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It's wonderful to cycle with the racing bike

Nice road for cycling and avoiding busy roads.

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.

Founded around 708 by Count Wulfoalde, this Benedictine abbey became an important religious and cultural centre in Lorraine. The abbey was under the protection of Charlemagne and flourished under Abbot Smaragdus in the 9th century. Today, you can still visit the abbey church of Saint-Michel, home to the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by Ligier Richier. The 18th-century monastery library houses thousands of ancient works and is one of the most beautiful in the region.

This former abbey church forms the historic heart of Saint-Mihiel. Originally built in the 9th century, it took on its current form during major renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, you can admire a magnificent baroque organ (1679–1681), colourful stained glass windows and the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by sculptor Ligier Richier. A place where art, history and spirituality come together.

Medieval city gate from the 14th century, built as part of the Grand Rempart around the lower town of Verdun. The gate was financed by Wautrec, a wealthy citizen and alderman, after the granting of Verdun's status as a free imperial city in 1374. The gate consists of two semi-circular towers with a portcullis and the remains of a drawbridge. It has been a listed historical monument since 1881.

The Meuse at Verdun plays a crucial role in both the landscape and the history of the region. Cutting deeply through the hilly terrain, it has provided a natural defensive advantage—something that became painfully clear during the Battle of Verdun in 1916, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the First World War. In addition to its strategic importance, the Meuse also has a more peaceful face: it flows peacefully along the banks of the city of Verdun, connecting the past with the present in a landscape that breathes history.

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.