around Etang De Lachaussée is characterized by a mix of surfaces. You'll encounter compacted earth, gravel tracks, and some paved sections. The routes often feature rolling hills and significant elevation changes, especially on longer tours, with some climbs exceeding 700 meters.
Absolutely. Given the region's landscape, many routes offer scenic viewpoints, particularly those that circle Lake Madine or ascend to higher elevations. The Beautiful view of Lac de Madine – Étang des Nouettes loop from Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel is specifically named for its beautiful views of Lac de Madine.
The best time for gravel biking around Etang De Lachaussée is typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the trails are in good condition. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.
Winter conditions can vary. While some trails might remain rideable, expect colder temperatures, potentially icy or muddy sections, and shorter daylight hours. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out during winter months and to be prepared with appropriate gear.
For families, it's best to choose shorter, less challenging routes or specific sections of moderate trails that avoid significant climbs. The area's focus on lake views and woodlands can be enjoyable for all, but always check the route's difficulty and elevation profile to ensure it matches your family's ability.
Parking is generally available in the villages and towns that serve as starting points for these routes, such as Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel and Nonsard-Lamarche. Look for designated parking areas near the lake or village centers, which often provide convenient access to the trailheads.
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience here, with an average score of 2.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the beautiful lake views, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding woodlands. The variety of routes, from moderate to challenging, also appeals to many riders.
Yes, the natural environment around Etang De Lachaussée, with its lake and extensive woodlands, provides opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for various bird species, especially near the water, and other forest animals as you ride through the quieter sections of the trails.


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